[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-power-of-runes":3,"chapter-power-of-runes-power-of-runes-chapter-26":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},1106191,1443,"Chapter 26 26: Rune of Knowledge (3)","power-of-runes-chapter-26",26,"\u003Cp>A\u002FN: I feel like I need to increase the extra chapter limit… otherwise, you guys will suck me dry at this rate! 😭😂 But seriously, I appreciate the support—just don't turn me into a writing machine! 🤖✍️\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, anyway, enjoy your extra chapter! 🎉📖\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The book was empty. Not a single word was written on its pages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ash glanced around cautiously, scanning his surroundings for any sign of prying eyes. Even after activating Omni Thought for a few seconds, he found no one nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dull ache settled in his head from the brief usage of the skill, but he ignored it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did he move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bringing the book closer, he bit down on his finger, drawing a small bead of blood. With a flick of his hand, the drop fell onto the stark white pages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The book absorbed it instantly—like a sponge drinking in water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation, he pressed the book against his chest, his voice barely above a whisper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rune of Knowledge.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The book trembled in his grasp before disintegrating, its essence seeping into his body, fusing with his very soul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now I just need to bear with the pain, he thought, bracing himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But… nothing happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No searing heat. No unbearable agony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh? There's no pain?\" he murmured, genuinely confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I thought I'd have to go through another body reformation… but nothing happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He waited a moment longer. Still nothing happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Well, that's fine. Let's check the status and read the Rune's description.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Status.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Name- Ash Burn\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Race- Human\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Age- 12\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Class- Magic Swordsman (Unique)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rank- Novice (F-Rank)-(6%)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Affinity- Lightning\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strength- 8\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Agility- 10\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vitality- 4\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Intelligence- 14 --> 20\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stamina- 12\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Charm- 6\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mana- 50\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>>Trait-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Codex of Creation (F-Rank)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-??????-[Assimilation Rate- 50%]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>>Skills-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Omni Thought\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>{Skill Creation Chances- 0}\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Rune of Stability\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Rune of Knowledge\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>**\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first thing Ash noticed was the sudden jump in his Intelligence stat—it had increased from 14 to a whopping 20.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I thought it would increase more, but still it's good enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not like it'll affect the Rune's abilities anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that thought, he continued scrolling through his status, searching for any other changes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His skills were the same, Omni Thought was still listed, and his Codex of Creation trait remained at F-Rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>?????? - [Assimilation Rate - 50%]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ash exhaled sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It increased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before, it had been only 25%. Now, it was at 50%.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He still had no idea what the mysterious Trait truly was, but one thing was certain—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Absorbing the Rune increased the assimilation rate by 25%.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I absorb two more Runes… will it finally reveal itself?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought sent a ripple of anticipation through him, but he forced himself to take a deep breath, steadying his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Excitement led to carelessness, and carelessness led to mistakes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For now, he needed to analyze the changes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze shifted back to the Runes section—where two were now listed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fingers twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though he had an idea of the Rune's effect, he should still check its description—just in case.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Wait.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A quiet murmur left his lips, confusion flickering across his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did I… really know the full description?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From what he remembered, he had some idea—but not in this much detail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A strange feeling crept over him, but he dismissed it with a slow breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now wasn't the time to overthink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Focusing his will, he directed his thoughts toward the Rune of Knowledge, waiting for its description to appear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>**\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rune: Rune of Knowledge\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Description:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Grants the user photographic memory, allowing them to recall even the smallest details without causing mental strain. (Passive)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Enables the user to decipher and comprehend all forms of written text, including ancient and encrypted languages. (Passive)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Grants immunity to all forms of mental interference, such as illusions, mind control, memory alteration, fear, and telepathic intrusion. (Passive)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>**\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After reading the description, everything fell into place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I remembered the description because the Rune gave me photographic memory, Ash realized, exhaling softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Closing his eyes, he focused inward, testing the changes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And almost immediately, a realization struck him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's true,\" he murmured, his lips curling into a small, almost disbelieving smile. \"I never would have thought it would apply to my previous life as well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before, his recollection of the novel had been filled with gaps—a rough outline at best, with details slipping through the cracks. But now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, he could recall everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every moment of his past life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every word of the novel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of it, stored perfectly, without