[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-return-of-the-legendary-runesmith":3,"chapter-return-of-the-legendary-runesmith-return-of-the-legendary-runesmith-chapter-125":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Return of the Legendary Runesmith",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1562600,2026,"Chapter 125 124- Challenge?","return-of-the-legendary-runesmith-chapter-125",125,"\u003Cp>Adrian—not even in his wildest dreams—had expected the Patriarch of the Vermillion Clan to show up at his doorstep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, he invited him inside, offering him a seat and a glass of water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adrian remained standing, which prompted the man to say with a calm tone, \"Please, sit. I'm only here for a casual conversation.\" He insisted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adrian gave a small nod and took the seat across from him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a few moments, silence lingered between them. Neither spoke until Reid finished half the glass of water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, turning his gaze toward Adrian, he studied him quietly for a second before asking,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I assume you're here accompanying your employer and cousin?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adrian nodded. \"Yes. I knew I might get the chance to meet my father… and I was also concerned about Ariana's safety. So I came along.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reid didn't know much about Adrian's father—only his name and noble rank—so he simply nodded in acknowledgment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've heard about your recent accomplishments,\" Reid said next, a touch of knowing in his voice. \"You've caught the eye of Tower Master Albec. From what I gather, he's been trying to recruit you for quite some time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adrian paused for a moment. His eyes narrowed slightly, but his voice stayed steady as he replied,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know Sir Albec?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reid offered a small smile. \"I make it a point to know anyone who's made a real contribution to society. And Albec certainly has.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, glancing up slightly, his tone shifted—curious and purposeful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Right now, I'm more interested in you. I'd like to know—what can you do to serve our world?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adrian raised his brows. \"I'm sorry, sir. Are you asking what I can do for the well-being of others?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reid leaned back slightly and said,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Isn't that what we all should be asking ourselves? After all, our talents are wasted if we don't use them to help others.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adrian smiled faintly, lowering his gaze to the floor, looking at nothing in particular as he said,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're right about that. But even so, I'm not as strong as your daughter—she reaches out to people and helps them directly. I don't have that kind of courage.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reid leaned forward slightly, his voice calm yet persuasive, each word wrapped in reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, but you can help them in your own way—by doing what you're best at.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adrian still couldn't quite figure out where this conversation was headed. So, he chose the safest path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew what this was about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reid was trying to steer the conversation toward a familiar subject—his armaments. He wasn't the first to suggest making them available to the public—or the military—but he was by far the most powerful voice to bring it up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adrian gave a thoughtful hum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're right. If I have a gift that could help others, I shouldn't hold back from using it to make the world a better place.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he raised his head, eyes calm but sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But tell me this—who decides who's worthy of using what I create? And who can guarantee that my armaments will only be used to protect, not to oppress?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reid's gaze narrowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can at least trust your king with that, can't you?\" he asked softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You live under his rule. Doesn't that mean you owe him your trust?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adrian smiled again, but this time there was a flicker of steel behind it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And if, one day, Valmora and Grimvale clash—over land, over pride, or politics—would you truly want our soldiers to wield my creations on the battlefield?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Reid didn't answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence filled the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had done his research on Adrian—on the armaments he could create and the potential they held.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the fact that his own daughter had taken an interest in Adrian… spoke volumes about the young man's abilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adrian met his gaze with a calm, sincere smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm not arrogant, sir. But I also won't pretend to be modest. I know what my creations are capable of—and I know the kind of impact they could have.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused, letting the weight of his words settle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's why I've chosen to use my skills only to help people directly and to continue my research. Nothing more.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was his conclusion. His line in the sand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was nothing else to discuss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adrian wasn't going to hand his inventions over to the military—not without reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not until the day a common enemy of humanity revealed itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the past, he had been reckless—too idealistic. But after what he had learned… after all that the system had shown him, he knew better now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn't just draw runes, craft a weapon, and call it a gift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every pencil stroke could shift the world in a way he couldn't take back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And if he wasn't careful, that shift could destroy everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reid sat in silence for a long moment before finally smiling. This time, it wasn't tight or diplomatic. It was genuine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm impressed,\" he said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Despite your age, you're already thinking so far ahead.