[Next morning]

Two figures could be seen currently moving on the grass field.

Adrian and Ariana had time today to do some light sparring, so they took the chance, and here they were.

*Huff* *Huff*

Adrian panted as they came to a small pause, staring at each other.

Ariana was unfazed, waiting for another assault.

"Here I come," He vanished from her sight, appearing right in front of her with a sudden burst of speed.

She barely leaned back—his fist brushed just inches past her chin.

"Oh?" she whispered with a grin. "You've been holding back on me."

She spun around, ducked under his next strike, and slid to his side. Her palm tapped his ribs lightly, like a warning.

"Too slow," she teased, winking.

Adrian didn't reply. He stepped back, then suddenly lunged again—this time feinting a left hook before going low with a sweeping kick.

But Ariana leapt over it effortlessly, landing behind him like a dancer on air.

"Good feint," she said close to his ear, "but I've seen better."

He twisted, aiming a sharp elbow toward her shoulder—but she caught it with one hand, her body moving with natural flow.

Adrian quickly stepped back, sweat starting to form at his temple.

She hadn't hit him hard even once—but he couldn't touch her either.

"You're reading my moves," he muttered, eyes narrowing.

"And you're getting better at hiding them," she said, circling him. "You've grown faster. Stronger. Smarter."

"Yet still not enough to land a clean hit," Adrian said in slight exasperation, dashing in again.

This time his footwork shifted mid-charge—he switched directions in the blink of an eye and launched a palm strike aimed at her waist.

For a moment, Ariana was surprised. She barely twisted in time, deflecting it with her forearm.

The force pushed her back a step.

"That one almost got me," she said, licking her lips playfully. "Should I be worried?"

"You should," Adrian replied, his breath steadying. "I'm just warming up."

She smiled, stepping close again.

But this time, she didn't attack.

She leaned forward, her hand softly brushing his chest.

"You know… If you keep looking at me like that, I might not be able to dodge it next time."

Adrian blinked, thrown off just long enough for her to lean back and trip him with a gentle sweep.

He hit the ground with a dull thud.

Adrian groaned with a wince.

Ariana smirked, "Did it hurt?"

"Tell me this wasn't revenge for last night."

Ariana didn't respond which gave him his answer.

Last night, Adrian embarrassed her to no end. They did it in front of a full-length mirror, and God, the way her face turned crimson in no time.

She just couldn't look at herself...being erotic.

Ariana offered him a hand as she told him, "I hope you learned your lesson, Mister Adrian."

Adrian got up and whispered in her ear, "I will make a room of mirrors next time~just imagine, everywhere you look, you will see yourself moaning."

"...!" Ariana's ears turned red as she glared at him.

Adrian chuckled as he backed away before she could hit him hard.

Ariana shook her head gently before telling him, "I'm leaving for inspection today."

"The teleportation portal?" Adrian asked.

"Yes," she nodded. "They requested my presence. It'll take a day at most. I just wish they don't asked me to visit the Tower."

The teleportation center fell under the Tower's jurisdiction, so it wasn't surprising that they wanted her involved in the investigation.

If it had just been routine maintenance that day, none of this would've happened. But as it turned out, the whole thing had been part of the Acolytes' plan from the start.

So yes—this was going to be taken seriously. Every detail would be closely assessed.

"Be safe," Adrian said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

They shared a brief look before parting ways—each heading to their own room.

Ariana had to leave for the teleportation center.

Adrian still had classes to attend.

Later, while taking a bath, Adrian found his thoughts drifting toward Annabelle.

He'd crafted a weapon for her just a few days ago.

Her affinity was rare—a variant of the Air element.

Vibration.

A powerful branch.

With it came the ability to use spells like echolocation, resonance, sound manipulation, and shockwave generation.

She was a natural fit for scouting and surveillance. But if given a high-grade weapon, she could easily turn destructive. A ghost in the field—swift, silent, and devastating.

With that much potential, Adrian wondered, why did she never let any Runesmith craft her an armament until now?

He didn't want to believe the reason that was forming in his mind.

Not until he asks her directly.

Now that she had a weapon tailored to her element, he hoped things would change.

And if they did, maybe—just maybe—she'd finally step into the role she was always meant for.

'System, show me my stats,' he asked as he stepped out of the bathroom and walked toward the closet.

[Name: Adrian]

[Age: 23]

[Race: Human]

[Str: 31]

[Spd: 28]

[End: 49]

[MP: 210/210] (Avg: 100)

[HP: 100/100]

....

His mana points had remained steady ever since that spar with Rylie.

Not a single fluctuation.

He hadn't used any magic since then, operating under the assumption that Abraham might still be keeping an eye on him.

This can't go on...

He clenched his fists in silent frustration.

I have to tell Ariana. At least one person should know, in case things fall apart.

If his secret ever got exposed, he'd need someone in his corner.

Someone he could trust.

And Ariana—if there was anyone who wouldn't look at him with fear or suspicion—it would be her.

Still deep in thought, he made his way to the classroom.

When he entered, something immediately felt different.

Elizabeth, for once, sat silently in her seat. No questions. No comments. No smirks.

She stared blankly ahead, lost in her own world.

Well… that's better, Adrian thought. At least he wouldn't have to deal with another snide remark today.

Elana had taken a seat near the back, away from her usual front-row spot. That gave him breathing room, both physically and mentally.

The class went on quietly, and thankfully today, Adrian managed to go through his lecture without interruptions.

The rest of the day passed smoothly, the rhythm of academy life returning to normal.

Until lunch break.

He was heading toward the staff hallway when a student ran in, breathless, eyes wide with panic.

"Professor!"

Adrian stopped in his tracks. The urgency in the boy's voice made his heart skip a beat.

"Your workshop! It's— it's destroyed!"

°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading.