[ENG] Last Reader Standing

Chapter 38: The Runes of Destiny

With the Whispering Forest behind them, Jun, Calla, Miranda, Sora, and Miiko made their way to their temporary hideout. The merged grimoire, radiating with newfound energy, rested in Jun's hands, its weight felt both physically and symbolically.

«We need to understand the secrets of this book as soon as possible,» Jun declared as they reached their camp. «It might contain spells or crucial information to confront the Knights of the Apocalypse.»

The group settled around the campfire, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames. Jun opened the merged grimoire, perusing its pages with intense concentration. Every word, every symbol seemed to vibrate with ancient power.

Miranda leaned in. «What do you see?»

Jun skimmed through a section dedicated to the Runes of Destiny, ancient symbols capable of influencing the course of events and enhancing the abilities of the bearers. «These runes... they could give us a significant advantage. But they are extremely complex.»

Calla, ever pragmatic, suggested, «Perhaps we can try to decipher and use them. Each of us could receive a specific rune tailored to our skills.»

«Good idea,» Jun replied. «But it will take time and precision. We must be certain not to make any mistakes.»

For several days, our heroes studied the grimoire with renewed intensity. Each delved into the analysis of the runes, unraveling the mysteries of their usage and application.

One evening, as the moon hung high in the sky, Jun made an important discovery. «I think I've figured out how to activate the runes. But we need a specific ritual to imprint them onto our bodies.»

Sora, ever ready to act, stepped forward. «Let's begin then. Time is of the essence.»

The group gathered at the center of the camp, forming a circle around Jun, who initiated the ritual by tracing symbols on the ground with golden sand, an essential component indicated by the grimoire. Each symbol represented a different rune, linked to the essence of each team member.

«Calla, step forward,» Jun said, his face bathed in the golden light emanating from the symbols traced on the ground.

Calla stepped forward, her heart pounding, and stood at the circle's center. Jun began chanting ancient words, his voice resonating with mystical force. The symbols on the ground glowed increasingly brighter, casting dancing shadows around the group.

Calla's rune, a complex pattern of intertwining lines, materialized in the air before gently imprinting onto her left wrist. She felt a wave of energy course through her body, enhancing her senses and sharpening her skills.

«I feel... different,» she murmured, observing the rune shimmering on her skin.

«This rune grants you the ability to perceive the movements and intentions of your enemies before they even act,» Jun explained. «It will make you even more formidable in combat.»

Miranda was next to receive her rune, a star-shaped symbol representing light and protection. As the rune imprinted onto her skin, she felt an invisible shield form around her, guarding her against magical attacks.

«I can sense the power of this rune,» Miranda said, awed. «It enhances my light shields.»

Sora stepped forward next, ready to receive his rune. The symbol, representing brute strength and speed, imprinted onto his back, infusing his muscles with explosive energy.

«I feel strength coursing through me,» Sora growled, his claws gleaming with a fierce light. «I will be unstoppable.»

Miiko received a butterfly-shaped rune, symbolizing seduction and manipulation. As the rune imprinted onto her collarbone, she felt an amplification of her mental powers, allowing her to manipulate the thoughts of her enemies with disconcerting ease.

«I can already sense the thoughts of others,» she said with a mysterious smile. «This will be very useful.»

Finally, Jun prepared to receive his own rune. The symbol, a complex combination of lines and circles, imprinted onto his forehead, granting him access to ancestral knowledge and powers.

«This rune allows me to channel the energy of the merged grimoire directly into my spells,» he explained. «We are now much more powerful than before.»

With the ritual complete, the group felt a newfound unity and renewed strength. The runes etched onto their bodies symbolized not only their individual power but also their unwavering bond as a team.

«We are ready,» Jun declared, his gaze determined. «The Knights of the Apocalypse will not know what hit them.»

As night fell and stars illuminated the sky, our heroes knew they had reached a new milestone in their battle against the Güldenstern Order. With the runes of destiny marking their skin and spirit, they were ready to face the darkness threatening their world.