Return of the Legendary Runesmith-Chapter 196 - 195- I won’t hurt her

Ruby had left them alone. She had gone to gather the things Adrian had left behind.

He told her he had found an underground bunker, but there was nothing worth picking up from there.

Ruby assured him that she would cover the bunker and also handle things with Alfred.

Adrian couldn’t thank her enough. If it weren’t for her, he never would’ve gotten the chance to reach that bunker and uncover the truth about his past.

She told him he’d have to repay the favor someday—but not today.

Today... he had someone else to focus on.

"So you knew, huh?" she asked, narrowing her eyes slightly in a mock complaint.

Adrian let out a dry chuckle. "I knew it was you... on the server. But back then, I knew nothing about you or our past. So to me, you just seemed like some obsessive, overpowered girl."

She didn’t look amused. "Was I that annoying?"

Adrian shook his head. "Not annoying... more like it felt a little much having the strongest Warden constantly around me."

Her shoulders slumped. "So, my position bothers you..." Then she straightened up with a sudden jerk. "...should I stop being—"

"No, don’t even finish that sentence." He cut her off gently. "You’ve earned that title with years of hard work and dedication. For the first time, I can see that you’ve found your path."

Annabelle smiled shyly. "Eheh~ I knew you’d be proud. I retained my strength, so I figured I should put it to use somewhere."

Adrian froze.

His brows furrowed as he asked, "You kept your powers? You mean..."

Annabelle nodded. "Yes... I can still use magic." As she spoke, she raised her finger—and with it, a small stone fragment floated into the air.

Just as Adrian had suspected... she still had her powers.

The same powers that had once turned her into an outcast.

Adrian felt relieved. She wasn’t hiding it anymore. She used to hate this very magic—believing that if she hadn’t been born with those abilities, her family might still be alive, and the villagers wouldn’t have branded her as cursed.

"Does anyone else know?" Adrian asked.

She shook her head. "No. Not even Ruby. I trust her, but this... goes beyond trust. Her past would have become a wall between us."

Annabelle knew about the friend Ruby had lost. And the cause of her loss is an Acolyte.

That loss had fueled Ruby’s deep hatred for the evil God. It also drove her obsession with Runesmithing. She wanted to one day create armaments that could surpass the need for magic altogether.

Adrian hummed in understanding.

He finished patching up her wound, then gently asked, "Does it hurt anywhere else?"

Her lips curved into a soft smile as she shook her head. "Not anymore... my heart finally feels at peace."

Adrian smiled back. "I’m glad I got to meet you too."

They shared a quiet moment, letting the silence speak for them.

Then Adrian stood up. "Now... let’s make one thing very clear."

Annabelle blinked and nodded. "Yes?"

Adrian took a deep breath. He couldn’t believe he was about to say it—but there was no point hiding it anymore.

"My past identity... as Avirin... you have to keep it a secret."

It still felt unreal.

He had never imagined himself as the reincarnation of the Avirin—the legendary runesmith who forged the Sword of Infinity and helped humanity survive its darkest hour.

Who would’ve thought that his strange talent for learning, his deep understanding of runes, and even the cryptic notes he always read in the Time Chamber... all of it had come from Avirin?

To most runesmiths, Avirin was like a god—someone who brought justice to the world and proved the true strength of runes.

Annabelle nodded. "Definitely. If that secret ever got out, I can’t even imagine the chaos that would follow you."

Adrian gave a small nod. After a moment, he added, "Same goes for Ruby... I trust her, but I want to take things slow with her."

Annabelle narrowed her eyes. "You’re quite close to her. She once told me she had a crush on you."

Adrian gave a casual shrug. "Yeah... I know."

She tilted her head slightly, then asked, "...What about you? Still walking the path of singlehood?"

Adrian froze.

Memories flashed through his mind—ten long years spent with Bella. Not once had he let another woman into his life during that time. He had distanced himself from worldly desires, devoting himself entirely to his work and raising Bella.

But now... things were different.

And for her to ask that question—he realized—meant she didn’t know.

Adrian gently placed his hands on her shoulders and met her eyes. "Bella... I may have memories of my past life, but I’m not the same person anymore. And you have to accept that."

Bella’s breath hitched. "That means... you’re already in a relationship?"

He couldn’t lie—not when she’d find out eventually through Ruby, and not when he didn’t want to lie.

With a brief nod, he confirmed, "Yes. I am."

Annabelle swallowed hard, her eyes widening just a little.

Adrian could see how difficult it was for her. He had always seen her as a daughter—but it was painfully clear she hadn’t seen him the same way. Not in their past life, and not in this one. Her feelings went beyond admiration. Even now, the way she spoke, the way she clung to their bond in the chat... it was clear.

She still loved him. As a man.

But Adrian couldn’t—and wouldn’t—change his present.

He cared for Annabelle deeply, but he loved Ariana just as much.

That’s why he said, quietly but firmly, "You need to accept who I am now, Bella... or we can’t go on like this—"

"No! Please, don’t!" she cried out, covering his mouth with trembling hands before he could finish.

She looked up at him, her voice cracking as she nodded quickly, "I understand. I won’t hurt that woman. Don’t worry."

"..."

So she really had been thinking of hurting Ariana, huh?

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.

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