The Runesmith

“Is she alright?”

Roland asked his sister as Robert was escorted out of the courtroom. Their mother had just passed out after hearing that her only son was trying to get himself killed. Lucienne shook her head as she wasn’t in a better state and quickly asked her older brother about what was going on.

“Was that really the best choice? Can Robert win?”

“It depends on a few things and how fast we can create the first prototype…”

“A prototype?”

Lucienne was confused and had no idea what Roland was talking about. She knew about trials carried out through combat and how they usually ended. Even people who were Tier 3 wouldn’t dare to challenge someone to a trial by combat unless they were close to Tier 4. Certain rules governing these trials were in place, but they always favored the court, not the defendant.

The person undergoing the trial would always face someone many levels above them, and in Robert’s case, it would be a Tier 3 class holder. This Tier 3 individual would need to be on the lower end, fresh from their Tier 3 ascension ritual. However, even if they weren’t fully immersed in their Tier 3 class, there had never been a case in the history of the kingdom where such a person lost.

“Don’t worry, I’ve already called for some help, once they are here we will start.”

Roland had a plan to make Robert the first to achieve victory. While defendants weren’t favored in these trials, they did have more freedom to use magical equipment. The creators of this law likely didn't foresee advancements like runic batteries or runic limbs that could synchronize with a person’s every move. At most, they expected defendants to use enchanted armor and swords, which couldn’t hold more than a few charges or reach higher tiers.

Lucienne’s worry only deepened as she heard Roland mention a prototype. From her perspective, it was clear that this magical technology that was going to get used was still new. She was aware of the power Roland had but she was not sure how it would help her other brother Robert win the trial. This sounded a bit too ambitious and foolhardy even for him.

“Professor, what exactly are you planning?” 

She asked, her voice trembling slightly. Roland turned to her, his expression under his armor softening. He could see the fear in her eyes, the same fear that had gripped their mother just moments ago. He sighed and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

“Lucienne, trust me. This is the only way we can protect Robert and, by extension, your family. If we don’t do something drastic, Count Graham will see to it that Robert is imprisoned forever or worse, executed. I have a plan, it’s not without risks but please trust me, Robert will be safe, I won’t let them kill him.”

His resolve was like iron, and for a moment, it calmed the storm of anxiety churning within her. She swallowed hard and nodded, knowing that there was no turning back now. It hasn’t been long since they found themselves but Roland had always been the one to take charge in dire situations. It was the same at the institute and despite her misgivings, she had to trust him.

“Alright, b… Professor Wayland, I trust you. Just… please, be careful.”

“I will. Now let's take care of your Mother. I’ll probably have to explain things in detail to her… but I’ll need to remain here to talk with the Judge, so I’ll meet you two later.”

Talking to his stepmother that hated him wouldn’t be easy but luckily, she didn’t know who he really was. As long as he convinced her that his magic was powerful enough to help Robert win, then perhaps she wouldn’t talk his ear off. Robert was escorted out of the temporary trial chamber and transported to a new more spacious location. Lucienne hurried to their mother's side and helped her be moved to a nearby guest room. 

“Was there something more that you wished to discuss, Deputy Professor Wayland?”

“Yes, I wish to take on the role of Sir Robert’s Squire, he is still a noble’s son and needs someone to assist him with preparations. This role will allow me to be by his side during the training and ensure he’s equipped with everything necessary for the trial."

Count Laurence regarded Roland with a thoughtful expression, his eyes narrowing slightly as he weighed the request. A squire was in a position to visit the knight and help them prepare. For this to work better, Roland needed Robert to test some of the equipment pieces he was about to make. This law allowed for this to happen and transporting items with the help of spatial runes wouldn’t be a problem either. 

"Very well, but know that as his squire, you’ll be under close observation. Any attempt to cheat or manipulate the trial will result in immediate consequences for both you and Robert Arden."

“I understand, your Lordship but worry not, my help will be mostly indirect and through magical tools only.”

Roland understood what Laurance was implying as positioning himself close to Robert could involve using magic. If it were discovered that he was directly aiding Robert in winning by using his magical abilities, both he and Robert would face execution. However, as long as he provided help through the tools he had created, it would be permissible.

"Very well, you may serve as his squire. But remember, Deputy Professor, the eyes of the court are upon you and I will be seeing you in ten days.”

