Name : |
Roland Arden L 126 |
Classes: |
T2 Runesmith Lord L50 [ Secondary ] |
T2 Runic Engineer L1 [Primary ] |
|
T1 Mage L25 [ Tertiary ] |
|
T1 Runic Mana Scribe L 25 [ X ] |
|
T1 Runic Blacksmith L 25 [ X ] |
|
HP |
6106/6106 |
MP |
14921/14921 |
SP |
8955/8955 |
Strength |
161 |
Agility |
127 |
Dexterity |
195 |
Vitality |
165 |
Endurance |
177 |
Intelligence |
230 |
Willpower |
211 |
Charisma |
18 |
Luck |
11 |
There was a limit of how many passive class buffs he could select, with the Runesmith Lord one and the new one he needed to make a decision. After some consideration, he decided to go with his first mage class. It gave him a big boost to mana and mana regen while the Runic Blacksmith went for stamina. There was a lot of overlap between the Runic Blacksmith the Runesmith Lord and his new Runic Engineer class when skills were considered.
Runic Engineer |
Class |
Increases stamina by 30% and stamina regeneration by 20%. Lowers mana consumption while inscribing runes and using them by 15%. |
The passive buffs that this class was giving him made it seem that it was focused on work. The stamina increase and regeneration along with all the passives would allow him to work for longer without getting tired.
His mana reserves didn’t get much of a boost after attaining this class, mostly due to the Runic Blacksmith mana increase not being there anymore. But with how large his mana pool already was he wasn’t all that worried. Then he also got a decrease in using runes which would probably still offer him more uses from them in the long run.
After going through the list of new abilities of his new job he did want to give out a sigh. All of these skills would allow him to work more and get tired less. His initial goal was to work less not more but this system was just pelting him with abilities tailored to just that, working more.
The stamina increase wouldn’t only help him swing a heavy hammer for longer, it would also aid his dungeon runs greatly. The heavy armors that he wore did drain his stamina during battles and the increasing heat only added to it. Still, it was mostly a manufacturing class so there would probably not be many skills that would directly aid him during battles.
‘Will the increase in stamina help me with this?’
Roland’s status screen flickered away while he looked to his hand. A small leather satchel was there with one of the simplest spatial enchantments that he owned. The item he was holding was something that he once found in the dungeon. It probably belonged to a new adventurer that either died or ran away from monsters.
The enchantment on it was quite faint, there wouldn’t be space for many items but it was still better than bringing a backpack to a fight. Now the big question on his mind was, could he copy the spatial enchantment with his Runic Eye of Truth.
He placed the small leather satchel down on the workbench while standing in the mostly empty room. His head was already starting to hurt after the memories of the previous activations of this skill flooded it. The experience that he went through was truly uncomfortable and even after all of them the skill didn’t level up once.
Thus he could do two things now. Either he waited for this new skill to go through a couple of levels while he examined simple runes or go through with it now. The first choice was the more logical one as the success increased and the strain on his body would probably be reduced.
Yet, for someone that didn’t know what the next day could bring this might not be an option. Even though he might have gotten the stress resistance skill this didn’t mean that Roland didn’t worry about his future. Now even more after he was slowly getting attached to other people around him.
If he was able to create a spatial rune then his work would be taken to another level. There would be so many new possibilities, perhaps he wouldn’t even need to use the bulky golem on his mining attempts. Instead he could inscribe a rune onto his armor that could house some of his creations.
This was quite a lofty goal as even the large spatial bags that he owned had their limits. Their size limit was mostly to about four to five square meters. Which was enough for cut up monster parts, ores and his golems.
How difficult to recreate one bag would be he could only speculate, then he would need to worry about the implementation. These magical bags didn’t seem to need any mana to work but this didn’t mean that the runic variant wouldn’t.
While normally a person became more restrained this didn’t apply that much to Roland. After going through many experiments he was willing to put his body through pain to achieve his goals. It would be the same now as he didn’t want to wait months or years for this skill to level up.
To prepare himself for this test he decided to bring along some of the leftover healing and mana potions. These were now slowly running out as he had been having to douse his face with them to make the pain go away. The pain numbing ones were the first one that he used while hoping that he could get through this.
Resilience was his newest skill but he wasn’t sure how it worked. It didn’t seem that it would lower his pain threshold but instead let him recover faster from difficult situations. But he wasn’t sure if willpower would help him with the pain but it might help him keep a cool head to note down the runic structure.
Next to the satchel that he was going to examine was a stack of blank sheets of paper. Instead of a pen he would be using a pencil as he wasn’t sure if he could keep his hand steady so the ink would not spill over.
