Chapter 65: Level A Spirit Runes (Part 2)

Chapter 65: Level A Spirit Runes (Part 2)

Fu Huai was already using all his energy just to deal with the massive wall of fire in front of him.

The vacuum airflow seemed effective against the wind and fire Spirit Runes, but it wasn’t omnidirectional. Fu Huai needed to constantly adjust the angle of the vacuum jet to counter the flames coming from all directions.

However, compared to the flames produced by firearms, the flames from the Spirit Runes showed no sign of weakening when directly clashing with the airflow. They refused to yield, as if challenging Fu Huai to a battle of endurance.

Ironically, in the past, it was always Fu Huai who used his seemingly impregnable great shield to force others to surrender in prolonged battles. But now, he was the one being forced into such a situation. The tables had turned.

As the flames on his right intensified, Fu Huai quickly adjusted the direction of the vacuum jet, barely managing to block the onslaught of flames.

The next moment, he saw the flames on his left burning even more intensely, so he adjusted the direction again.

His defense was extremely passive.

"At least the flames aren't raining down from the sky, or I really wouldn't know what to do..."

As if bad omens were more likely to come true, no sooner had Fu Huai finished speaking than he felt a wave of heat descend upon him from above.

Fu Huai looked up abruptly.

Dozens of blue fireballs had suddenly appeared above him, hurtling downwards with the acceleration of gravity, like meteors about to crash into him.

There was no time to redirect the airflow to counter the incoming fireballs.

Fu Huai quickly input the command: "Activate full defense mode."

The great shield stopped all attacks and released its energy, forming a semicircular defense barrier.

Without the vacuum airflow and cooling effect to counter the wind and fire combination, the flames swiftly engulfed Fu Huai.

At the same time, the large and small blue meteor-like fireballs descended together.

The entire arena erupted into a blazing inferno, with red and blue flames intertwining, creating a scene that was hard to forget.

The host exclaimed, "My goodness! In the standoff between Fu Huai and ANKEN, where both sides were evenly matched, ANKEN used a brand-new Spirit Rune!

Blue flames appeared out of nowhere and showed up above Fu Huai!"

For nearly three months, ANKEN had been using Grade B runes, which, although their power rivaled Level A Spirit Runes, led some to doubt ANKEN’s abilities since he hadn’t crafted any new runes for so long.

"Maybe ANKEN’s run out of steam."

"I’ve had enough of ANKEN. All he’s done is craft a few runes and acted all mysterious about it."

"Haha, let’s watch the show."

"The fall of a Spirit Rune Master."

...

There were many such disparaging comments.

However, because ANKEN’s Spirit Runes had transformed the battle system in the Canglan Star Region, most people came to ANKEN’s defense, cursing out those who spoke ill of him.

Today, ANKEN unveiled a brand-new fire Spirit Rune in the arena, leaving his admirers in awe.

ANKEN is incredible!

The new Spirit Runes are stunning.

They always trust ANKEN, and they know it's never a mistake.

"Fu Huai detected the blue flames, Fu Huai has activated the full defense mode of the great shield, but can he withstand ANKEN's full-force attack?"

The host is curious, the spectators in the audience are curious, and so are the people watching the live stream.

Which is stronger, ANKEN's new Spirit Runes or Fu Huai's modified great shield?

Just as everyone was on the edge of their seats, waiting for the outcome…

The six on-site cameras were consumed by the intense flames, and the screens flickered twice before turning black.

The entire challenge stage was engulfed in flames and smoke from the explosions, leaving nothing visible.

"What happened?"

"Why did the screen suddenly go black?"

"We want to see the live scene!"

"Complaint! I want to file a complaint!!!"

…

A flood of angry comments filled the Danmaku.

The host was just as eager to see the result, but even he couldn’t see anything…

"The temperature of ANKEN's flames was so extreme that our equipment encountered some issues."

To calm the crowd, the host announced, "In the meantime, I've obtained the data for the blue flame Spirit Runes ANKEN just used. Do you want to know what it is?"

"Yes!"

"Yes!!"

"Alright, here is the Spirit Runes data!"

A translucent floating screen materialized before the crowd, displaying data that astonished all.

Even the host was stunned, his eyes widening in shock, as he had only received the data one second earlier than the spectators.

"Spirit Runes Name: Meteor Fire Rain

Spirit Runes Level: A

Creator: ANKEN

Spirit Runes Description: Condenses fire elements into a special cluster of flames, causing explosive damage from above. Once ignited, the flames cannot be extinguished by conventional means."

