Limit Breaking Genius Mage Chapter 46

Episode 46: The Ring of Runes (1)

“Welcome, Wizard! As I informed you, it has been completed successfully!”

Mort pointed with both hands to the robes and staff displayed on the stand.

Verden's eyes read the effects contained in magical items.

<Emotions>

◇ Blue Mithril Staff

⦁ Increased magic power recovery speed (small)

⦁ Increased magic casting speed (medium)

⦁ Magic Recharge

⦁ Magic Amplification (Small)

A blue gem made by processing high-grade magic stone, and a frame made of an alloy containing a small amount of mithril.

The staff made with these two was clearly different from the ones used before. The magical power conductivity was much higher, and the amount of magical power it could hold was nearly doubled.

And you can strengthen the staff at any time by charging magic power to the staff itself, slightly amplifying its power.

This means that Verden, who has a huge amount of magical power, can always strengthen his staff.

In addition, the length is slightly longer than Verden's height, and the center of gravity fits perfectly in the hand, so it can be used in actual combat without any problems.

'Good performance for the price.'

It's a bit disappointing that there's no effect that strengthens the magic itself, but this is a compromise that's worth it.

He had reached the 4th rank of lieutenant and even had a magic book, so there was no reason to be too attached.

Next, I turned my gaze to the robe.

◇ Magician Cape

⦁ Maintain body temperature

⦁ Physical resistance (small)

⦁ Flame and cold resistance (small)

⦁ State preservation

Apart from the durability, it has a simple effect of maintaining body temperature and keeping it clean without separate management.

It's a natural performance since most of the cost went into the staff. The price-performance ratio wasn't that good for buying a better robe with the assets I had now.

Verden decided that it was better to save money and look forward to the future rather than spending it now.

'There may be a chance to get the robe itself with a protective shield.'

But before that, you need to accumulate at least a billion dollars in assets.

Of course, Verden was confident. Objectively speaking, he had more than enough ability to do so.

“Do you like it?”

“Yes, definitely.”

Certainly, magical items seem to vary greatly depending on the creator, even if the materials are the same.

Mort smiled and said as Verden looked satisfied.

“I used the highest quality magic stone available at that price range. Condor prepared it for me. Wow, thanks to him, I was able to make something decent after a long time. Now, try it on.”

Verden wore a robe and held a staff in his hand.

The blue of the jewel, the gray of the robe, and the navy of the leather equipment slightly visible inside the robe gave off a subtle sense of oppression. Overall, it blended well with Verden's eyes and hair.

“Haha, you look great together. Then over there……”

“Here is the balance.”

I paid in cash on the spot because there was no card reader before.

Mort smiled broadly at the envelope containing the wads of money and estimated the amount with his eyes. After confirming that it was roughly correct, he repeatedly bowed his head toward Verden.

“Goodbye, wizard!”

Verden went outside, greeted by Mort.

Afterwards, I stopped by the Conn's shop to meet Condor and head to the inn. I have no more business in Brienthe, so I plan to leave the city the next morning.

Verden was lost in thought, feeling a magical power like the ocean surging through his heart.

'You've become incomparably stronger than before, so you can move more boldly without any problems.'

The Lamenting Knight who fought alongside Gaulic. Now, he can overwhelm them all by himself.

Since there are many magic spells that consume a lot of magic power, one of Verden's strengths, the vast amount of magic power, can be used more actively. I am confident that he will not be pushed back even if he goes head-on against a 5th-tier magician in a one-on-one match.

But it is clear that the growth rate is slowing down.

Just because you can surpass the sky doesn't mean climbing into it becomes easier. The higher you climb, the harder it becomes.

What Verden achieved through reversal was infinite possibilities that were not bound by limitations. It was not about growing more easily and faster than others.

Verden lay in bed, thinking about what to do next.

'Continue training as usual, but focus on the external aspects.'

Equipped with weapons and armor.

I have acquired satisfactory equipment within my means, so I plan to exchange it for something more powerful when the opportunity arises or the situation demands it.

'Are the treasures brought from the Magic Tower the only things left?'

First of all, the magic book.

In order to register the magic to be strengthened, you need to obtain a magic stone of intermediate or higher level, but if you use Pale, you can easily obtain it. Literally, if you have the money, you can further strengthen the elemental magic of the earth attribute.

Next up are the Breath of the Elements and the Magic Crystal.

With these two, you can make the staff material, 'Orb', but unless you are a truly expert in making magical items, you should not dare to touch it. If you fail, everything will turn to dust and disappear.

'Besides, there is no suitable framework and the production cost is insufficient.'

It is still too early to utilize these two.

So, excluding the above three, there is only one thing left.

Ring Of Rune.

It's time to awaken the sleeping runes.

* * *

rune.

Its origins have not been clearly identified despite extensive research, but it is believed to be one of the techniques used in ancient times to create magical items.

The letters themselves have magical powers, and various magical effects are granted depending on the arrangement of the letters. Since the effects are realized simply by engraving the letters, it can be seen as more advanced than modern production techniques in some ways.

But it failed to commercialize.

Because no one has been able to reproduce the method of engraving runes. No one has been able to implement this ancient technique that has already been forgotten.

