Return of the Legendary Runesmith

When Annabelle asked them to keep watch over the members of Skulth, they already understood what their Queen's true aim was.

So, when the cult's headquarters was discovered, they did not withdraw completely, even though Annabelle had told them to stay out of it. They refrained from interfering directly, respecting her orders—but they never lost sight of Skulth's movements.

"A few of our people are still trailing them, and one of Umbral's own has infiltrated the sect. We know exactly where they are," Jean reported.

Adrian was stunned. To think they had been working so efficiently, so silently from the shadows—it unsettled him.

Ariana broke the silence. "What was your plan for them?"

Jean exchanged a brief glance with Ember before answering. "The cult has struck a deal with the Towers. Together, they're plotting something to win back the people's trust. Our plan was to exterminate the entire cult during that event."

Adrian let out a slow sigh. So they knew already. And if one of Umbral's members was embedded within the cult…

Wait. His eyes narrowed. "Are you saying that mole is an Acolyte?"

Ember shifted uneasily, her composure breaking. "Lady Supreme… must be aware of this, isn't she?"

Annabelle gave a low hum. "I don't know. But have you truly recruited Acolytes into Umbral?"

At that moment, the only one who seemed to shrink smaller than she already was… was Ivy.

Jean sighed. "Ivy used to be an Acolyte, my lady. There are several other mages who once worked for cults. Now they're part of Umbral."

Bella hummed and turned to Adrian. "Is that bad, darling?"

Ivy's eyes flicked between Annabelle and Adrian. Her hand rested on her dagger — she was ready to slit her own throat if the Queen refused to let her stay.

But that fate now sat in the hands of the man who held great sway over the Queen.

Adrian crossed his arms. "If you trust them, then why not? I've known a few who were Acolytes once and later became decent citizens."

Annabelle smiled. "Then it's fine to have Acolytes among us."

Ivy felt as if the ground might give way beneath her at those words.

Ellie piped up, "Are you taking command, Boss?"

Annabelle tilted her head. "Our goals line up. Why not join forces?"

Ellie's eyes lit up — a chance to work with the Boss herself.

Ariana asked, "So… are we taking the Skulth down this time?"

Adrian nodded. "Total annihilation. They've crossed too many lines and hurt us enough. It's time to remove that threat."

If anyone could hold a fragment of the Fallen God, it would be them. Wiping Skulth out would at least neutralize that catastrophic danger for now.

"What is your plan?" Annabelle asked as she stepped toward the round table at the center of the room.

Adrian followed, eyes settling on the map spread across it — a detailed chart of Aritveil's capital.

Aritveil lay in the north of Grimvale, about three days' journey by carriage.

Teleportation would be quicker, but far too conspicuous. And since Adrian had never set foot there, he couldn't anchor a portal himself.

Jean, noticing his concern, spoke with calm assurance. "That won't be an issue. We already have a portal here, and someone in Aritveil will secure the other end. The route will be smooth."

Ember continued, laying out their strategy piece by piece, detailing exactly how they planned to crush the cult before the Skulth even realized what was happening.

Adrian found himself genuinely surprised. A few of the details were things he hadn't known at all — including the current location of the cult's main hideout.

One by one, the three of them — Ember, Jean, and Ellie — took turns explaining. They described how they would encircle the cultists, isolate their leaders, and wipe them out in a coordinated strike, leaving no room for escape. Ivy and Eros remained silent, watching from the side.

"Wow… you guys are fully prepared," Ariana said at last, her sigh carrying both admiration and relief.

Adrian nodded, sharing her sentiment. "I couldn't have managed all this alone, not with the limited resources at my disposal. What you've done here… it's impressive."

Jean smiled softly, her voice calm yet proud. "We observed that the Skulth have repeatedly troubled our Queen. Because of that, we placed them at the very top of our list."

Annabelle huffed, her expression hardening. "They've attacked Darling three times now. You did well finding them."

In that moment, every sleepless night and every ounce of effort behind their preparation felt worthwhile.

Ellie blushed faintly, Ivy ducked her gaze behind the curtain of her hair, Ember smiled with quiet innocence, and Eros kept her usual stoic mask. Jean, however, stepped forward with a graceful bow.

"We are delighted to hear that," she said.

Adrian let out a soft sigh. "Well, since you've already prepared such a thorough plan, let's go with it."

"Does that mean the leader will command us?!" Ellie asked eagerly, practically bouncing in place.

Annabelle shook her head. "Darling always takes care of that."

Ellie tilted her head, hesitation flickering in her eyes.

Adrian chuckled. "Don't worry, I won't be taking command. Clearly, we don't fully trust each other yet. Jean, you handle the command. I'll provide long-distance communication tools and other artifacts to make things easier."

"You can make them?" Eros asked, turning her attention to the man.

Adrian nodded confidently. "Yes. I'm a Runesmith."

Eros raised an eyebrow. "I know that, but crafting isn't necessarily part of Runesmithing."

Annabelle grinned and leaned closer, wrapping an arm around Adrian's. "Isn't my darling amazing?" Her closeness flustered Eros just a bit.

Adrian asked, "Have the necessary tools already been prepared?"

Jean replied, "Eros is our engineer."

Adrian hummed softly. "Well then… I won't force you to—"

Eros interrupted, her tone firm. "No, wait. Since Lady Supreme trusts you, I'd like you to see my creations before deciding if they're suitable for this mission."

°°°°°°°°

A/N:- This whole organization is like a new formation of cult worshipping Annabelle.

Wait…