A-level? Was this really what they saw?!

ANKEN is a Grade B rune user.

How can he create a Level A Spirit Rune?

"Am I seeing things, or does it really say Level A?"

"I also see Level A..."

"So how did ANKEN do it? Isn't he a Grade B rune user?"

"I don't know..."

……

The crowd was confused, unable to figure it out.

Suddenly, a voice interjected.

"Isn't it possible that ANKEN just awakened? That's why an Awakened can level up."

The response was a chorus of denials: "That's impossible!"

ANKEN had many innovative ideas about Spirit Runes. He must be an elderly researcher, someone over 100 years old with graying temples.

How could he possibly be a newly awakened young man?

That's impossible...

They laughed, but the laughter died out abruptly.

Everyone looked at each other, silence falling over the crowd.

Could it be... that ANKEN is actually very, very young?

Cang Cheng didn't intend to put Fu Huai in mortal danger. He controlled the magic output of the Meteor Fire Rain to a level that Hilmeth could endure.

Last month, Hilmeth's ability restrictions were lifted. With his S-grade physique, he endured several waves of Cang Cheng's rune attacks, providing Cang Cheng with plenty of useful data.

*

Given that Fu Huai and Hilmeth are of the same rank, Fu Huai wouldn't be severely injured under the same intensity.

Thanks to Hilmeth's invaluable contribution.

On the challenge stage, the smoke from the explosions dissipated first. Soon after, the red flames from the consecutive Fireballs began to fade and eventually extinguished.

However, the blue flames falling from the sky continued to burn for much longer.

They left behind blue streaks on the pristine white arena, like flowers in bloom, their beauty marred by a chilling aura.

From under a pile of scrap metal, a scorched hand pushed away the debris.

Clearly, although Fu Huai was injured, it wasn't serious.

However, his signature weapon was destroyed.

Fu Huai's great shield protected him by intercepting the Meteor Fire Rain and the combined Fire and Wind Spirit Runes head-on.

Although the data suggests that an A-class defensive weapon should be able to withstand an A-class offensive spirit pattern, especially since the large shield had been modified, it should have been able to hold up.

However, the large shield, with only excellent fire resistance, could not withstand the intense heat.

The outer coating melted first, followed by the energy circuits, and then... the entire large shield lost its function, shattered to pieces in the explosion.

Not only did the large shield fail, but the high-tech material of the combat suit also burned to ashes upon contact with the blue flames.

If Cang Cheng had not deliberately controlled the damage of the blue flames to the human body, Fu Huai might have turned into a lump of charcoal.

Fu Huai staggered to his feet, most of his skin blackened.

Fortunately, as an S-class spirit warrior, his physical condition was still capable of enduring this attack. If anyone else had been scorched by the flames for that long... they would likely have been knocked out by the pain.

"Such powerful fire."

Fu Huai clapped his hands and coughed, praising it.

He genuinely thought the flames were impressive, having burned through his shield.

"General Fu is also very impressive, still able to move freely after that."

Cang Cheng replied.

He was not surprised, as Qin Yan, under the attack of Meteor Fire Rain, would not have been seriously injured either, just continuously screaming in pain.

"Thank you for the compliment."

Fu Huai smiled.

However, this smile appeared on his current charcoal-black face, making it look somewhat comical.

In the challenge arena, Fu Huai was in a sorry state, his entire body battered and not a single part unscathed. In contrast, Cang Cheng, with his pristine white cloak, looked calm and composed, handling things effortlessly.

Clearly, Cang Cheng had the absolute upper hand now.

However, Fu Huai had no intention of conceding defeat.

His weapons were outmatched by the Spirit Runes, but that didn't mean he would lose to an ANKEN!

Without a word, Fu Huai turned into a swift blur, launching himself at Cang Cheng.

His Awakened rank was S-level. When fully unleashed, an average Awakened wouldn't stand a chance.

His injuries were not severe, just superficial wounds that wouldn't hinder his movements. And since ANKENs were physically frail Spirit Rune Masters, he still had a chance to win.

Although Cang Cheng couldn't see Fu Huai's movements, his enhanced AI visor indicated Fu Huai's trajectory.

"29 meters... 7 meters... 1 meter!"

All of Fu Huai's weapons had malfunctioned in the earlier high-temperature inferno, so he had no choice but to fight unarmed.

He aimed a direct punch at Cang Cheng's abdomen.

With a 'Crack!', his fist slammed into a small earth shield formed by condensed earth energy.

