Return of the Legendary Runesmith
Chapter 144 143- Everything will be fine

Because of Adrian's involvement, Allen had been pushed out of two major arcs—events that should've helped him unlock his strength and grow from it.

With or without his armament, he should've been strong enough to stand his ground against a few enemies. But the change in events had cost him dearly.

Now, he was lying in a pool of his own blood, fading fast.

"Professor?" Elana's voice broke through the silence, tight with worry as she looked at the wounded boy.

A small crowd gathered. Then, pushing through them with urgency, came the silver-haired headmistress. Her face was drawn with a deep frown.

"Adrian... can you do something about this?" Ariana asked, her eyes locked on the brutal wound.

Adrian stepped forward without a word. He drew his revolver and loaded a glowing, golden-green bullet into the chamber.

There were a few gasps when he pointed it at Allen, but Adrian didn't waver.

Dhahank.

The shot rang out—and a radiant hue spread over the boy's body. The bleeding stopped almost instantly, and the gash across his side began to close as new flesh grew over it.

In seconds, Allen was no longer dying.

But he was still pale, barely conscious.

Adrian lowered the weapon and said, "Take him to the infirmary. Let him rest."

Several teachers moved at once, lifting the boy with care before hurrying him toward the main building.

Adrian's gaze drifted to the broken window from where Allen fell.

Sylvie stood there, frozen.

She didn't look shocked—but her face was drained of all color.

He exchanged a glance with Ariana.

"Everyone return to your rooms," the headmistress said calmly, but firmly. "Evening training is canceled."

No one argued. The tension was too thick. Slowly, the students began to scatter.

Just then, Rose Cavendrel—the pink-haired teacher—stepped forward.

"I saw Michael leave the dorm earlier," she said in a low voice. "There was blood on him."

Ariana's frown deepened. "Send a few guards after him. Now."

Rose gave a short nod and turned, heading straight for the administrator's office.

Adrian and Ariana walked toward the dormitory in silence. No words were needed—they both knew where they had to go.

The door was wide open.

Sylvie was standing by the shattered window, facing them.

She was trembling.

Adrian's eyes immediately scanned her. Her shirt was torn at the collar, the buttons ripped. Faint red marks curled around her neck—like someone had tried to choke her.

He let out a slow, heavy breath to calm the knot building in his chest.

He had already guessed what happened. That's why he was careful.

"Aria," he said softly, stepping closer, "get me some water."

Without a word, Ariana moved to the shelf and poured a glass.

The room around them was a wreck. Furniture overturned. Books and glass are scattered across the floor.

A fight had clearly broken out—and Allen had almost died because of it.

Adrian pulled a chair and gestured to the girl, "Please sit down."

Sylvie slowly nodded and did what he asked.

Adrian took another chair and sat before her. His posture relaxed, and his eyes held warmth.

"Are you hurt anywhere?" Adrian asked to which she shook her head.

"He grabbed my neck and pulled my shirt...but I was able to push him away before Allen barged in." Her voice was still shaky and hoarse because of getting choked.

"I never thought Michael was that kind of person," Ariana muttered as she handed the glass to Sylvie.

Adrian sighed, "He has his eyes on her for some time now and I assume Sylvie was avoiding him?"

Sylvie slowly nodded, "He was constantly asking me to help him...but I didn't want to be with him...his gaze made me feel unsafe so I kept my distance."

Her fingers curled around the glass as she shuddered while saying, "But today when I returned to my room...he suddenly came out from under my bed and pushed me against the wall...and-"

"Shh, it's okay." Adrian suddenly appeared before her, cupping her cheeks and comforting her, "You don't need to say it. I understand."

Adrian was a fool to underestimate Michael. He was one of the strongest students of the academy and surely he must have come here with a plan.

He not only tried to ra*e Sylvie, he didn't even think twice before lethally injuring Allen.

"Aria," Adrian whispered after he got up, "...we need to catch Michael. If he gets away, he will come back for her again."

Ariana gave a firm nod. "I know. I'll issue an official warrant for his capture—"

"No. Please."

Sylvie's voice cut through the air, halting both adults mid-thought.

Adrian turned to her, surprised. "Sylvie?"

She shook her head slowly. "If word gets out that Michael tried to force himself on me… my father will raise hell again. He'll come here, blame the academy, and you, Headmistress, for failing to protect me. Even though there was nothing you could have done in this situation."

Her voice was calm, but her eyes were clouded with shame.

"Please," she continued, "announce the warrant under Allen's attempted murder instead."

Ariana and Adrian exchanged a silent look.

She wasn't wrong.

The King still hadn't let go of the past—still held Ariana responsible for things long buried. If he found out about this, he'd tear through the academy's authority again. Publicly, and without mercy.

Ariana's lips parted to speak, but she hesitated. Then she gently said, "Sylvie… I understand if you don't want anyone knowing what happened. But you don't need to protect me. This isn't about me."

Sylvie looked at her quietly. "Then let it be about me, Headmistress. I'm not ready to let people know… that I couldn't protect myself."

That hit harder than Ariana expected.

No student should have to carry this kind of weight. Especially not here—not in a place meant to shape them into protectors of the realm.

They were supposed to be training to fight Acolytes… not each other.

Am I failing them?

Without saying much, Ariana stepped outside the room and signaled Adrian to follow.

She looked shaken.

Adrian noticed it right away and gently rested a hand on her shoulder. "Breathe. Everything's going to be okay. We'll find Michael. Allen will recover."

Ariana gave a faint nod. "I know… and I'm alright. I just…" Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Stay with her, please. She doesn't trust anyone here but you. Keep her company."

"I understand," Adrian said softly. "I'll stay with her. I'll take care of her."

He pulled her into a tight hug.

Ariana didn't resist. Her arms dropped to her sides as she melted into the warmth of his embrace.

And softly, almost too quiet to hear, she whispered, "Thank you… for being here."

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.