Arcane: Twin Cities Mechanic

Li Lin stood just a few steps from the anti-magic pillar where fragments of Dominance runes were kept.

These world runes were noticeably different from the icons seen in games; each fragment had a unique, incomplete rune inscription etched onto it. Even without his "Data Mind," Li Lin could interpret the meaning behind some of the fragments.

For example, the fragment before him bore a mark symbolizing "Charge," akin to the sub-rune "Sudden Impact" found in games.

Not all rune fragments were capable of world-shattering power—some were potent, while others were weaker and required other runes for full effectiveness.

In his mind, a string of unseen numbers flashed, and the system panel in his thoughts shifted, displaying incomplete information about the fragment:

[Sudden Impact: A Dominance rune fragment under the "Premeditation" category. When combined with a Keystone rune, its effect multiplies exponentially.]

[Abilities]

- Enhanced Movement: The user's body gains reinforcement while moving.

- Impact: After moving, the user can launch a destructive strike on an enemy, with the specific effect depending on the type of movement used.

A straightforward, personal-strengthening rune. Perhaps I just can't access all its attributes? Still, even walking could trigger its effect.

When Li Lin explained the rune's information to Ryze, the latter gasped, his eyes widening in shock.

This rune had been seized from a Bilgewater pirate captain. With this rune in his grasp, the would-be "Pirate King" had dominated the open seas, unstoppable.

If Ryze hadn't allied with Nagakabouros worshippers, and a tribe from Baru also bent on neutralizing the pirate as a threat, persuading his crew to assassinate him in his sleep, taking this fragment would have been impossible. Otherwise, they'd have had to wait for him to anger the Mother Serpent enough to be struck down by a deity, though such a scenario would've likely destroyed the rune along with him.

After listening to Ryze's account, Li Lin instructed the AI to enhance "Sudden Impact" with a new attribute, allowing any type of movement effect to be attached to the user's equipment.

Aside from "Sudden Impact," other runes under the Dominance category included "Zombie Ward" and "Eyeball Collection" from the tracking group, as well as "Ravenous Hunter" and "Ultimate Hunter" from the hunting category.

Of course, the intended meanings of these runes' markings were different; Li Lin simply optimized and translated them based on his knowledge of the game "League of Legends."

For instance, the "Zombie Ward" effect could summon undead entities—either human or otherwise—to assist the user in battle. In critical moments, it could even concentrate the undead's power into the user, though this would lead to a total bodily collapse.

The "Eyeball Collection" rune, which also strengthens the user through flesh, worked differently. This fragment, suited for later-stage development, could absorb flesh still containing fresh blood, from both the living and the dead, to fortify the user. However, the collector caused strong addiction, with each use increasing the user's bloodlust until they'd lose all sanity and become a mindless monster.

Ryze had found these two runes in Freljord's icy plains, possessed by a tribe of frost trolls. Had the chieftain troll not lost its mind from excessive flesh absorption, even the Archmage Ryze might have been hard-pressed to defeat it.

As for the remaining two fragments, "Ravenous Hunter" and "Ultimate Hunter," their abilities were more direct.

One could absorb any material into the user's body, healing injuries while granting immense strength. The other heightened all senses, enabling the user to hunt and consume prey from both physical and spiritual realms, empowering body and soul. 

The inevitable drawback of both was to eventually transform the user into an unthinking, monstrous being.

Ryze had discovered one of these fragments deep within a cavern on an altar crafted by unknown hands. The other had fused with a mindless yeti creature; Ryze had barely managed to kill it, sustaining heavy injuries in the process.

Li Lin explained the effects of each Dominance rune fragment. He got them all correct, except for "Ravenous Hunter," which Ryze didn't fully understand himself.

Ryze could barely find the words to describe Li Lin.

"You actually…"

"Didn't know much; I could only figure out some of their powers… I didn't even understand certain effects."

Pausing his "Data Mind" for now, Li Lin rubbed his temples.

