Basic Skill of the Gravity Rune: Weight Increase

Increases gravitational pull on a target. Solids struck by an enchanted weapon receive the "Weight Increase" debuff, becoming momentarily heavier.

***

To Torina, the debuff lasted only a split second—the exact moment of impact. It vanished the instant contact broke. With higher proficiency, duration might extend. But even a fleeting weight surge on an opponent’s weapon, armor, or limb could create a critical opening mid-combat.

“The drawbacks are obvious,” Torina said. “First, unless you extend the duration later, this relies entirely on surprise. If they’re prepared, it’s useless.”

“Mm, noticed that.”

“Second: don’t overuse it. If someone swings a heavy sword down and you block with your enchanted blade? You make *their* sword heavier—amplifying the strike.”

“So… stay calm and read the fight.”

“Exactly. Practice first: master quick enchantment mid-battle, and learn to cancel it anytime.”

Torina and Mylora analyzed Gravity Enchantment thoroughly—applications, tactics, nuances—refining through sparring. Incidentally, Torina’s hem kept brushing Mylora’s sword, causing repeated wardrobe malfunctions. Torina eventually stopped adjusting her skirt… which only made Mylora’s movements flustered.

“Mylora? Your form’s messy.”

“Torina… you’re… so big… it’s dizzying…”

“??”

The day slipped by. Evening fell, yet Mylora still craved more practice.

“I’m getting the hang of it!”

“How are *you* this skilled already~?”

“Because you teach well.”

“You’re no fun… Wait—can you only increase gravity? What about decreasing it? Lighten struck objects?”

“Should be the reverse. Let me try.”

Mylora held her breath, stroking her short sword while murmuring the reversed incantation.

“Take this!”

“Wow~”

Torina blocked—and felt her blade grow lighter. But her style thrived on speed; a lighter sword only sharpened her edge.

“See? Against me, lightening your weapon backfires—”

“Hee-yah!”

“!?”

Mylora’s blade grazed Torina’s skirt. It floated upward against gravity—just like Marilyn Monroe over a subway grate.

“Eeek~~~! Pervert, Mylora!”

“But you’ve got anti-exposure tech! All anyone sees is a mysterious shadow!”

“Pervert~~~~! I wanna see yours too!”

“Eep!? Aah! S-stop! My thighs are ticklish! Ugh…”

***

Basic Skill of the Gravity Rune: Weight Reduction

Opposite of Weight Increase. Reduces gravitational pull on a target. Range and duration match Weight Increase.

***

Later, the third dungeon expedition concluded. Patti returned—still rune-less after three tries. But she brought explosive news.

“Torina… someone else got the Stellar Rune you mentioned.”

““Eh?””

“While wandering the dungeon, I saw silvery-white light shooting straight up from the central zone—sparkling beautifully. Others said it’s the legendary Stellar Rune’s resonance phenomenon. No one knows who took it.”

Torina’s heart sank.

*Light shooting skyward…* Such resonance meant someone likely secured it days ago—possibly during the *first* expedition.

*Did they beat Mylora by luck… or design?*

She glanced at Mylora. Her grave expression confirmed it: trouble was coming.

“So… I’ll inevitably face them. Gravity Rune versus Stellar Rune.”

“Yeah… but don’t stress. Just do your best—”

“—Isn’t it thrilling? A clash of destinies! Like an epic tale!”

Mylora’s eyes burned with fire. Unshaken by strong foes—only ignited. *Is this the Phoenix Overlord’s passive skill?*

“I’ve mastered basic enchantment! What’s next? Guide me!” She hugged Torina’s arm, her bouncy C-cup pressing snugly—*nice*.

“Next: ‘Diffusion.’ Spread rune energy into surrounding space. Beginners should use a rune-engraved sword as focus. Like this.”

Torina stepped back, channeled the Lightning Rune onto her blade, and thrust it into the earth. A crackling circular zone flared around her.

“Enemies stepping inside get ‘Electrified’ or ‘Paralyzed.’ Weaker than direct contact, but useful support.”

“So once I learn it… I can Weight Increase/Reduce foes in range… or crush them mid-air with gravity?”

“Exactly. Sounds cool, right?”

“Mm!”

“Let me guide you hands-on. Come~”

Torina wrapped around Mylora from behind, guiding her sword hand. Mylora’s cheeks flushed crimson. *Snuggle snuggle~*

---

Just as Torina and Mylora snuggled while practicing swordplay like illicit lovers… wait, no—*devoted* couple—

Annawiel stood alone on barren outskirts, spear flashing.

“Raaah!!!!”

Cassius’s Spear danced like a silver serpent—thrusting, sweeping, rising. With every motion, Stellar Rune energy erupted in brilliant explosions.

Her power had skyrocketed in days. Not just the rune’s might… but the system’s guidance.

[System: Excellent. You’re mastering the Corvus Style Spear Technique swiftly.]

[System: This style blends technique and mana release. Your prior foundation lets you wield it immediately.]

“Mm… it *is* impressive.”

Even stubborn Annawiel had to admit it.

[System: Follow my path. Progress flows effortlessly. Your future holds only victory. Victory. Victory.]

“Mm…”

*Victory. Victory. Victory.*

Then… why did she feel she’d already lost?