Chapter 246: The Rune Master

Chapter 246: The Rune Master



Charles Watertown had intended for the psychic ability users in the team to undergo mental interrogation first, but Lu Heng vetoed it, insisting on starting with himself.

This left Charles Watertown very dissatisfied.

"You're just wasting time. We underwent mental interrogation a few days ago, and there were no issues," he said, pointing at Zhao Liwen and questioning, "Ask her if she performed a mental interrogation on us."

Zhao Liwen didn't have a favorable impression of Charles Watertown and his team, but as the one responsible for the mental interrogations, she maintained her objectivity and nodded in response.

"Yes, Lu Heng, I have already conducted mental interrogations on them, and they can be ruled out as suspects. I assure you that I have strived for impartiality."

Lu Heng raised his hand and spoke firmly, "I'm asking you to perform another mental interrogation on them."

"Alright," Zhao Liwen agreed with a nod.

The female psychic ability user from the White Eagle Team immediately slammed her hand on the table, took a few steps towards Zhao Liwen, and shouted, "Go ahead! Interrogate me!"

Zhao Liwen took a step back, startled by her aggression.

Su Muyu raised his hand to block Zhao Liwen, smiling at Ellen Bella, "Scaring her won't work. You can start with her too. I'll give her a mental awakening, and then we'll know for sure if she's human or a traitor."

Ellen Bella's expression froze upon hearing these words.

The atmosphere in the room became tense.

Charles Watertown's face darkened further, questioning, "First of all, I don't object to undergoing a mental interrogation, but there's one condition. How can you be sure this woman isn't a traitor? If she is, can she just point at anyone and have them killed? That's too easy for a traitor."

This was indeed a valid concern, as there was no evidence to prove that Zhao Liwen wasn't a traitor.

Although Lu Heng believed she wasn't, it couldn't be considered solid evidence.

As long as Zhao Liwen couldn't completely dispel suspicions, the targets of her mental verification couldn't be confirmed with certainty either.

This created an unsolvable deadlock.

Lu Heng had already guessed who was most likely to be the traitor, but he couldn't find direct evidence.

Being ruthless, he could even consider killing them, but that would change the nature of the situation.

Xie Shi En, who had been sitting in a corner observing everyone's performance, noticed the stalemate and raised his hand, "Unfortunately, I also possess mental verification skills. I can perform a cross-verification with this woman, Zhao Liwen."

As he spoke, he stood up and looked at the blonde woman with a smile, "Ellen Bella, right? You can start with you too. My rank is a Psychic Enchanter, and you can try to overpower me with your psychic abilities."

Upon hearing this, Ellen Bella's face turned extremely ugly. As a psychic ability user, she was well aware that being overwhelmed by a Psychic Enchanter was easy, but trying to overpower one was suicidal.

Lu Heng didn't expect Xie Shi En's words to twist the blonde woman's expression so quickly.

The blonde woman, Ellen Bella, retreated back to Charles Watertown's side.

The four members of the White Eagle Team began making subtle movements, slowly gathering closer together, with two of them even glancing towards the door.

Lu Heng waved his hand, signaling the Black Iron Dwarf guards to close the doors of the council hall.

Charles Watertown narrowed his eyes angrily and shouted, "You're deliberately targeting us, the White Eagle Federation! You're trying to frame us!"

Lu Heng leaned against a chair and sighed, "Enough of the excuses. Your expressions have already given you away.

"However, you did guess one thing right.

"This whole situation was mainly prepared for you because I was most suspicious of you from the start."

At the beginning, others might not have suspected Charles Watertown as much.

But now, the four members of the White Eagle Federation were standing back-to-back, ready to take action.

This caused the nearby ability users to back away and closely observe them.

Even Park Hyun Jin moved away.

Park Hyun Jin's country was accustomed to being a sidekick, but he didn't want to die.

Charles Watertown's face turned grim as he asked, "What's your reason for suspecting me?"

Lu Heng patted the chair and replied, "Actually, you were too greedy. When you saw the Bloodline Demons defeated, you should have fled.

"The Molten Plains are vast, and if you had escaped during the battle, I wouldn't have been able to find you.

"Unfortunately, you thought you were well-hidden and confident that you wouldn't be exposed, and you also wanted the materials from the Infernal Wyvern.

"The moment you gave in to your greed, you sealed your fate."

Lu Heng paused before continuing,

"As for why I suspected you, it was indeed because your combat enthusiasm was too low at the beginning.

"This also reflected your foolishness.

"As a traitor, you should have killed the demons more brutally than anyone else, so as not to arouse suspicion.

"Regarding when I confirmed my suspicions about you, it was when you asked your team's psychic ability user to undergo the mental interrogation first.

"A few days ago, your team's psychic ability user was also the first to undergo the mental interrogation, and this time, it's her again.

"This is too deliberate and makes me think of one possibility.

"During Zhao Liwen's first mental interrogation of your team, she was probably controlled by your psychic abilities, leading to her incorrect conclusion.

"You obtained Zhao Liwen's certificate of innocence, which gave you the confidence to participate in this meeting.

"Unfortunately, I never completely ruled out Zhao Liwen as a suspect, so I won't fully trust her conclusions either.

"Now that you've shown yourselves, things have become much simpler."

Charles Watertown and the three other White Eagle Ability Team members, their eyes flashing with murderous intent, suddenly launched an attack on the Ability Users present, desperate for a final stand.

But there were only four of them, and Park Hyun Jin's team had long retreated to the corner, fearing they'd be implicated.

There were only these four from the White Eagle Federation, a dozen or so Ability Users, and the formidable Lu Heng and Xie Shi En.

They were subdued in an instant.

Charles Watertown was impaled by Lu Heng's sword, pinned to the wall.

The other three White Eagle Ability Team members were crushed against the wall by Xie Shi En's psychic powers, unable to break free no matter how they struggled and cursed.

Xie Shi En smiled and said, "You were too hasty. If you had held on a little longer, you might have made it through. Let me tell you something: I don't actually have the Mental Interrogation skill. I was just messing with you earlier."

Upon hearing this, the three White Eagle Ability Team members were so enraged they spat blood, and then their ribs were crushed by the psychic powers.

Seeing the four White Eagle members killed, Park Hyun Jin's three-man team turned pale with fear, worried that they would be next.

Moreover, they dared not even think of resisting.

Whether it was strength or numbers, if they dared to make a move, they would be instantly defeated.

After the four White Eagle Ability Team members were eliminated, everyone in the Council Hall turned to look at Park Hyun Jin's trio.

The three of them immediately knelt down, pleading for mercy, "We have no connection with those four. We only temporarily allied with them after entering, it was just a temporary alliance. We are not traitors, really not..."

As Park Hyun Jin begged, he glanced at the task panel and then shouted as if he had found a lifeline, "It's done! Look at the challenge task, the first challenge task is completed. The traitor has been eliminated, so we are not traitors!"

Lu Heng did indeed see the change in the task panel. After killing the four White Eagle members, the first challenge task was marked as complete.

This meant that the traitor had been dealt with.

So, naturally, Park Hyun Jin's trio was no longer considered traitors.

"What a pity, why didn't you take up the traitor task?"

Lu Heng, looking somewhat disappointed, opened the door of the Council Hall and stepped out, stretching his arms and yawning.

At that moment, the Dark Werewolf Derek Wolfe suddenly sprang up, dashed out the door, and ran towards the gate of Blackstone City, shouting, "There! The target has appeared!"

He had caught the scent of Number 27 again and sprinted towards the city gate, disappearing at the end of the mountain path in the blink of an eye.

Lu Heng watched this fool run, with no intention of chasing after him.

With Number 27's ability to move without a trace, it would be a miracle if this fool could catch up.

Number 27's few appearances seemed more like a mockery of him.

Lu Heng wasn't as obsessed with hunting down Number 27; if he encountered him, he wanted to understand the reason for his desertion.

