Chapter 124: Silent Awakening


    Morning light streamed through the grand windows of the Starry Villa’s dining hall, casting gentle rays over the polished wooden table set for breakfast. Abel descended the wide staircase, greeted by the ever-efficient housekeeper, who inclined his head respectfully.


    “Sir,” the housekeeper began, his eyes flicking toward the second set of footsteps echoing softly behind Abel. “The new guest?”


    Abel nodded. “Lena. She’s my new personal guard and retainer. She’ll be staying indefinitely.”


    The housekeeper bowed slightly. “Understood.”


    As they proceeded to the dining room, the head chef proudly unveiled a hearty meal: roasted chicken with mashed potatoes and caramelized carrots—a homely and satisfying dish. Lena’s eyes sparkled with hunger, and she eagerly dug in, shoveling the food with unrestrained enthusiasm. She barely left time for a breather, devouring the food like a Star Eater consuming a stellar body.


    Abel, however, ate slowly, his mind lost in thought. His fingers brushed the faint tingling on his chest where his ethereal star pulsed quietly beneath his skin. His thoughts were consumed by the Rune of the Voidborn Stellar Feaster—his first rune, freshly integrated into his being. He knew it had to be influenced by the Star Eater essence that he had consumed, however, he felt hints of the ethereal star’s influence within the rune as well.


    It lingered near his ethereal star like a celestial sentinel, mysterious and potent. Fragmented knowledge flowed into him from the rune itself, etching ancient instincts into his mind. He grasped a key truth: the rune came with a passive rune spell that would allow him to absorb and channel immense energy—not only from stars but possibly from other power sources as well, transferring into his own energy source giving him a momentary boost to overcome any obstacle, the skill’s name engraved in his mind: Stellar Burst. It also enabled Abel to manipulate the starry mana consumed to a greater level than before, like a master. So now his gravity control was more intense and his starry creations more powerful than before.


    How and when it would activate the rune spell was unclear. Its passive nature hinted at untapped depths, unlike straightforward destructive or defensive rune spells. There was a subtle allure to its promise of power—dangerous yet captivating.


    Abel also pondered the names of runes and their inherent significance. The moment an individual received a rune, its name, and essence would become known to them instinctively, as though the world itself whispered its secrets into their soul. Each rune carried more than just power—it embodied a fragment of universal law, a truth woven into the fabric of existence since the world’s very creation.


    These truths were neither simple nor uniform. Some manifested as concrete principles, like the pull of gravity or the rhythm of time, while others represented abstract concepts, such as longing, resilience, or destruction. Each rune was utterly unique, specific to the affinity and experiences of its bearer, reflecting their place within the cosmos.


    One thing that intrigued Abel most about runes was their inherent connection to real entities. These entities, often ancient and primordial, were said to embody the very laws or truths that their corresponding runes represented. To deepen his understanding of his rune and accelerate his growth, Abel considered delving into research about the Voidborn Stellar Feaster, the entity that inspired or birthed his rune. Legends spoke of such beings existing in the world at some point—perhaps long ago, or perhaps even now, hidden from mortal eyes. Unraveling their mysteries could unlock not only greater insights but also practical knowledge to refine his control over the power he had been gifted.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    As he mulled over these thoughts, Abel reminded himself that up to the fifth rune an apostle could create, each rune laid the groundwork for the momentous breakthrough into the realm of Magian. This was his first step on that path—a crucial foundation for everything to come. Yet, the journey was not without its challenges.


    A shadow of doubt crept over him, fueled by the quirk tied to his affinity. It whispered questions into his mind, like a persistent wind chipping away at stone. What is the point of chasing strength? Why should I strive for more? The weight of those questions threatened to stall his momentum, pulling him toward a dangerous apathy.


    But Abel’s resolve was stronger than the quirk’s influence. He shook himself free from the spiraling thoughts by focusing on what truly mattered—his family, still out there somewhere, waiting to be found. The memory of them cut through the haze of doubt, grounding him in his purpose. And then there was the burden of responsibility he carried: representing the human race and ensuring its survival in a rapidly changing, increasingly magical world.


    These were reasons enough to fight, to grow stronger, and to push beyond his limits. The quirk’s doubts might be persistent, but Abel’s determination was far greater—a steady flame that refused to be extinguished.


    As Abel reflected on his rune, he couldn’t help but notice how his own quirk had grown more intense. A sense of loneliness and longing lingered within him, an ever-present ache that had become more noticeable over time, causing doubts to appear in his mind. It was not overwhelming, but it was there, like a quiet whisper at the back of his mind.


    This strange pull seemed to anchor itself in the southern skies, tugging at his thoughts whenever he gazed upward. The reason for this pull eluded him, and the lack of clarity only deepened the mystery. Despite its peculiar nature, the quirk wasn’t detrimental; it didn’t hinder his daily life or his abilities.


    If anything, Abel found it more intriguing than troubling, a puzzle to unravel in the future.


    “Gods, that was incredible!” Lena’s voice broke through his thoughts as she pushed aside her second empty plate, her face lit with pure joy. “Best meal I’ve ever had!”


    The head chef beamed with pride. Abel, momentarily startled by her lack of etiquette, simply smiled faintly. He couldn’t bring himself to be annoyed. He knew where she came from—a harsh life carved from survival, hunger, and determination.


    As she reached for more food with gusto, Abel’s gaze drifted back to the window, where morning clouds rolled lazily across the sky. His fingers tapped idly on the table as the pulse of his rune echoed faintly in his chest


    Lena leaned back with satisfaction after finishing her meal. “So, what’s the plan for today?” she asked, curiosity sparking in her voice.


    Abel set down his utensils, his expression thoughtful. “I’ll be speaking with Mayor Elliot about some important matters. Tomorrow, you’ll join me for magical-related tasks.”


    Her eyes lit up with excitement. “Understood!”


    “As for today, do whatever you wish,” Abel added. “But don’t cause trouble—and ensure no one intrudes into the basement.”


    Lena nodded firmly, feeling a renewed sense of responsibility. She was eager to train with the glove, learning its intricacies and unlocking its hidden potential.


    Meanwhile, Abel moved into the quiet living room, retrieving his Tower-issued badge from his robe’s inner pocket. His gaze lingered on it as he considered the town’s fragile balance. He felt certain that the Tower had already communicated with Mayor Elliot regarding the magical changes underway in Reinhart.


    When they met later, Abel planned to urge the mayor to equip the town’s enforcement forces with magical artifacts and arcane knowledge—essential tools for a place teetering on the edge of magical evolution. Drawing from the models of Central Region cities, where enchanted gear was standard for law enforcement, he saw a clear path forward.


    With proper preparation, Reinhart could flourish—but only if its leaders acted swiftly and decisively. Stability demanded strength.