While he was confident in his memorization skills he wasn’t sure what he was in for. This could be a new runic spell structure that was altogether different from the ones he had witnessed. The plan was to peek at it for a few seconds and then quickly deactivate the eye skill, then he would just need to scribble down what he had seen and continue.
‘Well then, here goes nothing.’
Roland nodded to himself before placing the satchel on the workbench. There was nothing else around it besides one of the clear paper sheets and his pencil. After sitting down on a stool he steeled his resolve before activating the Runic Eye of Truth.
“Ugh…”
One of his eyes started glowing to indicate that he was using this special ability. It took about a second but soon he started noticing glowing blue runes appearing on the spatial bag that he was looking at. This as before was followed by a throbbing pain to his eye but he powered through it.
Seconds started passing and while holding his breath he continued to look at the runes before him. The structure was truly unique, it didn’t seem to resemble any elemental spell that he had seen before nor any of the illusion ones either. It looked like a totally different field of study, spatial magic.
This field of magic was already wide spread through this kingdom yet it was a lot more difficult to get into than elemental magic. It required the mage to alter the space around them and the most prominent form of this field was spatial storage.
His only contact from the magical academy would not explain much even when he asked. After more time had passed Roland started speculating that either the Professor was stingy or he didn’t know as much as he would let him believe. Now after witnessing the runic structure before him he understood that perhaps he was right in not offering him an answer.
“...”
Within a few seconds, he was already sweating bullets and forced to halt his attempt. His hands continued to work though, every runic structure was noted down along with any speculations on how it might work. Yet there was quite a bit to decipher from this, the skill was somehow translating the enchantment into runic but didn’t explain anything. Already he was seeing shapes that he had never seen before. Both at the circuitry and the software level of his knowledge.
After the peak, Roland had to lean against the workbench while taking a few minutes to rest. His head was hurting as always but it was not a level that he could not continue. He wasn’t sure if it was due to the Resilience skill but he found the pain going away somewhat sooner than before. Thus after feeling better the noting down continued until a certain point where his hand started to shake.
Finally, after the third activation, he seemed to have reached his limit. A lone droplet of blood dribbled down onto the white paper that he was writing on. It was clear that if he continued past this point he risked injuring himself greatly. Yet there was a small reward that followed after this punishing act.
You have gained a new skill, Pain Resistance L1 |
Pain Resistance L1 |
Passive Skill |
Anyone possessing this skill gains a resistance to pain, this skill is affected by the willpower stat. |
The moment the skill was added to his repertoire he started feeling better. With his abnormally high stats and the tier 2 multiplier, the pain resistance skill was boosted.
“Pain resistance huh?... I need to be careful with that…”
Roland grabbed a healing potion from the side along with a mana potion. While the skill seemed good it was a double-edged sword. Pain was just a mechanism through which the body showed a being where it was injured. It alerted of the presence of the problem that could potentially cause harm and without it, a person would be unable to tell before it was too late.
If his body became numb to any form of pain then he could let injuries fester. He could become unaware of an injury that he might have suffered. But it also would help him push through pain in dangerous situations thus he would need to be careful to not endanger his own body.
‘Would be nice if I could use those priest spells…’
While resting his eyes he thought back to the time he saw Sister Kassia use her healing miracles. The healing potions were somewhat inferior to the divine magic a priest could perform. They were slower working and their potency was also lower at a base level.
Buying high grade elixirs would shorten the gap but those were hard to come by in a place like this. This was why bringing a cleric for prolonged dungeon runs was always a must. While the potions would run out the healer could recharge their mana with time and offer aid for a longer period of time.
“I should probably stop for now…”
Roland mumbled while looking at the notes that he made. Even though he could only glance a couple of times he had managed to draw up partial schematics of some of the new runes. For now, he had focused on the elements that he didn’t know, then later he would be able to perform some tests.
Yet he wasn’t sure if he should be performing tests on spatial magic quite yet. What if he created a miniature black hole or got his limbs sucked into the warped space that these spatial spells created. This was a dangerous field of magic that had already caused some old Archmages to vanish from the face of the world.
While he wanted to continue, his body was feeling sluggish again. For the time being, he didn’t receive another debuff but if he continued past this point he felt that it would appear again.
Thus he decided to postpone his spatial rune research. There were other pressing matters that he needed to attend to, one of them was the golem that he promised to construct for the lord. It would be his re-entrance into the world of auction houses and a chance for his brand to be released into the world once more.
But before that, he also had another skill that needed testing, the Runic Restructuring skill. Thus he grabbed the notes that he had made and headed towards the main workshop area. There he rummaged through the shelves to find an old gauntlet made from regular steel. It was an old product that didn’t have much worth now but he could use it to test this new skill.
This gauntlet had an old rune that could produce a mana bolt from the palm area. With it, he headed towards the testing area where all of the previous ranged tests took place. Even before arriving there, he could hear sounds of spells being discharged.
