Chapter 1262: Ruth’s Runes
Whom~
Suddenly, the arena grew silent.
From the center of the battlefield, a figure emerged... He was tall, cloaked in flowing Arcanist robes that seemed to be meant for Dark Arts...
This figure’s presence was unsettling, as though the air itself bent around him. Though he looked human, his aura betrayed his true nature.
He was not mortal, nor even a practitioner.
He was a Dark Elemental Spirit, summoned by Queen Sabrina herself to oversee the event.
His eyes glowed faintly, and his voice carried across the arena with unnatural clarity.
"Thirty academies have gathered," he said.
"Thirty prodigies stand ready. Hear the rules of this Battle Royale."
"Yes!"
The students straightened as they waited for the instruction to kill everyone in sight.
"Forbidden Arts are allowed. Artifacts may be used. You may fight with every weapon, every spell, every ounce of strength you possess. There is no time limit. You will battle until only one remains standing. If all are defeated, the best performer will be judged the victor and shall receive the reward bestowed by Queen Sabrina."
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Reporters captured it perfect while the betting houses felt excited...
Soon, the students themselves felt their blood surge with anticipation.
The Dark Elemental Spirit raised his hand, and shadows started dancing around him. "Prepare yourselves. The Battle Royale begins now."
The moment the signal was given, the battlefield exploded with energy.
Each student entered their Arcane State, the unique manifestation of their discipline.
For the Dark Arts practitioners, it was the Phantasm State. Their bodies entered this special state to see their magic zone... While it was activated, they could use it to their advantage... Aside from being able to cast Spells, entering this state would also help them break illusions and curses.
Elemental Arts students, on the other hand, entered the Elemental Domain. As soon as they did it, their surroundings became perfect zones to cast their spells...
Soon, flames came to life, winds howled, and shards of earth rose like spears.
Summoning Arts practitioners activated the Sense Convergence State... Their grimoires glowing as spectral beasts materialized around them, ready to strike.
Alchemy Arts students triggered the Catalyst, also sometimes called the Inspired State. If not during battle, this state helps them with their concoctions. At this time, however, it was a State they could use to control the Flames infused within their bodies.
Meanwhile, Combat Arts students like Johan entered the Martial State, allowing their bodies to grow stronger, faster, and more durable.
Rune Arts practitioners, however, had something unique compared to other Arcane State...
She entered what they call the Chrono Shift, the state of Rune Arts.
In this state, runes could be activated almost instantaneously, unlike the slower process of inscribing them onto weapons or scrolls.
As soon as the battle started, her aura activated, and immediately, she triggered a defensive rune.
"Draconic Scale Rune!" she whispered.
Golden scales shimmered across her body, forming a protective barrier just as a spear of ice hurtled toward her.
Boom!
The timing was perfect as the rune activated instantly, deflecting the spear with a resounding crack.
Ruth’s eyes narrowed as she looked at the person who sent the ice spear at her...
’I don’t know him... But that’s definitely not a random move. I have to be extra careful.’
She layered another rune, then another, spamming defensive Runes around her!
Shields of Light, Barriers of Stone, and Scales of Dragon Essence formed in rapid succession.
She wasn’t reckless. She knew the chaos of a battle royale meant survival first, offense later.
Around her, the battlefield was already a storm of destruction.
The firestorm wielder of Crimson Moon unleashed a torrent of flames, engulfing several opponents!
The heat distorted the air, forcing nearby students to shield themselves or retreat...
"That’s hot..." Ruth commented as she recalled the Dragon Flame. It wasn’t that destructive but the heat was definitely getting there.
Meanwhile, the beast summoner of Lakrine called forth a massive two-headed wolf!
Its fangs are dripping with poison, and soon, Ruth watched it destroy the stone floor as it jumped at anyone who dared approach.
At the same time, the youngest Dark Arts practitioner of the Featherstar Academy cloaked himself in shadows, before using a curse spell that could spread like a plague.
However, what surprised Ruth the most was the Alchemist...
’He’s not using Fire?’ She thought.
The thirteen‑year‑old alchemist of Aufidius hurled a vial into the air instead!
Crash!
It shattered above and suddenly, it started releasing a cloud of corrosive mist that ate through stone and forced nearby students to retreat.
Her gas mask gleamed faintly, hiding her expression as she prepared another concoction.
’ A poison expert, huh. No wonder you have that gas mask... This girl will be a problem.’
Just like that, the arena trembled as spells collided, beasts roared, and mystical artifacts were being used!
Spectators screamed in excitement, while Queen Sabrina watched everything calmly...
***
"I’m almost done..." Ruth muttered as she stood firm within her layered defenses.
In the first few minutes, she decided to be on the defensive as she also wanted to test how durable her Spell was.
Now that she had endured everything for five minutes, she had a general idea about the strengths of the opponents.
Soon, her eyes scanned the chaos.
She knew she couldn’t stay passive forever. Sooner or later, someone would test her strength directly. For now, she held her ground, allowing her to maintain defenses faster than anyone could break them.
Her mind worked quickly.
’The firestorm wielder is reckless... his flames are powerful but draining. A Rune of Reflection will turn his own fire back on him when he weakens.’
’The Lakrine summoner relies too much on his grimoire. If I bind it with a Sealing Rune, his beasts will vanish.’
’The Dark Arts practitioner unsettles me most... I’ll need a Rune of Clarity to strip away his illusions. The alchemist is dangerous but predictable... I can use Rune of Distortion, and it will disrupt her timing and ruin her mixtures.’
However, she soon looked at the mysterious Combat Artist in the Arena...
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