Return of the Legendary Runesmith

Adrian let out a long sigh as he sank into his chair, finally back in his office after six grueling hours of studying inside the Time Chamber.

Balancing his regular classes with his own training in the Chamber wasn't easy. But he couldn't afford to neglect either.

He was eager to master the first two steps as quickly as possible so Raven could guide him further into the art of independent magic.

His progress was steady. Today, out of seven tries, he had managed to reach the deeper layer of a person's mind twice. He had started calling that place the Abyss because of the endless darkness that seemed to stretch in every direction.

But his exploration stopped there. He didn't push further, knowing his limits. Attempting more would demand sharper focus and far stronger mental endurance than he currently had.

Knock.

A gentle tap on the door pulled him out of his thoughts.

"Why are you knocking? Come in," he said, expecting it to be Annabelle sneaking into his office.

But when the door opened, Adrian blinked in surprise.

"Professor Norma? Did something happen?"

The familiar figure stepped inside, looking a little hesitant.

"Nothing serious," Norma said softly. "This letter just arrived at the administration office. Since I was there, I thought I'd bring it to you."

Adrian gave her a warm smile. "Thank you, Professor. I'm so tired, I probably wouldn't have gone there myself today."

Norma nodded knowingly. "Being one of the teachers giving extra classes must be exhausting."

She was right. The Aegis Trials were one of the three major exams students had to face at the end of the year. That test demanded a deep understanding of runes and their history.

And that was why Adrian, more than most, had his hands full these days.

Adrian chuckled, "Well, that's what a teacher needs to do. Help their students overcome hurdles."

They exchanged a few more words, complimenting each other before Norma said, "By the way, not only me but many others are still waiting for the celebration of your engagement. Don't tell me, you plan on neglecting us."

Adrian wryly smiled, "Ah, yes. During the winter break, we plan on throwing a party at our new house. We will surely invite you all."

Norma grinned, "Can't wait." Saying so, she stepped out of the office.

Once the door closed, Adrian sank back into his chair and examined the letter.

The seal of the Tower was stamped across it.

His brows furrowed. What do they want now?

Taking a small knife, he carefully slit the envelope and unfolded the contents.

[Kindly receive the package at the steamy twelfth store, down the first lane, exactly when the two needles aligns.]

Adrian frowned deeper. Package? I never ordered anything.

But there was no mistaking the seal. The Tower had sent this. The administration must have already verified the channel.

An emergency? Must be. Why else summon me like this?

Still, the location puzzled him. Where?

After a moment of thought, it struck him. It had to be the market downhill—there was no other place that fit the description.

Knock.

This time, the knock was familiar.

"What are you two up to?" Ariana asked as she stepped inside, Annabelle trailing behind her.

With a sigh, he held out the letter. "The Tower has summoned me."

Ariana scanned it, brows knitting together, while Annabelle peeked over her shoulder.

"Steam buns are sold at the twelfth store in that lane," Ariana confirmed his hunch. "That's the town downhill. They want you there at midnight."

Adrian let out another sigh. "If it weren't important, they'd have simply written it out. This has to be serious."

"I'll come with you, Darling," Annabelle said without hesitation.

Adrian didn't argue. "Good. If this is a trap, your support will make things easier."

Annabelle crossed her arms with a confident grin. "Exactly. You can count on me."

Ariana stayed quiet after reading the letter, prompting Adrian to ask, "Is there someone on your mind?"

She shook her head. "No. I just… hope this has something to do with the cult members."

Her worry was natural.

Why? Because wounded beasts were always the most dangerous. After being forced to abandon their base and losing their leader, the cult would be seething—waiting for the right moment to strike back.

"I've sent my people searching for them," Annabelle said, frustration edging her voice. "But it's as if they've vanished—like they melted into the shadows or the world itself swallowed them. Not a single trace."

Her fists clenched as the frustration deepened. She had failed her Darling. If only she had ended that Fallen God sooner, she could have intercepted the fleeing cult members. Instead, they had slipped away while she was locked in battle.

Ariana and Adrian exchanged a brief glance before Adrian spoke. "Don't blame yourself, Annabelle. You did your best. Without you, we never would have discovered where they were hiding in the first place."

Ariana gently placed a hand on Annabelle's head. "You contributed the most. If not for you, who knows how many more of those apostles would've been created from that specimen."

Annabelle let out a long sigh, the knot in her chest easing ever so slightly.

Adrian then shifted the topic, his brows furrowing. "Still… it's surprising how a being that strong can hide his presence so completely."

The other two knew at once who he meant.

The Evil Apostle—the one who had been transfused with the blood of the Fallen God.

According to Annabelle, she had never seen anyone wield mana with such flawless control. He channeled magic as naturally as one moved their own limbs.

When he wished, he erased his presence entirely, becoming as unnoticeable as the air itself. And when he chose to reveal himself, his aura came crashing down like a relentless tide—vast, suffocating, merciless.

Annabelle said, "I've kept a few elites on his trail. I think they'll be able to find that creature."

Hades raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "By the way, Bella… who exactly are these people working for you?"

Annabelle blinked, surprised. Hadn't she already told him? "Hmm… a girl I saved a few years back swore her loyalty to me. Then those I unintentionally helped or protected joined her. Now… they do nothing but try to be useful to me."

Ariana's eyes widened. "What the… how many people are we talking about?"

Annabelle rolled her eyes, a small smirk on her lips. "I don't command them or anything like that. I just ask if they want to help. And somehow, they always gather around me, like lost chicks."

Ariana raised her brows, still waiting for her answer.

Annabelle let out a small sigh and glanced up. "Hmmm… the last time I counted, there were about fifty-eight, I think."

"...!!"

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A/N:- Annabelle is having her own cult. Thanks for reading.