Chapter 26: Extraordinary Traits! The Descent of Fear!

Time flew by.

When one's life is fulfilling, days seem to pass in the blink of an eye. Ian was no exception—he felt like he had grown significantly compared to just a few days ago.

[Runic Mastery (Level 1): 3/100]

Hard work yields miracles.

After temporarily pausing his training in other skills to focus entirely on learning runic script, the synergy between his natural talent and system panel created a stunningly rapid effect.

Of course, this wasn't achieved by talent alone. The concurrent progress of his [Linguistic Proficiency] skill played a major role as well.

[Linguistic Proficiency (Level 5): 4/1600]

Reaching the milestone of Level 5 triggered an extraordinary trait associated with the skill.

[Extraordinary Trait – Universal Comprehension: You can more easily learn unfamiliar languages and scripts.]

A simple description, yet an immensely powerful ability.

Although it didn't grant Ian the godlike skill of instantly communicating with all beings, it provided him with an entirely new talent. His ability to learn Runic Script had accelerated significantly, and, more unexpectedly, this trait also allowed him to pick up on the languages of animals and even magical creatures.

During his spare time, Ian had experimented by trying to understand the sparrows outside his house. It was an indescribable experience—one that could only be understood by possessing this extraordinary trait. Through careful listening and analysis, he quickly discerned the subtle shifts in tone and pitch that conveyed emotions such as joy, anger, and sorrow among the birds.

This was something he would have never been capable of before acquiring this ability.

"Maybe if I reach Level 10 and unlock a legendary trait, I could truly communicate with all living things..." Ian mused, filled with anticipation for the unknown potential of legendary traits.

But for now, he had more pressing concerns—finishing the assignments left by his teacher, Mara.

In just two days, he would be returning to the Ethereal Realm. He had no idea how Mara would react if his work didn't meet her standards, but he suspected it wouldn't be pleasant. After all, her punishments might lean more towards medieval traditions rather than modern educational discipline.

"At least my progress in Runic Script has accelerated. By the next trip to the Ethereal Realm, I should be able to fully decipher the magical inscriptions and start actual spellcasting."

Ian had now officially entered the realm of Runic Studies.

At this stage, he could read and recognize basic Runic characters. However, full comprehension was another matter entirely—unlike conventional languages, Runic Script functioned as both a linguistic system and a conduit for magic.

Its structure was vastly different from English, which relied on word linkages, or any other language. Runic Script was a magical language, one that not only conveyed meaning but also channeled mystical energy.

Simply knowing the letters and their pronunciations wasn't enough. Without fully understanding the intricate connections between each character, misinterpreting a rune could have disastrous consequences.

Even if a Runic phrase was written identically, the manner in which the runes were linked together could completely alter its meaning.

And if a novice attempted to cast a spell using their own interpretation of a rune sequence?

Well… that was a surefire way to end up as a permanent resident of the Ethereal Realm.

If they were lucky, they'd only lose a limb or two.

Naturally, Ian had no desire to experience such misfortunes firsthand. Thus, as he worked through Mara's assignments, he exercised extreme caution.

This, however, significantly slowed his progress.

At present, he had only deciphered most of the text inscribed on the fragment of ceremonial robes.

[The Descent of Fear]

It was well known that ancient sorcerers were masters of curse-weaving through Runic Script. Based on Ian's partial translations, the spell recorded on this robe fragment was indeed a curse-type enchantment.

Its mechanics even involved psychic implantation, a method that could induce fear-driven hallucinations in the target.

Or perhaps it could implant other types of illusions as well…

What intrigued Ian the most was that this spell was not just some obscure relic of the past—it had played a role in the creation of a legendary magical creature: the Boggart.

A Boggart was a shapeshifting entity capable of manifesting as a person's greatest fear.

Through research at the nameless bookstore in the village, Ian discovered that Boggarts were originally a product of bio-alchemical experiments. One of the core Runic Spells involved in their creation was none other than this very [Fear Curse].

It was a fascinating piece of trivia.

More importantly, it made Ian realize that, as wizarding laws became more stringent over time, fields like biological alchemy had seemingly come to a halt—similar to how genetic engineering research in the mundane world had been slowed by ethical concerns.

"Too many ethical and moral boundaries, I suppose."

Ian had little interest in biological alchemy, but he did feel a sense of regret over the disappearance of spells like the Fear Curse due to its decline.

Still, with Mara as his mentor—an ancient sorceress who had lived through those times—perhaps he would have the chance to rediscover and revive many lost spells.

Whether there were any grants or rewards for this kind of magical "archaeology" was another matter.

After all, prestige was secondary.

What Ian truly needed was money.

"Speaking of which… I wonder if I have enough left to buy Mara those alchemy books she wanted?"

Finances were always a concern. Ian hadn't forgotten that Mara had previously mentioned the need for potion-making texts.

Regardless of his reasons—whether out of obligation or genuine curiosity—he had to take the task seriously.

However, in the wizarding world, knowledge was incredibly expensive.

The stash of Galleons left by Snape still contained some funds, but it was nowhere near enough to buy all the required alchemical books.

Perhaps purchasing second-hand textbooks was the best compromise for now.

"The books might be second-hand, but the knowledge inside is the same."

With that thought in mind, Ian grabbed his coin pouch and set off.

Bringing along three Runic Magic books that he no longer needed, he made his way down the cobblestone streets toward the nameless bookstore, tucked behind the Scholars' Quill shop.

As always, the store's modest exterior remained unchanged.

Inside, the dim lighting and dusty shelves created an atmosphere of solitude. Not a single other customer was present.

Ian stepped in, scanning the shop, but the old bookseller was nowhere to be found.

"Strange. He's usually here..."

Just as he was about to search further, a sudden voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Are you looking for something?"

The unexpected sound made Ian flinch.

He immediately turned toward the source.

There, seated behind the counter, was a girl.

She had delicate, finely sculpted features and a book resting on her lap. Beneath her platinum blonde hair, heterochromatic eyes—one blue, one an eerie shade of white—stared at him with open curiosity.

"I've seen you before."

It wasn't Ian who spoke first.

The girl had beaten him to it, her voice tinged with recognition.

The bookstore's half-lowered sunshade cast fragmented beams of light, making her platinum hair shimmer as though woven from threads of gold.

Yet, what stood out even more than her hair were her eyes.

One blue.

One white.

An unforgettable gaze.

For a moment, Ian could have sworn that the white eye was slowly rotating, though it was impossible to tell if it was a trick of the light… or something else entirely.