Chapter 157: Runera (2/2)

When he met Emma in the capital, preparing to head to the association, she told him how these partners would be chosen. They had to be of the Vetus rank and belong to one of the international guilds and families.

This was vied for by every major power. After all, it was important to make connections with the young talents of the runic path for these powers. The association didn't mind as this increased the prestige of runes masters.

The partners would wear an artifact that would limit their mana to the rei-rank, guaranteeing a fair competition that would rely on the skill of the runes apprentice and their chosen runes.

As they arrived at the association, they were guided to the teleportation hall again. However, this time their destination was different. The last round of the competition would be held in the most magical city in the world, Runera.

Emma and Arthur were accompanied by someone else, Grandmaster Venkov. When Arthur asked him for the reason, the grandmaster laughed heartily and smacked Arthur on the back.

”This year��s tournament is different.” The grandmaster caressed his beard as he said. ”Not only you, but there are also many geniuses this time around. There's the young man from Sourna, Princess Nera, and another from Halin.”

The grandmaster showed greed in his eyes as he laughed sinisterly. Arthur's mouth twitched and was about to say something when the president of the Yalen association branch came in.

The events that followed were boring, pleasantries exchanged, and promises made as they waited for the royal family. Like always, they were the last to arrive. There was Prince Kal, Nera, Ilia Perli, and grandmaster Alexander.

Everyone greeted them and bowed as they passed. When Prince Kal looked at Arthur after greeting Grandmaster Venkov, his eyes held bottomless coldness.

”Our youngest hero, always a pleasure to see you.” He said in a mocking tone.

”The pleasure is mine, your highness.” Arthur bowed with his hand on his heart, unwilling to entertain any problematic characters. The prince nodded and turned to leave.

Then, they teleported to Runera.

As the city appeared in front of them, Arthur stood there with Emma in awe. Even though he has seen photos of the city before, it was nothing like seeing it for real.

There were no skyscrapers like the ones you'd find in normal cities. The city consisted of low-building of various colors and lights making a giant circular maze with a single giant tree in the middle.

Mother of Mana. That was the tree's name and its branches reached over the city's district, blessing them with vibrant life. There were floating buildings that rotated regularly around the tree as if in harmony.

”Why are they floating?” Arthur asked Grandmaster Venkov as the three of them stood atop the giant platform that stood outside the city. It was the station of arrival for anyone wishing to enter the city. The platform was on a hill, allowing them to oversee the city.

”The tree's mana has a certain flow and pattern, making some places richer than the others. That's why some ambitious people built flying buildings according to the pattern.”

Arthur watched with awe as the buildings danced with one another, each looking like an ancient castle.

The group was led by the president of the Yalen branch to the walls of the city. They boarded a vehicle that looked like a giant turtle. The turtle started rising in the air before speeding across the marshlands toward the city's gates.

”Why does this look like a turtle?” Arthur felt like a curious kid as he kept throwing questions. They were sitting in their comfy chairs as the turtle raced across the skies. However, they didn't feel any movement on the inside.

”Well,” Grandmaster Venkov coughed in awkwardness. ”It's… the rune master's unique taste.”

”What?”

”They call him turtles' man.” Emma laughed. ”He's obsessed with turtles and most of his artifacts and creations have such design. It's not weird to see runes masters' eccentric behaviors in their creations.”

Arthur blinked, unsure what to do with such information. However, there was one thing for sure.

'These people have dedicated their lives to their creations.'

Arthur saw the towering arcs of the gate pass over them as he entered the city of creators, Runera. The city basked in the sunlight as the runes shone in every corner. His heart thumped with excitement as it yearned for knowledge hidden in this city.