Cang Cheng, remained unscathed.

"The Spirit Runes are forming at an incredible speed!"

Surprised as he was, Fu Huai couldn't believe Cang Cheng could keep forming Spirit Runes so rapidly in such a short time.

He launched a fierce offensive.

Fu Huai aimed at these vulnerable spots: the neck, the back of the neck, the ankles, the spine...

However, each time, a Spirit Rune activated at just the right moment to block his attacks.

This only made Fu Huai's attacks more desperate.

It shouldn't be like this.

How could he, a Spirit Warrior, be outmatched by a Spirit Rune Master?

With a sharp crack, Fu Huai's hand aiming for Cang Cheng's heart was once again blocked by a solid earth wall.

As an S-rank Spirit Warrior, his close-range attacks were repeatedly thwarted by a supposedly weaker Spirit Rune Master.

If this got out, his comrades would never let him live it down.

With a solemn expression, Fu Huai asked, "What kind of rune is this?"

"It's elemental control—the ability to manipulate natural forces for my own use. It's not a rune."

Beneath the White Mask, Cang Cheng explained.

If it were a few months ago, without the enhanced AI visor, without mastering elemental control, and without being trained by Hilmeth, Cang Cheng might have been helpless against Fu Huai's close-range attacks.

However, Cang Cheng was no longer the same person who only used magic runes. He had embraced the high technology of the Canglan Star Region, learned how to deal with close combat, and his magic had reached a new level.

Even facing an S-rank Spirit Warrior, he was not afraid.

"Although Major General Fu Huai's attacks are fast and fierce, attacks that do not hit are ineffective."

In front of Fu Huai, Cang Cheng openly took out a Spirit Rune, input magic to activate it.

The corners of his pure black eyes lifted, and a smile played on his lips. "Goodbye, Major General."

The wind suddenly gathered.

The Wind Wall Darts, not seen for a long time, made their reappearance.

The C-rank rune did limited damage to the S-rank Fu Huai, but Cang Cheng's goal was not to seriously injure him, but to push him out of the arena.

As soon as the Wind Wall appeared, it started spinning wildly. It directly hit Fu Huai's abdomen.

Without any defensive measures, Fu Huai was forcibly pushed out of the arena's edge.

"Fu Huai is out.

The winner, ANKEN!

Ranking: Peak Tier 29 → 28"

Thunderous applause erupted in the challenge arena, and the crowd looked at ANKEN with even more fervent admiration.

"ANKEN is so handsome!"

"ANKEN, you are my idol!"

"A-level Spirit Runes Master ANKEN!"

"ANKEN!!! (screaming at the top of their lungs)"

ANKEN not only destroyed the A-level modified great shield with A-level Spirit Runes, but he also handled Major General Fu Huai’s close-range attacks like it was nothing.

It’s important to note that ANKEN is a Spirit Runes Master who is physically weaker. Spirit Runes Masters are typically at a disadvantage in close combat, but today, ANKEN demonstrated to everyone that it is possible for a Spirit Runes Master to win against a Spirit Warrior in close combat.

"Major General Fu Huai attacked fiercely, but the damage barely registered."

"ANKEN just stood there letting the major general attack, like it was nothing..."

"It’s not that Major General Fu Huai is weak, but that ANKEN is too strong."

...

Once again, ANKEN single-handedly changed the crowd's stereotypical view of Spirit Runes Masters.

ANKEN is a god among Spirit Runes Masters!

After the challenge settlement, Fu Huai reappeared on the challenge stage, holding his stomach.

His burnt skin had been healed by the system, no longer a charcoal face, but due to the pain, his complexion was paler than before the challenge.

The damage from the Wall of Wind wasn’t fatal, but the sensation of being shredded was something Fu Huai would never forget.

This originally serious Spirit Rune, when used differently, felt so... unsettling.

Fu Huai extended his hand to Cang Cheng, his expression serious. "You are very strong. I felt immense pressure as your opponent."

Cang Cheng shook his hand. "You are not weak either. You just rely too much on your gear."

Destroying Fu Huai's great shield was almost equivalent to rendering him almost useless in combat, just like shield guards on the Siaxi Continent, who, if their shields were broken, would become as fragile as mages, with weak attack power, leaving them at the mercy of their enemies.

Having his weakness pointed out, Fu Huai stiffened, then shrugged. "So, any suggestions?"

With a grin that felt almost like he was selling something, Cang Cheng half-jokingly advised, "I see your mental energy is quite high. Have you ever considered learning Spirit Runes?"