Whether or not to take action would depend on if his explanation satisfied Lu Heng.

...

With all the tasks completed, the remaining two days were free time.

D

Since Blackstone City had been occupied by Bloodline Demons for three years, many areas were no longer suitable for the Black Iron Dwarves' lifestyle, so renovations were necessary.

Additionally, the lava from the Lava River had flooded the mine tunnels, significantly altering the environment below Blackstone City. Some areas needed to be re-excavated after the lava cooled down.

These tasks were naturally handled by the Black Iron Dwarves, who were experts in mining.

Since Blackstone City was temporarily uninhabitable, Lu Heng and his team returned to Forge Fortress to wait for the final return date.

In fact, after completing all tasks, they could have returned early.

Including Zhao Liwen, some Ability Users only stayed for half a day before choosing to return.

Lu Heng had unfinished business and decided not to return early, instead using these two days to see if he could process the Infernal Wyvern's eyes.

"

W

"Of course, our Black Iron Clan's strongest skill is smithing, followed by tempering. While jewelry crafting isn't our most powerful skill, it also has a long and esteemed tradition.

"Follow me, and I'll take you to meet our clan's jewelry crafter to see if he can help."

Lu Heng, Su Muyu, and Lin Ze Yu, the three of them, went to a gem workshop in Forge Fortress.

There was an extremely elderly jeweler inside, his beard braided in a unique style.

In the Black Iron Clan, the style of beard braiding held significance.

Usually, the more braids in the beard, the higher the status and position.

Lu Heng took out the two Infernal Wyvern eyes and handed them over, asking, "Master, can these be processed?"

The master jeweler took the two eyes and clicked his tongue in admiration, "Dragon eyes, I've only seen this type of gemstone once in my lifetime, on the previous leader's war hammer.

"As for the polishing method, I do know it. Polishing dragon eye gemstones isn't difficult, follow me."

The three followed the master jeweler into the gem workshop and watched as he began polishing the dragon eyes.

After half a day, the two dragon eye gemstones were barely polished.

Lu Heng took the gemstones and handed one each to Su Muyu and Lin Ze Yu.

[Dragon Eye Gemstone]



[Item Grade: A-Class]



[Attribute: +8 Spirit]



[Description: Gemstones crafted from dragon eyes. When inlaid in objects, they provide a boost to the Spirit attribute.]

Lu Heng read the information and asked, "How much did it increase by?"

"Nine points," Su Muyu replied.

"Let me see, let me see," Lin Ze Yu curiously took the item to check its attributes.

Hearing that it was nine points, Lu Heng praised, "That's pretty good. It's a top-grade gem."

An A-grade Dragon Eye Gemstone typically increases Spirit attributes by eight points.

The actual increase can fluctuate around eight points, possibly seven or even nine points.

If it reaches nine points, it's considered a top-grade gem.

Lu Heng held the two Dragon Eye Gemstones in his hand and asked, "Master Jeweler, can you make them into accessories for us?"

"Of course I can. I haven't come across such excellent materials in a long time," the jeweler hurriedly agreed.

For a jeweler, encountering such fine materials was exciting, and they were naturally willing to craft accessories.

Su Muyu removed the Energy Crystal Bracelet from her hand and passed it over, saying, "You can use this one for the modification."

Lu Heng glanced at her and teased, "I didn't say I was making it for you."

Su Muyu pouted, pretending to be upset, "You have two, and you won't give me one!"

"Okay, okay, just kidding," Lu Heng laughed it off and handed over the Dragon Eye Gemstone with a +9 Spirit attribute, saying, "Add this Dragon Eye Gemstone to the bracelet."

The master jeweler took the bracelet and the Dragon Eye Gemstone, explaining, "The effect of similar gems can only be activated by one gem. The effect of the Energy Crystal will be covered by the Dragon Eye Gemstone and won't take effect."

Su Muyu's Energy Crystal Bracelet was a reward she obtained from a Gru task the first time she entered the Abyss Battlefield.

