A/N: I feel like I need to increase the extra chapter limit… otherwise, you guys will suck me dry at this rate! 😭😂 But seriously, I appreciate the support—just don't turn me into a writing machine! 🤖✍️
Well, anyway, enjoy your extra chapter! 🎉📖
***
The book was empty. Not a single word was written on its pages.
Ash glanced around cautiously, scanning his surroundings for any sign of prying eyes. Even after activating Omni Thought for a few seconds, he found no one nearby.
A dull ache settled in his head from the brief usage of the skill, but he ignored it.
Only then did he move.
Bringing the book closer, he bit down on his finger, drawing a small bead of blood. With a flick of his hand, the drop fell onto the stark white pages.
The book absorbed it instantly—like a sponge drinking in water.
Without hesitation, he pressed the book against his chest, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Rune of Knowledge."
The book trembled in his grasp before disintegrating, its essence seeping into his body, fusing with his very soul.
Now I just need to bear with the pain, he thought, bracing himself.
But… nothing happened.
No searing heat. No unbearable agony.
Just silence.
"Huh? There's no pain?" he murmured, genuinely confused.
I thought I'd have to go through another body reformation… but nothing happened.
He waited a moment longer. Still nothing happened.
Well, that's fine. Let's check the status and read the Rune's description.
'Status.'
Name- Ash Burn
Race- Human
Age- 12
Class- Magic Swordsman (Unique)
Rank- Novice (F-Rank)-(6%)
Affinity- Lightning
Strength- 8
Agility- 10
Vitality- 4
Intelligence- 14 --> 20
Stamina- 12
Charm- 6
Mana- 50
>Trait-
-Codex of Creation (F-Rank)
-??????-[Assimilation Rate- 50%]
>Skills-
-Omni Thought
{Skill Creation Chances- 0}
-Rune of Stability
-Rune of Knowledge
**
The first thing Ash noticed was the sudden jump in his Intelligence stat—it had increased from 14 to a whopping 20.
I thought it would increase more, but still it's good enough.
Not like it'll affect the Rune's abilities anyway.
With that thought, he continued scrolling through his status, searching for any other changes.
His skills were the same, Omni Thought was still listed, and his Codex of Creation trait remained at F-Rank.
And then—
?????? - [Assimilation Rate - 50%]
Ash exhaled sharply.
It increased.
Before, it had been only 25%. Now, it was at 50%.
He still had no idea what the mysterious Trait truly was, but one thing was certain—
Absorbing the Rune increased the assimilation rate by 25%.
If I absorb two more Runes… will it finally reveal itself?
The thought sent a ripple of anticipation through him, but he forced himself to take a deep breath, steadying his mind.
Excitement led to carelessness, and carelessness led to mistakes.
For now, he needed to analyze the changes.
His gaze shifted back to the Runes section—where two were now listed.
His fingers twitched.
Even though he had an idea of the Rune's effect, he should still check its description—just in case.
But then—
"…Wait."
A quiet murmur left his lips, confusion flickering across his face.
Did I… really know the full description?
From what he remembered, he had some idea—but not in this much detail.
A strange feeling crept over him, but he dismissed it with a slow breath.
Now wasn't the time to overthink.
Focusing his will, he directed his thoughts toward the Rune of Knowledge, waiting for its description to appear.
**
Rune: Rune of Knowledge
Description:
-Grants the user photographic memory, allowing them to recall even the smallest details without causing mental strain. (Passive)
-Enables the user to decipher and comprehend all forms of written text, including ancient and encrypted languages. (Passive)
-Grants immunity to all forms of mental interference, such as illusions, mind control, memory alteration, fear, and telepathic intrusion. (Passive)
**
After reading the description, everything fell into place.
I remembered the description because the Rune gave me photographic memory, Ash realized, exhaling softly.
Closing his eyes, he focused inward, testing the changes.
And almost immediately, a realization struck him.
"It's true," he murmured, his lips curling into a small, almost disbelieving smile. "I never would have thought it would apply to my previous life as well."
Before, his recollection of the novel had been filled with gaps—a rough outline at best, with details slipping through the cracks. But now?
Now, he could recall everything.
Every moment of his past life.
Every word of the novel.
All of it, stored perfectly, without a single strain on his mind.
A sense of confidence welled up within him.
Now, I can have even more confidence in stealing more opportunities.
The thought left a satisfied smirk on his face.
