Brand New Life Online: Rise Of The Goddess Of Harvest

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In a way, these Curse Runes helped Elayne contain and absorb the cursed energies and dark emotions, preventing them from spilling over.

However, too many runes could worsen the situation, reversing their purpose and driving the bearer deeper into madness.

“They are now twice as large,” Shade explained. “And infused with stronger Cursed Runic Inscriptions. It is possible to imprint another new Cursed Rune, if Elayne wishes…”

“Ah, right, their effects are truly helpful,” Elayne considered for a moment. “How long would it take? Can you make it Tier 2 right away?”

“Cursed Runes must advance gradually, absorbing Cursed Energy from the user,” Shade replied. “I cannot create a high-tier one yet. I lack the experience. The shadow who handled this in our old camp was far more skilled. He could craft up to Tier 3 Runes…”

“Wow, he sounded incredible,” Elayne nodded warmly. “But you are too, Shade. Don’t feel discouraged just because someone excels more in one area. It’s natural for others to surpass us in certain skills. It simply means there is room to grow, to savor every step toward their level, and one day even exceed them.”

“Yes…” Shade murmured, shifting shyly. “I am working hard…”

“Okay, is the inscription quick?” Elayne asked.

“Yes, not too long,” Shade confirmed with a nod.

“Then I need this Curse Rune,” Elayne decided. “Can you do it?”

“I will. Leave it to Shade,” he said firmly, nodding as his long fingers summoned a slender needle. Elayne endured the familiar process again. Though less painful this time, she soon gained her fourth Rune.

It took only about fifteen minutes, which suited her perfectly. Elayne was eager to move on; she hated keeping everyone waiting.

“Alright, it’s done…” Elayne sighed with relief.

“Can I come with you and the others? To the cave. I want to see my curse magic in action. Need targets…”

“Of course, come along,” Elayne agreed with a smile. “Huh?”

Suddenly, Shade dissolved into a mass of darkness and merged seamlessly into her own shadow.

“I can do this now…” his voice echoed softly. “I can protect Elayne from sneak attacks…”

“Um, are you sure? I don’t want you shielding me with your body,” Elayne said, concern tightening her voice.

“Don’t worry,” Shade reassured her gently. “Shade is not so weak.”

“Oh, well…” Elayne sighed, a fond smile touching her lips. “At least take this and refine it as a Soul Relic.”

She opened a portal to her Domain and retrieved the black shield she had crafted days earlier—a Spirit Weapon born from her recent practice.

She had created several leftover weapons and armor pieces too powerful for ordinary Undead to wield.

But this one might suit Shade perfectly.

“It’s an Abyssal Stone Shield,” she explained. “I thought it would fit you.”

“Oooohhhh!” Shade exclaimed in wonder, seizing the shield and equipping it at once. “I like it. I like it very much.”

He poured his Soul Essence—pure flowing shadows—into it, refining the shield into a Soul Relic in moments. Shifting between ethereal and solid forms repeatedly, Shade tested its properties, marveling each time it transitioned smoothly.

As Elayne watched with quiet amusement, system notifications materialized before her, announcing her newly upgraded Rune and the fresh one she had acquired.

With the enhanced Curse Runes and the new addition came a powerful surge of energy, strengthening both her body and soul.

[Congratulations! Your Cursed Runes: [Cursed Rune of Nether – Tier 1: 100%] [Cursed Rune of Ghosts – Tier 1: 100%] [Cursed Rune of Pain – Tier 1: 100%] have all advanced to Tier 2!]

[You have obtained [Cursed Rune of Flesh – Tier 1: 1%]. Your flesh has become 25% tougher. Higher growth will increase toughness further.]

Elayne had selected the Flesh Cursed Rune to toughen her fragile undead body. Alternatives included the Cursed Rune of Bones for greater bone durability and strength, or the Cursed Rune of Rot for improved regeneration.

Yet this one felt most suitable for her as a Zombie, with so much delicate flesh covering her frame. A skeleton might have chosen Bones instead.

She recalled the words of the Curse Rune Master from the old Undead Camp:

“The Rune of Decay amplifies your decaying power, strengthening your presence.

The Rune of Ghosts enhances your soul’s ghostly essence, allowing you to project it beyond your corpse body.

The Rune of Agony grows stronger as you suffer, granting resistance to Dark Magic.

The Rune of Pain is similar but builds permanent strength through prolonged suffering.

The Rune of Resentment increases magical power based on your resentment, boosting potential for Curse Magic.

The Rune of Madness drives you berserk, granting momentary bursts of power.

The Rune of Bones strengthens your bones, if you have any.

The Rune of Rot improves your ability to regenerate rotten flesh.

The Rune of Flesh makes your flesh tougher, if you have any.

The Rune of Nether enhances your ability to gather and manipulate Nether. Now choose.”

Each Rune offered unique power, and Elayne aimed to select ones that fit her immediate needs rather than purely long-term potential.

“Yeah, it’s settled. Next, I’ll choose Rot, then Bones…”

Elayne sensed her soul could bear perhaps three more runes, but Shade advised waiting until her current ones grew stronger, expanding her Cursed Energy reserves.

Without sufficient reserves, new Cursed Runes would stagnate. Like living entities, they required regular feeding of Cursed Energy; neglect could cause deterioration, even harming the inscribed soul.

Thus, she should add only what she could sustain until her reserves grew substantial, achieved by letting runes absorb her Cursed Energy naturally over time, then having a master upgrade them.

“Next time, for Tier 3 Runes, we will need special materials,” Shade said as Elayne stepped out with him.

“Special materials?” Elayne asked curiously. “Like what…?”

“Hmm, Cursed Stones,” he replied. “Cursed Stones formed from Cursed Crystals. Harvested from Demon Beasts, places heavy with curses, and elsewhere. Needed for stronger Runes. Sorry. I am not skilled enough to create them myself… Sorry.”

“No, no, it’s fine. We’ll find them,” Elayne reassured him with an encouraging nod. “It’s no trouble at all. We’re rich, remember? We’ll visit the market and buy plenty. You should have mentioned it sooner, Shade.”

“Ahh… okay,” Shade nodded, a hint of relief in his voice.

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