a single strain on his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sense of confidence welled up within him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, I can have even more confidence in stealing more opportunities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought left a satisfied smirk on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That same perfect memory began to stir things he hadn't expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>**\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[MEMORIES]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The cool evening breeze rustled the pages of the book in Nancy's hands as she sat beside Ash on the park bench, her legs swinging slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The golden hue of the setting sun bathed everything in a soft glow, making the moment feel strangely distant—like something fragile that could slip away at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know, staring at me like that won't help you understand the story,\" she said without looking up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ash blinked, snapping out of his daze. \"I wasn't staring at you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nancy raised an eyebrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Okay, fine, I was. But not because of your book—I'm just wondering how the hell you read three books a day and still have time to do literally everything else.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She finally looked up, her amber eyes filled with amusement. \"It's called time management, Ash. You should try it sometime.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah, yeah,\" he scoffed, shaking his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nancy chuckled, then suddenly perked up. \"You know, that's exactly why you should read more.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You should read this, it's amazing. The world-building, the characters, the fights—ugh, you'll love it,\" she said suddenly, tilting the book toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ash glanced at it but didn't take it. \"Another one?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nancy rolled her eyes, flipping a page. \"You say that like I recommend bad ones.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He snorted. \"You said that about the last book, and I nearly died of boredom.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nancy gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. \"Blasphemy! That was a masterpiece.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That was a 400-page monologue disguised as a novel,\" Ash deadpanned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nancy rolled her eyes and lightly smacked his arm. \"Just try this one, okay? I swear it's different. Trust me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed, glancing at the book again. \"Fine, fine. But if I get bored, I'm throwing it at you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nancy grinned. \"Then I'll throw you into the lake.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ash chuckled, shaking his head. \"You're violent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And you're hopeless.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They sat there for a while, the easy silence between them feeling strangely comforting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nancy suddenly closed the book in her hands and rested her head on his shoulders. \"You ever think about the future, Ash?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stilled for a second before exhaling. \"Not really.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nancy turned to look at him, her amber eyes unreadable. \"Why not?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because the future is uncertain,\" he said simply. \"And I hate uncertainty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nancy was quiet for a moment. Then, with a small, almost teasing smile, she whispered,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dummy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ash raised a brow. \"Excuse me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You act all serious, but you're really just scared, aren't you?\" She nudged him lightly. \"You're\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>afraid of things changing, of losing people, of moving forward.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ash clenched his jaw but didn't deny it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nancy sighed dramatically. \"Guess I'll have to make sure you don't get left behind, then.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to her, confused. \"What do you mean?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She grinned. \"I mean, no matter what happens, I'll always be one step ahead—waiting for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something about the way she said it made his chest tighten.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ash looked away, staring at the horizon where the sun was disappearing. \"...That's a big promise.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nancy leaned closer, resting her forehead against his chest. \"And I keep my promises, Ash.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't move. He didn't push her away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time in a long time, he wanted to believe her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He really did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But life had never been that kind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>**\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back in reality…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fingers twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His throat felt dry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took a deep breath, trying to calm the raging emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His hand clenched, nails digging into his palm as he forced himself to blink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fuck! These memories—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They just suddenly popped up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He swallowed hard, his chest tightening, his heartbeat an uneven rhythm against his ribs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lifted his hand to rub his eyes, but—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A single tear slipped down his cheek, catching the dim light of the library.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ash stiffened, staring at the droplet on his fingertips as if it didn't belong to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clenched his jaw and wiped it away with the back of his hand, exhaling through his nose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His thoughts whispered to him, cruel and relentless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hah… I guess my subconscious is still thinking about Elysia being Nancy…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I know it can't be possible, it's not some novel, It's reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pushed back the aching weight in his chest and exhaled again, this time steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enough of this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to the bookshelves and pulled out a tome, flipping through the pages with forced focus.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Rune of Knowledge had given him perfect memory, then he'd use it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If remembering hurt, then he'd drown it in more knowledge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If emotions threatened to rise, he'd bury them beneath logic and understanding—just like he always had.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, without another word, he began to read.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A\u002FN: Just a quick reminder—if you thought the Rune of Stability would completely prevent Ash's emotional outbursts, think again!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It only works on overwhelming negative emotions like depression and sadness, and even then, only when they pile up. So don't expect it to be an off switch for his Emotions!\u003C\u002Fp>",1630,"2026-06-03T11:25:58.029Z","2026-06-03T11:26:07.394Z",1,"novelbin.me","21de9f8a90adcd51bef7cdc25a124dbf44c668d78a39140160f24edf786336bc","power-of-runes-chapter-27","power-of-runes-chapter-25",452,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fpower-of-runes-cover.jpg"]