I CHOSE to be a VILLAIN, not a THIRD-RATE EXTRA!!-Chapter 161: Effect of Runes

Chapter 161 Effect of Runes

[Rune of Greater Appraisal] With Ashok's thought the Rune activated giving him the details about his glasses.

Nerd Glasses Grade: Epic Effects: Presence Suppression, Greater Appraisal, Adaptive Vision, Transformation, Enhanced Vision.

Condition: This Artifact will not work on those who have a presence stronger than you.

Description: Your presence will be of a nerd, which is ignored by people.

Ashok's brows lifted slightly as he absorbed the information.

"Now this is quite surprising—an increase in grade just from the enchantment."

His tone carried a hint of intrigue, a rare artifact modified beyond its original classification—not something he had anticipated.

Across the table, Hamiel straightened, clearly ready to boast.

"That's not all! Since you specifically asked for passive effects, I—"

But before he could indulge in his own praise—Ashok cut him off, his voice sharp with certainty.

"I know! I know!"

Ashok exhaled, then continued, his words precise, technical, breaking down the mechanics of the enchantment effortlessly.

"Aside from Adaptive Vision and Enhanced Vision, Greater Appraisal and Transformation are both active effects—which is why you inscribed Natural Mana Absorption, ensuring passive energy intake. The Mana Storage rune then collects the absorbed mana, reserving it for the activation of Appraisal and Transformation."

He leaned back slightly, his fingers lightly tapping the frame of the spectacles.

"Because of those two mana-related runes, the effects transitioned from active to passive."

Hamiel stood frozen, mouth slightly agape, as Ashok had effortlessly snatched away the very words he had been preparing to boast about.

For a moment, he blinked, still processing the fact that his explanation had been entirely preempted.

With a huff, he finally crossed his arms, attempting to maintain a composed front—though Ashok knew better.

"So—what's your final say? Do you like it or not?"

Despite his gruff tone, there was an undeniable hint of hesitation, a quiet expectation lingering behind his words.

Ashok observed him closely, easily seeing through the act.

Ashok's fingers ran lightly over the engraved runes, his thoughts settling on an evaluation.

'The enchantments are solid—it's a good starter piece. But if Supreme Sight, Astral Sight, Draconic Vision, and Mana Symphony had been incorporated, the grade would have skyrocketed to Mythical or even Legendary.'

His gaze flickered toward Hamiel, noting the craftsmanship in his work, yet also recognizing a fundamental gap.

'Though I'm sure shorty has no idea those runes even exist.'

And that was precisely why he had let the dwarf choose the enchantments.

Ashok hadn't made this a test of his own knowledge—rather, he wanted to see the limits of what Hamiel could provide.

A Grade 6 Blacksmith, someone who had trained for centuries, would have undoubtedly considered every rune in his arsenal before crafting the final enchantment.

Which meant—this was already the best he could offer.

And Ashok?

He had no intention of revealing his understanding of the Ancient Language.

Ashok stood before the mirror, examining his reflection as he tilted his head slightly, taking in the sight of his newly enchanted glasses.

His voice was calm, measured, carrying a note of satisfaction—

"It's a very good piece of equipment."

Hamiel simply hummed in response, nodding as if silently agreeing with the assessment.

"Now let me tell you about how to use the Transformation effe-" Just as Hamiel was about to explain the mechanics of the transformation effect.

[Rune of Transformation] The moment the rune triggered, subtle changes swept through the artifact, shaping it into something entirely different.

The thick rim of the glasses slowly began to thin, its structure refining until only a sleek black metal lining remained.

The square lenses softened, their edges curving gently, morphing into the distinct form of aviators—a shape far more suited to Ashok's features.

Finally, the colorless lenses darkened, shifting into a bold, deep black, transforming the once nerdy artifact into a fashionable set of sunglasses.

The process unfolded in mere seconds, yet every detail was precise, smooth, without flaw.

Ashok turned side to side, testing the new form, noting how perfectly they fit his style.

From across the room, Hamiel observed the transformation with genuine interest, leaning forward slightly before speaking—

"That's quite a unique design."

His tone carried a hint of surprise, the subtle intrigue of someone witnessing something entirely unfamiliar yet undeniably effective.

Despite his extensive craftsmanship, Hamiel had never seen such a deliberate, aesthetically refined change through a rune effect—

Hamiel watched Ashok experimenting with the transformation rune, adjusting the glasses effortlessly with just his thoughts.

Though intrigued, Hamiel couldn't shake a small sense of disappointment—

He had wanted to explain the mechanics himself, to take credit for his craftsmanship, yet Ashok had figured it out on his own before he could say anything.

Still, he pressed forward, his tone firm yet accepting—

"I'm sure you understand the effects of the other runes as well, so I have nothing more to explain."

His gaze flickered briefly over Ashok's transformed glasses before continuing—

"I have no issue with the design, but I'd suggest turning the black shade back to transparent during class. The rest of the day—you can do as you wish."

Ashok barely acknowledged the dwarf's words, too engrossed in shifting the design, testing different shapes and shades.

'My looks might be pretty average, but that doesn't mean I can't wear stylish glasses.'

With each minor alteration, the spectacles adapted smoothly, responding precisely to his mental image.

Meanwhile, Hamiel turned away, retrieving a pen and paper from the table.

His hands moved swiftly, scrawling down.

Within moments, he was done.

Without another word, he handed the page over to Ashok.

"Here."

Ashok's eyes moved steadily across the parchment, scanning its contents with keen precision.

The text was simple yet authoritative, carrying the official stamp of acceptance—

Student Adlet is hereby permitted to wear his artifact (applicable to glasses only) in all classes, as its presence will not obstruct lessons in any way.

At the bottom of the page, a signature stood bold and unmistakable, etched in dark ink—

Hamiel

And beneath it, in a formal inscription—

Head of the Blacksmith Department.

Hamiel crossed his arms, observing Ashok as he finished reading before offering a straightforward explanation—

"I don't know what additional courses you've picked, but some don't allow artifacts—some even restrict the use of storage rings. If any instructor asks you to remove the glasses, present this letter."

His tone was matter-of-fact, ensuring Ashok understood the importance of having official documentation on hand.

Ashok nodded, neatly storing the letter away, securing it within his inventory.

With a final glance around the room, he let out a breath, his voice calm yet firm—

"Since everything is settled, I'll take my leave then."

Just as Ashok reached for the door, his fingers grazing the wooden surface, a rough cough sounded from behind—

Followed by a voice, gravelly yet unmistakably curious—

"How did you get a second bottle of Spirit Wine?"

The question hung in the air, its weight pressing down on the room like an unanswered mystery.

Ashok paused mid-step, his hand still on the doorframe.

With a slow, deliberate motion, he turned slightly, just enough to glance over his shoulder.

His expression remained calm, but the smirk that tugged at his lips carried an air of quiet amusement.

"What's so surprising about a second bottle?"

His voice was smooth, relaxed—almost teasing.

"I drink three every day—together with my meals."

Without offering another word, Ashok turned back, closing the door behind him with an effortless flick of his wrist.

The sound echoed through the room like a final period at the end of a sentence.

And inside—Hamiel stood frozen, his body rigid, his mind struggling to process what he had just heard.

A statue of disbelief, staring at the empty space where Ashok had once stood.

Stepping away from the forge, Ashok exhaled, his thoughts settling into a quiet moment of reflection.

'Today was worth it.'

His footsteps were slow yet steady, his pace carrying him toward the dorms, the cool evening air brushing against his skin.

The moment Ashok stepped out of the forge, the deep veil of night no longer felt dark—not to his eyes.

The world around him, once shadowed under the weight of the evening, now unfolded with clarity, its details sharp, its presence undistorted.

[Rune of Adaptive Vision]

A superior rune to simple night vision—allowing the eyes to see at any time, under any condition.

No longer constrained by light or lack thereof, his vision adjusted instinctively, bringing forth a realm of perception untouched by natural limitations.

Yet—it wasn't the only enhancement at work.

[Rune of Enhanced Vision]

With a single step forward, Ashok felt the shift—his vision sharpening further, elevating beyond its previous standard.

His visual acuity surged, granting him the ability to see farther than before, every distant detail now within his reach.

Yet—the changes weren't just about distance.

His peripheral vision expanded, allowing him to register movements from angles that would have once gone unnoticed.

His depth perception refined, painting a clearer contrast between near and far, between movement and stillness.

His dynamic vision intensified, letting him track swift motions effortlessly, catching details at speeds that would normally blur.

Together—every aspect of sight had risen above the ordinary margin.

A quiet thought crossed Ashok's mind as he processed his newfound perception—

'An all-around effect can't compare to a specialized enhancement—but for now, this is better for me.'

The ability to adapt mattered more than mastering one particular aspect—and as things stood, flexibility would serve him best.

Without further hesitation, Ashok made his way toward his dormitory, his movements steady, his mind already preparing for the next day.

Upon arriving, he set his alarm without delay, determined not to miss the morning training session like he had with the evening session today.

With that final task done, Ashok allowed himself to collapse onto his bed, the weight of the day settling into his bones.