“Oh hey boss, finished with your tinkering?”
It was Bernir and in his hand, he had the runic rifle. While the two girls didn’t take the gun training too seriously his assistant did. He always took some time from his day to shoot up the training dummies. Regretfully he wasn’t gaining any marksman related skills even due to firing this weapon daily.
“Somewhat, I just want to test something, don’t mind me.”
Roland just nodded at Bernir while entering as he didn’t want to bother him in his training. The old metal glove that he was wearing didn’t go unnoticed but he wasn’t barraged with any questions as his assistant knew that he was busy.
While Bernir was shooting up the place Roland tested out if his old creation still worked. After taking aim at a free wooden target he released a bolt of condensed mana. With his current stats, the weapon was enhanced and delivered a devastating hit to the poor wooden dummy.
It didn’t go unnoticed by him that the regular steel that this glove was lined with was deteriorating fast, even more, when he increased the output. But he was not here to congratulate himself on his improvements, it was time to test his new skill.
Runic Restructuring was activated. It was a strange feeling but he needed to somewhat focus on the runic structure of the mana bolt spell. For his first try, he decided to go with something easy, shifting the mana bolt spell to something similar which would be a mana arrow.
While looking down at the glove he witnessed the skill activating. The runes started glowing in a blue light while altering themselves before his eyes. The mana drain on him wasn’t that big all things considered and after about five seconds the spell had restructured itself into the new one.
He held out his hand before the target again and activated it again. This time around instead of the bolt of mana an arrow shot out. But after one shot he noticed the drop in power along with one in quality. From the highest, it went down to high along with burning through some of the material it was inscribed on.
The testing continued for a bit longer as he continued to alter between other mana styled spells. Soon enough the runic structures started deteriorating into the lowest grades and finally into something that could not be used anymore. The old glove had gone past a point where a quick skill could mend it back into its old form.
‘It’s just at the first level so I expected this much, perhaps if I combined it with the Rune Mending skill it would last through more punishment. It's not that I can't change the rune structure myself but this skill allows me to do it with little to no focus it's also much faster this way...’
While Roland deliberated on the validity of using this skill in combat Bernir had completed his aiming routine. He had walked over to where his boss was standing and mumbling to himself. Soon Roland felt a tap on his shoulder that caused him to lose his train of thought.
“Hey boss, not sure if it's the right time but I’ve finished with those golem parts that you wanted.”
“Oh? Good job.”
“Yeah, they are in the first workshop.”
It seemed that Bernir had managed to get through his durasteel smelter practice, now it was up to Roland to combine the parts into a golem that he wouldn’t feel embarrassed about.
Thank you for reading!
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Is he going to go inti the field of alchemy?
If he can learn how to use his runes to transform mana or materials to rare metals/crystals that would be interesting.
Im waiting for the mc to build a rail gun, most mages or creature most likely underestimate because the weapon doesn't contain too much mana.
I wonder what kind of achievement he will get for independently discovering spatial runes - will it just be an upgrade to runic scholar, or something special?
Maybe he will unlock the Space Engineer class :P
He totally needs to make a box that increases the size of things put in it to assist him with high lvl runecrafting. Once he has the materials he could even make super compressed high tier runes with it as long as there's no compression interference.
Now that I think about it, Roland does have a few skills that have to do with altering runes on the spot. Wonder when(not if) he'll get a skill that auto improves runes or something just as OP
Not sure if I understood how dungeons work, but couldn't Roland make new smithy inside the dungeon next to the ore spawns?
In an earlier chapter it was explained that, due to some circumstances which are left entirely vague, the Adventurer Society is allowed to dictate who gets to mine for ores in dungeons (or, at least, this particular dungeon). And anyone who is caught mining in the dungeon without permission will be "severely punished". (Again, this was left vague. But if I had to guess, I'd say the punishment could be up to and including being banned for life from dungeons or even banned from the Adventure Society.)
Anyway, because the Dwarf Union has a tremendous amount of both money and influence, they can pretty much do whatever they want. And, so, the story explained that only Dwarves are allowed to mine for ores. The only reason Roland was able to mine for ores in the dungeon was because he lucked out and discovered a remote, hard-to-access area that was undiscovered. Nobody but Roland, his brother Robert and that ice mage know about it. And he swore the other two to secrecy.
But Roland is taking a huge risk keeping it to himself, let alone going down there on a regular basis. If he only makes the rare trip there only a couple times a year or less, he might get away with it. But I think sooner or later someone will be suspicious and send a professional to tail Roland and discover his secret. The less trips he makes the better.
So... what would be the point of him building a smithy down there? If nothing else, it should mean more trips down there. And if his mining spot is discovered with a smithy right next to it, Roland would be in even worse trouble. Roland would automatically be suspected and the Dwarf Union would be all over the Adventure Society to ban him from town, if not ban him outright.
