Chapter 23: Time Traveler

At the exact moment the Life Ring formed, his consciousness seemed to fly high into the sky once again, as if in a dream, seeing the entire world and touching its very veins. Compared to an individual soul, the vast world was incomparably profound, incomparably terrifying, and incomparably immense.

However, before he could see anything, he was immediately pulled back into his body, making Shard, who was sitting on the sofa, realize what he was doing.

Without needing to look back, the meanings of the two spirit runes were automatically understood. These two runes represented soul traits and the world's recognition of existence; they could not lie.

"The core rune located at the very center of the Life Ring can only be a brass-colored [Enlightenment] rune—at least for ordinary humans, because humanity's greatest strength is civilization, and humans themselves possess nothing particularly special.

However, believers favored by gods may, depending on the god's alignment, obtain a golden [Miracle] or a silver [Profane] core spirit rune upon their inauguration. Those people are usually called the chosen of gods or holy sons. Alternatively, those who become Ring Warlocks through certain imperfect inauguration processes by utilizing the power of [Relics] may obtain a black iron [Whisper] spirit rune, but this carries great hidden dangers for the soul."

The doctor explained, his low, steady voice gradually pulling Shard back to reality.

Because Shard's inauguration was complete, Miss Louisa regained her ability to speak and added

"Of course, there are other exceptions, such as powers left behind by ancestors, but those have nothing to do with ordinary people like us."

Shard nodded. Seeing him looking at them, Dr. Schneider gestured for Shard to take a sip of tea.

"Your complexion is quite poor, which is normal. The forging of a Life Ring is the transformation of the soul; pain is perfectly natural. It requires a few days of rest to alleviate. I didn't feel anything at the time, but that very night, I was in so much pain I couldn't sleep, as if someone were hammering on gas pipes inside my head."

Although Shard did not feel unwell, he followed the doctor's suggestion and picked up the teacup, letting the lukewarm steam brush against his face.

"So, Mr. Schneider, Miss Louisa, the number of core runes..."

Because of the voices in his head, the outsider did not dare to easily assume he was normal, so he did not dare to assume the normal number of core spirit runes.

Shard was currently working hard to suppress the joy of his successful contact with the mysterious, while maintaining basic rationality and vigilance. He had already gained their trust; he could not show any abnormality.

The doctor wore an expression that said, *'I knew you would ask that.'*

"Core spirit runes are generally within three, but according to the Academy's data, more than eighty percent have two. After all, a soul cannot possess only one prominent trait. However, there are unusual cases. The highest record was around the year 306 of the Common Era in the early Sixth Epoch, when the Zaraswen Academy produced a Ring Warlock with seven core spirit runes."

Shard no longer had to pretend; he truly showed an expression of surprise.

"How many rings did he eventually become?"

The blonde writer shrugged.

"I don't know. That person was just a minor figure in history, someone whose name wasn't even accurately recorded. Oh, I know what you mean, but the number of core runes doesn't have much to do with the level of achievement. The doctor's case is the common situation..."

The doctor then revealed his complete Life Ring once more; in the center were two brass-colored spirit runes: [Light of the Soul] and [Dream].

"Let me translate: these are Dream and Light of the Soul. Generally speaking, the simpler the concept, the easier it is to interpret multiple meanings, develop and create all-around thaumaturgy, and the more powerful it becomes. So, personally, I find [Dream] to be stronger."

Since spirit runes do not use contemporary language, the doctor provided a translation, not knowing that Shard could interpret them at a glance.

"I have three, but I am not considered very special either."

As she spoke, a white misty vapor also emerged behind Miss Louisa. Accompanied by the sound of a heavy hammer striking, a rotating brass ring with a square cross-section appeared, bearing three core spirit runes: [Scribe], [Actor], and [The Other Princess].

She explained the meanings of the three core runes and believed that [Scribe] was her most useful core rune, as it complemented her profession as a writer. Miss Louisa was proficient in the brass [Enlightenment] element and was skilled at finding power within stories and legends.

"The language used by spirit runes is the language of past eras. If a translation method cannot be found, one can only ask the owner of the spirit rune, as the owner automatically understands the rune's meaning. So, Shard, what are your spirit runes?"

The doctor and the writer proactively displayed their powers, actually intending to put Shard at ease and signal that he did not need to hide anything. After all, core spirit runes were related to the choice of Academy and major after enrollment.

"Space-Time, Silver Moon."

Shard thought for a moment and decided there was no need to hide it. After the two words were spoken, he indeed saw Dr. Schneider and Miss Louisa react with expressions of shock and suspicion. He could not say he felt a slight sense of pride, but at least he felt a surge of happiness in his heart.

"Both are quite broad concepts, which is very good. The Academy has recorded many thaumaturgical arts regarding [Silver Moon], and [Silver Moon] is also very easy to develop into various new thaumaturgical arts. This spirit rune is quite rare, but not obscure. [Space-Time]... are you sure it is [Space-Time] and not [Time] or [Space]?"

The doctor leaned forward to confirm.

"I am sure."

Shard nodded. Although he hadn't encountered the trope of shattering a testing crystal ball due to excessive talent, it was clear his talent was not ordinary. Shard controlled his emotions, displaying a well-timed curiosity rather than deeper contemplation; these two core spirit runes seemed to share some sort of coincidence.

Especially [Silver Moon].

*'Don't laugh,'* he said to himself.

*'Has [Space-Time] never appeared before?'*

As he asked aloud, the doctor and the writer exchanged a glance before the latter explained

"Of course it has appeared, but it is extremely rare—exceptionally rare. Even if you added up all the recorded individual cases of people possessing this core rune, it wouldn't exceed five. And the number of Ring Warlocks who obtained the [Space-Time] spirit rune through contact with the mysterious and ancient knowledge after their inauguration is likely no more than a hundred in history."

The doctor looked at Shard with some hesitation.

"If it were just [Silver Moon], we would suggest you join the Academy of Mathematics; you might become a thaumaturgy expert and a master of incantations. But since it is [Space-Time], you will undoubtedly choose the Academy of History, become a member of the Investigators, and join the teams exploring time to seek out those secrets of the past.

Even if I didn't recommend it, the professors of the Academy of History would absolutely never let you join any other academy. There is no candidate more suited to this profession than one with [Space-Time]. As you step into the passing time, you will face more dangers, but you will also know more secrets... secrets regarding the fallen Old Gods."