"Are you ready?" Ariana asked, watching Adrian stand there in clothes ant for physical work—simple, practical, and unfamiliar on him these days.
It was almost strange.
He had long since settled into the role of a Runesmith, soone who worked with precision and patience rather than sweat and strain. And yet, the reason he chose to return to the path of a warrior stood waiting in another world.
Adrian let out a slow sigh. "Do I look nervous?"
Ariana chuckled. "Are you?"
He shrugged lightly. "Well... a little. Not because of the training, but because of Valor’s position." He paused, then added, "He is a prince, you know."
"And Querella is a queen," Ariana replied smoothly. "I didn’t see you getting nervous around her."
Adrian gave a wry smile. "Those two aren’t the sa." He shook his head. "But well... forget about it."
He sat on the bed and wrapped an arm around her waist, gently pulling her closer. After a mont, he asked, "So... how was your eting with her?"
Ariana raised her left brow. "What kind of question is that?"
Adrian smiled sheepishly. "I’m just curious if you two got along."
She humd thoughtfully. "Well, you could say we’re on the sa wavelength."
Adrian nodded, listening without interrupting.
"She’s composed," Ariana continued. "Elegant. Careful with her words."
Then her lips curved faintly.
"But when she talks about you, she becos honest. She forgets about that persona she wears. It’s almost like she has two distinct personalities."
Adrian humd in understanding. "She beca a leader at a very young age. Built a shell around herself so people could rely on her."
"I understand that feeling," Ariana said quietly. "I can’t compare myself to her, but becoming a headmistress at twenty wasn’t exactly easy either."
Adrian nodded. "That’s why... I admire you two the most."
He leaned in and kissed her cheek, lingering just a second longer than necessary.
Ariana grinned, her eyes curving. "Such a sweet-talker."
Just then, a familiar notification echoed in his mind.
[The World Transfer begins in one minute.]
Adrian exhaled slowly. "I’ve got to go."
Ariana’s shoulders fell as she watched him stand.
She rose as well, Adrian steadying her without a word. She looped her arms around his neck, their gazes locked as she spoke, her voice firm despite the softness in her eyes.
"If you get hurt, I’ll hurt you more. This is training—so be mindful."
Adrian smiled. He bent down and kissed her lips, gentle and full of affection.
Resting his forehead against hers, he whispered, "I’m sorry."
"So you can’t promise, huh," she sighed. "At least don’t break anything. Please."
He kissed her once more as silver light began to envelop him.
"Take care of yourself," he said. "Annabelle will be back in half an hour. Whatever happens, tell her to contact imdiately."
Ariana nodded. "Roger."
Monts later, the brilliance swallowed him completely. Ariana’s arms fell back to her sides as the man before her vanished.
She stood there for several seconds before muttering to herself,
"I really need to find a hobby soon... or I’ll kill myself with overthinking."
...
Adrian’s vision shifted, his body passing through the familiar sensation of transfer.
This ti, the passage felt longer than usual—but not uncomfortable. Almost reflective.
As he traveled, his thoughts drifted back to the conversation he had with Raven the previous day.
...
[A day earlier]
"So?" Adrian asked quietly, holding the woman in his arms near the stairs while the others slept on the couch by the fireplace. "How did it go?"
They had slipped away without a sound. Raven’s ti was nearly up.
In truth, she should have been sent back to her world hours ago. But Raven—and later Adrian—had requested the system to allow her to stay a little longer.
She wasn’t an overwhelming existence like Valor, nor did she pose any risk of leaking her presence to the Watchers. So the system granted them a few extra hours.
Raven sighed and hugged him tighter.
"They’re good people," she said softly. "I didn’t expect them to treat so kindly. Even Annabelle took care of ... despite her dishonest personality."
Adrian chuckled. "She’s always been like that."
A brief silence followed before Raven spoke again.
"Dear... what is your situation with Ruby?"
Adrian humd. "We’re good friends. Maybe... a little more than that." He glanced down at her. "Why?"
Raven pulled back and looked up at him. Her gaze was warm—but tinged with helplessness.
"You’re hurting her, Adrian."
He blinked. "What do you an?"
"She’d never say it," Raven continued gently, "but she’s living on edge. Unsure how much space she’s allowed to take in your life. Unsure what she truly ans to you."
She paused.
"You keep things platonic, even though she’s devoted to you. Either let her go... or embrace her. That’s my advice."
It wasn’t the first ti he’d heard it. His father had been a constant reminder.
But Querella was the first to say it so bluntly.
Adrian said nothing as silver light enveloped her. They shared one final hug—no words—before she disappeared.
...
[Present]
Adrian let out a quiet sigh as thoughts of Ruby surfaced again.
He knew he was running away from his responsibilities.
But what was he supposed to do?
He couldn’t return her feelings when he wasn’t even certain of his own.
And he didn’t want to reject her either—because he didn’t want to lose her.
Ruby had beco irreplaceable.
Soone he couldn’t imagine a life without.
Before his thoughts could spiral further, the light around him faded. His vision cleared, and the surroundings grew darker compared to the brilliance he’d been wrapped in monts ago.
The transfer was complete.
And before him stood a familiar black-haired man whom he had recently t.
"Avirin!" Valor extended his arms and instantly hugged him, his weight making Adrian lean back a little.
"Nice to see you in good health," a breathless Adrian said as he patted the man’s back.
Valor continued to hug him, giggling in joy. "Thank you for coming and trusting ." He finally allowed so space for him to breathe before asking, "Is everything alright on your side?"
Adrian nodded. "Yes... they haven’t shown any other movent in these past few days."
Valor humd. "They sacrificed a significant portion of their army that day. Nytharos must be gathering his forces to strike harder."
Adrian’s gaze turned cold as he muttered, "That’s why I am here. To prepare myself."
Valor nodded, his eyes turning serious. "Yes."
Then the host stepped back and said, "Co, let show you around."
Adrian hesitated. "Am I going to et the Patriarch?"
Valor blinked in surprise. "Pops? I an, you can et him, but that’s not a necessity."
Adrian humd. "Are you sure? I don’t want to disturb him, but there are customs we follow back in my world."
Valor snickered. "Don’t mind those customs here. Pops won’t mind." As he said that, he slid open the door—and both froze upon seeing a large man standing there.
Adrian remained rooted to the spot, seeing the eight-foot-tall man before him. Broad shoulders, a thick moustache, long black hair falling over his shoulders, and dark green eyes fixated on Adrian.
The Runesmith couldn’t feel any ill intent from the man, but his presence alone nearly made him draw his revolver.
But then—
"What are you doing here, old man? Didn’t I tell you not to disturb today?" Valor complained, even pushing the large man back.
"Gah! Ronni? Can’t you let et your friend?" The man broke character as he was pushed by his son.
Valor didn’t hear him and continued, "You’ll make Avirin uncomfortable, Father—"
Adrian interjected, "No, it’s fine." His voice drew both of their attention as Valor stopped pushing the man.
Adrian lowered his head and introduced himself. "Nice to et you. My na is Lockwood Adrian."
The man tucked his hands into his large sleeves and humd. "I’ve heard a lot about you, Adrian. My na is Gradian. I hope my idiot son doesn’t bother you too much."
Valor pouted, hands on his hips. "I never bother him. I’m like a sweet little brother to Avirin."
Adrian smiled warmly at how well the two got along as he said, "No—if anything, he’s a very precious friend of mine."
The older man nodded. "Glad to hear that. How about we continue this chat over so tea?"
Despite the suddenness of the situation, Adrian was about to accept the offer when suddenly—
"No, Dad. Avirin can’t stay here for long, and he’s here for a specific reason. Please spare him the talk this ti."
Adrian thought the man might get offended. After all, as the Patriarch, he had already been quite lenient toward him. But—
The older one humd. "I understand. If it’s that important, then go ahead. If you get so ti, co join later."
Adrian nodded. "Thank you for understanding, sir."
°°°°°°°°
A/N:- Thanks for reading. If you have been enjoying the story so far, drop a comnt.
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