Count Laurence nodded in acknowledgement and thus the trial was now postponed. Roland watched the count leave but Graham had stayed behind. Next to him was the Grand Commander that had been staring daggers into his skull since the start of the first hearing. Roland met the Grand Commander's gaze with a calm demeanor, masking the calculated thoughts racing through his mind.

“I don’t know what you are planning but I assure you, it won’t work.”

Graham commented before turning on his heel to walk out. The tension between them was palpable, a battle of wills, but Roland refused to flinch. He just waited for both of them to leave, only giving the count a nod after his claim. Now it was time to truly begin his plan and the reinforcements that he had called for were almost here.

‘I suppose I’ll take care of Francine later, better make sure that idiot doesn’t do anything stupid while he is here…’

Roland looked away from his map where a few dots were approaching the city gate. The people he had called for were starting to arrive and he needed their help to make it through the ten days of crafting. If it was the old him, then he would probably attempt to do it on his own but he had made some friends along the way, ones that could help him in this endeavor. 

‘Lucienne, keep an eye on your Mother for me. I'll explain the whole plan to her later but for now, I have some guests that I need to attend…’

It was a one-way message sent to the device that he previously handed to his sister. He knew that his stepmother would be furious and searching for him but time was of the essence. Roland moved through the heavily guarded estate to go outside and then quickly made his way towards the city entrance gate. There when he arrived, he heard a loud boisterous voice of someone from Albrook.

“Are they going to let a tier 3 class holder wait in line with all the rest?”

“Just shut it already, you’ve been acting like an idiot ever since you advanced.” 

“Why wouldn’t I?” 

“Hey… Calm down you two, the boss said to keep a low profile!”

It didn’t take long for him to spot them; Armand’s loud voice and large physique made him hard to miss. People tended to give Armand a wide berth, not wanting to get entangled with someone as eccentric as him. Lobelia was accompanying him, and right behind them, on horseback, was Bernir. Roland had asked the two to escort him to the city and go through the teleportation gate, as he needed their help for his next project. Thanks to Sebastian’s efforts in arranging for people to come to him when needed, this had become a practical option.

Roland approached the trio as they bickered amongst themselves. Armand, in his typical flamboyant manner, was gesticulating wildly while Lobelia, ever the voice of reason, tried to calm him down and keep him from flexing his exposed muscles. Bernir, sitting high on his horse, observed the interaction with an amused smirk. It was his first time outside the city ever since he arrived in Albrook and he was clearly enjoying the road trip. 

‘Better to just wait here, not like I have any power within this city.’

He decided to let the entrance guards do their job instead of forcing his way in. Count Graham was probably expecting some foul play and he would certainly not want anyone helping Robert’s cause enter the city. 

"Why do they always make us wait in line like we're commoners? Do they not know who I am?"

Armand was complaining, his chest puffed out in irritation.

"As if you are anyone important, Just keep it down."

Lobelia replied while fastening the hood around her face in embarrassment as people were starting to look their way. Bernir on the other hand just chuckled while glancing towards a peculiar figure in the distance.

"There he is!" 

He said, the amusement in his voice evident. Roland stepped forward, raising a hand in greeting. 

"Good to see you all, I see you managed to get Bernir here in one piece and in time, that’s unexpected.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? 

“Nothing.”

Roland turned his head away from Armand who was shaking in anger. Lobelia on the other hand shrugged while moving into the city. After going in and finding a place with fewer eyes, they finally had time to exchange some pleasantries.

"We need to set up a temporary workshop and start crafting immediately. Robert’s trial by combat is in ten days, and we need to create gear that will give him a fighting chance. I’ve already reserved one location a day ago, we will go there now but you two… can now leave."

“Huh? Do you want us to leave now?”

“Well, this was a one-way escort mission but if you want to stay, there is an adventurer guild in this city.”

Armand protested but his and Lobelia’s job had been completed. He just needed Bernir to get here in one piece and once he was here, Roland could move forward with part of his plan. There were more people on the way but before they arrived they could assemble a proper area for building runic gear. 

“Lobelia, and Armand, thank you for coming if you want to stay I won’t stop you but be careful, the lord of this city doesn’t favor me and probably anyone involved with me.”

“Hah, that’s even more of a reason for me to stay, if they try something, I’ll just blow them away!”

“Finally you say something good, I guess that brain isn’t filled only with booze.” 

