The Least Common Denominator

VI.VI Solve for X

*CLANG!*

And with a resounding clang, the third iteration of the rifle was complete. I watched in fascination as Backus's Essence slowly seeped into the rifle's runes; giving them the rudimentary power to activate and do their jobs.

"Time to test it, no?" the elder jovially asked, one hand hefting what now amounted to something like a sawed-off shotgun in size. "From what I've seen, it should lessen the energy required of us by a considerable margin."

I simply nodded in response, too engrossed on what the old man was doing as he proceeded to aim his rifle down the range. Like an old light bulb, the rifle began gl