The forest beyond the outer paths of the sect was silent in a way that made Kael uneasy.
Not peaceful—watchful.
Leaves barely stirred. Birds refused to sing. Even the insects seemed to hold their breath. Kael slowed his steps, every sense alert despite his weak, mortal body. His breathing was already shallow, chest tightening with exertion after less than an hour of travel. Sweat clung to his back, cold against the morning air.
This was his first excursion alone.
Not a mission. Not a trial.
A test he had chosen himself.
Kael stopped beside a weathered stone outcrop and steadied his breathing. His body was fragile—too fragile. If an enemy closed the distance, even a knife could end him. That truth pressed heavily on his thoughts, but he did not panic. Panic was useless. Preparation was everything.
He closed his eyes and reached inward.
The Soul Sea responded instantly.
Dark, vast, and quiet—its surface faintly illuminated by three glowing symbols anchored within.
Earth Wall.
Ice Bullet.
Ice Bind.
Three runes. Three lifelines.
A fourth slot remained empty, a constant reminder of his limits.
Kael exhaled slowly.
"Focus," he whispered.
---
System Panel
A translucent panel flickered into existence before his vision, silent and impartial.
Name: Kael
Lifespan: 32 years, 7 months
Cultivation: Mortal (Soul Sea – Early Stage)
Soul Sea Capacity: 3 / 4
Runes Mastered:
• Grade 1 – Earth Wall
Effect: Raises a solid earthen barrier
Duration: 5 seconds
Cooldown: 60 seconds
• Grade 1 – Ice Bullet
Effect: Condenses essence into a piercing ice projectile
Cooldown: 10 seconds
• Grade 1 – Ice Bind
Effect: Creates chains of ice to restrain target
Duration: 10 seconds
Restriction: Ineffective against higher-cultivation targets
Kael dismissed the panel.
Everything he could use—everything he was allowed to use—was there. No surprises. No miracles. No pulling power from nowhere.
If he survived today, it would be because he planned better than his enemy.
---
The Ambush
The attack came without warning.
A blur of motion burst from the undergrowth to his left. Kael's instincts screamed before his mind could fully register the threat. He twisted aside just as a crude blade sliced through the space where his neck had been.
Too close.
His heart slammed against his ribs as he stumbled back, boots scraping dirt and stone. The attacker emerged fully now—a man, lean and sharp-eyed, wearing the rough leathers of an outer disciple. His cultivation was low, but his body was hardened. Stronger than Kael. Faster.
A predator who had spotted prey.
"So it's true," the man sneered. "The rune freak wanders alone."
Kael said nothing. Talking wasted breath—and breath was precious.
The man lunged again.
Too fast.
Kael did not retreat.
He commanded.
"Grade 1 runic spell—Earth Wall."
The ground before him erupted.
Stone and packed earth surged upward in a violent roar, forming a curved barrier just as the blade struck. The impact rang through the wall, sending vibrations through Kael's bones. Pain flared in his arms from the backlash, but the wall held.
Five seconds.
That was all it would give him.
The attacker cursed and leapt back, eyes narrowing. "Runes… tch."
Kael's mind raced. Earth Wall bought time, not victory. He needed space. Control. Distance.
The wall began to crumble.
---
Counterattack
The moment the barrier fell, Kael moved—not forward, but sideways, forcing the enemy to adjust.
"Grade 1 runic spell—Ice Bullet."
Cold surged through his Soul Sea.
Essence condensed.
A sharp crack split the air as a translucent shard of ice formed midair and launched forward like a crossbow bolt. The attacker barely dodged, the projectile grazing his shoulder and exploding into frost. Blood spattered the ground, instantly crystallizing.
The man roared in pain.
Kael's head throbbed. The strain of casting pulled at his consciousness, leaving a dull ache behind his eyes. Ice Bullet was efficient, but repeated use would drain him fast.
Ten-second cooldown.
He counted silently.
The enemy gritted his teeth and charged, fury replacing caution. He had realized something dangerous.
Kael was fragile.
If the distance closed, the fight ended.
---
The Bind
The man leapt, blade raised overhead.
Too close.
Kael forced his will outward.
"Grade 1 runic spell—Ice Bind!"
The ground beneath the attacker shimmered as chains of pale blue ice erupted upward, wrapping around his legs and torso mid-air. The sudden resistance sent him crashing down hard, breath exploding from his lungs.
The chains tightened, frost creeping across his limbs.
The man screamed and hacked wildly, cracking one chain—but not fast enough.
Ten seconds.
That was all Kael had.
His vision swam. Sweat poured down his face. His body screamed for rest, lungs burning as if he had sprinted for miles. This was the cost of battle without a strengthened body. Even victory threatened to kill him.
He staggered closer, careful, cautious.
The man's eyes were wide now—not with rage, but fear.
"W-wait—!"
Kael did not hesitate.
He raised his hand.
"Grade 1 runic spell—Ice Bullet."
The second projectile struck true.
The sound was dull, final.
The chains melted moments later, leaving silence behind.
---
Aftermath
Kael collapsed to one knee, gasping.
His hands trembled violently. His chest burned with every breath. If there had been another enemy nearby—if this man had allies—Kael would already be dead.
That truth settled heavily on him.
He forced himself upright and searched the body quickly. A small pouch of spirit stones. A worn dagger. And most importantly—a scroll case.
Kael opened it with shaking fingers.
Inside lay a fragment of ancient parchment, etched with unfamiliar, jagged symbols.
A rune.
His pulse quickened.
Not Grade 1.
Something older.
Something dangerous.
He carefully sealed the case and straightened.
This battle had proven several things:
• His runes worked.
• His strategy mattered more than power.
• His body was a liability.
But most of all—
He had crossed a line.
Kael was no longer a scholar hiding behind theory.
He was a Rune Master in blood and battle.
He turned back toward the path, every step heavy, every breath labored—but his mind sharp, burning with resolve.
The world would hunt him.
Let it.