“... I knew you would see my greatness… Wait, what is that supposed to mean? Are you trying to start a fight?”

“... If you are going to stay, at least try not to make a scene.”

Having two Tier 3 class holders on his side was always advantageous. Bernir wasn’t too strong so if he ever needed to go into the city, Armand could act as his guard. Lobelia, as an archer, could also help protect his sister and stepmother, who had arrived without any noteworthy bodyguards.

“Sweet… so, do you know a place where I can get something to drink… and a taste of the more sensual~?”

“I don’t and I hope you don’t expect me to pay for any of that?”

“What’s the point of having a rich and famous brother-in-law if you can’t get him to pay for your booze and women?”

“Are you sure you didn’t get hit on your head by an orc or something?”

Lobelia was as always disappointed by Armand’s antics of wanting to visit the red-light district almost instantly. It was as if his sole reason for living was to grade whore-houses in each city.

‘Maybe I should have asked Myrtle and her party to do this instead…’ 

Roland sighed as he led Armand, Lobelia, and Bernir toward the designated workshop location. The banter between Armand and Lobelia was a familiar but unwelcome distraction. Yet, despite their differences in priorities, Roland knew he could count on them when the situation turned dire.

The temporary workshop he had secured was a modest building in the Artisan’s District. It had been chosen for its proximity to the main roads and ease of access to the equipment and materials they would be using. The location was unremarkable but functional and there wasn’t much choice that he was left with at such short notice. The workshop had already been paid for in full, and even the count would be unable to evict him through legal means. Any attempt to do so could be interpreted as an effort to interfere with the trial, something he could not afford.

“Looks sturdy enough.”

Bernir entered through the front, and the inside was spacious but empty of tools; it resembled more of a warehouse than a workshop. However, the large backpack and briefcase Roland had brought with him would soon fill the space with all the magical tools they needed. Once everything was unpacked and arranged, they would be nearly ready to begin their work.

“We have some unwelcome guests, probably people hired by the count.”

“I feel them, don’t worry, leave this to me~”

Lobelia replied while silently disappearing to the side. Roland glanced at a few dots around them quickly running away after probably being confronted by a few well-placed warning arrows. Armand didn’t get a chance to help and after the eavesdroppers were done with, Bernir and Roland began setting up the workshop. 

First, Roland unfolded the briefcase he had brought for this expedition. He had anticipated it might prove useful, but he hadn't expected to need it so soon. As he set it down, the briefcase began to expand, transforming into a flat surface on the floor and extending to its full ten-meter length. From within, various tools, a workbench, a smelter, and even a furnace began to emerge, filling the space with everything they needed to start their work.

“We have all the tools, now, did you bring everything I’ve asked for?”

Bernir took down his backpack and began unpacking its contents with a careful but efficient pace. The backpack, much like Roland's briefcase, was equipped with a spatial expansion enchantment, allowing it to carry far more than its exterior suggested. As Bernir laid out the items, the floor of the workshop quickly became populated with an array of materials: rare ores, crystals, and even a few runic scrolls Roland had requested. Each of these components was essential for the ambitious project they were about to undertake.

"Think you’ll have to give me a hand with this one boss, it’s a bit heavy.”

“Sure.”

Roland nodded and approached the large spatial storage bag. Reaching into it, he pulled out a sizable mechanical limb with a clamp at the end. It was the large exoskeleton he had once built for Bernir, which had been destroyed during the battle with the cult. Later, they had reassembled it and disassembled it into smaller parts for this journey. Alongside it were various other golemic limbs that had been used in the assembly of Bernir’s prosthesis.

But that wasn't all. Among the items was a smaller framework resembling the exoskeleton - an unfinished project Roland had set aside some time ago. Now, with all these incomplete components at his disposal, he aimed to create something entirely new: a never-before-seen armor. This wouldn’t just be a robotic exoskeleton requiring manual controls; instead, it would mimic the movements of the wearer, much like the runic prosthetic limb. Roland intended to create the first fully functional Runic Power Suit. One that didn’t require the user to be able to wield mana or even have any battle classes.

“Now… Let’s start stripping a few of these down for parts, I’ve already prepared a schematic, tell me what you think.”

“Aye Boss!”

Roland unfolded a large scroll, revealing the intricate blueprints he had meticulously crafted over the past few days. The schematics detailed the design of a Runic Power Suit and now they just needed to turn this ink into reality.