Return of the Legendary Runesmith-Chapter 81 - 80- Warning

Ariana sat alone in her office, quietly reviewing the question paper that would be handed out to the students tomorrow.

It wasn’t really necessary, not in the strictest sense. But it was a written protocol—one she had to follow.

Most of the professors here were dedicated and trustworthy. Still, once, a long time ago, the previous headmaster had uncovered something unsettling. A certain teacher had been subtly guiding students toward specific Chapters—Chapters he would later take questions from in the exam.

The strange part? It wasn’t another teacher or a colleague who brought this to light. It was a student.

To some, it might have sounded too minor to raise alarms. But the former Headmaster had been uncompromising when it came to anything that could affect a student’s future.

That was the reason so many of the academy’s rules—every line, every condition—were laid out so firmly. Some were even rewritten by him, shaped by the weight of his beliefs. He wanted the students of Runebound Academy to get nothing less than the best.

Ariana exhaled quietly and thought about taking a short break—maybe step out and smoke a quick one. But just then,

*Knock.*

A soft voice followed.

"It’s me."

She gently placed the question papers on the desk and said, "Come in."

The door opened, revealing a familiar face—one she had unknowingly been thinking about. Just moments ago, she had been admiring the neat handwriting on one of the question papers. And now, here he was.

"How did it go? The extra classes?" she asked, leaning back into her chair, her voice softer than before.

It still amazed her sometimes. He spent most of his days in the workshop, pouring hours into spellwork and runes, and the rest of his time solving doubts of the students. Twelve hours, at the very least, every day.

And yet, despite the weight of all that work, he looked calm. Energized. As if he were ready to walk into a celebration, not walk out of another long, draining day.

And here she was... Ariana—Head of the Academy—getting her mind completely tangled over a few question papers.

"It was engaging," Adrian said as he settled into the chair across from her, voice calm and casual. "I never feel bored answering questions."

She raised an eyebrow, a slow smirk forming. "Hmm~ I was thinking... after the exams, I might take a break and visit the hot springs." Her gaze sharpened with playful curiosity. "Care to join me?"

Adrian almost said yes. Gods knew he needed the rest, too. But instead, he sighed, brushing a few strands of hair behind his ear. "I don’t think either of us will be getting any leave."

Ariana’s expression shifted. "What do you mean? Did the Tower Master schedule something again?"

He hadn’t told her much about his recent meeting with Tia, so it made sense she’d think that. But what Adrian said next had nothing to do with schedule conflicts—and everything to do with something far more disturbing.

"Ariana... I need you to stay calm."

He raised both hands in front of him, as if to physically hold her back from jumping to conclusions. His tone had changed—gentle, but heavy.

"When I was kidnapped," he began, "I overheard something. From the Acolytes."

Her posture changed instantly. She leaned forward over the desk, lips pressed into a tight line, and waited.

"They’re planning something," Adrian continued. "Something big. Not just another skirmish or a small strike. A real attack... aimed directly at the Academy. I assume this is one of the organisations backing them."

Ariana’s gaze sharpened, her earlier ease replaced by a steely seriousness. "Tell me everything. No skipping details."

Adrian looked to the side for a moment, thinking back. "I was half-conscious at the time, so I didn’t catch it all. But I’m certain they mentioned something about launching the attack soon."

"During the exams?" she guessed, fingers curling slightly on the desk.

He shook his head. "No. That wouldn’t be ideal for them. Too many teachers, too much surveillance. I think they’ll wait until after the exams, when things quiet down. When most of the professors head home, including you."

Ariana nodded slowly, piecing things together. But then, a deeper concern struck her.

"...Around that time, a lot of students also return home."

Silence filled the space between them for a few heavy seconds. The question papers on her desk no longer seemed important.

Only one thought remained in her mind now:

This wasn’t about the Academy’s walls.

It was about the people who would be within them. The students’ lives were at risk.

Adrian shook his head, "I hardly believe they are coming here to harm some teenagers, who are not even a threat in their eyes."

"Then what could be their motive?" she asked, a bit of frustration lacing her voice.

She, by no means, was annoyed by Adrian; rather, she couldn’t be more thankful that he delivered such important news. The reason for her annoyance was the Acolytes themselves.

They are just restless bugs who don’t know when to stop.

Recently, one was caught in the academy during Adrian’s trials, and now this...what are they actually aiming for?

"I think you would have a better idea of what they are after?" She was the headmistress, so she surely knows what they could be aiming for.

Adrian, naturally, knows, but he couldn’t tell her.

There was a brief silence before Ariana asked, "Do you think I should ask for the capital’s help?"

Adrian hummed, "If soldiers appear here on the campus, students would panic. And considering how Acolytes had me under surveillance, they surely must be monitoring the capital, too.

Unnecessary movements might change their plans, and they would attack at a time when we couldn’t expect."

Ariana nodded in assent...that’s true. And considering how many days they have, they can’t expect an army to come here.

"In my opinion, you should ask for a few Warden’s help for this. They can remain around in civil uniforms."

Ariana responded, "I was thinking the same. Dealing with the royalties in this situation would cause unnecessary hassle." Ariana had a few connections, and she owes a few Wardens, so surely they would help her in a time of crisis.

She couldn’t ask the school staff to stay back, since there is a high chance of a bug present among the school staff. As such, this matter needs to be kept under wraps.

"I believe they won’t bring a huge army or they would attract the attention of the Tower, so asking for a few Wardens’ help would be sufficient."

Ariana sighed, "This is problematic. I can’t tell the students to evacuate, nor can I take them to any shelter."

With her eyes falling to the ground, she mumbled under her breath, "I don’t know what I would do if even a single student..."

Suddenly, Ariana’s vision was filled with a familiar face, as she found Adrian kneeling before her.

Holding her hands fondly, he assured her, "I will not let any of the students get hurt during this ambush. I may not be very reliable in the past, but now, you can trust me a little."

Ariana bit her lip as she said, "I trust you, Adrian, but—"

Adrian interrupted her, "If it’s about the students, I give you my word that none of them will get even a scratch. And once I safeguard your weakness,"

"I will fucking shred those asswipes in pieces." She growled.

Adrian grinned, "That’s it, tiger. Keep that attitude, since in the face of the crisis, everyone is going to look up to you." He cupped her cheek and tried to boost her confidence.

Ariana...was a bit taken aback.

This...was the first time she was being comforted and motivated by a man.

However, it didn’t feel bad...not at all.

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.