[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-re-tales-of-the-rune-tech-sage":3,"chapter-re-tales-of-the-rune-tech-sage-re-tales-of-the-rune-tech-sage-chapter-617":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Re: Tales of the Rune-Tech Sage",{"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},148322,246,"Chapter 616: Master and Retainers","re-tales-of-the-rune-tech-sage-chapter-617",617,"\u003Cp>CH616 Master and Retainers\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kavakan and Mogal stared at the Rune Tattoos projected from the Beta Bracer, their expressions filled with confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rune Tattoos were one of Alex’s closely guarded trade secrets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As such, very few people truly understood what they were—let alone how they worked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, both men were unsure how to react to what was being presented to them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex had expected this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, he was neither surprised nor bothered by their confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You both know what my class is, right?\" Alex suddenly asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh?\" Mogal and Kavakan were momentarily taken aback.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You said your class is a unique one called Rune Master,\" Mogal replied after a brief pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kavakan nodded in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex inclined his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Correct. My class is Rune Master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And with it, I can do almost anything I can conceive—so long as I have the knowledge to construct it with runes, and the energy to power it, I guess.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused briefly, then continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You should have noticed by now that I’m not a conventional spellcaster... right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mogal answered again, more thoughtfully this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your casting speed is abnormal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Other mages need time between spells, but after the trials... it feels like you can keep casting endlessly, so long as you have the mana.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’An astute observation... as expected,’ Alex mused inwardly, a faint smile forming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s because I don’t actually cast most of my spells myself,\" Alex explained. \"I use runes to handle the heavy lifting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, unlike other mages, I’m not limited in the same way.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He interlocked his fingers on the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, spellcasting isn’t the only thing my class allows me to do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can also construct formations of virtually any purpose— provided my understanding is sufficient.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s why I’m confident I can repair the Interplanar Orb formation and get us back home...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...assuming we can gather the necessary resources to construct the gate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex paused, allowing his words to settle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The room grew quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re probably wondering why I’m telling you all this,\" he said with a small smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t wait for an answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s to show sincerity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mogal and Kavakan exchanged a glance before looking back at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex’s expression remained calm—but resolute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t use people I don’t trust. But I trust those I use.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is both my strength... and my flaw.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He leaned forward slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Spellcasting and formation construction aren’t unique to my class.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"While I do have advantages in both, they aren’t what I consider truly special.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then tapped lightly on the projection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There’s something else— something that definably unique to my class.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rune Tattoos.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rune Tattoos?\" Kavakan echoed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Essentially,\" Alex began, \"I can inscribe formations directly onto a person’s body in the form of tattoos.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"These tattoos can enhance their abilities... or even grant them entirely new ones.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?!\" Both Kavakan and Mogal exclaimed, disbelief evident on their faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex’s faint smile remained unchanged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you remember when I chose you to become my followers?\" he asked. \"I told you then that I chose you because you possessed a specific kind of talent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That talent... is the ability to bear my Rune Tattoos.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He let the words settle before continuing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The four of you I chose that day were the ones whose potential moved me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When you became my followers, I promised to strengthen you using my abilities.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wasn’t speaking figuratively. I meant that quite literally.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression dimmed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Unfortunately, since arriving in Verdantis, my class has been suppressed by the plane’s laws. As a result, I haven’t been able to keep that promise.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But now...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That changes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For the past three months, I’ve been developing Rune Tattoos specifically for the four of you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The process is not simple, as you might image. In the end, I was only able to complete two—one for each of you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Due to time constraints, I can’t continue my tinkering. Hence, the designs for Havel and Silver’s tattoos are still unfinished.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kavakan leaned forward, a grin spreading across his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Does that mean we’re finally making a move?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Maybe,\" Alex replied with a casual shrug.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he glanced at the weretiger, a teasing smile forming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But if we are... I’m afraid it won’t be the kind of battle you’re hoping for.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m anticipating something more subtle— political.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tilted his head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Those tend to be rather boring, don’t they?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kavakan snorted lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If it’s anything like what happened at Camp Red Rock, I doubt it’ll be as boring as you say, boss.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex blinked in surprise—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then laughed heartily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I suppose you’re right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His attention returned to the projected designs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"These two tattoos are fundamentally different from anything I’ve created before.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Typically, my Rune Tattoos only occupy a single Rune slot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But these... they require more.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then noticing the confusion on their faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex raised a hand and lightly tapped his forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Right... I haven’t explained Rune slots to you yet.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, he briefly outlined the concept of Rune slots— As well as his broader vision for Rune Soldiers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In summary, Rune slots are the innate capacity required to bear my Rune Tattoos. Kavakan, you have seven. Mogal, you have eight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My current Rune Soldier framework requires each of you to bear five runes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I continue creating high-level Rune Tattoos like these —ones that occupy multiple slots— it may become difficult for you to meet that requirement.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kavakan shrugged casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The goal of your Rune Soldier plan is to create powerful soldiers, right, Boss?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And these higher-level runes... the ones that take up more slots—they’re stronger than the smaller ones, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex nodded again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then,\" Kavakan continued, \"if a single high-level rune can outperform several smaller ones combined, I don’t see how that makes someone less of a Rune Soldier.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex’s eyes widened slightly as realisation struck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’Indeed... it’s not the armour or equipment that defines the soldier...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint smile appeared on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you. That clears things up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kavakan scratched his chin, grinning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Glad I could help... somehow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clap!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex brought his hands together once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In that case, I don’t believe these Rune Tattoos will hinder you. If anything, I think you’ll appreciate them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression turned serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But if you don’t... inform me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I currently lack the ability to remove them once they are inscribed. So don’t treat this as a casual decision.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kavakan and Mogal exchanged odd looks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re really strange, Boss,\" Kavakan said reflexively—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then quickly covered his mouth, realising what he had just said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mogal, however, simply nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We are your followers,\" he said firmly. \"We cannot refuse what you offer us. Our lives are yours.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alex shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your service is mine. Your lives are your own.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He met their gazes directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know that sounds hypocritical, given the master–slave contract between us... But that is how I see our relationship.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The contract is merely a binding mechanism—not the foundation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you are to serve me well, you must be at your best. And no one understands how to reach that better than you do.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"All I can do is provide the best tools at my disposal. You are the ones who must decide how to use them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In that case... I cannot force you to accept something you do not want.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That would only be counterproductive—for both of us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>",1238,"2026-05-29T03:49:40.912Z","2026-06-01T04:29:07.188Z",1,"novelbin.me","c6522ca5925703ece78cd161e828369b8e08e5b0a2e61f7956bdbf80b0006054","re-tales-of-the-rune-tech-sage-chapter-618","re-tales-of-the-rune-tech-sage-chapter-616",692,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fre-tales-of-the-rune-tech-sage-cover.jpg"]