Chapter 583: Primordial Runes' Secret
Void:
Edward, who focused on creating the Speed Force and upgrading Morgana's processors, suddenly stopped as he received a message from the Akashic Records.
"Did something happen?" asked the little elf, so Edward explained as he opened the mail.
"Not just one but two messages?" thought Edward.
[Dear Sir Edward Bones.]
[Thank you for succeeding in the hidden mission: Creating a True Magic.]
[Reward: 3 Invitations of your choosing to become members of our records.]
"Hidden mission? So, there is a connection between these two," muttered Edward.
"The real question is how many people have passed this mission? How many True Magic do they have access to," said Morgana.
"Send the news to Bella," he ordered before checking the second message. First, he learned his Arcane Emperor Title had been upgraded, which increased his Charm Ability and the suppression he could release. Second, he received two new titles, one of which caught his attention.
[True Magician: You have developed magic to the point of reaching its fundamental essence.]
[Reward: Increase affinity with Laws/Rules/Authority.]
[Do you want to accept?]
"Interesting; they actually ask instead of directly giving me the talent," muttered Edward before accepting and closing his eyes. As expected, a character suddenly appeared in his Soul Flame, and he sensed his mind becoming clearer. He felt that it was easier to control his Rules, and even understanding them became simpler.
"Not a bad talent," he nodded before focusing on the second title.
[Legend: Your name and accomplishments as the Arcane Emperor have been spread to many worlds.]
[Reward: 5% increase in the speed at which your myth and legends are spread.]
Edward felt this title was very important but did not know precisely why.
"This might be related to how to reach tiers beyond 11," commented Morgana, and he agreed. Edward then accepted this new title before returning to his work.
Nasuverse, Earth:
Edward teleported to his next destination: the Land of Shadows. He knew the rough locations from Cu Chulainn's memories and his True Magic, so it did not take him long to reach the destination described as outside the world.
As soon as he arrived, Edward found countless ghosts rushing toward him, but his body released a golden light that isolated these creatures, preventing them from getting close. He then noticed a beautiful young woman with purple hair, red eyes, a perfect body, and tight clothes that displayed her curves.
"You have finally returned," said Scathach with bright eyes.
Edward sighed, "I'm guessing you've met me before?"
"You don't remember?"
"No."
Scathach paused, "Well, you did say in the next meeting you might be different. I don't care about this as long as you plan to keep your promise?"
"Which is?"
"Take me from this place; give me a life of purpose."
"That's not a problem since that was my objective in the first place," nodded Edward. "Did I say anything else?"
"You said when you return, I must teach you Primordial Runes."
Edward's lips twitched. It seems that this version of himself in this world has the same personality.
"Do you plan on keeping your word?"
"Why not?"
Scathach invited him to the only pavilion in this ghastly place. She served tea, which one would not expect to be present in such a place.
"Let's start by telling me what you know?"
"I learn a little from your apprentice but have some reservations. In my opinion, Primordial Runes should be way more powerful," said Edward before displaying what he knew and understood.
"You're correct," nodded Scathach. "What you've learned can only be classified as sub-runes?"
"Sub-runes? Are you saying they can be combined together to form the real Primordial Runes?"
"You catch on quick," smiled Scathach before demonstrating. She combined many sub-runes (HP Ancient Runes) into a Primordial Rune. Edward saw the final result, and his eyes marveled at the complexity of this simple.
'Although it doesn't look like the Primordial Runes back home, its essence feels the same,' thought Edward. "Is there a limit to how many Primordial Runes there are, or can each concept in the world be represented by one?"
"There 81 Primordial Runes."
Edward pondered; he had long theorized that Primordial Runes might manifest differently in different universes. "How many do you know?"
"80. Only Odin knows all of them," replied Scathach.
'It seems I might have to get the last one from Odin,' thought Edward. "Can you teach me all of them?"
"No problem, but you still haven't told me where you're taking me."
"The Arcane Empire."
"Wasn't it destroyed? Did you rebuild it?"
"The one destroyed was nothing but a branch," explained Edward. "The real one exists in another universe or dimension completely separated from this one."
"Some things are starting to make sense now," said Scathach. After getting to know each other, when he first meets Edward, the latter mentions that his empire is about to be destroyed. However, he seems too calm about the ordeal, more sad that the Gods will be responsible for their downfall.
"And what role will I play in the Empire?" asked Scathach.
"Anything you want," replied Edward. "You seem to love teaching, so you can be a university professor or a trainer in the army. You were once a queen, so you can rebuild your kingdom in another plane. You were once a conqueror and killer, so if you wish, you can also go on expeditions in other realms to fight and kill."
"Hey, don't just mention a girl's dark past like that," said Scathach, making Edward smile. "I'm saying you have plenty of options, even being a regular citizen. More importantly, there will be no one to judge and many like-minded individuals. People will not fear your talent or ability but praise you instead."
"That sounds like a wonderful place."
"It is, but like all things, it also has its downside," explained Edward.
"No place is perfect," nodded Scathach. Then, they had a long conversation, and Edward learned all her Primordial Runes. With the help of the Sixth True Magic, the process was much faster. He also learned why he did not find the knowledge in the Roots or from Cu Chulainn's mind. Primordial Runes cannot be recorded and must be passed on from one person to another through word of mouth. The fact he successfully took some of it from Cu Chulainn's mind was a feat in itself.
Once the tutoring session ended, it was Edward's turn. He contacted his main body and sent Scathach and the Land of Shadow to the Floating City outside in the Void. Edward expected some reactions from Akasha, but nothing happened.
Scathach had already learned about Arcane Runes, so it would be easier for her to adapt to the Empire after a few lessons. However, he also hid some things from her, like the existence of the void and Omniversal Travel. However, he reckoned she would figure it out after she reached the Empire and learned many things.
Once that ordeal ended, Edward returned to Earth to check on Tohsaka, Sakura, and Illya before traveling to the moon.