Research has been ongoing for over a hundred years, but at best it has only reawakened the dormant runes.

No matter how high the potential value, if there is no performance, it is bound to be discarded.

Research on the rooftop has long since ceased. In modern times, only historians with a keen interest in ancient times continue to research it.

The 'Rune Ring' that Verden possesses.

This ring, engraved with a complex rune arrangement, is so valuable that it is kept in the treasure vault of the Tower of Magic. However, it requires a body that can withstand the effects of the runes, and Verden has surpassed the minimum standard by ascending to the fourth level.

Now all I have to do is find someone to awaken the Rune Ring.

Originally, I had planned to find out by asking around, but now that I have this information platform, I plan to actively utilize it.

After leaving Brienthe, Verden headed straight for Cohen.

“It’s been a while, Mr. Asher. I was just trying to contact you to tell you about a request, so that’s good.”

“I came today not to ask for a favor, but to ask for information. What’s going on?”

“Oh, I see. Then I will take care of Asher’s business first and then tell you. What information would you like?”

What I want is an introduction to a rune expert.

Pale, who had received information from Verden, stroked his chin.

“Runes… Of course I have information. To be exact, I’m talking about someone who knows the whereabouts of a rune expert.”

“Where? How can I meet you in person?”

“None, at least not around here. There should be some further afield, but I doubt they have the level of knowledge and skill Asher wants. As you know, magical items engraved with runes are rare, and the runes themselves aren’t really good for making money, so they’re mostly just a hobby.”

“Does that mean the experts you mentioned earlier are different?”

“I don’t know why you are looking for a rune expert, but in my personal opinion, I can answer ‘yes.’”

Verden was troubled.

Even if you buy information and go to someone who knows the whereabouts of the Rune Expert, there is no guarantee that they will readily cooperate with Verden.

Pale smiled slightly, perhaps guessing what Verden was thinking.

“Just in time, a ‘request for designation’ has come in that might be helpful to you, Asher.”

“Request for nomination?”

“The client would like to hire Mr. Asher. Of course, there will be no disadvantage in refusing.”

but.

“Coincidentally, the person who knows about the whereabouts of the Rune Expert is the client. He is quite a picky person, but if you accept the request, he will gladly accept Asher’s request. Of course, the compensation will be separate. And since it is related to the request, you do not need to pay me a fee. What do you think?”

For one request, you will receive information on the location of a rune expert, compensation, and exemption from information fees.

The nature of the request was the key, but there was enough reason for Verden to accept it. Pale nodded and handed over the request form.

As I read through the request, my eyes stopped at the client's name.

'This person is… … .'

Count Rodenmeyer.

The client was a nobleman who had previously commissioned the capture of the slave trader Luton Cohort.

* * *

The Rodenmire Mansion.

The gray mansion was quaint and the gardens surrounding it were immaculate.

It seemed a bit plain for a count's residence, but the equipment of the knights guarding him was anything but.

Verden turned his head forward and looked at the knight who was guiding him along the way.

An armor with a faint gold sheen on steel. Judging by its characteristics, it was clear that it was made of Damascus steel, which has excellent physical and magical resistance.

'What incredible wealth. The rich can't even keep up with him.'

Is Count Rodenmeyer a noble who values real power over appearance? If not, it could be that he intends to raise the level of his subordinate knights so that he, as their master, can shine more brightly.

Pale said that Count Rodenmeyer was a pragmatist, and a pragmatist is someone who only pursues personal gain.

After a while, the knight arrived in front of the count.

Blonde hair that is almost white, wrinkles that indicate middle age, and golden eyes that seem indifferent but are filled with desire.

Count Rodenmeyer, who was drinking tea outdoors, turned his gaze to Verden.

“Are you the wizard sent by Pale?”

“My name is Asher.”

“I know. The wizard who ‘personally’ captured the Luton Cohort and his men and emptied my pockets. Well, just like I heard, his face is shiny.”

The count pointed to the chair opposite him.

When Verden sat down with him, the old butler personally poured him some tea. From the aroma, it seemed to be made from the 'Gold Buzz' type of tea leaves, which was indeed a noble luxury.

Next, a slice of cheesecake and some sugar was placed on the table.

“Fury Gold Buds. It’s an expensive and difficult tea leaf. It’s not something you can drink whenever you want, so you’d better savor the taste now. I don’t know if you know what tea tastes like.”

At the Count's suggestion, Verden naturally moved his hand.

First, I mixed half a spoonful of sugar into the tea, then cut the cake into bite-sized pieces and put them in my mouth. Then, I sipped the tea and savored the taste of the cheesecake and the flavor of the tea at the same time.

This is how to properly enjoy Gold Buzz tea.

He had tasted it occasionally at Matap, and Verden had even brewed Gold Buzz tea himself, so it was impossible for him not to know the taste of the tea.

The Count raised his eyebrows in surprise at Verden's actions.

“……Were you good at tea?”

“It’s not worth showing off.”

The count immediately chuckled at Verden's answer.

“It looks like you’re not a bunch of mercenaries lying around on the ground. Not bad. Then let’s get straight to the point.”