The Runic Artist Chapter 36: Chapter 355 - Like Dominoes

Read chapter 36 of The Runic Artist by Ellake on NovelPedia.

“Your eyes, are they alright?” asked Luc, ignoring Nate’s offer. Nate wiped the blood from the corner of his eyes as Creation bubbled within him, restoring the self-inflicted wounds. They didn’t fully heal and Nate could tell activating his Conceptual Sight ability would be impossible for a few days. Drawing on Destruction at that level did not come without a cost it seemed. At least for someone who wasn’t the Pillar of Destruction. “They’ll heal. But it was worth it to see that this would have been your Path had you not been forced to make sacrifices and follow in the footsteps laid down by your dead father. So, do you want it?” Nate waited for Luc’s response as his old mentor walked closer to the desk, blatantly ignoring Nate’s mention of his deceased father. The movements of the Arcane Riftwalker were like that of a stalking cat, with the expensive black silk shirt shifting silently in the afternoon sunlight that peaked in through the window. Luc’s finger slid across the wooden top of the desk until he was almost touching the white shell. “What’s the price?” he asked. Nate snorted slightly. “For you? It’s free.” Luc shook his head. “I know you’re not charging me for it, which is a bit of an issue in and of itself. You’ve always been far too free with your gifts. Generous would be an understatement. Thankfully you’ve got someone like me to run your business for you, otherwise the Artist’s Emporium… would probably still be filthy rich. You’d just pull some more wealth and riches out of your ass to cover any shortfalls from your generosity. No, I am asking what I am going to lose if I take this offer.” Nate locked eyes with his old mentor, and now the Director of his supposed company. His in name, even if he had very little to do with it anymore. “You’ll lose your Class Core and everything it provides. All the Stats it has granted through Classes. All the Skills. You might still be able to cast some Spells but it’ll be hard since your Mana Reserve will dwindle to almost nothing and you’ll struggle to control mana.” Luc nodded thoughtfully, eyes still on the white shell that continued to slowly improve the tier of the desk like an expanding coffee stain. “What will I get out of it? Will it make me like you?” asked Luc. “If you succeed… you’ll have the chance to end up like me. Or similar at least. Nothing is guaranteed and your understanding and relationship with the Concept will define how far you can go. It’s like shooting for the stars… even if you miss, you’ll still end up on the moon, towering over most others. If that’s what you want?” Luc laughed, finger drifting closer to the shell till he was almost touching it. “The only thing I have ever wanted is the comfort and safety that comes with being rich. It’s a form of power, one I have wielded to enrich my own life.” Luc waved his hand around the richly decorated office to illustrate his point. Nate rolled his eyes. “And, how are the workers treated? Our training programs? Our customers?” Luc smirked. “Kiri told me a saying that she heard from you once. The best outcomes are found when everyone wins. I’m just making sure everyone wins, so that I win. Or should I say, I am just making sure everyone gets richer, so that I get richer.” “Is that a yes then?” Luc put his finger on the shell and closed his eyes, a pleased smile on his face. “And if it is, how long will I be out of commission?” “Without a Class Core? It could take you a month, or six months, or a year, or never. Unlike The System there is no handholding. But, if you succeed, I can raise you up to be strong enough that no one on Galle will be able to threaten you within a few days.” “If I say yes, I assume I will be busy with this…” Luc tapped the shell. “Who will run the Artist’s Emporium in my absence?” “I will,” answered Nate succinctly. Luc looked thoughtful, his finger now firmly resting on the shell, a hunger in his eyes that was not reflected in his body language. Even now, Nate could see the man showing re