Return of the Legendary Runesmith

"That's a strange — but effective — way to strengthen a weapon," Eros said flatly, though a hint of surprise crept into her voice.

Adrian showed her how he tuned the armament, and his method clearly caught her off guard. He shrugged. "It's all about usefulness. If your way makes good tools, be proud of it."

Eros let out a small laugh. "I know what your weapons can do. I don't think my tools stand much chance against yours."

They fell silent for a moment.

The tools for the operation were already done. It had been easy—Eros was a quick, brilliant craftsman who shaped the artifact, and Adrian tuned it using people at the base as test subjects. They even had someone who could use Light and Darkness. That's why the work was finished in just a few hours.

Adrian looked at her. "Where did you work before this? You strike me more as a maker than a fighter."

Eros trusted him enough to answer. "Midnight Ascent."

Adrian's surprise showed. "Isn't that the toughest place to get into?" Midnight Ascent was the top-ranked Tower, the most powerful and well-staffed place in the world. Their entry rules were extreme—many would never even dream of joining.

Eros nodded. "They invited me. I made a tool that caught their eye. They offered to buy it, but I wanted everyone to use it. I didn't have the means to make that happen, so I took a deal: resources in exchange for my service."

Adrian hummed, curious. "And why did you leave?"

"I was discarded, apparently," Eros admitted. "I nearly created something that, if misused, could have ended in disaster. I called it Dawn Bell. Used with care, it could calm a crowd… but in the wrong hands, it could spread panic—or worse, kill through violent soundwaves."

Adrian's brows rose. That sounded far too complex to even imagine. But if it worked, then yes, it would have been dangerously destructive.

"The Tower wanted me to finish it," she continued, "but I refused. I destroyed my progress and walked away. That made me an enemy in their eyes. I angered a few higher-ups, and soon enough, they painted me as a traitor—claiming I was selling my work to rival Towers."

She leaned back in her seat. "When Lady Supreme found me, I was half-dead, my body already being eaten by hyenas. Somehow… she saved me."

For the first time, a faint smile softened the woman's usually cold face, touched by the memory of that moment.

She couldn't forget those words Annabelle told her that day which reminded her that just because a few people betrayed her, it doesn't mean that the world has rejected her.

Eros owes everything to her.

"I'm glad this world didn't lose one of its brightest minds that day," Adrian said with a warm smile.

Eros rose from her seat. "You were wondering how I managed to finish that shroud in one sitting, weren't you?"

Adrian nodded. He had been stunned when he first heard it. Eros hadn't taken days, not even breaks between sessions—she had attached every shard to the shroud in a single eight-hour stretch.

That kind of focus was nothing short of insane.

She walked over to the anvil in the corner. "There's something I came across a few years ago. It heightens my concentration, keeps me awake and sharp, and pushes back mental fatigue."

Sliding the heavy anvil aside, she reached underneath and pulled out a small pouch.

Adrian's brows lifted as she handed it to him. He opened it and peered inside, finding it filled with fine green dust.

"That," Eros explained, "is the powdered form of a rare herb. You'll never see it sold in markets. It only grows in one region of the world, and even then, only in tiny amounts each year."

Adrian's brows lifted. "Any side effects?"

Eros hummed softly before replying, "You end up sleeping a little too well. Once the effect wears off, make sure you're in a safe place. You'll fall into a deep sleep, but when you wake up, you'll be back to normal."

Adrian chewed his lower lip. Honestly, that was exactly what he needed. A quick check with the system confirmed the substance was completely safe.

After a moment's thought, he asked, "Would you sell it to me?"

Eros shook her head lightly. "You can take half of it—as payment for helping us."

Adrian blinked in surprise. "Are you sure? I don't mind paying any amount. This will be a huge help."

Eros waved it off. "We're not Wardens. We loot the looters, so money isn't a problem. Just take it as thanks for what you've done."

Adrian exhaled a small sigh, then nodded. Carefully, he split the contents, pouring half into another pouch.

Maybe this was exactly what he needed to push through the second stage of the Fifth Thread.

….

Early in the morning, Ariana, Annabelle, and Adrian were making their way toward the academy.

Their work at the Umbral base was done, and now all that remained was to wait for the D-Day—the day Skulth would be reduced to cinders.

"Are we not going to take part in it?" Ariana asked.

Adrian shook his head. "Destruction is in their hands. Protection will be our duty." After a brief pause, he added, "They've already set their plan to ambush the cult. If we throw ourselves in, it'll only make things messy. Our focus should be keeping the people safe."

That was why they had chosen to stay close to the market—so they could make sure no loose ends slipped through when the chaos began.

"What about the artifact you promised to the Tower? You have to build them in ten days, no?"

Adrian hummed, "Well, I will take help from the people working under Ruby."

Annabelle asked, "In her workshop?"

Adrian nodded, "The last time we visited that place, Ruby told me that I can use the workshop however I like and even ask the others for help. So yes, this is the right opportunity to use that favor."

Ariana couldn't help but wryly smile, "Quite a useful fiancée you got, unlike a certain someone."

Adrian chuckled, wrapping his arm around her waist as he told her, "Who said useless? You are the support pillar of my life. My friend, my boss and my partner."

"Darling, what about me?" Annabelle asked in a panic.

"You are my pride, Bella."

"Eheh~"

The three of them, while chatting and laughing, returned to their home.

…completely unaware what disaster was about to befall Ruby.

°°°°°°°

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