Return of the Legendary Runesmith

"But Professor... where are we going?" Allen asked. His confusion was justified. The moment Adrian opened his eyes, they had somehow found themselves somewhere entirely different.

As far as Allen could tell, this wasn’t any part of the academy. Instead, they stood within a dark hall, its ceiling stretching high above them into the shadows.

Adrian came to a stop.

"Allen," he began, releasing a quiet sigh. "Whatever is happening... it’s inevitable."

Allen’s shoulders sank. "Do you mean... I’m destined to become a mindless killer?"

Adrian didn’t know exactly how things would unfold. But if his instincts were right, then once Valor chose to answer his God, he would reclaim what belonged to him.

The fragments residing within this world would be drawn back to their source.

And when that happened, the existence known as Allen would cease to exist.

Adrian refused to let things reach that point.

He had already promised himself that he would find a way to change their fate before the inevitable arrived. For that reason, he found little hesitation in allowing himself to speak a fabricated truth.

"For now, follow those memories," Adrian said. "They won’t be as vicious or aggressive as before. I promise. But whatever happens... don’t resist them."

Allen sniffled. "But..."

"I know." Adrian nodded, his expression softening. "They horrify you. They threaten to change who you are. But don’t worry. Once this is over, you’ll be able to return to your life."

"And when will it be over?"

Allen had never desired anything beyond his old, peaceful life. No battles. No burdens. No expectations placed upon his shoulders.

Even if someone offered him the chance to abandon his life as a warrior entirely, he would gladly take it if it meant returning to those ordinary days.

Adrian could only stare at the boy before him.

The same boy who had once struck him as fearless. The kind of person who would stand against an entire crowd simply because he believed he was right.

Yet now...

He was frightened.

And utterly alone.

Adrian drew a slow breath. Then he reached out and gently cupped Allen’s cheek, meeting his eyes with absolute certainty.

"Soon, Allen. As soon as I can."

Allen lowered his head.

"I... I trust you, Professor." Relief touched his voice before he continued. "It has always been you rescuing me, as far as I can remember. I want to believe you’ll be the one to rescue me this time as well."

A faint smile touched Adrian’s lips.

"I will, Allen. But until then, you need to be strong, okay?"

Allen nodded.

Adrian gave the young man one final pat on the shoulder before turning away.

A moment later, Adrian vanished from the room.

Outside, Adrian found a familiar silver-haired figure waiting for him.

"I hope you can take care of him in my absence."

Jean exhaled a weary sigh. "Can’t say I’ve never played nanny before, but what’s wrong with him?"

Adrian shook his head.

"Worse than you believe. Don’t question his actions. Don’t let him leave his room. And if he does..." His expression hardened. "I hope Umbral has enough personnel to bring him back."

"Personnel?" Jean raised an eyebrow. "Adrian, no offense, but he’s a kid. Bringing him back would take one person at most."

Umbral sheltered trained warriors, people with both experience and natural talent. The guardians stationed throughout the premises should have had little difficulty restraining a child.

Yet Adrian’s expression, and the gravity behind his next words, suggested otherwise.

"He may look young and inexperienced, but the one who controls his fate is the strongest being in this world."

Jean’s expression changed.

"Stronger than the Queen... and you?"

Adrian nodded without hesitation.

"Yes, Jean."

His gaze shifted toward the room where Allen stood.

"And that’s why I asked the leader of Umbral to be here too."

Jean nodded. "I understand. I’ll prioritize his safety and make sure he doesn’t leave."

Adrian nodded in approval. "You’ve always been helpful. Thank you, Jean."

With that, his figure vanished from her sight, an impressive display of magical control that even she had to admire.

"Haa..."

Jean released a long breath before making her way toward the hall.

Then she saw it.

Deep gashes marred the reinforced wall, their edges still fresh. Beneath them stood Allen, his body drenched in sweat.

Jean’s expression slowly changed as Adrian’s warning finally sank in.

He hadn’t been carrying a weapon.

Yet somehow, he had torn into a reinforced wall with his bare hands.

’Alright.’

She straightened, her previous nonchalance disappearing.

’Can’t afford to take this lightly.’

....

Elana stood atop the highest tower of the academy.

The harsh wind howled around her, tugging at her clothes and whipping strands of hair across her face. Yet she didn’t miss the footsteps approaching from behind.

A smile touched her lips.

She turned.

There he was.

"Did you miss me?" Adrian asked with a smile.

Elana answered by throwing herself into his arms.

"More than you could ever know," she breathed, holding him tightly. "And yet... I feel like I’m going to miss you again."

Adrian sighed.

"Well, you know I’m leaving. That’s no secret. And I’ve already given you enough potion to keep you sane until I return."

Elana hummed softly.

"I’ll try. But..."

She lifted her gaze to his.

"To make sure of that, we should probably start with a strong dosage."

She rose onto her toes, bringing her lips closer to his.

She expected him to resist, as he always did.

But this time, Adrian surprised her.

He gently cupped her cheeks, drawing her closer, and without a word, sealed his lips against hers.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

The wind continued to howl around the tower, but it seemed distant now, drowned beneath the quiet rhythm of their breaths.

Elana’s fingers curled into his robes as she leaned into him, savoring the warmth she had missed for far too long.

Adrian’s hand remained against her cheek, his thumb brushing gently across her skin. The kiss was brief, tender, and strangely unhurried, as though neither of them wished to acknowledge how little time they had together.

When their lips finally parted, their faces remained close.

Elana opened her eyes slowly, a faint smile playing on her lips.

"That..." she whispered, "wasn’t enough."

Adrian chuckled softly.

"You were the one who asked for a strong dosage. And this was strong, I feel"

"You may have underestimated the required amount."

He smiled.

"Then you’ll have to survive until I return."

Elana rested her forehead against his.

"I’ll try."

For a few heartbeats, they simply remained there, holding each other beneath the endless sky.

Then Elana spoke, her voice low and trembling.

"I hope... this isn’t a farewell, Adrian."

Adrian gave her a faint smile, the certainty in his eyes leaving no room for doubt.

"Not in seven hells."

He gently brushed a strand of hair from her face.

"I’m coming back. Just stay safe and wait for me."

He pulled away, leaving the warmth of his embrace behind, then leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

"Until then."

And before she could say another word, Adrian vanished.

Elana stood alone atop the tower.

She bit her lower lip, fighting the emotions threatening to surface, before slowly lifting her gaze toward the vast sky and calling out,

"May your enemies rot in hell."

"May your wishes come true."

She closed her eyes.

"And may the first light of dawn be the crown of your victory."