Heck, the story said that merely keeping a newly discovered area of the dungeon as a secret could get someone into serious trouble. That's not even considering the illegal mining he's been doing.
@Xpacetrue
He could use the smithy to repair items to grind T3 mobs, also if he converts ore into bars, it takes less space as he wouldn't be carrying useless stone/rocks.
He would save time by living in the cave for few days at a time. He doesn't need to care about other people asking where he was.
The secret cave is hidden behind multiple hidden walls, there's no way he will get caught short term or easily as only a mage class could follow him.
He doesn't need to report the dungeon because it's behind a secret wall therefore there's super low risk in getting caught.
Mining? It's only illegal to take mines that have already been taken. The way the dwarves are monopolising mines is that they keep occupying the mining locations. If anyone gets close, they will make bullsh*t stories to get the other people into trouble.
@Saxie
...also if he converts ore into bars, it takes less space as he wouldn't be carrying useless stone/rocks.
Would it be worth it? His mining spot regenerates very slowly. Being able to carrying more ore, refined or otherwise, isn't going to help if his mining spot hasn't fully regenerated from the last time he mined. Besides, he could just bring a few extra mule golems to carry more raw ore.
Heck, Roland has almost transcribed a runic version of the dimensional storage bag. He could inscribe it on his golems and easily carry 20 times more ore than he currently does.
Are we talking about Roland building a Forge down there... or an Ore Smelter... or both? If you expect him to build an Ore Smelter down there (or both), that should involve an extraordinary amount of time and resources. Remember how difficult and expensive it was for Roland to rebuild his old Ore Smelter with Durasteel and other, better materials? Remember how many days it took all three of them to finish that rebuild: Roland, Bernir and Bernir's wife?
I'm pretty sure building an Ore Smelter down there would involve making *multiple* trips back and forth between that deep, hidden area of the dungeon and his workshop as well as require the help of Bernir. Then consider how Bernir is a squishy smith with no mana sense, very little mana and scant dungeon diving experience. He's not an adventurer. Roland would have to protect Bernir from high level mobs along the way, not to mention that nasty fight in that boss room.
Heck, I'm pretty sure Roland currently doesn't have all the materials required to build another Ore Smelter.
The secret cave is hidden behind multiple hidden walls, there's no way he will get caught short term or easily as only a mage class could follow him.
Remember back when he was working for that gnome alchemist boss? Remember those cult assassins who almost killed him? Professional rogues like those assassins could easily track Roland without him even noticing - especially if they had an expensive, high level item to either disguise their presence or to track him. Perhaps they even have a magic homing device?
I'm sure by now the local dwarves are wondering how Roland can stay in business when he is unable to buy any resources in town through legitimate channels. And I'm sure they're not pleased by how well he seems to be doing or that he's making a name for himself. How long before the Dwarf Union hires "professionals"?
He doesn't need to report the dungeon because it's behind a secret wall therefore there's super low risk in getting caught.
There are two entrances: One is dangling off the side of that narrow path where he, Robert and that ice mage fell. The other is a hard-to-spot trap door in the middle of that rock bridge that gets flooded by lava regularly. But even Roland recognized that all it would take would be for someone to observe him entering that trap door, or even just disappearing there - observing him at a great distance - for someone to figure it out.
@Saxie
Mining? It's only illegal to take mines that have already been taken.
I'm too lazy to dive into old chapters to find it. As I recall, the story made it clear that the Adventurers Guild sold all dungeon mining rights to the dwarves. It's not 'dibs on a first come basis' even though adventurers may act like it. Nobody is allowed to mine in the dungeon without permission, but that's a moot point because the Dwarf Union always gets exclusive rights - always.
Roland's mining is against guild rules and he very much knows it, hence his caution and fear of being discovered. It would be nice if Roland could have simply staked his claim on the new ore veins he discovered and avoid all this messy secrecy stuff. But he can't.
The way the dwarves are monopolising mines is that they keep occupying the mining locations.
It's more than that. The dwarves bought the mining rights. The story explained that adventures are more than willing to mine an area - any area - if there isn't anyone mining it. However, they do this despite knowing it's against the rules. It even pointed out that adventurers sometimes pick a fight with the dwarves. But just because something is against the rules and could get them into trouble isn't enough to discourage some people. Just look at what Roland is doing.
He could use the smithy to repair items to grind T3 mobs...
Roland already has special runic skills that allows him to repair items almost instantly, on the spot. Aside from that, he could just bring along a few spare weapons or even disposable items like scrolls to grind more. In any case, building a smithy down there would be a big sink of time and resources. It would be of little benefit for a lot of cost and risk.