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was honesty in his voice—and Adrian could feel it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm honored to hear that,\" Adrian replied with a slight bow of his head,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Especially from the man who single-handedly stopped an empire from falling.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reid's smile deepened as he rose from his seat, and Adrian followed suit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two men. Two generations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both knowing the weight their choices carried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The older man extended his hand with a warm smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It was a pleasure meeting you, Adrian. I hope my daughter didn't give you too much trouble.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adrian shook his hand firmly, offering a polite smile of his own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She was a wonderful company. Someone who devotes her time to helping others. Honestly… quite admirable.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reid let out a small chuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Coming from you, I think she'd be very happy to hear that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adrian blinked—just slightly confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…Huh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before he could ask, Reid had already turned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well then, see you during the celebration.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that parting line, he walked out of the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adrian remained still for a moment, watching the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn't planned to attend the celebration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not until now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>....\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the room next door, Ariana sat face to face with Ruby—the daughter of the man who had just spoken with Adrian moments earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ruby lounged comfortably on the bed, her left leg draped over the other as her amber eyes lazily scanned the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariana, composed and poised, remained seated in a nearby chair, silently waiting for Ruby to reveal the reason for this unexpected meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why are you here and not at the academy?\" Ruby asked, tilting her head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, I'm not complaining. You brought Adrian with you… that's reason enough to call this visit a blessing. Still, it's surprising to see you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariana narrowed her eyes at that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why was she so pleased about Adrian being here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Keeping her answer crisp and measured, she replied,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For security reasons.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ruby gave a low hum, amusement dancing in her voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh? So the King has no one stronger than you? Poor him~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariana couldn't tell if the remark was meant to belittle her or mock the Supreme Authority itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Ruby asked casually,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, Ariana… how much do you pay Adrian?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That finally made Ariana sit up straighter, her calm beginning to crack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why do you want to know?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ruby's gaze finally settled on her, and for the first time, her smile widened. Her sharp canines peeked through as she grinned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because I want him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her tone was syrupy sweet, yet bold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He's a great teacher—loves to guide others. I'll have him transferred to Grimvale's academy. That way—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can't have him.\" Ariana cut her off, her voice a low growl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He belongs to me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ruby's smirk faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stared at Ariana with unreadable eyes before saying flatly,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're his cousin. You can't seriously think about having him like that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariana raised a brow, her voice cool and daring,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And what if I do?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her lips curled into a confident smirk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ruby wasn't smiling anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She studied the woman before her for a long second, and then said, with all pretense gone,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He deserves someone better. Someone who truly understands him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariana leaned forward slightly, her voice calm but unshakable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And who understands him better than someone who's grown up with him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Me, a Runesmith. I know his potential and you are wasting it by keeping him locked in there.\" Ruby rebuked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariana grinned, \"Do one thing and try to convince Adrian to leave me or my academy. If you can do that then I won't stop you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ruby's lips thinned in a smirk, \"You are underestimating me, Headmistress.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not at all,\" she said, glancing down at the redhead with a calm smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's just that I trust my love above all else… so go ahead and try~\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>°°°°°°°°\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A\u002FN:- Ladies, ladies. No fighting. We all know Adrian's libido...so like...eheh~\u003C\u002Fp>",1478,"2026-06-06T07:53:02.436Z",1,"novelbin.me","caa7466665ef7487e99e8471d94515a0ae66cb7d6bc7d2004bd0195949fbad17","return-of-the-legendary-runesmith-chapter-126","return-of-the-legendary-runesmith-chapter-124",595,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Freturn-of-the-legendary-runesmith-cover.jpg"]