Chapter 17 – The Inheritance of the Forgotten Duke
The moment Chris opened that mysterious, rune-inscribed book, a strange pull gripped his consciousness.
The library vanished.
A brilliant light enveloped his vision, and he was no longer standing in the Arcana Library but floating in a vast space of stars, runes, and swirling mana. It was like standing in the center of a living, breathing magic circle.
From within that vast expanse, a figure began to form—aged, tall, with long silver hair and eyes that shimmered like galaxies.
He looked like he was in his eighties, yet there was a presence about him. Something grand. Something ancient.
Chris instinctively knew.
"You're... the First Duke Celestarius."
The old man nodded, his voice like thunder wrapped in silk.
"And you are... my blood.""A child born of my legacy... after all these years."
Chris was stunned.
He quickly introduced himself, bowing respectfully.
"I am Chris Celestarius... son of the current Duke. It's been nearly a thousand years since your passing. Your lineage… still survives."
The old man's eyes softened, a flicker of pride hidden in their depth.
"A thousand years... I had feared my bloodline would fade, buried under the weight of glory and greed. And yet, here you are."
But the warmth lasted only a moment. The starry realm began to flicker, as if being eaten away by time.
"This space... is not eternal," the Duke said, looking at the crumbling void. "The magic that sustains my soul fragment weakens. I have little time, and so much to give."
Chris nodded urgently.
"I need knowledge—rune magic. Anything you can give."
The First Duke's expression turned serious.
"Then listen carefully. I can pass on only four rune magics. Each is dangerous. Each demands great strength and control. But each will change your fate."
With a wave of his hand, four runes ignited in the space between them, glowing like stars:
1. Draconic Fireball
"Born from the breath of ancient dragons—this is no mere spell. Once engraved, it forms a compact magical circle in your soul. When invoked, it summons an explosive sphere of condensed flame, capable of melting steel and shattering barriers."
"But beware—without strong mana circulation, it will burn you from the inside."
2. Concealment of Istar
"A gift from the goddess of veils. This rune cloaks your presence entirely—not just your body, but your aura, mana, and even heartbeat."
"You will be as invisible to detection magic as wind in a storm."
"However, you must be calm. Even a moment of panic can dispel the magic and reveal you."
3. Shapeshift of Yor
"Unlike illusions, this is real. Bone, flesh, voice—all can be changed through this rune. Your very form is rewritten."
"But there is a limit. Your magic circle and aura can't be altered. A powerful mage or knight can still identify you if they are sharp enough."
4. Teleportation of Sherif
"Within 15 meters, you can move freely as long as you can see or sense your destination. Walls, barriers—if your mana is stronger, you may pass through them."
"But it is a greedy spell—it drinks mana rapidly. Use it wisely."
The four runes circled around Chris, glowing brighter as they sank into his body, burning themselves into the core of his soul.
The old man staggered, the realm starting to collapse.
Chris called out—
"Wait! Why did you choose me?!"
The First Duke smiled faintly.
"Because unlike my sons... you did not seek power for glory. You sought it for survival."
"That... is what makes you worthy."
The stars dimmed.
The runes sealed.
And Chris's eyes opened again—back in the Arcana Library.
Sweat coated his body. His breath came ragged. But the four runes—they were real. He could feel their power humming within him.
He had inherited the forgotten magic of an age long buried.
Now, it was time to rewrite the story of the Celestarius bloodline.