Re: Tales of the Rune-Tech Sage

Chapter 615: Duality of Rune-Tech Glyph II

CH615 Duality of Rune-Tech Glyph II

***

Alex had always been one to strike while the iron was hot.

The next two months of his seclusion were devoted entirely to investigating the dual nature of Rune-Tech’s glyph system.

On the surface, the glyphs were unmistakably runes.

Yet beneath that, they also exhibited properties that runes, by their inherently rigid and mechanical nature, should not possess.

It was as though two opposing principles coexisted seamlessly within a single form.

A true duality.

Alex couldn’t claim to fully understand how the Universe had orchestrated such a contradiction and made it functional.

However, by drawing parallels with other known dualities—such as the wave-particle duality of electrons and photons, as well as the principle of mass–energy equivalence—he began to form a working framework.

’Electrons, photons (light)... matter itself,’ Alex mused. ’They exhibit both wave and particle characteristics.’

’But not simultaneously.’

’Rather, the observed behaviour depends on the perspective of the observer.’

He continued,

’In essence, matter possesses both natures—but only expresses one at a time.’

His thoughts deepened.

’The same pattern appears in other universal dualities.’

’Mass is condensed energy, while energy is dispersed mass.’

’Yet, depending on the frame of observation, one is perceived as either mass or energy— never both simultaneously.’

A spark of insight flashed through his mind.

’Applying this principle to Rune-Tech’s dual glyph nature... It means I don’t need both aspects to function at once.’

’Instead, I only need to create conditions where the glyph expresses either its runic nature or its sigil nature as required.’

With a clear direction in mind, Alex began experimenting.

Each iteration yielded new data.

Gradually, he refined his approach—

Stripping away overly complex constructs in favour of something far more simple... almost intuitive.

’At their core, Rune Tattoos are essentially large-scale formations compressed into a singular structure—a Greater Rune—etched onto the body.’

’Formations themselves are composed of multiple rune circuits—individual functions—combined to produce a unified effect.’

He paused.

Then a new idea emerged.

’In that case... what if I divide the underlying circuits of the formation into two distinct layers?’

His eyes gleamed faintly.

’The components responsible for interfacing with the body—those that must adapt to its constantly changing conditions—should be constructed using the Sigil nature of the glyph.’

’While the components responsible for producing the intended effects... should be built upon the Runic nature.’

’In theory, this means the resulting Rune Tattoos will adapt more effectively to the body’s changing conditions... and regulate their effects more efficiently,’ Alex mused. ’Which, in turn, reduces the strain on the bearer.’

He paused, considering the trade-offs.

’That will likely come at the cost of peak output.’

’But that’s acceptable. After all, these tattoos are meant to serve the bearer— not harm them to provide power.’

A faint smile tugged at his lips.

’And while the reduction in peak output is somewhat disappointing, it also opens up possibilities.’

’With lower strain, I can implement functionalities that were previously too taxing for the body to sustain.’

This ’simplified’ approach significantly streamlined Alex’s workflow.

His first step was to apply the concept to his existing suite of elementary Rune Tattoos—

Strength, Agility, Speed, Defence, Vitality, Endurance, and Perception.

All of them underwent restructuring.

To his surprise, the process was far smoother than expected.

He didn’t need to redesign the entire system.

Instead, he selectively instructed specific circuit components to adopt Sigil-like behaviour.

That was the essence of it.

Of course, the actual implementation was more complex, but fundamentally, that was what he had done.

A quick simulation by OmniRune confirmed his hypothesis.

The updated Rune Tattoos showed a 5–15% reduction in peak output.

But in exchange, they imposed 20% less strain on the bearer’s body.

And demonstrated a 50% improvement in adaptability and responsiveness.

Alex’s eyes lit up.

’This... is better than I expected.’

He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

’If that’s the case, I no longer need to limit Rune Tattoos to passive or conditionally triggered activation.’

’I now have far greater flexibility in how and when they can activate.’

Another benefit soon emerged from OmniRune’s data analysis—

Rune slot capacity.

’According to this, I can afford to loosen some of the safety constraints I originally imposed. That would free up additional capacity for further enhancements.’

A glint of curiosity flickered in his eyes.

’Perhaps I could even use that freed capacity to compensate for the loss in peak output.’

He paused—

Then shook his head slightly.

’No... I need more data before attempting that.’

’No need to rush.’

Notwithstanding, this was good news all round for him.

It just so happened that he already had a couple of concepts in mind for his next two Rune Tattoos.

However, those ideas had previously been stalled—

Mainly due to the unusually high adaptability requirements demanded of the runes.

Now, with this new development, Alex believed he could finally bring those concepts to life.

A little over a third of his seclusion was spent refining and actualising these ideas.

Surprisingly, knowledge from Heavenly Venerable’s study, as well as insights gained from the alchemy trial, provided inspiration at key moments, pushing the project forward when he would otherwise have stalled.

The way plant essences were extracted, condensed, and stabilised within alchemical potions; how those essences interacted with the human body upon consumption –the Heavenly Venerable’s Heaven–Earth–Man body tempering theory—

While none of these were directly related to Rune Tattoo technology, Alex found ways to draw parallels and integrate their underlying principles into his design.

Finally, after three months of uninterrupted research and relentless experimentation—

Alex succeeded.

In the end, he produced two working variants of his intended concept.

’Too bad these are only effective for warriors.’

’I was hoping to develop mage or warlock variants as well, but every approach I tried failed miserably.’

He sighed.

’Unfortunately, I don’t have the time to keep tinkering. It’s almost time to act on the information Baron Luth Belloc gave me.’

He stretched lightly, easing the tension built up over months of work.

’That means I only have time to inscribe the Rune Tattoos for their intended bearers.’

’Well then... no point wasting time. I should call those two over and get this done.’

Alex sent out a message.

Not long after, Mogal and Kavakan arrived outside the sealed chamber he had used for his seclusion.

”Come in.” Alex’s voice sounded from within.

The moment they entered, they saw him seated behind a worktable, surrounded by scattered yet oddly organised heap of materials and mess.

Two chairs had been placed opposite him.

”Take a seat. We have a lot to discuss.” Alex said calmly.

The Dravo tribe barbarian powerhouse and the axe-crazed weretiger exchanged brief glances—

Before taking their seats.

Alex leaned forward slightly.

Then, with measured clarity, the Runemaster projected two Rune Tattoo designs from his Beta Bracer and began explaining the new creations he had prepared specifically for them.

”These are called the Chains of Unyielding... and the Mark of Slaughter.”

***