Creating and Testing Talismans

 With the clear instruction, Ryker patiently waited as the rune specialist began to write on the piece of paper. Similar to the other experts in the other professions, the way they work is almost like a work of art.

 Even though they probably couldn't compared to the top alchemists, blacksmiths, artifact refiners, or rune specialists, they are still good at what they do. That's the best compliment he could give them.

 The man inscribed several different runes on the Talismans Paper. Even without trying to, Ryker could sense the power in the runes. Even though it is only a Genesis Grade 1 Talisman, it is still impressive to see the man was able to make the entire process look effortless.

 When he was done, he pointed at the Talisman, saying, "This is a Genesis Grade 1 Talisman, one that focused on attack. The big rune at the center stands for sword while the rest surrounding it stands for attack, power, enlargement, and pierce. 

 When this talisman is used, it will unleash a sword that will grow before striking the opponent with precision, at least that is the intent. Now," the man pushed a Talisman Paper and ink jar to him.

 "I want you to continuously make the same talisman until you run out of Talisman Paper. Also, make sure all of it is are good quality one too. After all, I want to see how talented you truly are," hearing the man demands, Ryker didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

 However, what he does know is that the man had likely issued him some kind of challenge, one he intends to accept. After all, there is no downside to accepting the challenge, besides being more tired than usual.

 He closed his eyes as he concentrated on the qi inside him. After all, compared to the 4 pills he had to concoct during the first day, there are at least 10 to maybe even 20 Talisman Papers. If he wanted to finish it in a day, he had to work extra hard.

 He then began his task. Compared to the previous days, talismans are easier. Of course, it is still a head thing to do if one doesn't know what one is doing but he remembered the steps and the shape of the runes so it should be a breeze.

-x-

 Surprisingly, it was easy. The talisman that the instructor finished is still there, allowing him to see if he made any mistakes during his attempt. With a good example, his attempt improved over time. By the time he finished the last of the talisman, the inscription was almost perfectly copied.

 The rune specialist especially praised him for it, "Good job! The last 5 or so is almost a perfect copy with several defects which is so small that most people won't recognize it. Of course, while the talismans are finished, we still need to test it,"

 Hearing his creation will be tested, Ryker doesn't know if he is more excited or nervous. Instead, he decided to do either, he decided to be inquisitive. 

 "Where will we be testing it?" he asked. The man didn't answer, just giving him a sign to follow him.

 He did it, not realizing or caring about the group of people watching him, talking behind his back. He didn't care if they had called him names or insulted him as there were better things for him to do.

 Because his instructor for the day was in front of him, he didn't realize the man's eyes had twitched continuously when they badmouthed him. It took all his willpower to not beat them up right here and there.

 They reached a large field where several training dummies were put on the ground. The man grabbed the talisman he created before talking to him, "This is what the talisman I created can do," he put the talisman before activating it.

 Activating a talisman requires a certain amount of qi, with the higher grade one requiring more qi. However, sometimes, young masters and heirs of powerful factions would receive high-grade talismans that are almost powered up as a life-saving method. Even if the said heir is weak, a small amount of qi will activate the talisman and unleash a devastating attack. 

 Because the man is a Genesis Core expert who is using only a Grade 1 Talisman, it didn't take much energy from him. As he had told Ryker, a large sword appeared and pierced the dummy, creating a stab wound on the dummy.

 After he was done, he grabbed Ryker's, "While you can activate it, there is something called overloading the talisman. Simply put, you can put so much qi in it that the capability of the talisman would increase significantly.

 But this is to test the baseline of what yours could do when someone activates it. So, to avoid you doing it, even though I trust you, I'm going to be the one doing it," Ryker nodded. After all, it doesn't matter if was him or his instructor that will use it.

 However, the others didn't seem to share his point of view.

 "Hah! Looks like the expert didn't trust him!"

 "Yeah, I could test my talisman but he didn't, so that must mean the expert is afraid of him overloading the talisman,"

 "I like to see what the talisman can do,"

 'snort' "Maybe it will create a needle,"

 The rune specialist couldn't be bothered with the fools talking bad things about the prodigy he had the honor of teaching. After all, there is no better way to prove them wrong than by letting them see it for themselves.

 He activated the talisman. Compared to what he had previously used, it is a tad bit smaller, but only by a little. The rest didn't change much, with the sword piercing the dummy with ease, killing it as if it were a person. Consequently, the silence was also killed when the people watching watched as the dummy was pierced by the talisman that they had proclaimed to be defective.

 "That must be a fluke, right?"

 "Yeah, maybe the expert overloaded the talisman,"

 "But why would he do it?"

 The moment the question is thrown, no one can say anything. Meanwhile, the rune specialist decided to drive home how much of a genius Ryker is.

 "Let's test the other 19 talismans then," the words uttered by the man make the silence return once more.

-x-

 The spectators watched as each talisman used replicated the effect to its best, though it kept improving as time went on. Showing how the one they insulted had improved over the day.

 Some of the more obnoxious ones wanted to say something about the rune specialist helping him but the glare he received made him decide it was not worth it.

 When they were about to test the final talisman, the man gave it to Ryker, "Make it go overload," while surprised by the request, Ryker couldn't help but think what would be the effect of him overloading his talisman.

 He quickly decided to test it, pouring as much qi as he could without breaking the talisman. When it reached its limit, Ryker unleashed its full strength.