65 First, There Must Be Ligh (1/2)
”The so-called runes are the aether’s transcriptions of the world’s sounds.” As Abraham wrote on the blackboard, he stated, ”In all legends and myths, the beginning of man’s history begins the same way—the birth of language.
”The Asgard people believed that their ancestor Odin hung himself from Yggdrasil, the tree of truth, and sacrificed his own soul. That was how the world received its first language—the Runes language.
”In Sumerian myths, the wise man Prometheus helped mankind steal the secret of the gods—‘language.’ Humans became stronger because of this, but Prometheus was thrown into Hell, forever drowning in the misery of the gods’ fury.
”It’s easy to see that language is the basis of all civilization and the source of all power. Voices and language allow humans to communicate with each other, and for musicians to control the aether.
”The Church’s Bible says that mankind fell from the Garden of Eden because of their sin. They lost their first language and lost all power. But according to the Bible, the first humans spoke with the world’s voice. That language sounded like singing and held unimaginable power…”
Abraham turned toward Ye Qingxuan. ”What does this make you think of?”
Ye Qingxuan froze, and suddenly understood. ”Musicians?”
”Correct.” Abraham nodded, his eyes flashing with light. ”If my research proves correct, everyone had the power of musicians before mankind fell from the sky and entered the Dark Ages.”
”Devas,” Bai Xi murmured.
On the topic of his own research, Abraham started getting excited in front of the blackboard. He was practically dancing, and his usual stiff and quiet demeanor had vanished.
”I’ve always been researching the history of musicians, and the aether, and reading historical literature. If I’m successful, maybe I can clear up the mystery of the Dark Ages and return the original nature of musicians.” Abraham continued, ”Where do humans come from? Is there still an Eden in the heavens? How did we fall to Earth? And…why are there natural catastrophes?”
Ye Qingxuan was already in awe. Beside him, Charles patted his shoulder. ”The Professor always gets excited when he starts talking about his research. Just smile. Here, have a banana!”
”According to my research, the first written words were runes.” At the blackboard, Abraham had finally reached the main point. ”The purpose of all research is to find the original ‘voice of the world’ and return to the Originator by deciphering runes.”
By that point, Bai Xi had already put her head down and fallen asleep.
Abraham finally snapped back to reality and coughed awkwardly. ”Let’s start with the basic runes for today’s first class.”
Ye Qingxuan quickly sat up straighter.
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”The first lesson is on the simplest rune—‘light’.” Abraham picked up a piece of chalk and wrote a complex but clear ideograph on the blackboard. Beside it, he wrote nine syllables. ”It is the most basic, but also the most widely used rune element. It can be grouped with others for various effects.
”It is not only the basic rune for the School of Choir, but it is also important for the other schools. To my knowledge, there are over thirty uses. Let us start from the most commonly seen effect, ”Light Dance’.”
Abraham led the students to read the basic syllables out loud, but Ye Qingxuan had a strange feeling.
After fifteen minutes, his feeling proved true. It was the same when he read his notebook aloud. The syllables were right, and there was nothing wrong with the runes. He understood all of the theories, but for some reason, he just could not do it!
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In the quiet classroom, a ball of light grew on Bai Xi’s fingertip. The light was the size of a glass marble. It spun on her finger, flashing. According to the theory, this effect could only create a light source with the same intensity as a candle. There was no reason for it to be so blinding, but from her calm expression, she seemed to have mastered it.
”Professor, is it like this?” She played with the ball of light, poking it and watching as it flickered. Glancing at the stricken Ye Qingxuan beside her, her eyes became mischievous.
”Cousin, you look jealous. But don’t get sad. It’s not that you’re a slow learner, but because I’m a genius…”
Expressionless, Ye Qingxuan raised a finger and flicked her forehead.
”Oh, junior, you’re pretty fast at learning.” Charles took the ball from her fingertip and studied it with curiosity. ”This brightness is totally blinding. It’s still not as good as what I made, but I guess it passes!”
Ye Qingxuan became even more motionless when he heard this. Charles could transfer a power someone else had made with runes? He started doubting whether he was dreaming or really awake.
”Ah, this is Coherence. High-end musicians use this technique when fighting together in a battle.” Charles’s face was full of pride. ”Are you jealous? There’s nothing you can do, even if you are!”
”Charles.” Abraham pointed at the corner of the room without expression. Charles quickly stopped laughing, gave the ball back to the gaping Bai Xi, and went back to the corner with a book on his head.