He wasn't sure if these world runes held any unique powers or if they contained the primal force of this world, beyond humanity's comprehension—except for an overpowered existence like him.

In reality, he'd only examined the fragments for three or four minutes, but his mind was throbbing intensely, reminiscent of the time before he'd reinforced his body and struggled to learn new skills.

At this rate, my current level can't handle analyzing too many world rune effects…

He reminded himself to be more cautious when examining other keystone runes later on. 

Ryze noticed Li Lin's strange behavior and, worried that he was being influenced by the World Runes, quickly stepped in front of him to block his view.

"Are you okay?" Ryze asked with a hint of concern.

"Yeah, just feeling a bit of pressure in my head from all this information." Li Lin shook his head, giving a small smile. "Don't worry about me getting corrupted by the World Runes; I haven't even touched them yet."

"Even without direct contact, the World Runes can subtly influence others."

Seeing that Li Lin truly seemed fine, Ryze exhaled heavily. "Without strong willpower, it's nearly impossible to resist the temptation of the World Runes... even a single fragment can be overwhelming."

"Li Lin would never be corrupted or swayed; I can guarantee that!" Zoë interjected indignantly.

"Alright, let's take a look at the other World Runes," Li Lin said.

"I believe in your capability... but maybe we should stop here," Ryze suggested, unable to hide his worry. "You don't seem as mentally strong as you were when we began."

"It's fine, I've got plenty of boosters." Li Lin pulled out a vial of Shimmer and injected it into his arm in front of Ryze, instantly appearing revitalized.

"A friend of mine developed and refined this healing serum. You can think of it as a blend of Ionian Life Elixirs, Mana Potions, and Freljord's Iron Concoctions. Not only does it rapidly restore energy and stamina, but it also temporarily enhances physical abilities," he explained, then refocused on the Resolve Rune.

Compared to the destructive power of the Sorcery Rune, the control of the Domination Rune, and the balance of the Precision Rune, Li Lin found himself particularly drawn to the protective qualities of the Resolve Rune—though he knew that protection came at a price.

With the addition of keystone runes, the fragments of the Resolve Rune could now combine into a cohesive whole, making the rune's properties far more unified, unlike the fragmented nature of the Domination Rune.

[World Rune (Resolve): Grants durability and control to its wielder.]

[Abilities]

[Living Puppet: Prolonged exposure to the World Rune will eventually consume the wielder's soul, causing them to lose their sense of self and become a living puppet of the rune.]

[Grasp of the Undying: Absorbs the souls and flesh of targets, significantly enhancing the user's power. Allows the release of collected souls in an indiscriminate, devastating attack against everyone but the wielder. Can detonate all magical elements within a certain range, or unleash a destructive assault on a chosen target with any material.]

[Aftershock: Anything touching the wielder instantly disintegrates; grants an immortal body immune to most physical and magical harm; restores life to the surrounding area within a certain range.]

[Guardian: Creates a magical barrier within a certain radius that protects from all forms of harm; provides near-limitless longevity and continuously replenishes the wielder's life force, though it may cause unknown mutations in creatures or spirits nearby.]

Li Lin was amazed to find that the abilities of the Resolve Rune had seamlessly merged with its keystone runes, greatly amplifying its effects.

Additionally, the three keystone effects appeared to interact with and strengthen each other, although his "Data Mind" was unable to fully display all their properties, leaving him in the dark about certain aspects.

He only knew that the power of the World Rune was far beyond what these simplified system descriptions could convey.

After examining the Resolve Rune's properties, Li Lin felt his head grow even more strained. His vision darkened as dizziness set in.

Zoë and Ryze quickly rushed to his side, supporting him as he swayed on his feet.

But before they could voice their concerns, Li Lin injected himself with another dose of Shimmer, immediately regaining his composure.

Before either of them could urge him to stop, he clenched his fists in excitement. "I've unlocked the secrets of the runes!"

(End of chapter)

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