Return of the Legendary Runesmith

"Chief," greeted the first soldier who noticed Athex walk into the building.

Adrian's eyebrows rose in surprise. More than thirty soldiers were gathered inside, looking tired and bruised. There was no doubt—they had just returned from the front lines.

"Aegis… everyone, this is the man I mentioned earlier," Athex said, introducing Adrian with a calm, unreadable expression.

Suddenly, all eyes were on Adrian. He gave a small nod in response.

He had been called here to create weapons for the entire squad. If it had been just Athex, Adrian could've crafted one using the usual methods. But this was different.

"Chief… we only have two hours before we need to return," said a young woman, barely older than twenty.

Adrian also noticed a few teenagers among them. Just like Athex had explained—those who awakened mana were chosen to serve their country from a young age. There weren't many mana users in this world, so every awakened one mattered.

This base was known as Plantation Seven. The second unit of Plantation Seven was currently stationed near the border, which meant this group couldn't stay here for long and had to head back soon.

Understanding their urgency, Adrian asked, "What level of armament do you need?"

The last time, Dark Knight had asked for first-grade gear. But now, Athex clearly saw Adrian's skills had improved.

So he didn't hold back and said, "If possible, give second-grade weapons to our defense team, and first-grade to the offense team."

Adrian frowned. "Why not second-grade for everyone? Are you short on materials?"

Athex was caught off guard by the question, but before he could respond, another soldier spoke up.

"You're seriously saying you can forge second-grade weapons for thirty people in just two hours?" he asked, clearly skeptical. "Chief… are you sure this guy isn't scamming you?"

"Tony." Athex's firm voice wiped the smirk off the young man's face.

The Dark Knight turned to Adrian and said, "I apologize for his behavior. He's the only runesmith we have left."

"Oh, he's a runesmith? That explains the doubt," Adrian replied casually. Then he stepped forward and added, "I promise to forge a second-grade weapon for each of you. But for that, I'll need your full cooperation."

Athex spoke again, his voice steady, "Trust your commander, cadets. Avirin is an old friend of mine—and I trust him completely. So if you have faith in your senior, let him help you."

The soldiers exchanged glances. Then one of them grinned and said,

"If you trust him, Chief… then he's got our trust too. No questions asked."

Slowly, the others began nodding in agreement, the tension in the room giving way to quiet determination.

Adrian let out a deep breath before addressing the group, "Lie down on the ground with your weapons beside you. Wear as little as possible—if you're comfortable, go completely bare. The less interference, the more precise my work will be."

No one hesitated. These were seasoned soldiers—trained to set aside pride, shame, or modesty when duty called.

Without a word, they began removing their armor and clothes, men and women alike, until the floor was lined with warriors lying calmly, ready for whatever came next.

Athex placed a reassuring hand on Adrian's shoulder. "I'll guard the entrance. Do what you must—and fast."

Adrian gave a sharp nod, summoning his runic pencil. He dropped to his knees beside the first soldier and called forth their insignia. In mere seconds, he began tracing the first mana thread.

As he explored the inner structure of the soldier's mana flow, he muttered to himself,

"They have more mana nodes than the ones back home…"

With precise strokes, he connected the soldier's mana channels to the runes etched onto the blade beside them.

"Done," Adrian said suddenly, catching the soldier off guard.

"What the—already?" the man blinked, eyes wide.

But Adrian didn't answer. He had already moved on, kneeling beside the next soldier. With a flick of his hand, he summoned the circle of elements and began inscribing runes just as fast, completely immersed in his craft.

The soldier slowly stood up and stepped back, still gripping his sword.

He tilted his head in confusion. "He said the second thread… then why are there only two runes on the blade?"

Even as doubt lingered in his mind, the soldier stepped forward toward the training dummy positioned across from him.

He held the sword in one hand and began channeling mana into it. Without saying a word, he slashed the blade diagonally through the air.

The slash took shape—morphing into a roaring tiger made of flames.

The soldier's eyes widened in shock as the tiger-shaped energy slammed into the dummy and exploded with a massive blast.

**BOOOOOM**

The ground shook. Cadets around the training field jumped to their feet, startled by the sound. Within seconds, Athex rushed back inside, eyes scanning for the source.

"Holy sh—"

"Dames!" Athex barked, cutting him off. His voice thundered through the room. "Have you forgotten we're trying to keep this place hidden from those monsters?!"

It was rare for Athex to raise his voice—Adrian could tell from the way the soldier flinched. Dames stood frozen, trembling slightly.

But the scolding was well-earned.

While the civilians outside whispered to avoid being heard by the enemy, this soldier had caused a full-blown explosion just to test an armament.

"I'm sorry, Chief. It won't happen again," the cadet said, bowing his head in sincere apology.

Athex let out a heavy sigh. "Go check the perimeter. If you see anything unusual, send the signal."

Dames quickly saluted, threw on his gear, and ran off without another word.

Athex turned to look at Adrian—and to his surprise, or maybe not, the young man was still calmly focused on his work.

He had already finished tuning the seventh soldier's weapon.

A faint smile touched Athex's lips as he whispered to himself, "Maybe… with your help, we really can win this war."

Adrian didn't pause for a moment. He worked with quiet determination.

Maybe it was because he understood just how serious the situation was…

Or maybe he simply loved Runesmithing too much to stop.

"Sorry about earlier."

The voice snapped Adrian from his trance. He looked up.

It was Tony—the same Runesmith who had doubted him not long ago.

"Your work is… insane," Tony admitted, his voice full of disbelief. "I can't even come close to matching it."

Tony had worked for Plantation Seven for the past three years. He was once called a genius—reaching the third stage of Runesmithing in just a few years.

But now, standing next to someone his age whose work the Chief trusted without question, Tony couldn't help but feel the gap between them.

It was like Adrian had a hundred years of experience packed into his hands.

Adrian calmly finished his work, then looked Tony in the eye and said, "If you're really sorry for what you said earlier, then prove it. Make good use of this weapon—and slaughter every last one of them."

A wild grin spread across Tony's face.

"As you demand, boss."

°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading.