[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-power-of-runes":3,"chapter-power-of-runes-power-of-runes-chapter-16":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Power of Runes",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},1106181,1443,"Chapter 16 16: Ray Vs Ethan","power-of-runes-chapter-16",16,"\u003Cp>The forest was eerily silent, the only sound filling the night was the soft crunch of footsteps on the damp earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two figures moved with precision, their presence barely disturbing the stillness of the dark woods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One was shrouded in swirling darkness and shadows, his movements fluid, blending into the night itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other had mana storming around him, a raging force barely contained around his small but sturdy frame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, they both stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ray's body trembled as an overwhelming surge of mana coursed through him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His golden eyes burned brighter, glowing like molten gold as the mana was pulled into his body, refined, absorbed, transformed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt it—his mana, his body, his mind—all ascending to the Apprentice rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His muscles grew denser, his core pulsated as impurities were purged from it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A black, goo-like substance seeped from his pores, but the moment it was expelled, his Fire Aura incinerated it in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, a golden screen flashed before his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Congratulations Host, For advancing to Apprentice Rank]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[10 Stat points are being rewarded]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[All skills are ranking up and evolving]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Class Based Skill : ~Flicker Step~ is now unlocked]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You have unlocked Space Element]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ray's mind was already moving faster than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His thoughts were sharper, more refined, and the surge of strength left him feeling unstoppable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation, he summoned his status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Status'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Name- Ray Dawson\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Race- Human\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Age- 12\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rank- Apprentice\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Class- Sword God (????)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Affinity- Fire, Space\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>__\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strength- 105\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Agility- 107\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vitality- 103\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Intelligence- 100\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stamina- 110\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mana- 109\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Charm- 101\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stat Points-{10}\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>__\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>>TRAIT-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>~Sword God (EX RANK)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>~Limitless Growth (SSS)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>>SKILLS-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>~ Sword Instinct (E Rank)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>~Aura Blade (Low) (E Rank)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>~ Flicker Step (E Rank)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>__\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>{QUESTS} {SHOP}\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>**\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing all these notifications a smile appeared on his face,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His aura stabilized, and at that moment, he knew—he had ascended to the next rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan narrowed his eyes, sensing the shift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tsk, now why are you grinning like an idiot? After shamelessly interrupting the fight earlier, don't tell me you're actually a psychopath.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ray's smile didn't falter. \"I am not a psychopath. I am fighting to prove that even someone without a background can compete with those like you.\" His voice was calm, resolute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan scoffed. \"There is nothing to prove. Talent is not created; it is born through blood.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ray's gaze didn't waver. \"Even if talent is born and not created, consistency and hard work can overcome any amount of talent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan clicked his tongue in annoyance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tsk, stop yapping and start fighting. I don't have time for worthless talk.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ray exhaled slowly, allowing his newfound power to settle within him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I have just Ascended, I may not be able to control my Power, But Again he is strong...there is no need to hold back, Fighting with him can prove to be a training'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His grip on his sword tightened as he locked eyes with Ethan. \"Now, we're on equal ground.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan scoffed. \"Equal? You wish.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without another word, he vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ray's skill, Sword Instinct, flared to life, guiding his reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sword moved on its own, intercepting Ethan's dagger a mere breath away from his throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sparks flew as metal clashed against metal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before he could counter, Ethan disappeared into the shadows again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ray barely managed to twist in time as another dagger slashed toward his forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade grazed past him, missing by the slimmest margin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation, he retaliated, his sword now enveloped in a crude, fiery red aura—his newly evolved Aura Blade revealing itself to the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan ducked low, moving like liquid shadow, his steps soundless as he sidestepped and retaliated with a feint before slashing with his other dagger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ray barely managed to block in time, his arms vibrating from the sheer force behind Ethan's strikes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'He's fast...and due to night he can teleport from shadow to shadow, this is his domain'. Ray thought as he deflected another strike\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan pressed forward, a relentless flurry of dagger strikes forcing Ray on the defensive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His movements were almost supernatural—blending seamlessly into the darkness, striking from impossible angles, flickering in and out of sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He fought like a phantom, untouchable yet ever-present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Ray wasn't one to crumble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sword moved with unwavering precision, parrying, countering, and slashing, forcing Ethan to momentarily retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They circled each other, eyes locked, breaths heavy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan grinned. \"You're good, I'll give you that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ray didn't respond. Instead, he made a decision. 'Let's try my new skill: Flicker Step.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he willed it, his body blurred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He appeared right beside Ethan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both fighters pulled back, eyes wide in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'W-What just happened?' Ray thought. 'Did I just teleport a short distance?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan's narrowed eyes betrayed his own shock. 'Did he just teleport?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tension crackled in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that Ray had revealed his new skill, the outcome of the battle became even more uncertain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Ray didn't stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fire condensed around his blade as he lunged forward, vanishing mid-step before reappearing inches from Ethan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sword swung with blinding speed, the fiery edge carving a path of destruction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan's eyes widened slightly—Ray was faster now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He barely managed to flicker into the shadows before the blade could reach him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He reappeared behind Ray, striking out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ray twisted midair, barely managing to block.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He previously tried to teleport from midair, but was unsuccessful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I can't teleport in midair… I need to be on the ground'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan clicked his tongue in frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'His Movements and attacks are getting sharper…'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They clashed again, neither giving an inch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ray's sword was relentless, a storm of fire and steel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan's daggers were precise, striking at weaknesses in Ray's stance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each exchanged blow was met with another, their movements a deadly dance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Ethan smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dark mist coiled around his daggers. A surge of mana flowed through him as he activated his affinity—Darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His blades became extensions of the shadows, nearly invisible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ray's grip tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan vanished again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ray inhaled deeply, focusing on his skill ~Sword Instinct~,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Don't fail me now' he thought,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he felt a whisper of movement behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spun, barely deflecting the strike aimed at his spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'~Flicker Step~ has a Cool Down of about 2 Seconds, I can't use it every time' Ray thought,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Ethan wasn't done.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A second dagger shot toward his ribs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ray twisted, but not fast enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sharp sting flared along his side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood seeped through his tunic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ray clenched his teeth, refusing to let the pain slow him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He retaliated, slamming his sword down with brute force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan barely managed to escape, rolling backward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ray teleported beside him, swinging his sword upward in a brilliant red arc.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan blocked with both daggers but was pushed back, a wound appearing on his cheek.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two stood apart, blood dripping onto the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan wiped his cheek. \"Huh. You actually nicked me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ray didn't reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lifted his sword once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then, the real fight began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Minutes stretched into what felt like eternity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blades clashed, shadows and fire intertwining in a brutal display of skill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan's Concealment made him nearly impossible to sense, but Ray's instincts were sharper than ever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whenever Ethan Attacked his concealment was undone, And Ray Attacked at that time,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His Sword Instinct guided him through the battle, keeping him one step ahead—barely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their bodies bore the marks of combat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ray's side ached from multiple shallow cuts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan's arms bore burns and cuts where the fire Aura had licked too close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were equally matched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan clicked his tongue, glancing at his dwindling mana reserves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Damn it… if this drags on any longer…'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ray wasn't faring any better.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His Body was exhausted, his breaths coming in ragged gasps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Ethan made a decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A final gamble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He vanished completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ray's grip tightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He closed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Focusing on even the tiniest Movement in the surroundings,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The world slowed down in his perception,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flicker of movement— Behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ray spun, sword igniting one last time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ethan's dagger was inches from his throat. Ray's sword was aimed at Ethan's heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not by choice, but by FORCE.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, a voice echoed through the forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh My, ~Didn't I Say No Killing, But here you two are Fighting to kill\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"~Now, What Punishment should be given to the Rule Breakers\" Vice Principal Elva's amused tone sent a chill through both of them, though her face remained serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Few Moments Ago,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elva watched the fight unfold with an expression of quiet intensity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her piercing violet eyes followed every movement, every exchange of blows between Ray and Ethan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Ray's aura flared, signaling his breakthrough, her fingers twitched slightly—a rare sign of intrigue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So… he ascended,\" she murmured under her breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But her focus never wavered from Ethan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The way he vanished into the shadows like a phantom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elva's mind worked fast, analyzing his every move. His Shadow Step wasn't perfect—Ray had adapted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His Concealment was effective, but not absolute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then, there was Ray.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She could see it—the shift in his stance, the way his instincts sharpened, how his sword moved with newfound precision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And his short distance teleportation Skill,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The balance of power teetered, neither willing to fall first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the fight reached its peak, Elva's lips curled slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew what this was—two warriors pushing past their limits, neither willing to surrender, neither willing to acknowledge defeat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she saw they were almost about to kill each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Elva exhaled slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her violet eyes gleamed with something unreadable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmph,\" she muttered, teleporting away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She vanished leaving behind the words,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What a waste.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A\u002FN : Let me give you all description about Ray's Trait\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sword God(Ex):\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Description: The pinnacle of all sword-related abilities. Grants instinctive mastery over all swords, weapons that resemble swords, and techniques that involve swordsmanship. The user will learn, adapt, and improve in ways beyond human understanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Effects:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Swordsmanship does not require formal learning—it is instinctively understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-The body will naturally adjust to wield any sword perfectly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-All sword techniques, regardless of origin, can be learned instantly upon witnessing them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-The user can create their own sword techniques naturally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>__\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Limitless growth(SSS):\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Description: A talent that removes all growth limitations. The user can improve endlessly without hitting a bottleneck. The user will continue to grow as long as he put in the effort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Effects:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-No upper limit on stats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Faster learning speed across all fields.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-The stronger the enemy, the faster the user's growth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>**\u003C\u002Fp>",1755,"2026-06-03T11:25:58.029Z","2026-06-03T11:26:07.394Z",1,"novelbin.me","950cfe02e703854c4a9b05396222a19c162bbae770139fcfb51076aaa78d6834","power-of-runes-chapter-17","power-of-runes-chapter-15",452,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fpower-of-runes-cover.jpg"]