But then—
That same perfect memory began to stir things he hadn't expected.
**
[MEMORIES]
The cool evening breeze rustled the pages of the book in Nancy's hands as she sat beside Ash on the park bench, her legs swinging slightly.
The golden hue of the setting sun bathed everything in a soft glow, making the moment feel strangely distant—like something fragile that could slip away at any moment.
"You know, staring at me like that won't help you understand the story," she said without looking up.
Ash blinked, snapping out of his daze. "I wasn't staring at you."
Nancy raised an eyebrow.
"Okay, fine, I was. But not because of your book—I'm just wondering how the hell you read three books a day and still have time to do literally everything else."
She finally looked up, her amber eyes filled with amusement. "It's called time management, Ash. You should try it sometime."
"Yeah, yeah," he scoffed, shaking his head.
Nancy chuckled, then suddenly perked up. "You know, that's exactly why you should read more."
"You should read this, it's amazing. The world-building, the characters, the fights—ugh, you'll love it," she said suddenly, tilting the book toward him.
Ash glanced at it but didn't take it. "Another one?"
Nancy rolled her eyes, flipping a page. "You say that like I recommend bad ones."
He snorted. "You said that about the last book, and I nearly died of boredom."
Nancy gasped dramatically, clutching her chest. "Blasphemy! That was a masterpiece."
"That was a 400-page monologue disguised as a novel," Ash deadpanned.
Nancy rolled her eyes and lightly smacked his arm. "Just try this one, okay? I swear it's different. Trust me."
He sighed, glancing at the book again. "Fine, fine. But if I get bored, I'm throwing it at you."
Nancy grinned. "Then I'll throw you into the lake."
Ash chuckled, shaking his head. "You're violent."
"And you're hopeless."
They sat there for a while, the easy silence between them feeling strangely comforting.
Nancy suddenly closed the book in her hands and rested her head on his shoulders. "You ever think about the future, Ash?"
He stilled for a second before exhaling. "Not really."
Nancy turned to look at him, her amber eyes unreadable. "Why not?"
"Because the future is uncertain," he said simply. "And I hate uncertainty."
Nancy was quiet for a moment. Then, with a small, almost teasing smile, she whispered,
"Dummy."
Ash raised a brow. "Excuse me?"
"You act all serious, but you're really just scared, aren't you?" She nudged him lightly. "You're
afraid of things changing, of losing people, of moving forward."
Ash clenched his jaw but didn't deny it.
Nancy sighed dramatically. "Guess I'll have to make sure you don't get left behind, then."
He turned to her, confused. "What do you mean?"
She grinned. "I mean, no matter what happens, I'll always be one step ahead—waiting for you."
Something about the way she said it made his chest tighten.
Ash looked away, staring at the horizon where the sun was disappearing. "...That's a big promise."
Nancy leaned closer, resting her forehead against his chest. "And I keep my promises, Ash."
He didn't move. He didn't push her away.
For the first time in a long time, he wanted to believe her.
He really did.
But life had never been that kind.
**
Back in reality…
His fingers twitched.
His throat felt dry.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm the raging emotions.
His hand clenched, nails digging into his palm as he forced himself to blink.
Fuck! These memories—
They just suddenly popped up.
He swallowed hard, his chest tightening, his heartbeat an uneven rhythm against his ribs.
He lifted his hand to rub his eyes, but—
He froze.
A single tear slipped down his cheek, catching the dim light of the library.
Ash stiffened, staring at the droplet on his fingertips as if it didn't belong to him.
He clenched his jaw and wiped it away with the back of his hand, exhaling through his nose.
His thoughts whispered to him, cruel and relentless.
Hah… I guess my subconscious is still thinking about Elysia being Nancy…
But I know it can't be possible, it's not some novel, It's reality.
He pushed back the aching weight in his chest and exhaled again, this time steady.
Enough of this.
He turned to the bookshelves and pulled out a tome, flipping through the pages with forced focus.
If the Rune of Knowledge had given him perfect memory, then he'd use it.
If remembering hurt, then he'd drown it in more knowledge.
If emotions threatened to rise, he'd bury them beneath logic and understanding—just like he always had.
And so, without another word, he began to read.
***
A/N: Just a quick reminder—if you thought the Rune of Stability would completely prevent Ash's emotional outbursts, think again!
It only works on overwhelming negative emotions like depression and sadness, and even then, only when they pile up. So don't expect it to be an off switch for his Emotions!