Return of the Legendary Runesmith-Chapter 535 - 534- Resolve and happiness

Elana made her way back to the dormitory, her thoughts lingering on the conversation she had just had with her friend.

Aries had been surrounded by her juniors, all of them congratulating her and eagerly asking questions. Seeing that, Elana quietly excused herself. Her presence tended to make such gatherings awkward, and she was feeling a little sleepy anyway.

She had finished all three of her final year examinations. By the end of next month, she would be graduating from this place.

A faint sadness tugged at her heart. The Runebound Academy meant more to her than she liked to admit. She would miss walking these halls as a student.

Still, she would return soon enough. Just not in the same uniform, and not in the same role.

As she approached the dormitory building, a familiar voice called out from behind.

"Elana, are you heading back to your room?"

Her brows lifted as she turned. "Timothy?"

He was a classmate. Someone she spoke to from time to time. An intelligent student who consistently scored just a few marks below her.

The young man with neatly combed black hair stood a few steps away, his arms held stiffly behind his back to hide their tremble. He kept his gaze lowered as he spoke.

"I’ve been harboring these feelings for a long time. And now that we’re graduating... I want to confess."

Elana let out a quiet breath, but she did not brush him off or walk away. The least she could do was respect his courage and listen until he finished.

He bowed his head slightly.

"I’ve had feelings for you for a long time, Elana. It’s not just your beauty that drew me in. I admire your intelligence... and your personality as well."

There was sincerity in his voice.

Elana finally spoke, her tone calm and steady.

"I appreciate your feelings. But I’m sorry... I can’t date you."

He slowly lifted his head, a faint smile resting on his lips.

"I didn’t expect you to accept my feelings," he said quietly. "But may I ask why?"

Elana gave a small shrug. "I thought it was already common knowledge. There are rumors that I’m in love with someone."

Timothy looked down. After a brief pause, he spoke again.

"But he doesn’t exactly care about you, does he? Professor Adrian?"

Elana’s brows knit together.

Before she could respond, he continued, "You should get over him, Elana. I’m saying this for your own good. You deserve someone who can actually love you back. But that man... he can’t."

With those words, he turned and walked away.

Elana clenched her teeth, anger rising in her chest. She was just about to call him back and give him a sharp reply.

But then, she stopped.

"Elana, is that you?"

She froze.

That voice.

Slowly, she turned and found the very man she had just defended in her heart standing a few steps away.

"Did something happen?" Adrian asked as he approached, his brows slightly raised. "I saw Timothy walking away just now. What was he saying?"

Elana shook her head at once. "Nothing. He was just congratulating me on graduating."

Her lips curved into a composed smile, the earlier bitterness fading as if it had never been there.

"Did you need something, Professor?"

Adrian gave a small hum and gestured for her to walk with him, perhaps because they were standing in a rather secluded corner of the campus.

They began walking side by side, his hands folded neatly behind his back.

After a moment, he asked, "What are your plans for tomorrow?"

Elana hummed, then answered without much thought. "Nothing special. I’ll probably pack my things since we’re leaving for my hometown the day after tomorrow. And maybe step out to buy a few necessities. Why do you ask, Professor?"

Adrian smiled faintly. "You don’t have to keep reminding me about your visit home. I remember. I’ve already cleared my schedule."

Elana let out a soft giggle. Relief warmed her chest. She had been quietly worried there might be a change of plans.

Then Adrian’s tone shifted slightly.

"I’m actually here to ask you for a favor, Elana."

He slowed to a stop and turned to face her fully.

Elana’s brows lifted. "What is it, Professor?"

She could not quite explain it, but something in his expression felt heavy.

Adrian let out another quiet sigh. "I need your help. A friend of mine is in trouble, and only an ice user can help her."

"Her?" Elana repeated, one brow arching slightly. "Professor, don’t you have quite a lot of female friends?"

Adrian gave a soft chuckle. "That’s what you’re worried about?" His expression soon turned serious. "Elana, please take this more seriously. Without your cooperation, I may not be able to save them."

Elana straightened at once and nodded. "I understand. I apologize, Professor."

After a brief pause, she added more softly, "But why are you hesitant to ask me? You know I would always help you, no matter how grave the situation is."

Adrian drew in a slow breath. That much was true. But still...

"Elana... this might cost you your life."

Her frown deepened, yet she did not step back. Instead, she gave a firm nod, silently urging him to continue.

Adrian finally spoke. "Tomorrow, before we move toward the chaos site, I will forge a fifth grade tool for you. Only then..." 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

"Wait!" she cut in abruptly, eyes widening. "A fifth grade tool? Then that means..."

A faint smile touched his lips. He nodded. "Yes. I’ve mastered it."

The meaning settled in.

Then burst.

Excitement flared across her face, and before he could react, she threw her arms around him.

Adrian stiffened in surprise at the sudden embrace.

"Professor!" Elana exclaimed, her voice bright with a joy he rarely saw from her. "This is incredible news! You never stop surprising me with your unparalleled wisdom."

Adrian chuckled softly and gave her back a light pat. "Alright, that’s enough. Stop before someone sees us and gets the wrong idea."

She grumbled and refused to let go. "I’ve already graduated. Let them think whatever they want."

Adrian let out a resigned sigh and stopped trying to pry her off.

His hand rested gently against her back as he said in a quieter tone, "I haven’t shared this news with many people. Only with those I know would feel happiness for me, not jealousy."

Elana grinned, her eyes shining as she met his gaze. "You’re right. Not even conquering a battlefield has ever made me this happy."

Adrian’s expression softened for a moment, but the seriousness soon returned.

"I still need you to think about this carefully, Elana."

He looked straight into her eyes, a firm gleam in his own. "You understand the risks of the fifth thread. Until now, I’ve only tuned the fifth thread on training dolls. I’m confident in my abilities, but even so... I want you to consider this properly."

Elana knew exactly what he feared.

The fifth thread was not like the others. It was connected to the core that governed the flow of magic within a person’s body.

If he proceeded, she would be completely exposed to him. Her memories. Her secrets. The deepest patterns of her mana circulation. Everything would lie open before his hands.

One single mistake could cripple her ability to use magic.

Or worse.

It could cost her life.

She knew all of that.

And yet, not even once did doubt take root in her heart.

With a firm nod, she met his gaze. "I understand the risk. But my confidence in you outweighs my fear. So yes... I’m willing to be your first."

Adrian let out a quiet hum. "Ignoring the way you phrased that," he said dryly, "I’ll see you early tomorrow morning in my workshop. It’s fine if you’re a little late, but make sure you’re there by breakfast."

Elana’s lips curved upward, her resolve unwavering.