Return of the Legendary Runesmith

Ting

Elana tapped her batons together and cracked her neck.

She stood in the gymnasium, a place she rarely visited these days.

Hunting in the wild was far more exciting. The danger of death made her sharper, faster, better. But now, with the outer perimeter being built, too many guards watch the borders. Until construction was finished, she couldn't sneak out.

For now, this was all she had.

CLINK

The training dolls moved. Some charged at her, others ran away.

Elana lunged. Her left baton flew forward, smashing into the first doll's face. She leapt over its body and brought the other baton down on the next doll's skull.

CRACK

She didn't stop. Yanking her weapon free, she dashed again.

The third doll came up from behind, its huge arms raised to crush her. Elana slid across the mat into a split. Her baton shot upward, stabbing its throat and ripping its head loose.

The doll staggered. Elana grabbed it with both hands and twisted.

CRACK

Wood splintered under her strength. She dropped it, turning to the three dolls still running away.

Her breath drew sharp. Her cold eyes locked onto them.

She charged.

In seconds, she was on the closest one. She leapt high and came down hard with an axe kick.

DHAK CRACK

Its head split open. The body collapsed.

She sprang back up and bolted toward the other two.

'I won't make it.'

They were almost at the end mark. If they reached it, she lost.

Elana's silver hair whipped behind her as she pushed harder. She locked onto the farthest doll.

Her feet moved faster than ever, carrying her beyond her normal limit. She closed in just before it touched the mark. At the same time, the other doll passed her.

She didn't hesitate. Her baton flew from her hand, spinning diagonally toward its head.

Her heart pounded. Her eyes were sharp, predatory.

She leapt behind the last doll, clamped its face, and twisted.

CRUNCH

Its head tore free.

The doll never reached the mark. But—

TING

The one she thought her baton had taken down… survived.

It crossed the line.

Elana let out a long sigh, frustration heavy in her chest.

Shaking her head, Elana turned—only to stop in surprise.

Someone was standing there.

A familiar second-year student.

"Was that the highest grade of difficulty, senior?" Sylvie asked, her voice carrying awe.

Elana's opinion of the girl had softened ever since she proved herself useful to the Professor. Because of that, Elana didn't ignore her.

"Yes," she replied simply, reaching for her towel.

Still, disappointment lingered. To wash it away, she needed either the sight of her Professor… or something sweet to eat.

Both were pleasures—one for the eye, one for the tongue.

But for now, she could only wait. The Professor had gone for a family reunion and wouldn't return until tomorrow.

Sylvie stepped closer. "Umm… Senior, I came to tell you something."

Elana's brows lifted. "What is it?"

"You must have heard about Lover's Oath Day—the same year Professor Adrian joined, right?" Sylvie asked.

Elana's eyes turned cold. "Yes. I've heard."

She had heard the tales. How so many girls had tried to give Adrian chocolates that they eventually had to lock him in his office.

One student, hopelessly smitten, even had a full chocolate sculpture made for him.

Another went so far as to nearly throw herself off the school roof to prove her love.

Since that year, Professor Adrian never stayed at the academy during that season—despite it being the start of the new term.

Sylvie nodded. "That's why he never revealed his birthday either, right?"

Elana gave a small nod. No one in the academy knew when his birthday was. For the same reasons.

Sylvie gave a wry smile. "Please don't tell anyone… but I know when it is."

Elana's eyes narrowed. "How do you know?"

Sylvie hesitated before admitting, "Actually… I met Professor Adrian's siblings once. I got close to his sister, and that's when I asked. Ahah…"

Elana could tell she was lying. But that didn't matter. What mattered was something else.

"When is it?" she asked with subtle curiosity in her voice.

Sylvie's lips curled into a small grin. "The day after tomorrow. And I'm thinking of buying him a gift."

Fidgeting slightly, she added, "But since I am not very good at picking gifts, I was thinking if we can go together?"

Elana thought for a moment before responding, "Wait for me at the school entrance. I will be there in ten minutes."

.....

The atmosphere in the dining hall was… comfortable.

Conversations flowed easily, and Ruby noticed there was no tension between father and son. That brought her some relief.

Adam, who had been speaking with Ariana, suddenly turned to Ruby. "Miss Vermillion, I heard your family is helping the Capital rebuild its defenses. Was that because of Adrian?"

Ruby flushed slightly and shook her head. "No, not exactly. We had a deal. In exchange for him teaching me something, I promised to help the Capital."

Adam's eyes narrowed at his son. "Since when did you start charging people just to teach them? Wasn't teaching supposed to be your passion?"

Adrian gave a half-smile. "But Father, we do take hefty fees from the students."

Ariana laughed softly. "That's true."

Adam groaned. "These two…" Shaking his head, he turned to Annabelle. "He didn't ask you for something in return, did he?"

Annabelle giggled, her cheeks glowing. "Whatever I have is Darling's. He can ask me for anything, anytime."

Her lovestruck tone was almost overwhelming.

Adam shot Adrian another glare.

Adrian could only give a helpless smile.

Melissa asked, "When do you plan on doing the ring ceremony, Adrian? Or will you do it privately?"

Adrian blinked. "I… was thinking of doing it today."

"Eh?"

"Huh?"

Everyone—except Ariana and Ruby—reacted in shock. They had already been told before they came.

Annabelle asked, "For real?"

Adam added, "Is that true, son?"

Adrian nodded. "The final terms are coming, so I won't have time later. Ruby also has duties. Since we're all here, I thought it would be best."

"But what about Ruby's parents?" Melissa said, surprised.

Ruby answered, "Dad has to attend an important event at a relative's, and Mom went with him."

Adrian smiled. "I already have their permission. Don't worry."

Adam sighed. "Well… before you rush, why don't you ask the one you're getting engaged to if she's ready?"

Adrian hummed and turned to Ruby.

Her cheeks flushed when he asked, "So… are you willing to be my fiancée?"

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A/N:- Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed reading the chapter, drop a comment.