Return of the Legendary Runesmith
Chapter 229 - 228- Only problem

Chapter 229: Chapter 228- Only problem

"Today is the last day we’re gathering like this for training," Adrian said, his hands resting on his waist as his eyes swept across the five students before him. "We’ve moved past the phase of preparation. Now... it’s time to show the world how prepared we truly are."

The tournament was just around the corner.

They would leave the day after tomorrow.

That’s why Adrian had decided to give the students tomorrow off—a full day to breathe, collect their nerves, and steel themselves for what lay ahead.

He could see it clearly now—how far they had all come. Each one had grown into the role they were assigned. Even Allen, once unsure and hesitant, had found clarity after the reassessment. He had embraced the role of a defender, and it suited him far more than anyone had expected.

Adrian crossed his arms.

They were finally a team.

Not just a group of talented individuals—but a true team. Trust had taken root between them, and their coordination during the recent drills had been sharp, fluid.

But training was one thing.

Performing, under pressure, on a grand stage, was another.

The real battle would test more than skill. It would test their minds, their instincts, their ability to stay calm when the world watched them fail or flourish.

They had to be ready for everything.

"Any questions?" Adrian asked.

There was a moment of silence—until Altia raised her arm, hesitantly.

"Yes?" he prompted.

She lowered her hand a bit and asked, "Um... sir, I heard from some students that they assess the teams first, and only later move to individual matches. Is that true?"

Adrian gave a thoughtful hum.

"Well... considering how it’s been done in the past, yes. The team battles should come first."

He answered with a calm nod, even though inside he already knew the truth.

He had read the novel, after all.

He knew exactly how the tournament would unfold.

Yes, things might unfold differently this time.

The plot had already begun to stray from the novel’s canon, and Adrian knew that any number of events could shift course because of that. In the original, Gilbert had been assigned as their manager. But now, that role belonged to him.

Naturally, such differences were bound to create ripple effects.

Still, Adrian believed that as long as the students performed their roles with confidence and clarity, everything would fall into place.

Not long after, the session came to an end.

The students were dismissed and told to return to their rooms and get some rest. The air was light, but anticipation lingered in the background like a distant drumbeat.

Adrian was heading toward the exit, his thoughts already drifting to tomorrow’s plans, when someone quietly approached from behind.

"Elana," he said, sensing her presence even before she spoke.

"Professor..." she began, her voice a little softer than usual. "Can I request something from you?"

Adrian raised an eyebrow. "You still have to win the contest before you get to ask for rewards."

Elana’s cheeks puffed slightly, her expression shifting into a mock pout. "I’ve been managing those brats for weeks. I think I deserve one reward now—and one after we win."

Her grumpy tone earned a short chuckle from Adrian. Elana being like this was rare, and oddly refreshing.

"Alright, alright," he said, smiling faintly. "If it’s not too much, I’ll hear your request."

Her lips curled into a bright, satisfied smile.

"Then..." she said, drawing the word out playfully, "can you make me some coffee? Your special one?"

Adrian blinked, then exhaled a quiet laugh. "Is that all?"

"Of course not," she grinned. "But I’ll save the harder favors for when we bring back the trophy."

He gave a slow nod, amused. "Fair enough. I’ll brew it. Just give me ten minutes."

"Ten minutes?" she asked, her eyes lighting up. "That’s faster than usual."

Adrian turned slightly, giving her a teasing glance. "Then make sure you don’t waste a single sip."

Elana wordlessly nodded as they advanced towards his office.

Adrian had some study to do before dinner but well, a few minutes wouldn’t hurt.

....

Late at night, Adrian sat alone inside the Time Chamber. The silence around him was thick, almost sacred, broken only by the slow, steady pulse of magic embedded in the walls.

He had just completed a portion of the first step in his study—but it wasn’t enough. Not nearly.

His mind drifted to the upcoming tournament.

And the chaos that would follow.

He knew what was coming. The villains would strike during the event, launching their attack not as reckless berserkers, but as tacticians with vengeance in mind.

This time, they would be precise.

Unlike in the original timeline, they hadn’t lost any core members during the ambush. All they’d lost was the mole—someone who, after her identity was exposed, was as good as useless.

They wouldn’t make the same mistakes again. They would surely not underestimate Adrian this time.

Adrian leaned back slightly, pressing his fingers against his forehead.

At least I’ve already told Ariana about my independent magic, he thought.

He would need help—support to handle the scale of danger that was approaching. No one person could deal with it all, not even him.

But the biggest hurdle wasn’t strategy or secrecy.

It was magic.

He could use it. That much was true.

But control?

That was still far beyond his reach.

Or more accurately—he couldn’t control it at all.

Every attempt to cast a structured spell ended with unstable flow or complete misfires. His mana capacity was fine. His core was stable. But he forgets what efficiency is during a spell casting.

He thought for a moment, then opened the dimensional group chat.

Two members were online.

Raven and Scarlette.

He tapped his fingers idly, considering his options, then finally asked,

"Do either of you... know how to use independent magic?"

Since they already knew he could cast spells, there was no need to hold back.

Raven:[Sorry, dear. Neither of us can.]

"Figured..." he muttered under his breath, already expecting that answer.

But just as he was about to close the chat, another message popped up.

Raven: [However, I do have a few people working under me who can.]

That made Adrian pause.

People under her? Who could use magic? Weren’t they all part of some world-ending cult? Evil-god followers?

He pushed the thought aside. He didn’t have the luxury to question motives right now.

"Can they teach me?"

Raven:[I can ask them... but for that, you’ll need to come to my world. You know the rules—others can’t join the group chat unless they’re chosen.]

He let out a quiet sigh, then asked the system,

’System, can I?’

[Once the host completes the first step of the Fifth Thread, the World Transfer function will be unlocked.]

"..."

Why did he ’not’ see that coming?

Of course, there has to be a demand.

°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading.