Return of the Legendary Runesmith

Adrian hadn't expected it.

And truthfully, he hadn't hoped for it either.

Sarah Clark Boridicus recognizing him? No—he would've preferred anything but that.

Their past wasn't something he cherished. In fact, throughout his entire time at the academy, he had done nothing but avoid her. Ignore her. Pretend she didn't exist.

She was a nightmare for someone like him—someone who wore fake bravado like armor and believed he ruled the world.

Before joining the academy, Adrian had been bold. Reckless. He'd won a few street fights, earned a little reputation, and as the Count's son, he'd let it all get to his head. He thought he'd walk through the academy gates like royalty—charming the girls, commanding respect, and becoming the center of attention.

But reality had other plans.

Instead of becoming the prince of the academy, he caught the eye of a shark.

Sarah already had influence. She was respected—feared, even. And in his foolish attempt to stand out, Adrian had landed in her sights.

That was the beginning of the end.

He'd thought he was strong—until she proved just how wrong he was. Again and again, she crushed his pride, beat him down, and slowly broke that inflated ego of his. He became nothing more than her errand boy.

And every time he tried to resist—tried to stand up—she reminded him why she was destined to become the second strongest Warden.

Bit by bit, his confidence crumbled. The fire in him dimmed. And eventually, all that remained was submission.

Sarah was the reason he changed.

The reason he never dared speak back to his stepmother. The reason he always hesitated. The reason why, when Sylvie blamed him, his first instinct was to run.

It all went back to her.

"…you don't look thrilled to see me," Sarah said, turning to face him.

Adrian's expression cooled, returning to its usual blank calm. "We were never friends. So why would I be?"

There was no need to pretend. No reason to put on a smile. Just because she held power didn't mean he had to play along.

Honestly, the fact he hadn't turned and walked away the moment she opened her mouth was more courtesy than she deserved.

Sarah let out a soft sigh. "Adrian… I know things happened between us. And I want to apologize for that."

"Okay," he said with a nod. "Apology accepted."

His tone made it clear—he wasn't looking to talk. He just wanted her to move on.

"…you say that, but you don't mean it, do you?" she asked.

Adrian gave a weary sigh. "I've long passed the point where you matter to me. That was a phase, Miss Sarah. And I'm over it."

He meant every word. Did he despise her? Sure. But she didn't haunt him anymore.

The boy she once controlled might've trembled at her sight.

But not this Adrian.

He'd seen far worse since then. Been through things that made his academy days feel like shadows of a long-gone storm.

He wasn't clinging to that past anymore.

Because as he said—he'd moved on.

Sarah lowered her gaze, silent for a moment, then gave a small nod and began walking again.

Adrian was thankful.

He followed her down the hallway, neither of them speaking as they reached a room marked 'Staff Only'.

Inside, several members of the committee were already seated. The wide windows offered a clear view of the arena below, and judging by their expressions, they'd been expecting both Adrian and Sarah.

Without a word, Sarah stepped forward and handed over the batons Elana had used in the match to one of the men. The team began their work instantly—analyzing, recording, inspecting.

Adrian moved to one side, quietly prepared to answer any questions. He stood straight, composed. Sarah took her place beside him, the silence between them stretching again.

But not for long.

"So… are you dating someone?" she asked softly, almost hesitantly.

"Yes. I'm engaged, actually," Adrian replied without delay.

There was a pause. A longer one than he expected.

"That… was quick of you," she murmured. "I thought you couldn't get over me."

Adrian blinked.

Was there something… between them?

He could recall a few moments, sure—brief flickers where he had shown some misplaced affection toward his tormentor. Maybe it was masochism, maybe it was confusion, but it had never been love. Never anything real.

And as far as he knew, Sarah had never looked at him as anything more than a plaything to control. She was always too absorbed in herself to care about anyone else's feelings.

"I never had feelings for you," he said at last. "And if I ever gave that impression… I apologize."

Sarah stared at him, clearly stunned. "...You don't need to lie. I know how you felt about me."

Adrian was surprised again—this time, by how insistent she sounded.

He sighed.

Staying quiet now would only be taken as silent confirmation, wouldn't it?

So, he said clearly, without a hint of doubt:

"All I ever felt toward you was fear… and hatred. That's it. And even those feelings faded with time."

He turned to look her in the eyes.

"So now, you're just anyone to me."

Sarah remained quiet for a few moments, and Adrian silently wished the inspection would wrap up soon so he could leave.

But the room wasn't ready to release him yet.

And neither was she.

"I always thought you'd end up joining your father in management," she said softly, eyes still on the committee's work. "You had an interest in Runesmithing, sure… but not the talent."

Her tone wasn't mocking. If anything, it felt like a faint trace of nostalgia.

Then she looked at him—and smiled.

"But now… you're a well-known Runesmith. One even my father acknowledges. That's something."

Adrian caught the sincerity in her voice, and for a second, he found no reason to doubt it.

There was no sarcasm. No veiled insult.

Just genuine appreciation.

He gave a slight nod, his voice light. "I feel honored."

And he meant it.

Because everything she said was true.

Back then, he had no talent for Runesmithing—none at all. He was just chasing the title like a fool chasing smoke.

If it hadn't been for his reawakening… if not for that twist of fate… he might have ended up wandering somewhere like a hippy, aimless and bitter.

His family had already turned their backs on him.

The academy doors were closed.

And he had nowhere else to go.

The only person who never left his side was Ariana. And she is one of the most significant reasons why he was here.

In a strange way, Sarah's words struck deeper than she probably intended—because she was right.

Dead right.

"We have assessed the armament. There is no trace of the third thread." Soon, the man returned with the batons and confirmed that Runebound academy didn't cheat.

Sarah hummed before handing the batons to Adrian and telling him, "One of these days…let's have dinner together and catch up a little. What do you say?"

No…would have been his answer. But to maintain a polite front, he just gave a simple nod and walked away.

Sarah remained rooted at her spot for a few seconds…before she mumbled under her breath,

'Engaged huh…'

°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading.