Return of the Legendary Runesmith
Chapter 137 136- Different approach?

Adrian was currently walking around the classroom.

Yesterday had been rough for him.

Even though he managed to achieve something nearly impossible, he didn't want to think about what had happened.

After falling asleep in the Time Chamber, he had a strange dream—both fascinating and unsettling.

And once he woke up from it, he couldn't fall back asleep until dawn.

Because of that, he'd been a little irritable all morning—at least until he met Ariana. She showered him with kisses and pampering, quickly lifting his mood.

She really knew how to make him feel better.

Now, Adrian was attending a class on Runesmithing. Only a few selected students were present in the workshop since not everyone had the talent for it.

Among the third years, only seven students had been chosen—and Thalia was one of them.

She sat at her seat, looking bored, occasionally glancing around the room. Her test subject was quietly reading a book, since Thalia had finished her assignment in just a few minutes and now had nothing else to do.

Adrian looked around and saw that the other six students were still working. Naturally, they needed time and focus to pick the right dialect in order to create a usable armament.

Adrian was very strict when it came to grading, so the students were making full use of the time given.

He slowly walked toward the girl seated in the back, adjusting his glasses as he picked up the saber in her hand.

Thalia straightened up as she saw him examining her armament.

He studied the runes carefully, then turned toward her test subject.

"Clark," he called, and the boy stood up at once.

Adrian raised his hand, and four glowing insignia formed behind him.

After checking the runes, he nodded slightly. The dialect was accurate, the etching was clean, and the space management was impressive.

"Seven," he said, giving his score.

Thalia smiled. Anything above five was considered good.

"Thank you, Professor."

Adrian gave a brief nod, taking another look at the saber. It was actually quite well-made—especially considering she had only used a magic crystal to gauge the subject's affinity.

He turned to her and asked, "So, ready to learn the Second Thread?"

"…!" Thalia blinked, surprised. "But sir… don't we need a license for that?"

Adrian chuckled. "You need a license to become a professional Runesmith. Learning doesn't need any certification."

He hadn't realized she was so misinformed. If a license were required just to learn the Second Thread, no one would even attempt the Arcane Engraving Trials—since passing it meant crafting a Second-grade armament.

"Oh… so I really can learn it?" Thalia asked, still unsure. It felt surreal that she was finally going to move forward in the subject she loved most.

Adrian nodded. "Yes. And if you don't have a mentor in mind, I can teach you—"

"It has to be you!" she said, cutting him off without hesitation.

If she was going to learn the next level, she wanted to learn it from the best.

Adrian let out a small laugh. "Alright then. We'll start tomorrow—before and after classes. Two hours a day, three times a week."

Thalia wanted to ask for daily lessons, but she didn't want to become a burden. So she just nodded, her eyes shining with excitement.

....

Adrian wrapped up his classes and made his way back to his office.

He was no longer in a rush to master the Fourth Thread. The hunger to grow was still there—burning quietly within him—but now, it was under control. He didn't need to force things anymore.

He had been fortunate to get the first step right on his very first attempt. Still, he intended to keep learning and deepen his understanding.

"Hmm?"

His gaze caught sight of a pair walking toward the common hall.

At a glance, he recognized the girl on the left—it was the Princess he'd spoken with a few days ago. And beside her was someone he hadn't expected to see again so soon.

Michael.

A boy who should've been removed from the academy during the Aegis Trials arc. But because things had unfolded differently this time, he was still living his days as if nothing had changed.

Adrian had almost forgotten about him. But seeing Michael now—walking close beside Sylvie—reminded him of the boy's unhealthy obsession with the Princess.

'Is he trying a more subtle approach this time?' Adrian wondered.

If Michael truly intended to befriend Sylvie and pursue a normal relationship, Adrian wouldn't intervene. He wasn't the type to get involved in every detail of fate—especially when things seemed harmless.

But from what he remembered of Michael, patience had never been one of his strengths.

And Sylvie… she didn't seem like the kind of girl who would tolerate someone like him.

He was torn between whether he should subtly hint at something or let it be. But then, he decided to not overthink things since he couldn't control everything in the world.

He soon turned away and started walking towards his office—completely unaware that a certain third-year student watched everything from a corner.

'Damn...that junior got Professor's attention, eh?'

°°°°°°

'System, show me my stats.'

[Name: Adrian]

[Age: 23]

[Race: Human]

[Str: 31]

[Spd: 28]

[End: 49]

[MP: 170/170] (Avg: 100)

[HP: 100/100]

...

Adrian blinked in surprise.

When he first received his status panel, the system had clearly informed him that unless his race changed, both his health and mana bars would remain fixed. A person's mana points were determined at the moment of awakening—unchanging.

But now, his mana had increased.

By twenty points.

'System?' he called inwardly.

[The system is currently analyzing the cause behind the mana boost.]

The response made his brows tighten.

Even the system doesn't know?

That was concerning. And curious.

After a moment's thought, he asked, "Can you at least tell me when it happened?"

[Thirteen days ago—after you nearly collapsed.]

Adrian's frown deepened.

Thirteen days ago… that was when he had cast large-scale teleportation magic, sending all the terrorists high into the clouds. The toll had nearly knocked him out.

So, something changed back then…?

He folded his arms, his mind now spinning with possibilities.

The rules of awakening were supposed to be absolute. But if even those could be bent...

'Talking about the staff...' He still hadn't discerned how was he able to use independent magic.

He tried to use that magic again and it worked just fine.

...that gave him the idea, 'Can I also use other independent magic spells?'

The thought got him curious but before he could have approached his shelf to get a few books, someone knocked on the door.

Adrian approached the door and found it was his employer on the other side.

"Oh, hey gorgeous." He gave her space to enter.

Ariana stepped inside and told him instantly, "If you are free tonight...then can you make me a third grade? I don't have many coins on me-"

"And why do you think I would take a single penny from my girlfriend?" Adrian asked as he closed the door.

He didn't ask her why she needed it, knowing she would tell him when she felt it right.

Ariana turned silent and couldn't speak another word.

Adrian approached her silently before whispering, "Tonight, come to my room...all washed and clean. You understand what I am saying?"

Ariana shivered, feeling his hot breath on her face.

She softly nodded, "Understood."

°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- now the next scene would have nudity but some story too...what should I do...

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