Chapter 22

At the moment the Life Ring was formed, it seemed as if consciousness once again soared to the sky like in a dream, seeing the entire world and touching the threads of the world. Compared to individual souls, the vast world was immensely profound, terrifying, and immense.

But before he could see anything, he immediately returned to his body, making Xia德e, who was sitting on the sofa, realize what he was doing.

There was no need to turn back; the meanings of the two spirit runes were automatically known. These two runes represented the soul's traits and the world's acknowledgment of existence, and they did not lie.

"The core rune at the center of the Life Ring can only be the bronze [Enlightenment] rune, at least for ordinary humans, because the greatest power of humans is civilization, and they themselves have no special traits.

But believers favored by the gods, depending on the god's camp, may receive the golden [Miracle] and silver [Blasphemy] core spirit runes upon taking their vows, and such people are usually called the chosen ones or holy sons; and through some special and incomplete processes, by using the power of [Relics] to become Ring Mages, they might obtain the black iron [Whisper] spirit rune, but this poses great hidden dangers to the soul."

The doctor explained, his low and slow voice gradually bringing Xia德e back to reality.

Since Xia德e had completed his vows, Miss Lewisa regained the right to speak and added:

"Of course, there are other exceptions, such as the power left by ancestors, but that has nothing to do with us ordinary people."

Xia德e nodded. Seeing him looking at the two, Doctor Schneider gestured for Xia德e to drink some tea:

"Your complexion is not good, which is normal. The casting of the Life Ring is a transformation of the soul, and the pain is very normal. It will take a few days of rest to recover. I didn't feel anything at the time, but I couldn't sleep that night, as if someone was hammering gas pipes in my head."

Although Xia德e didn't feel unwell, he still followed the doctor's advice and picked up the teacup, letting the warm steam rise to his face:

"So, Mr. Schneider, Miss Lewisa, how many core runes are there?"

Due to the voice in his head, the outsider dared not easily confirm whether he was normal, so he couldn't be sure about the normal number of core spirit runes.

Xia德e was trying hard to suppress his joy at successfully touching the mysterious, but he maintained basic rationality and vigilance. He had already gained their trust and couldn't show any abnormalities.

The doctor had a "I knew you would ask this" expression:

"Core spirit runes are generally three or fewer, but according to the college's data, more than 80% have two. After all, a soul can't have only one prominent trait, but there are also unusual cases. The highest record is from around the 306th year of the Common Era in the early Sixth Era, when a Ring Mage with seven core spirit runes appeared at the Zaras Academy."

Xia德e didn't need to pretend; he really showed a surprised expression:

"What ring did he ultimately become?"

The blonde writer shrugged:

"I don't know. This person is just a minor figure in history, even without an accurate name. Oh, I know what you mean, but the number of core runes has little to do with the level of achievement. The doctor is a common case."

The doctor then showed his complete Life Ring again, with two bronze spirit runes [Light of the Mind] and [Dream] in the center.

"Let me translate, these are Dream and Light of the Mind. Generally, the simpler the concept, the easier it is to interpret multiple meanings, develop, and create comprehensive magic, and the more powerful it is. So, for me, [Dream] is stronger."

Since the spirit runes were not in the contemporary language, the doctor translated them, not knowing that Xia德e had already understood them at a glance.

"I have three, but it's not very special."

As she spoke, a white steam mist appeared behind Miss Lewisa. Accompanied by the sound of a giant hammer striking, a rotating bronze ring with a square cross-section appeared, with three core spirit runes [Writer], [Actor], and [Another Princess] on it.

She explained the meanings of the three core runes and believed that [Writer] was her most useful core rune, fitting well with her profession as a writer. Miss Lewisa was proficient in the bronze [Enlightenment] element and skilled at finding power in stories and legends.

"The language used in the spirit runes is from past eras. If you can't find a translation method, you can only ask the owner of the spirit runes, who automatically understands their meanings. So, Xia德e, what are your spirit runes?"

The doctor and the writer voluntarily displayed their powers, partly to reassure Xia德e and encourage him not to hide. After all, core spirit runes were related to the college and major choices after enrollment.

"Time and Space, Silver Moon."

Xia德e thought for a moment and decided there was no need to hide. After saying the two words, he indeed saw the surprised expressions of Doctor Schneider and Miss Lewisa. He couldn't say he was slightly proud, but at least he felt happy.

"These are quite broad concepts, which is good. There are many recorded magic spells related to [Silver Moon] in the college, and [Silver Moon] is also easy to develop into various new magic spells. This spirit rune is quite rare but not obscure. Are you sure it's [Time and Space] and not [Time] or [Space]?"

The doctor stretched his neck to confirm.

"Sure."

Xia德e nodded. Although he didn't experience the cliché of the crystal ball exploding due to high talent, his talent was clearly not ordinary. Xia德e controlled his emotions, showing just the right amount of curiosity rather than deeper contemplation. These two core spirit runes seemed to have some coincidence.

Especially [Silver Moon].

"Don't laugh."

He said to himself.

"Has [Time and Space] never appeared before?"

He asked, and the doctor and the writer exchanged glances before the latter explained:

"Of course it has appeared, but it's quite rare, extremely rare. The recorded cases of individuals with this core rune add up to no more than five. And historically, the number of Ring Mages who obtained the [Time and Space] spirit rune through contact with the mysterious and past knowledge is probably no more than 100."

The doctor looked at Xia德e hesitantly:

"If it were just [Silver Moon], we would recommend you to join the Mathematics College, where you might become a magic expert and a spell master. But since it's [Time and Space], you will definitely choose the History College to become an investigator, joining the time exploration team to uncover the secrets of the past.

Even if I don't recommend it, the professors of the History College will absolutely not let you join any other college. There is no one more suitable for this profession than [Time and Space]. Stepping into the past, you will face more dangers, but you will also learn more secrets—the secrets of the fallen old gods."