"Learn... Spirit Runes?" Fu Huai took a moment to understand what he meant.

How could he, a proud Spirit Warrior, learn Spirit Runes?

But then again... if his shield was destroyed, if he could still use a Wall of Earth or a Wall of Water, he might still be able to assist the general...

Fu Huai hesitated, but then convinced himself, "I’ll consider it seriously. Thanks for the advice."

*

The appearance of the A-level attack Spirit Runes undoubtedly sparked heated debates among the Awakened, who had been relatively quiet until now, their enthusiasm burning like fire.

"Practical applications of A-level Spirit Runes: Meteor Fire Rain."

"The feasibility of Spirit Runes Masters joining the battlefield."

"ANKEN single-handedly changed the status gap between Spirit Runes Masters and Spirit Warriors."

"Reformer of the armed forces of the Canglan Star Region—ANKEN."

"How can the Weapon Manufacturing Bureau justify itself when ANKEN, alone, was able to produce so many Spirit Runes within half a year? Yet, their combined production capacity still can't match ANKEN's output!"

……

Zhang Chun, the deputy director of the Spirit Rune Institute, had originally been worrying about the reduced funding. However, the news of ANKEN using a Level A Spirit Rune swept through the entire Awakened forum.

Zhang Chun suddenly felt that ANKEN was like a godsend for their research institute, always showing up just when they needed him.

"Previously, the Weapon Institute used the lack of constructive help from Grade B Spirit Runes in the Canglan Star Region as a reason to withhold two-thirds of our funding. Now that a Level A Spirit Rune has been drawn, let’s see what reason they use to block the funds this time."

With renewed confidence, Zhang Chun rewrote the application and submitted it, eager to see how they would respond this time.

This time, he was determined to see who would dare to stand in his way.

*

Central Hospital on the Main Planet

Third Prince Cang Junting lay on the bed, his face twisted in frustration. His hands were wrapped in special bandages.

After a week of having his mushroom-like arms cut off, only for them to grow back again, the mushroom genes had finally metabolized.

Today, the last time his mushroom arms were cut off and replaced with new human tissue, Cang Junting finally put an end to that nightmare of a week.

That damn Mù Jiāyuè, turning against me after all I did for him.

He would make sure the other suffered in prison!

Creak—

The window of the ward opened.

A slender figure slipped into the room unnoticed.

The third prince was somewhat surprised. "What are you doing here?"

??: "Out of respect for our past, I thought you should know something."

Third Prince: "What, you're doing this out of the goodness of your heart?"

The figure didn’t explain, merely continuing to share the information.

"Mù Jiāyuè was seen talking with Cang Cheng for a long time during the summit banquet. After disappearing for a night and returning to the Mù family, he has been frequently visiting the family's pharmaceutical factories."

"Hah? You think Cang Cheng had Mù Jiāyuè under some spell? You're losing your touch."

Third Prince: "Hah? You didn't know? Mù Jiāyuè offered 1% of the Mù family's shares in exchange for me to drug Cang Cheng that night. I had no reason to refuse.

I'm sure our lovely brother Cang Cheng had quite the enjoyable night!"

??: "Hah, I see. So Mù Jiāyuè is gone, the Mù family has fallen, and you've turned into a little monster cutting your arms every day."

The implication being that the third prince and the Mù family's downfall were their own doing.

And the one who took action was none other than the victim, Cang Cheng.

"Don't try to shift the blame. I know you're working for him now."

"Believe what you want. I'm leaving."

After the figure left silently, the third prince's expression turned extremely dark. He actually believed most of what the other had said, as the intelligence they provided had never been wrong.

"Cang Cheng... you better watch out!"

*

The news about the Level A Spirit Runes spread like wildfire overnight.

ANKEN's private messages were flooded, and even Simon, ANKEN's distributor, was overwhelmed with messages. Everyone was eager to get their hands on a Level A Spirit Rune, with offers starting at 15 million credits.

This surge in interest catapulted the Nature Spirit Runes to unprecedented heights, and ANKEN became the most famous person at the moment, almost on par with Hilmeth.

Some speculated that ANKEN was a seasoned expert from another field, others thought ANKEN was the successor groomed by a major family, and some believed ANKEN was a poor soul who grew from adversity.

In any case, speculations about ANKEN's identity were rampant during this period.

Fans even began shipping Hilmeth and ANKEN as a power couple, finding the pairing incredibly compelling.

Meanwhile, Cang Cheng, who had caused a stir on the Star Net, was still at the military training base.

