Return of the Legendary Runesmith

The next morning, the three of them set off for the teleportation together.

Ariana and Adrian had stayed at the Vermillion residence the night before, since Ariana had no duties to tend to. She had already left word that she'd return the day after tomorrow, while Adrian was on leave.

"Still, I'll try to come back today. I can't be absent at such a crucial time," Adrian muttered as they entered the teleportation center.

The third-year students were already at their breaking point from the sudden announcement of a third examination. Adrian didn't want to skip classes unnecessarily.

"Quite diligent," Ruby said with a teasing smirk. "I was actually thinking of joining the Academy myself…as a Professor."

Ariana's brows lifted. "Professor Gilbert is leaving next year. You could replace him."

Ruby blinked in surprise. "Wait… really? Do you think I'd be good enough for that?"

Ariana shrugged lightly. "I trust your knowledge in runesmithing. Adrian praises you quite often."

Ruby's eyes widened slightly. Her cheeks warmed as she glanced at Adrian.

The bespectacled man only shrugged. "She's right. But… you've got so many duties as the Vermillion heiress. Can you handle both?"

Ruby sighed. "Probably not. Starting next month, I'll be helping with administration. And working in another nation? That just sounds like an open door to political drama."

Ariana hummed in thought. "Well, if you change your mind, let me know before the new semester begins. You could even start as an intern."

Ruby nodded gratefully. "Thanks. I'll keep that in mind."

Since there was some time before the altar could be prepared, they sat in the waiting room.

Where they were sitting, there was a painting of the Legendary Hero hung across from them, on the wall.

Adrian casually asked the system, 'Were you with Avirin when he built the Sword Of Infinity?'

[No, host.]

Adrian blinked in surprise, 'Hmm? But Annabelle said she could access the dimensional chat group since the age she awakened?'

[That's right, host. From every world, only one Hero is chosen to inherit the system. And this world's inheritor was Host Annabelle.]

Adrian frowned, 'You mean to say…I was never meant to have this system?'

[Indeed, host.]

'Then how come you are talking to me now?'

[Because the system realized without you, host, all the inheritors would perish.]

"..." Oh.

While the others relied on the system, the system had to take Avirin's help, huh?

….

Before long, they finished the formalities and stepped onto the altar.

In an instant, the scenery shifted, and they found themselves standing in a different place.

"Hello—ah…" Albec, who had been ready to greet the man, froze when his eyes landed on the redhead beside him.

He was expecting Ariana…but not the eldest child of the Vermillion family.

"Sorry for intruding again~" Ruby waved casually.

Albec forced a polite smile as he stepped forward. "It's good to see you in good health, Heiress Vermillion." Turning to Ariana, he gave a respectful nod. "Miss Ariana."

Adrian stepped down from the altar and extended his hand. "I trust you don't mind me bringing my comrades along."

Albec clasped it briefly, nodding. "No, there's no problem with them being here."

Adrian gave a subtle nod before the trio stepped out of the teleportation room and into the main hall.

Albec was seated on the sofa. With a small gesture, he signaled one of his men. At once, everyone cleared out—except for a single man who remained standing behind him, posture straight and sharp. Clearly, his personal guard.

Adrian was the first to speak. "I assume this is about the incident?"

Albec let out a soft sigh. "Not exactly."

That answer drew everyone's attention, though no one spoke. They waited for him to continue.

Reading the silence in the room, Albec leaned back in his seat. "I can't tell you the reason I called you here. Only this—you should know someone wishes to meet you."

Adrian's brows furrowed. "And who could possibly force you to send out a decree?"

Albec said nothing. His silence only deepened the confusion in the room.

No one in this world had the authority to force a Tower Master's hand.

Not even the King.

Ariana ran her fingers through her hair. "What's with all this secrecy?"

Ruby's brows furrowed. "You're not seriously thinking of taking Adrian alone and leaving us behind, are you?"

At her words, Ariana flinched and turned her gaze sharply to Albec.

The Tower Master slowly raised his hand. "I swear, nothing will happen to Sir Adrian. You have my word."

Ariana's voice hardened, a growl escaping her. "And why should we believe you? Don't forget the series of blunders the Tower has already caused—especially the time Adrian was nearly imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit."

Ruby gave a firm nod in agreement.

Albec let out a weary sigh before speaking again. "We all know Sir Adrian can protect himself. And if things truly take a turn for the worse… he can warp away, can't he?"

As he said this, his eyes shifted meaningfully toward Adrian.

A heavy silence pressed down on the room.

Adrian let out a soft chuckle. "So you know, huh?" His tone wasn't surprised—only curious why Albec had chosen such a roundabout way to reveal it.

"There were too many eyes, Sir Adrian," Albec said plainly. "And among them were Tower members with years of experience fighting Acolytes."

Adrian shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "So… is this a trap to imprison me? You do realize that wouldn't work, right?"

At those words, Ariana and Ruby's eyes sharpened. Both women looked ready to spring to their feet, prepared for battle at the slightest hint of danger.

Behind Albec, the guard subtly shifted his stance. But against the seventh- and fourth-ranked Wardens… anyone could guess how that would end.

Albec raised his hands lightly, his voice calm. "I wouldn't dare, Sir Adrian. You were already an anomaly in my eyes. And now… you've become a living legend."

Adrian shook his head slowly. "I can't help but feel, Sir Albec, that our relationship is bound to turn sour in the near future."

Albec blinked, clearly caught off guard. "I-I don't understand. Have I done something to offend you?"

Adrian's gaze stayed steady, his tone calm yet weighted. "No… it's just a feeling. The past has already left its mark. You know certain truths about me, and I know certain truths about the Tower. And I can't shake the sense that, sooner or later, those truths will put us at odds."

The silence was suffocating this time. No one spoke, until a Member entered the room and whispered something in Albec's ear.

The Tower Master looked at Adrian and said, "The one who desires to meet you is here."

°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading.