[{"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-42":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},1562567,2026,"Chapter 42 41- Threat?","return-of-the-legendary-runesmith-chapter-42",42,"\u003Cp>Adrian was holding a glass of what seemed like wine. He was having alcohol for sure but didn't know if it was wine or something else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't receive the memories of previous Adrian's taste buds. And Lex only could afford cheap beer so yes, this was new.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a corner he stood, wearing the three piece formal suit and trying to blend with people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were many students, from the four academies and the Headmasters from each academy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They all were gathered at one place and Ariana was also among them; the only female headmaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Professors were also there but they were more focused on chatting with either their students or the officials of the Tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For them this might be a chance to build a connection with the Tower and possibly earn a few points for their academy? Well, as far as Adrian knows a good or bad impression doesn't affect the final results.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Should I also talk to someone?' That sounded like a burdensome job. People here come from noble families or have achieved something in life which they could boast about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Adrian wasn't a noble anymore nor did he have any achievement which could make him stand out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I should just-' Adrian flinched as he felt someone approaching from behind—urging him to turn towards the person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hello, Master Adrian.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice belonged to a bald man, likely in his late forties, wearing the Tower's robe with a silver star gleaming on his chest—marking him as one of the three Masters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He extended a hand, calm and confident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm Moret.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adrian shook it politely and said, \"An honor to meet you, Sir Moret. I read your thesis a few months ago.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn't bluffing. He made a habit of going through the Tower's published research, and Moret's name had stood out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man gave a small smile. \"I'm glad to know some teachers still take time to read.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adrian returned the smile, keeping it brief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was a short silence before Moret continued, \"Your name's been circulating lately—especially after Albec returned from the Academy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adrian's smile thinned slightly, but he didn't let it show.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moret added with a knowing look, \"He's been rather vocal about your affinity evaluation method. So much so, he's been trying to push the technical department to recreate it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adrian chuckled softly. \"That's… quite the compliment. But honestly, I think he's exaggerating. My method isn't that groundbreaking.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted to downplay it. Drawing attention from people like Moret was never good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Right? I told him the same thing,\" Moret said with a smirk. \"If someone can't even pass a basic test like the AET, then he's hardly the type to invent something revolutionary.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adrian's smile went stiff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There it was. The malice behind the mask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's right, Sir Moret,\" Adrian replied, voice smooth and laced with sarcasm. \"Measuring someone's worth by a single test—truly the mark of a wise and fair mind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moret's smile cracked. His golden eyes now gleamed with open contempt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you believe that, then why did you take the AET twice? And fail both times?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adrian blinked slowly, letting the words settle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You really did your digging. I took the second test under a different identity, in a different region no less... But I guess nothing stays hidden from someone who sits high enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wouldn't lie to himself. He was a little nervous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had once told Albec he disliked the test's design. But if he truly hated it, then why try again?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he was desperate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because back then, he still believed that passing the test would prove something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he never thought someone would trace it all the way back to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When you start attracting attention with a few flashy tricks,\" Moret said, tone now sharp and dismissive, \"people with power tend to look into you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A waiter arrived and quietly poured a drink for Moret as he added, almost too casually,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You do know I have the authority to get you thrown out of the Academy, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adrian didn't flinch. His response came quick, steady.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please do try. I'd love to see how you plan to do that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no fear in his voice. No hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because showing weakness here meant being eaten alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moret leaned back, sneering. \"Ah. The Prince. That's where your arrogance comes from. Or maybe the Headmistress.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adrian didn't take the bait. Instead, he said calmly, \"Sir Moret... I'm confident enough in my craft that even tuning a First Degree weapon would get me recruited by any nation I choose to walk into.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned his head slightly, meeting Moret's narrowed eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And when the King asks me why I left my homeland... do you know whose name I'll give him?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moret's nostrils flared. \"Are you threatening me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dangerous chill passed through Adrian's eyes as he replied, without blinking—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes. I am.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They both kept glaring at each for a few moments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moret was showing clear frustration while Adrian was just showing him his place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Forget it. You will dig your own grave soon.\" Saying so, he turned and walked away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adrian rolled his eyes, a weary sigh seeping through his lips, \"Seriously, these people are such a hassle to deal with.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Right?\" Adrian flinched as he heard Ariana's voice from the left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turning toward her he asked in a slightly panicked voice, \"Did you hear that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariana chuckled, \"You two weren't particularly mindful of your surroundings and don't forget that everyone here is an awakened. So I guess, now everyone knows that Professor Adrian has threatened a Tower Master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was saying it with such a huge grin that Adrian felt she might have set things up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But well, \"I don't regret what I said. He is an as*hole.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"True, true. He was ogling at your favorite student earlier too.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adrian flinched, \"Elana?\" He asked as he turned his eyes toward the silverhead\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finding her looking at him as well, she flinched, her drink nearly spilling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Adrian gave her a soft smile, as he heard his cousin, \"You really are fond of her. Don't tell me-\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No,\" Adrian interrupted her, his eyes turning serious as he said, \"I only see her as my student. That's it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ariana shrugged, \"Well, your choice. But remember that I won't ban you from having a few relationships here and there with your students.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Coming from a headmistress, it sounds so disturbing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>°°°°°°°°°°°\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A\u002FN:- Thanks for reading. Whose image you want next?\u003C\u002Fp>",1084,"2026-06-06T07:53:02.152Z",1,"novelbin.me","d8aeee1ce8b697f6886721f16ff3729c1f458187bec23b35eccf270c26ccffce","return-of-the-legendary-runesmith-chapter-43","return-of-the-legendary-runesmith-chapter-41",595,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Freturn-of-the-legendary-runesmith-cover.jpg"]