The main effect of this Energy Crystal Bracelet was a +1 Spirit attribute, and the Energy Crystal on it was what activated this effect.

Su Muyu quickly added, "Master, my bracelet also increases my Origin Energy capacity by 20 points."

The master jeweler nodded and replied, "I know. This effect is from the rune on the bracelet. I can make this rune, and since the Dragon Eye Gemstone is of high quality, the rune effect will be better too."

Su Muyu nodded and said, "That's good then."

The master jeweler considered for a moment and then asked, "Do you want a rune that increases Origin Energy capacity or some other rune?"

"Are there other rune effects?" Su Muyu hadn't come across jewelry runes before, so she was unaware of this.

The master jeweler began introducing the types of runes:

"Yes, there are many types of rune effects. The first is to increase Origin Energy capacity, the second is to reduce Origin Energy consumption, and there's also one to enhance mental resistance.

"Additionally, different attribute gems can increase the power of different elements.

"For example, this Dragon Eye Gemstone is produced by the Infernal Wyvern and belongs to the fire attribute. You can carve a fire element rune to increase the power of flame skills."

After the master jeweler finished introducing the runes, Lu Heng interjected, "Use the rune that reduces Origin Energy consumption."

Su Muyu, who had been thinking, heard Lu Heng's decision and nodded in agreement, "Then let's use the rune that reduces Origin Energy consumption."

Lu Heng was surprised and asked, "Why didn't you ask the reason?"

Su Muyu waved her hand and replied nonchalantly, "I've already thought of the reason. When the level is low, the Origin Energy capacity is low, so a rune that increases Origin Energy capacity is best as it allows you to use more skills.

"Now that the level is higher, the Origin Energy capacity has also increased.

"My Origin Energy capacity is already at 820 points, and the bracelet only increases it by 20 points, which is a small improvement.

"Changing it to a rune that reduces Origin Energy consumption will have a better effect."

As Su Muyu said, runes that increase Origin Energy capacity are more suitable for the early stages, while runes that reduce Origin Energy consumption are stronger in the mid to late stages.

Su Muyu was a support-type metahuman, so her requirements for offensive capabilities weren't as high.

Therefore, a rune that enhances flame power wasn't a necessity for her.

Of course, if there was one, it would definitely be better.

After all, the power of the Solar Wind was evident, and being able to enhance it would be an added bonus.

Lu Heng considered for a moment and added, "Master, do you think you can carve two runes? The Dragon Eye Gemstone is an A-grade gem, and the level is sufficient for carving two runes."

The Dragon Eye Gemstone's level was indeed capable of carving two runes, but it depended on whether the rune master had the ability.

The master jeweler nodded and said, "I can try, but I can't guarantee success. The craftsmanship for dual runes is not easy."

Lu Heng continued, "It's fine. I believe in the master's abilities."

He had no choice but to trust the master jeweler.

In the Abyssal World, there were very few craftsmen who had mastered the art of runes, so encountering one in the Black Iron Clan was already quite fortunate.

The master jeweler began working, first opening the Rune Guide and combining it with the Dragon Eye Gemstone's shape to sketch a rune design on paper.

After finishing the sketch, the master carefully checked it and, satisfied, began carving the rune on the Dragon Eye Gemstone.

Su Muyu assisted nearby, observing the master's rune-carving process.

The master first polished the gemstone, then used the rune pen to outline the basic layout of the rune, and finally proceeded to carve it.

Next, he applied the empowerment material, filled the carved rune grooves, and finally polished and buffed the gemstone.

After completing the entire process, he mounted the Dragon Eye Gemstone onto the bracelet.

They worked until late into the night before finally finishing.

Once the master jeweler was done, he handed the Dragon Eye Gemstone bracelet to Su Muyu, stretched his tired body, and waved goodbye before leaving to rest.

Su Muyu held the bracelet and turned back, exclaiming with delight, "I've gained a secondary profession!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end