Return of the Legendary Runesmith-Chapter 452 - 451- Necessity and farewell

Using the healing bullets, Adrian regrew Ariana’s arm. The process itself was swift, almost deceptively so, but he knew better than to assume that meant she was fine.

Even with the arm restored, her body had suffered immense strain. The burns had gone deep, not just into flesh but into mana pathways, and it would still take a few days—perhaps more—for her strength to return fully.

Annabelle’s condition, comparatively, was much better. There were no missing limbs, no irreversible damage to her body.

But the cost had been paid elsewhere. She had exhausted her mana reserves far beyond what was considered safe, pushing herself until there was nothing left to draw upon.

For someone like her, recovery was only a matter of time, yet that time could not be rushed. For now, rest was the only remedy.

After speaking at length with the head nurse, Adrian felt a little lighter. The knot in his chest loosened, though it did not disappear. Words and reassurances could only do so much.

Until he saw Ariana and Annabelle awake—until he heard their voices and met their eyes—unease would continue to sit at the back of his mind, refusing to leave.

They walked down the long gallery outside the infirmary, the sound of their footsteps echoing softly against the stone.

"Sorry," Valor said suddenly, his voice quieter than usual. "I arrived late."

Adrian exhaled a slow sigh. "You arrived right after I asked you," he replied. "By then, the damage had already been done. So don’t feel sorry." He shook his head slightly before adding, "If anything, I’m thankful you came in time to save their lives—and many others today."

Valor stiffened at the compliment, clearly flustered. He rubbed the back of his head, averting his gaze as a faint smile crept onto his lips. "I... I just did what I could, eheh~"

Adrian smiled warmly at the man. There was something disarmingly genuine about him, something that made it hard to associate this cheerful presence with the terrifying power he wielded. "Are you really a prince?" Adrian asked. "You’re quite down to earth."

Valor didn’t give off the air of nobility at all. If anything, he felt more like a sweet younger brother—someone who needed a reassuring pat on the head and perhaps a piece of candy twice a day. The contrast between his demeanor and his status was almost amusing.

Valor puffed his chest slightly, placing his hands on his waist. "Of course I am. The third prince of the biggest clan back on my planet."

Adrian chuckled at the proud yet oddly childish reaction.

Then something else surfaced in his mind, something far more serious. His expression sobered as he asked, "The enemy you fought... are you sure it was Nytharos?"

Valor’s playful expression faded instantly. He nodded without hesitation. "I can’t be mistaken. I fought him in my previous life too. His presence hasn’t changed much." His eyes hardened slightly. "Nor those disgusting eyes of that creature."

That certainty did not come lightly. In their previous lives, Valor, Dark Knight, and the others from the Dimensional Group Chat—excluding Avirin—had fought against the Acolytes and Apostles of the Fallen God. They had seen that existence up close. They had survived him.

That history explained the weight behind Valor’s words.

Adrian hummed quietly, a frown forming on his face. The implications were troubling. Who could have imagined that a Fallen God would target the academy itself? Worse, that he would attempt to abduct Annabelle and Ariana.

The motive was becoming clearer by the second.

Nytharos wasn’t after them because of who they were alone. He was trying to corner Adrian.

The realization grew heavier when Adrian recalled the timing. Nytharos had waited until Adrian left the world. That alone was proof enough. This attack had happened because of him.

But why?

Annabelle was stronger than Adrian. If anyone had the potential to become a true obstacle to Nytharos’s future plans, it was her. And yet, the Fallen God’s focus seemed fixed elsewhere.

Then why target Adrian?

"Avirin," Valor suddenly called, stopping mid-step and turning toward him.

Adrian looked up, surprised. Valor rested a hand on his shoulder, his expression serious in a way Adrian had not seen before.

"I want to teach you," Valor said. "Even more so after seeing how unprepared your people are."

He paused briefly, choosing his words before continuing, "No offense to your fellow professors. But they aren’t ready for what Nytharos could bring upon you. In such circumstances, you can’t rely only on Idiot, nor on your... unstable sorcery."

The words were blunt. Perhaps even harsh.

But they were true.

Adrian was strong—there was no denying that. Yet against a true God, one whose mastery of sorcery surpassed heights Adrian had not even glimpsed, that strength might not be enough. His greatest asset lay in his runes, in preparation and calculation. And yet, because of the endless chain of events surrounding him, he had not even prepared his best weapon.

Worse still, there was the matter of his emotions.

If he were pushed into a corner, there was a real chance he would lose control. And if that happened, even victory would taste hollow.

No. That could not be allowed.

He needed to prepare himself. To become someone who did not rely solely on sorcery or runes. Someone who could stand his ground even with nothing but steel in his hands.

And for that, there was no better mentor than the man who had forced Nytharos to retreat.

Adrian took a deep breath. "I’ll make time," he said firmly. "In three days. No matter what, I’ll visit your planet. Even if I have to sacrifice my working hours."

Valor nodded in approval. "Today made something clear to me," he said. "Learning sword skills isn’t just a precaution for you. It’s a necessity."

Adrian nodded. "You’re right."

Before either of them could say more, silvery brilliance enveloped Valor’s body. The light shimmered softly, signaling the end of his permitted stay.

Valor sighed, then stepped forward and hugged Adrian tightly. "I’ll wait for you."

Before Adrian could return the hug, Valor’s figure dissolved into light, leaving empty space where he had stood.

Adrian remained there for a few moments in silence, his thoughts heavy but his heart strangely warm. Despite everything, despite the danger and the uncertainty, he felt grateful. Grateful that through the Dimensional Group Chat, he had gained friends he could truly rely on.

"Professor Adrian?"

He turned at the sound of the voice. A third-year student stood there—Elana.

"What are you doing out—" He didn’t get to finish the sentence.

*Dhak.*

Elana suddenly crashed into him, wrapping her arms around his torso in a tight hug. Adrian’s eyes widened in surprise, but before he could react, her voice reached his ears.

"I’m sorry about what happened to Miss Annabelle and the Headmistress," she said, her voice trembling. "I couldn’t protect them... I’m sorry, Professor."

Adrian exhaled softly and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. "It’s okay, Elana," he said gently. "You did what you were told. You made the wise choice."

Elana could feel it—the quiet pain he was holding back. Seeing two of the most important women in his life fall on the battlefield must have been devastating for him.

After a short while, Elana slowly stepped back. "We can... hug a little longer if you need."

Adrian gave a helpless smile and shook his head. "No. I’m okay. Thank you." He had been hugged far too many times today.

Elana nodded, then asked softly, "How are they?"

Adrian took a breath. "Annabelle was knocked out. Her mana reserves are dangerously low, but she’ll recover. Ariana..." His voice paused for a fraction of a second. "Her left arm was burned during the battle, but I healed it. She’s weak right now, but neither of them are in fatal danger."

Elana let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding, relief washing over her face.

Adrian nodded and looked outside the window, "This academy has gone through quite many incidents. Despite all the traps and soldiers we appoint, nothing would work when our enemy is so overwhelmingly strong."

It was quite depressing to think that despite all the knowledge of the future, the memories of the greatest Runesmith and the support of so many strong warriors, he still failed.

Emotionally, he was wounded.

Now, how he would use this wound against that creature...time would tell.

Adrian just knew one thing, he wouldn’t allow someone to intrude into his home and harm his people.

Nytharos had to pay a price. For everything he has done, he will regret every single thing.

He will bring that being to his knees and regret ever touching his people.

Even if he has to burn the heaven or destroy the hell. Nothing could save Nytharos from him now.

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A/N:- Thanks for reading. If you have been enjoying the story so far, please let me know in the comments. It keeps me motivated.