Today, Hilmeth arranged for a batch of new equipment to be tested to help Cang Cheng collect data.

Cang Cheng continued his one-on-one training with Hilmeth.

"Do you know about the incident with ANKEN last night?"

Hilmeth moved swiftly, clamping down on Cang Cheng's hands, restraining his movements.

"Yes. Is there something specific you're curious about, General?"

Cang Cheng attempted a low kick to break free.

"The emergence of the Level A Spirit Runes will shift the balance of military power in the Canglan Star Region, impacting many vested interests."

Hilmeth lifted a leg to block Cang Cheng's move.

Hilmeth leaned forward, pinning Cang Cheng against the wall and immobilizing him.

"ANKEN needs to be careful."

Being in a suppressed position made Cang Cheng a little angry, but given the overwhelming difference in combat strength, he had no way to resist.

He looked up, his pure black eyes blazing with intensity, and despite being restrained, his presence remained unyielding.

"So, General, what do you suggest ANKEN should do?"

Hilmeth leaned down and whispered into Cang Cheng's ear, "I suggest ANKEN consider cooperating with the military. The military will ensure the safety of the pioneer of the Nature Spirit Runes in the Canglan Star Region.

Incidentally, the researchers at the Spirit Runes Institute are eager to discuss the creation of Nature Spirit Runes with ANKEN. They are very interested in methods that can resist close combat attacks from Fu Huai.

I wonder if ANKEN is interested in sharing some insights with the research team?"

With every word Hilmeth spoke, his breath brushed against Cang Cheng's ear.

Cang Cheng felt a ticklish sensation in his ear and instinctively turned his head. "Don't get so close, it's ticklish."

Noticing the faint blush creeping up the back of Cang Cheng's ear, Hilmeth smiled. "Alright, Prince Cang Cheng."

Hilmeth let go of Cang Cheng, who adjusted his clothes.

Just now, Hilmeth had him pinned down completely, and he felt like his personal space had been invaded, as if Hilmeth had left his mark on him.

Especially his ears, which were burning.

Trying to ignore the discomfort, Cang Cheng faced Hilmeth, but avoided looking at his striking features.

“I’ll look into ANKEN and get back to you tonight.”

“Alright, I’ll wait for you.”

Hilmeth’s voice was calm, with a subtle warmth beneath it.

It was a stark contrast to the cold, authoritative tone he used when commanding soldiers.

Cang Cheng felt his ears heat up again.

But seeing Hilmeth’s composed appearance, Cang Cheng felt a sense of imbalance.

Why should he be the one feeling uncomfortable, while Hilmeth remained so composed?

He decided to mess with him.

“But you haven’t shown me how to handle situations like this, where someone is restraining you up close.”

Cang Cheng stepped forward, grabbed Hilmeth’s wrist, and mimicking the other’s earlier move, pressed Hilmeth against the wall.

In an instant, the tables were turned.

Cang Cheng pressed his full weight against Hilmeth, trying to assert dominance.

He leaned in, lowered his brows, his dark, pure black eyes narrowing, as he tried to channel a menacing vibe.

However, to Hilmeth, this little act was no threat at all. To him, Cang Cheng was like a playful cub, flailing its paws, unbearably adorable.

Hilmeth allowed Cang Cheng to act recklessly.

He lowered his gaze, his sapphire-blue eyes seemingly deepening.

Feeling Cang Cheng’s light weight and the faint scent of orange blossoms, his Adam’s apple involuntarily moved.

“Want to know?”

“Yes, tell me, Hilmeth.”

Cang Cheng lifted his chin, using an imperative sentence.

This confident and flamboyant appearance was extremely captivating.

Hilmeth’s hand clenched into a fist.

As their breaths mingled, he stared intently at Cang Cheng, who was inches away, like a predator locking onto its prey, relentlessly closing in.

“Alright.”

With that, Hilmeth leaned down and, with his mouth, left a slight hint of pain on Cang Cheng’s vulnerable neck.

“When a beast hunts, it usually targets the prey’s weak points, and it’s the same with people.”

Feeling the unusual sensation, Cang Cheng was stunned.

That delicate skin suddenly flushed red, and the artery on the side of her neck throbbed erratically.

Wh... What?

What is Xilimus doing?

Xilimus effortlessly reclaimed dominance once more.

He pressed the rough pads of his fingers against the side of Cangcheng's neck, caressing back and forth.

Leaning close to Cangcheng's ear, he whispered softly, "Do you understand, Your Highness Cangcheng?"