-822- Wisdom of the divine ages

As Scáthach gazed at Rozen with an unusual radiance in her eyes, Rozen felt a shiver run down his spine.

It was only at this moment that Rozen recalled a statement made by Scáthach's disciple, Cú Chulainn, during the singularity in Fuyuki.

"Seeing someone with rare qualities in this useless state, considering the master's personality, she would definitely train you to the point where you won't even have time to sleep, transforming you completely."

Back then, Cú Chulainn had primarily referred to Rozen's extremely frail physique.

Now, although Rozen's constitution wasn't exceptionally robust, it had recovered to the level of an ordinary person. However...

(Could it be that I can't escape the fate of rigorous training in the end?)

At the thought of this, Rozen felt uneasy.

Although Rozen was inherently a diligent individual, having trained consistently for decades, reaching a strategic level where he could challenge top-tier Servants, and possessing hidden powers such as the Crimson Wing Formation, along with the strength concealed in Kinu and Gyokuto, unleashing his full power would undoubtedly rival any Heroic Spirit.

Thanks to his unwavering dedication, Rozen had traversed all three previous singularities, repairing them in just half a month. Despite having vast knowledge and a sharp mind, his exceptional combat abilities played a crucial role.

However, even with such diligence, if he were subjected to training that sacrificed even his sleep, nearing the limits, he would unquestionably perish.

(I'm not a figure from Celtic mythology who is either a god, a demigod, or a born warrior.)

Regardless of how formidable Rozen was, he remained a mere human. If subjected to Scáthach's intense training, he would certainly not survive.

Thinking about this, Rozen immediately considered finding an excuse to escape.

However, in the next moment, such thoughts vanished completely.

Because...

"Do you want to learn Rune Magic?"

Scáthach unexpectedly uttered these words.

"Rune Magic?"

Rozen was initially surprised, but his eyes lit up.

Even in modern times, Rune Magic was quite renowned.

Odin, the chief god of Norse mythology, sacrificed one eye to gain the secret of the runes. The significance of runes, even among the gods, demonstrated their highly advanced and wise nature.

As a result, Rune Magic had been studied and utilized by a subset of mages throughout history, developing into a unique and comprehensive magical system.

By inscribing corresponding runic symbols, these characters could transform into various powers, encompassing everything from offense, defense, healing, enhancement to support, making Rune Magic an incredibly versatile and all-encompassing magical system.

It was precisely because of this that Cú Chulainn, relying on his mastery of Rune Magic, earned the title of the Forest Sage and became a Caster-class mage in the Age of Gods, revealing the mysteries of Rune Magic.

Since the Age of Gods faded away, most of the runic symbols were lost long ago, causing Rune Magic to become an almost forgotten magical system in the modern era.

Legend has it that an exceptionally great magus once reconstructed most of the lost runes. Not only did he magically revive the foundational common runes of twenty-four characters, but he also deciphered some of the original runes lost in the Age of Gods, storing them securely.

Apart from this great magus, no one in the modern era had the means to use a relatively complete Rune Magic.

Therefore, even in the subterranean archives of the Clock Tower during the fourth singularity, Rozen couldn't find comprehensive knowledge of Rune Magic. In that era, the great magus hadn't been born, and Rune Magic hadn't undergone a revival, so complete knowledge in this area was naturally absent.

Naturally, Chaldea didn't possess such precious magical books either. Even if it did, they would only be remnants of insignificant minor magics.

Scáthach's expertise in Rune Magic was extraordinary; even Cú Chulainn learned this magic from her. Moreover, it wasn't modern Rune Magic but the original eighteen runes.

Those were the original runes—intact and complete.

Mysteries of the Age of Gods, magical arts from the divine realm, the supreme wisdom that only the chief god Odin could obtain. Even the reputed great magus was said to have only deciphered a few of the original runes, and whether he could use them was another matter entirely.

If Rozen could master the complete Rune heritage, he could inevitably reach the divine realm sooner or later, surpassing even Caster-class mages of the Age of Gods.

Although Rozen currently possessed extensive knowledge of magecraft and even jujutsu, when it came to the primordial runes, even he couldn't help but be tempted.

No, it should be said that any magus would absolutely not refuse this mystery from the Age of Gods and the technology from the divine realm.

Now, Scáthach's statement to Rozen implied something clear enough, didn't it?

In other words, an opportunity to learn the complete primordial runes was right in front of Rozen.

"You're willing to teach me runes?"

Rozen couldn't help but ask Scáthach.

For an ordinary magus, possessing the mysteries of the Age of Gods, the Primordial Rune Magic, would be a significant responsibility. Even teaching it to descendants would need careful consideration. How could such a level of mystery be casually revealed?

However, Scáthach was clearly an exception.

"While I have had many disciples, including those skilled in rune scripts, I'm willing to teach both martial arts and magic."

Scáthach stated wisely.

"Although you seem to lack a foundation in martial arts, your talent in magic is surprisingly excellent. Even gods wouldn't be picky about this gift. With such talent, it's a waste not to hone it properly."

Scáthach looked directly at Rozen.

"Even if it's just a fleeting connection in this singularity, let me see how much skill I can impart to you."

The implication was clear. Rozen took a deep breath.

Then...

"Thank you."

Rozen bowed to Scáthach.

"Teacher."

Facing the enigmatic queen who had tutored countless heroes, Rozen finally acknowledged her as his teacher.

Upon hearing this, Scáthach smiled.

A very pleasant smile.