Return of the Legendary Runesmith

"You're leaving?" Adrian's voice carried a note of surprise.

It had been more than ten days since the incident. Annabelle had been staying with Ariana, and after Adrian finished his classes, he often spent the rest of his time with her. He tried to give Ariana her share of attention too, but she had been caught up with her own matters these past few days. That left most of his time with Annabelle.

Since it didn't appear she has any urgent matters to attend to, it was surprising she decided to leave on her own.

"Is something wrong? Something urgent I should know about?" he asked carefully.

Annabelle shook her head. "Not urgent. But I want to check the cult's bases in the northeast."

Adrian tilted his head. "That doesn't sound random."

"It isn't," she said, her tone firm. "I got word from people I helped before. According to them, the Acolytes suddenly went quiet."

"Inactive?" Adrian asked, openly admitting he didn't know much about the cult. He only knew there were two major groups trying to bring back the Fallen God. The rest—like their hideouts, their movements—wasn't something the story ever covered. After all, Allen's perspective had always stayed tied to the academy.

Annabelle's eyes sharpened. "I've been tracking three core members who blend in as ordinary citizens. All of them left their posts at the same time, each with different excuses. My guess—they gathered for a cult meeting."

"You couldn't find their base?" Adrian pressed gently.

Her shoulders sank a little. "I'm sorry, Darling. My people failed."

Adrian reached out and placed his hand on her head, his voice soft and reassuring. "You don't need to apologize. You've done more than enough. You did great, Bella."

She leaned into his touch, almost like a cat purring, her lips curving faintly.

After a small pause, she added, "But lately… they haven't met with any acolytes at all. They're acting as if they've turned back into ordinary people."

Adrian's brow furrowed, unease settling in his chest. Silence lingered for a moment before he asked, "How often do these meetings happen?"

"My people have been watching for six months. This was only the second time."

"Then it's one of two things," Adrian said, his gaze sharpening. "Either it was an emergency meeting after their failure… or it's their regular gathering that happens once every half year. Core members can't afford to show themselves too often. But either way—one thing is certain. They reached a decision in that meeting."

Annabelle's brows knit together. "A decision… about what happened?"

Adrian didn't answer. He didn't need to. She already understood.

He moved closer to the window, looking out at the dim sky. "Annabelle, if you can, find their base. But don't risk yourself. Not for this."

She gave a small nod. "I'll be careful. I'll do my best."

When he turned back to her, his voice softened again. "I know I'm asking you for something difficult—"

"Darling," she cut him off, her eyes shining, "don't call it difficult. I don't see it as a burden. I feel lucky… that I can be useful to you."

Adrian's lips curved into a small smile. She was still the same foolish, stubborn girl—willing to give everything for him. And somehow, that made his heart ache and warm at the same time.

…

"Yeah, I understand. You may go now."

Rylie gave a polite bow before placing the file on her desk—the latest request from students asking for extra lessons after school. With quiet steps, he left the office.

Ariana glanced at the stack already sitting before her. Twelve files. All still untouched. Each one important. Each one demanding attention she could scarcely give.

The aftermath of the incident had left cracks everywhere. Supplies drained during the survivors' stay, throwing the academy's budget into chaos. Outside specialists had been brought in for counseling, their fees swelling the costs even further.

And then there was security. The teachers had decided in the last meeting—the outer perimeter had to be rebuilt again. Traps were to be laid in the forest downhill. Every corner had to be secured.

So much to fix. So much to oversee. No wonder Ariana had been drowning in work these past days.

Click

The door creaked open.

Lifting her eyes, she saw Adrian step inside.

"Annabelle left," he said simply, catching Ariana off guard.

"Did something happen?" she asked quickly.

Adrian gave a small shrug. "She went to investigate some suspicious spots. She's trying to track down the cult's bases."

Ariana let out a quiet sigh. "Telling her to take reinforcements is pointless."

It was the truth. Annabelle wasn't just the strongest Warden alive—she was also stubbornly independent. Once she set her mind on something, no one could force her hand.

"I told her to keep her distance and just observe for now," Adrian said firmly. "They're planning something—I can feel it. And now that word is out that I have the staff, I'm certain they'll try to take it back."

Ariana grumbled, "That's why I told you to keep it in the vault."

But Adrian only grinned, a glint of defiance in his eyes. "I'm using it to save lives."

She pressed her lips together, unable to argue against that.

Adrian leaned back against her desk, glancing at the file in her hands. It was full of numbers, notes on security measures, and rough calculations for the costs.

The weight on Ariana's shoulders was heavier than anyone realized. Half the academy's students were on scholarships. Normally, tuition fees and other income were enough to keep things stable—but not anymore. Not after the recent incidents. Not after the constant ambushes that had drained their resources and forced new defenses.

Suddenly, a heavy pouch dropped onto her desk with a thud.

Ariana blinked, startled. "What… is this?"

"Solution," Adrian replied calmly.

She hesitated, then pulled the pouch open. Her breath caught—the bag was overflowing with gold coins. Judging by the weight alone, there had to be more than five thousand inside.

Before she could process it, Adrian placed two more pouches beside the first, their weight making the table creak.

"And these," he said with a small smile, "consider them a wedding gift."

Ariana's eyes widened. For a moment she just stared, her thoughts scattering. The sheer absurdity of his gesture left her frozen. But then, his words sank in, and her heart skipped.

She shook her head quickly. "I… I can't take this. You earned this money through your hard work."

Adrian's grin faded into something softer, more piercing. "So that's how it is between us now, Aria? My money and your money?"

Ariana bit her lip, her chest tightening. She couldn't find a single word to throw back at him. Cornered, speechless, all she could do was meet his gaze.

Adrian drew closer and gently cupped her cheek, "Your problems are mine as well, Ariana. When I never hesitate in sharing my problems with you, why are you?"

Ariana remained silent for a few moments, her eyes closed and just enjoying the warmth of his hand.

After a brief pause she said, "Well, you solved most of my problems."

Adrian grinned, "If that's so then let's go on a date."