First step: match the magic wavelength.

Done.

Second step: get an anchor by attaching the thread to an impactful memory.

Done.

Third step: get a grip on one's mind first by thinking of a sweet little incident.

Done.

Fourth step: weave through the memories, small and big.

Done.

Fifth step: find the one memory that stimulates or triggers the subject the most.

Done.

Sixth step: once made sure, draw a thread describing that single emotion that affects the subject the most.

And done.

Adrian opened his eyes and saw the rune slightly burning on the metal blade.

Anger—it was written. There was no dialect but just simple words in the runic language, which was connected with the target's mind.

And every time the target, intentionally or not, feels anger, the power from the rune elevates the strength of the armament, allowing the target to use a variety of spells.

Adrian was breathing normally. There were no traces of sweat or tiredness in his eyes. He just smiled fondly at the blade he had given life to.

Looking at the training doll, he slowly whispered, "Sorry for hitting you..." A few days ago, when he was failing constantly, he punched the doll to hide his incapabilities.

The doll, naturally, didn't respond.

Adrian rested the sword beside the training doll and got up.

Besides the doll, more than fifty-five armaments were lying, all of them connected with the third thread and ready to use.

However, the beauty of the third thread is that it cannot be touched by anyone whose mental connection isn't tied to the weapon.

He smiled proudly.

Out of the forty-five attempts, he has failed only five times.

And the result of his persistent efforts

[Congratulations, host. You have learned how to connect the third thread.]

[+3000 EXP]

[Cross-dimensional group chat: Unlocked.]

*Thud*

Adrian fell to the ground with a smile never fading from his lips

For the past eight hours, starting from midnight in the outside world, he has been focused on making tools, one after another.

At some point, when he was around twenty attempts, he believed he should stop.

However, when he thinks back on Sylvie's words, the consequences of not having anything to back him up during the third arc...and the danger Ariana might get surrounded with, he has the motivation to continue.

[To install the server, it would take some time.]

[Estimated time left: 12 hours 59 mins]

[Ding!]

[Eight hours have expired. The host will be transported back to the real world.]

There was no frown on his face this time when the system informed him. Because he has finally done it.

....

[In the evening]

Ariana was in her office again.

She was supposed to go on a round and check the classes—one of the most basic things a Headmistress must do.

However, she was occupying her seat. Her whole office was filled with smoke as she leaned against the chair and stared at the ceiling for no reason.

She wasn't approaching Adrian, for some reason; she probably wouldn't be able to define it if asked. Adrian also seemed quite frustrated and busy these days—often locking himself up in his office and only getting out to attend classes.

She didn't know what was going on with him, but she had a feeling that it was related to her.

After all, he made himself clear with that kiss. He didn't just see her cousin or his boss.

He had special feelings for her.

It was Ariana who was still too muddled-headed and couldn't muster her courage to face him.

'Haah~should I take some advice?' However, the problem was that her advisor was the cause of this predicament. Where should she go?

*Knock*

A knock. She jolted.

'Is it him?' the thought made her squeeze deeper in her seat, not answering.

But she was wrong, much to her disappointment.

"It's me, ma'am. Norma."

Hearing the familiar voice, she sighed and sat straight up in her seat before telling her, "Come in."

The doorknob clicked open before the person stepped inside.

Ariana was about to pick the nearest file to appear, she was busy...but then, she froze.

"Ah-what?" She couldn't believe that she was deceived.

Norma indeed was present there, but she just waved at her and walked away, leaving a man behind.

The man who made her want to disappear and approach him at the same time.

The man who was everything she could think of these days.

*Click*

With his eyes directed at her, a smile tugging his lips, he locked the door behind his back.

His current demeanor made her heart race. He somehow appeared dangerous, his eyes dark and that smile...she knew it too very well, even though she had seen it only once before.

He slowly approached her, as if a hunter were walking toward his fallen prey.

Despite having the strength to burst through the wall and escape, all she did was to push herself back in the chair, more and more, her eyes never leaving his...more like, she couldn't look anywhere else.

Adrian took a chair and planted it before her.

He didn't sit down immediately; rather, he held the armrest of her chair, lifted her with the chair, and brought her closer.

*Tak*

Once he settled her inches away from him, he leaned forward, arms resting on his thighs, and eyes drawn downwards.

"I have been ignored these past days by the only person whom I call my friend." A voice that was barely above a whisper sounds dangerous.

She held her breath and heard him adding, "Do you feel regretful of what happened? Angry at me for stealing your first kiss?"

Ariana's brows elevated as she tried to maintain her usual demeanor, "Why do you believe it was my first?"

Adrian chuckled, his hands caught hers as he said, "I know about you more than you know. So stop pretending and tell me.." he looked up, his deep hazelnut eyes spellbinding her, as he asked, "...do you hate a cousin who looks at you as a woman?"

He pulled her closer, she willingly drew close to him. "Do you hate that subordinate who has another...a very intimate emotion other than respect for his boss?"

Their faces were now inches apart, their breath colliding.

In such close proximity, she heard a few words that broke all the spirals of confusion for her,

"Or do you hate a friend who no longer just wants to be a friend but wants to become something more?"

Ariana didn't respond with words.

She leaned forward.

The restraints went out of the windows.

The troubles which could arise between their families were all forgotten.

Stress about the future melted by the heat their bodies were producing.

And all she was conscious of was those lips.

She was confused.

But not anymore.

She knew what she wanted

°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading.