Return of the Legendary Runesmith

"Is it comfortable?" Ariana asked as the duo tried on the new armor.

The armor was crafted from the special material Adrian had received from the Dark Knight nearly two months ago. It covered their bodies from neck to waist, snug yet flexible.

Its toughness had been put through countless trials—and every test returned incredible results.

Heat-resistant. Cold-resistant. Shock-absorbent. It could even gather kinetic energy to strengthen itself. And despite all that, it was still easy to move in.

It felt like someone had combined the best parts of several different armors to make this one.

"Yeah, I can move my arms fine," Adrian replied, rotating his shoulder. "But the extra weight does slow me down a bit."

He took off the armor and placed it on the table.

They were in his office.

Soon, they would leave for Ariana's hometown.

"Nervous?" Adrian asked as he buttoned up his sleeves.

They planned to teleport there and—if everything went well—return the same day. But Ariana had warned him: her mother would almost certainly not let them leave that quickly.

That's why they had packed extra clothes.

Ariana leaned against the wall and sighed.

"One of the biggest missions of my life."

Adrian chuckled. "Calling it a mission, huh? It's rare to see you this nervous."

Ariana shrugged. "Well, we won't know the outcome unless we walk the thorny path."

Adrian stepped closer, smiling gently at her. He reached up and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"When we get the official confirmation," he said softly, "I'd like another reward."

Ariana narrowed her eyes, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.

"You'll get a rough one this time and you're not having it your way this time."

Adrian chuckled. "We'll see about that."

He turned and walked over to his table.

"It'll take me a few minutes. Why don't you go grab your bag?"

"See you at the entrance in a bit," Ariana nodded and walked out.

Once she was gone, Adrian stored all the important documents in his bag, then threw them into the Time Chamber.

With everything set, he stepped out of the building and made his way toward the main gate.

But before he got far, someone unexpected appeared.

"Professor."

It was Elana. She looked a little troubled.

"Is everything alright?" Adrian asked, raising his brows.

"I heard I'm being sent to the other academy... as an exchange student?"

No official announcement had been made yet—but yes, it was true.

"All the top students from each year are selected for this," Adrian said. "So yes, you'll be going."

Technically, the rule never stated that only the top students could be chosen. But no academy wanted to embarrass itself by sending underperforming students. Runebound Academy was no different.

Elana hesitated. "Is there no way I can stay? A whole month away from you..."

The last part was barely audible, so Adrian decided to let it slide.

He sighed.

"You'll be the most senior student in the group. There won't be a teacher with you, so I'm counting on you to guide the others. I'm trusting you not to let our academy's name be stained."

Then he looked her in the eyes.

"So please, don't say no to my request."

Elana now found herself in a serious predicament.

She deeply wished to stay at the academy—even if it meant going to great lengths to make it happen. But now, standing before her professor, who had gently pleaded with her, she felt the weight of responsibility far greater than she expected.

Accepting meant pain.

Rejecting meant regret.

Why did I even come here to ask him? she cursed inwardly.

"Unfair," she muttered under her breath before turning away and walking past him.

Adrian stood still, a little stunned.

It was the first time Elana had shown displeasure toward him.

But then he let out a long sigh.

It's better if she leaves, he thought. The coming storm... will be too much. If possible, I want to keep my brightest student away from it.

Soon, he arrived at the academy gate, where Ariana was already waiting.

"Ready to go?" she asked with a small smile.

Adrian nodded. "Yeah. Let's go."

The two stepped through the gate.

.....

"Why are you crying?" Sylvie asked as she entered the room and saw Olivia sitting by the window, her eyes red and glassy.

The green-haired girl looked up slowly, her voice trembling as she spoke,

"It's Allen… Ever since he woke up, he's been training nonstop."

Sylvie let out a tired sigh and leaned against the doorframe.

"You do know why he's doing that… right?"

She had seen the battle between Allen and Michael.

They had exchanged only a few blows, but even in that brief moment, the difference was obvious.

Michael had the upper hand—and the only thing that made it possible was his armament.

Even so, Allen was completely overwhelmed.

Sylvie hadn't expected that. Not from him.

Allen was one of the top combatants at the academy. A student who'd earned his spot almost entirely through sheer physical talent and grit.

To see him pushed back so easily… it must have shaken him up.

"But...does he have to push himself like this?" Olivia said as she allowed Sylvie to wipe her face using a dry towel.

Sylvie softly relayed, "He has lived most of his life in isolation, taking all those decisions that have made him what he is now. So trust his judgment and become his support rather than a burden."

Olivia nodded, though she still hadn't completely accepted those words.

Sylvie took the chair across from her and sat down in silence.

Her eyes were drawn to the serene atmosphere outside. Students walking around, laughing, and chatting.

The classes were about to begin, and Sylvie had to leave soon as well.

Olivia was about to get up and leave; after all, she had to report to the council office first before attending the homeroom.

However, just as she was about to get up, Sylvie said something very unexpected, "I have fallen for him. The Professor."

"Huh...?" Olivia, who just rose slightly from the bed, fell back down.

"What do you mean by that?" She asked.

The Princess confessed, "It took me time, and I denied it several times, but now, I don't want to put a blindfold on it." Taking a brief pause, she added, "I am in love with Professor Adrian."

Olivia's lips parted in surprise at those words.

"But doesn't he hate you?" The girl asked.

Sylvie shook her head, "He was upset but never hated me. And now, I think he might have forgiven me. So I am going to take my chances."

Olivia blinked in surprise, "...would it really be wise for a student to pursue their teacher?"

Sylvie smirked, "A student and a teacher were engaged a few weeks ago, I remember."

Olivia blushed at that and hurriedly got up.

Just as she was about to step out, Sylvie asked, "You don't mind, right? For me to get close to him?"

She paused for a moment.

Sylvie couldn't see her reaction when she said, "It's up to you and him. I no longer has the authority to say anything here."

Saying so, she walked out.

Sylvie narrowed her eyes, 'She possibly couldn't have feelings for her ex, right?'

°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading.