Return of the Legendary Runesmith

It had been more than a year since these five became the core members of the group they named Umbral.

Once a month, they gathered to report on their activities. Their roles were divided, each carrying out tasks suited to their strengths. Those who later joined their ranks were quietly used as unofficial Wardens—fighting shadows, cutting down evil, and reducing its numbers where it hid.

Umbral had grown steadily. Every member was driven not by greed, nor by glory, but by their loyalty to one person and her vision. Her glorious purpose.

To them, Annabelle was more than a leader—she was an inspiration. The fire that urged them to keep moving, to build a world where even the Strongest Warden could one day retire in peace.

Umbral's eyes stretched across nations, watching both small shifts and great upheavals. They moved only when needed, but when they did, the result was decisive.

And yet, though a year had passed, not once had their Lady Supreme stepped into the base or offered them firm guidance. That weighed on them all. They longed to be useful to the one who had saved them, the one they owed their lives to.

Recently, at last, she had given them tasks. Nothing too heavy—just to watch certain people and track a few others. But even that was enough. The members carried out her command with perfection, and when her rare words of praise came, they were overjoyed.

But after that brief moment, she withdrew again. Silent. Absent. Until today.

Today was different. Today, during their monthly meeting, their Queen had appeared at the gates of the base.

"No one will overreact. We can't afford to embarrass our Lady." Jean, the one in command, reminded the room firmly.

Only three others were present. The fifth, Eros, had already gone to welcome their Queen and guide her and the guests inside.

"But—but it's her! I wanna talk to her!" The pink-haired girl—Ellie—with twin ponytails bounced on her feet, her excitement impossible to hide.

"I'll show her my newest creation and…fufufu…" muttered another, a short-haired girl—Ivy—with dark blue locks and hollow eyes, giggling to herself.

"You don't need to worry, Jean. We know how to act around people," said the red-haired woman—Ember—with a steady nod, her tone firm, her confidence unshaken.

But Jean knew better. Devotion could be dangerous if not tempered. If they lost control, even for a moment, this meeting could fall apart.

Until now, every encounter had been brief—the Lady Supreme spoke, they listened, and it ended. But this time felt different. For the first time, there was a chance for a true conversation.

Soon, the doors parted and they held their breaths. She was here.

….

"Hello," Annabelle called as she and the other two stepped into the room.

Adrian noticed the air inside was heavy. Everyone looked stiff, too nervous to even return the greeting.

Ariana took a step forward, her voice unsteady. "Janet?"

The woman let out a quiet sigh. "It's been a while."

Ariana froze. For two long years, she had believed Janet had died during that operation.

But now… "You're still alive."

Janet gave a faint smile. "I was rescued. I would have died if not for her." Her eyes flicked toward Annabelle—who, at that very moment, was happily comparing her palm size with the man beside her.

"..." Jean had no words. She knew her Queen loved someone, but she had never seen her smile so brightly before.

"What about your family?" Ariana asked. She still remembered that Janet's parents were alive, along with her older brother.

"My brother took care of them. I never went back. I send them money sometimes, but… My place is here now." Jean spoke without the slightest hesitation.

Ariana let out a soft sigh and whispered, "I'm relieved… truly."

Jean smiled at the girl she had once guided—the same fierce wind who never hesitated to raise her voice against anyone, no matter their power or position.

But looking at her now, Jean realized Ariana had changed. She seemed more graceful, more womanly, and strikingly beautiful.

"Lady Supreme! Hello! Do you remember me?"

Jean rolled her eyes as Ellie finally lost patience and rushed toward Annabelle.

Bella tilted her head, arms folded across her chest. "I remember lifting you from somewhere… where was it?"

"The experiment lab in the Taltales Mountains. Eheh~ You told me I needed to lose weight."

Bella snapped her fingers. "Right. So? Did you manage it?"

Ellie twirled lightly on her toes, beaming. "Yes! Light as a feather." Then she stopped and held out her arms expectantly. "You can lift me now!"

With a small laugh, Annabelle slid her hands under Ellie's arms and lifted her up briefly. "Yeah, you are lighter now."

Ellie wished for another bridal carry, but this was good enough.

Her gaze then shifted to the man standing beside her Queen. "Who is he?"

Annabelle's smile widened as she gestured. "This is Adrian—my husband—"

"Close friend," Ariana cut in sharply, a frosty smile on her lips.

Annabelle pouted but continued, "Fine… a friend who's going to be my husband. So treat him with respect."

The words struck the room like thunder. Everyone froze in shock—everyone except Jean and Eros, who had quietly slipped in and was leaning in a corner.

"My fragile heart…" Ivy muttered weakly.

At last, Jean broke the silence. "Welcome to Umbral's main headquarters, Mister Adrian Lockwood."

Adrian stepped forward with a calm bow. "Forgive me for intruding like this, but there's something I wish to ask of you all."

He did want to thank them—for always standing by Annabelle and protecting this place. But that wasn't the real reason he came.

Every gaze was now on him as Adrian relayed, "I want your assistance in finding the weherabout of the remaining members of the Skulth cult. I have an intel that they would soon making an appearance near Aritveil's capital."

He couldn't tell them everything about the plan the Towers had plotted to regain people's trust.

However, if they agree to help, then they might be able to track where those bastards are hiding.

Dealing with one of the biggest cults in the world would be a big blow to them.

And since they have recently lost their former leader, it was the best time to strike them down.

Hearing his words, the Umbral members started glancing at each other, making Annabelle, "So you don't want to help, huh?"

Ember panicked, "It's nothing like that, My Lady! It's just…" she glanced at Jean before the latter voiced,

"We already know where those missing members are."

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.