Chapter 21: The Civilian Enchantment Supplies Project

"Research on runes?" Li Si was indeed quite interested, having understood the importance of rune research from his experiences in a previous life.

Runes, composed of special symbols imbued with power, are crucial carriers of magic and have two primary applications.

The first is as the foundational framework for spell models, key to transforming elemental forces. Except for a few rare exceptions, most mages begin learning spells by mastering the runes that form these spell models.

The second application, more widely known, involves inscribing runes to imbue magical power into related objects, such as weapons and armor—a process uniquely called "enchantment."

The finished products include famously known rune cannons, enchanted weapons, and magic stone lamps.

Yousef Daher was the strongest runesmith in Feis City, focusing mainly on rune engraving and item enchantment.

His disciple, Bernie, also specialized in this field.

"I recall you previously researched civilian enchantments?" Li Si asked while studying how to operate the advanced rune engraving device.

"Yes, my mentor advised me to start there to lay a solid foundation for deeper research later on," Bernie replied as he guided Li Si through the device's usage.

"I’ve just reached intermediate runesmith level, so I lack the knowledge and power to delve deeply into advanced weapon and armor enchantments. Recently, civilian runes have developed rapidly. Products like magic stone lamps and rune communicators show great potential."

Bernie looked at Li Si and asked, "How about joining me in researching civilian enchanted products?"

Li Si nodded. "Sure, I wouldn’t miss such an opportunity."

Although his immediate priority was to strengthen himself and uncover the truth behind the assassination attempt during the sacrificial festival, the chance to work at the Fifth Magic Workshop was too important to pass up. It aligned with some of his future plans, especially regarding civilian enchanted products.

In this world, unlike in his previous life, players who tried to recreate modern technology within the game world invariably failed; this world simply did not support technological development.

However, some players accidentally succeeded in harnessing rune power to create products that resembled certain technologies from his past life, such as magical air conditioners and rune-powered vehicles.

That particular player quickly organized manufacturing teams to profit immensely but soon attracted the attention and suppression of various factions. Left with no choice, they allied with the Wealth Church, becoming one of its subordinate forces to survive.

Li Si was well aware of the entire process, having been involved himself, and thus knew the secrets behind the runes intimately.

This meant Li Si could reproduce an entire series of products from his previous life and earn huge profits.

Yet he had no intention of doing so alone, as he was merely a minor noble of the court and doubted he could protect such vast interests by himself.

Therefore, Yousef Daher, Bernie, and subsequently the Feis Royal Magic Academy and the Royal Mage Corps were crucial to his plans.

The surprise he mentioned to Mora was precisely this opportunity, as the sales channels of the Golden Vine Merchants’ Guild were also significant.

No rush—he needed to plan carefully. At present, he lacked the strength to invest fully in civilian enchantments.

Lost in thought, Li Si suddenly realized Bernie was watching him curiously.

"Is something wrong? Is this device hard to use?"

"Ah, no. I just remembered something else," Li Si replied casually. "I see the lab is still missing a lot of equipment. Has the magic workshop officially opened yet?"

"Not yet," Bernie sighed. "I’ve been busy with this lately, and it’ll take over a month before research can officially start. Our teacher has many ideas."

He glanced at Li Si. "So your visit today is just to familiarize yourself. You can come back once research begins."

"Alright, I’ve been busy too," Li Si nodded. From now on, whether for experiments or arcane research, he could use this workshop—it had far better elemental concentration and magical equipment than his own lab.

No reason not to use it. Li Si never hesitated to be straightforward with Bernie.

In a way, Bernie was the second-in-command of the Fifth Magic Workshop.

After taking Li Si on a thorough tour, Bernie escorted him to the entrance.

"That’s it for now. I have a lot to do, so I won’t see you off. I’ll notify you when the workshop is ready," Bernie said.

"Understood," Li Si waved off the formality. The two didn’t need much ceremony and left together with Werf, who had been waiting outside.

---

"Young master, where are we headed now? Home?"

Once inside the carriage, Werf closed the door and asked Li Si.

Li Si thought for a moment. "Let’s go to Belay Street for some more training."

"Understood." Werf knocked on the door and gave instructions to the coachman, Bend, before sitting down.

"Young master Li Si, you’ve been learning new weapons faster lately. Is there anything else you’d like to learn?"

Li Si considered. He had reached intermediate proficiency with one-handed swords, two-handed swords, shields, spears, and knives, and was about to advance to master the staff at a higher level. He expected to learn archery, axes, and hammers from his guards. Counting all these, he still lacked one more intermediate weapon mastery to achieve the “Master of All Arms” status, which required proficiency in ten different weapons.

Unfortunately, none of his guards were assassins, or he could have learned daggers.

It seemed the last weapon skill would have to be learned elsewhere.

Inviting someone home to teach was risky. Li Si dismissed the idea, as he might still be under surveillance by unknown enemies. Learning from his own guards was safe—they wouldn’t gossip about a noble lord—but bringing outsiders posed a potential threat.

Thus, secretly going out to learn seemed the best solution.

With this in mind, Li Si said to Werf, "Let’s keep practicing for now. I’m interested in learning archery, axes, and hammers. Arrange it for me."

"I understand, young master Li Si." After recent events, Werf no longer found Li Si’s choice of weapons strange and didn’t question it—he just wanted to complete his duties well.

After all, having finally broken through to become a Golden Warrior, he wasn’t eager for an early demise.

Today had been quite fulfilling, Li Si thought as he stretched.