Return of the Legendary Runesmith

"Did he just say he's not interested?" Ruby asked, her face caught between shock and amusement.

"Not even a second later," Ariana added, wearing the same expression.

Both of them had been listening closely to the discussion, frowning the whole time.

But Adrian's instant rejection of such a 'grand offer' almost made them laugh, and they couldn't help but wonder how the rest of the room must have reacted.

...

Every person in the room, guards included, was stunned that Adrian hadn't even taken a second to consider the offer before rejecting it.

Soon, a wry smile curved across Tia's lips as she muttered under her breath, "Well, that was expected."

The cult leader, Armodius, froze at Adrian's response.

The man beside him let out a low chuckle. "You're really full of yourself, aren't you? Thinking you can protect humanity all on your own?"

Adrian tilted his head slightly. "I never claimed responsibility for the world. I only wish to protect a few individuals. And with or without your support, I can do that."

The green-haired man leaned forward, his voice sharp. "And what if we target only them?"

A heavy stillness settled over the room.

Albec held his breath as his eyes flicked toward Adrian.

The soldiers tensed, ready to act at the first sign of trouble.

But Adrian didn't flinch. Instead, he leaned back in his chair and said calmly, "You signed a contract stating you wouldn't harm anyone today. But…"

In one smooth motion, he drew his revolver and placed it on the table. "…that doesn't apply to me."

His eyes—usually warm—were stripped of all emotion, cold and unfeeling, as he locked his gaze on the young man across from him.

The air itself seemed heavier, though every mage in the room still held full control over their magic.

...

"Okay, that was hot," Ariana muttered, her breath slightly shallow as she imagined in her head how Adrian must be glaring at the bastard.

"Can't agree more." Ruby nodded, her face hot.

....

Albec stepped in quickly, trying to calm the tension. "Let's continue the discussion for the reason we're all gathered here."

By then, the cult leader had also regained his composure. He spoke again, his tone steady but weighted. "First of all, I want you to understand something, Mister Adrian. The staff you wielded back then… it once belonged to the Dark Lord. He ruled this cult for more than two centuries, and according to him, only his successor could command that staff. That is why, despite his age, he never retired—because he never found one."

Adrian hummed thoughtfully. "So… you're suggesting that I'm the successor, and therefore I must join you?"

Armodius frowned, frustration bleeding through his calm. "I fail to see why you are so unwilling. We are not asking you to take part in any of our… darker deeds. All we ask is that you serve as a symbol. In return, our cult will cause no further chaos. I am even willing to swear an Oath under my own name."

Adrian nearly laughed at the absurdity of it.

He turned to Albec, a sharp grin tugging at his lips. "Did he actually convince you with this nonsense?"

Albec stayed silent.

Armodius let out a weary sigh. "I don't understand what exactly displeases you."

Adrian stared at him in disbelief. Was this man truly trying to convince anyone here?

Tia finally cut in. "It's obvious you're plotting something that'll come back to bite us later."

The cult leader's frown deepened. "What do you mean by that? We've already agreed on the terms and according to—"

"So what happens," Adrian interrupted, his voice calm but firm, "if in the future someone else takes command? Or if, for whatever reason, you hand your authority over temporarily—can you guarantee they won't harm anyone?"

He leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing. "And about me joining your cult—can you ensure you won't order me to do things I don't want to? What about my freedom? Will I still be free to wander and continue my work?"

Silence fell.

No one had expected Adrian to press with such questions. They had assumed that under the Tower's pressure, he would rush into accepting the offer.

But from the way he spoke, it was clear—Adrian didn't hold the Tower in such high regard.

"So this is what you've decided, huh?" Armodius leaned back in his chair, his tone calm, almost casual. "Alright then… so be it."

His violet eyes fixed on Adrian. "If you can't be my friend, then I'll make you my enemy. I can't risk you falling into the hands of another cult, so I'll say this here and now, Mister Adrian—wherever you hide, whoever dares to shield you, I swear on my life… I'll kill you with my own hands."

He said it serenely, without the faintest ripple of killing intent. It was less a threat and more a verdict—delivered by someone who had long since made peace with it.

Adrian's gaze hardened. In a sudden motion, he snatched the revolver from the table and leveled it straight at the man's chest.

"Oh yeah? Then how about I end this story right here, right now?"

Armodius's lips curved into a grin. "Go on, then. Try."

Adrian's finger twitched on the trigger—until something icy pressed against the side of his throat. His body stiffened, realizing a dagger was drawn against his neck.

"Don't do anything reckless, Mister Adrian," came the voice of one of the soldiers behind him, his grip steady, unshaken.

At the same time, another hand clamped firmly around Adrian's wrist, forcing the revolver down. Adrian turned, only to meet Albec's grim eyes.

"We promised their safety," Albec said solemnly.

Adrian's gaze turned frosty...so they have taken their sides, huh?

Armodius suddenly got up from his seat, the one beside him, following the suit as he said, "It's very sad that you didn't accept my offer, Mister Adrian. We could have been good friends."

Adrian scoffed, "I have better things to do other than trying to awaken a fraud."

The green-haired Acolyte growled, "Another word about our Lord and I will forget whatever Oath I have taken."

Adrian chuckled, "You are threatening no one, child. And despite whatever stories you have heard about Nytharos, it's a fact that he was a traitor."

The Acolyte's eyes widened in anger, but before he could move, the cult leader grabbed his shoulder and said, "He is just trying to provoke you so he can attack us. Leave it, Nel."

The young Acolyte growled before turning away and leaving the conference room, followed by Armodius.

Adrian heaved a sigh in disappointment, 'Well, that didn't work.'

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A/N:- Thanks for reading. Don't forget to leave a comment.