Return of the Legendary Runesmith

Ruby was practically buzzing with excitement.

Not just because Aegis Academy was set to perform tomorrow—but because she was finally going to meet Adrian again.

It had been a while since their last meeting, at least outside of work. And today, she had something important to share.

Adrian’s theory about the second Thread had worked wonders.

The colleagues she worked with had been thrilled—almost euphoric. The mystery that had haunted their department for the past two years was finally cracked open, and the key had been right there in Adrian’s insight.

Her team had showered her with praise, begging to know who had helped her uncover the method. Some even half-jokingly offered to get on their knees to thank the unknown genius. But Ruby had kept her promise. Adrian’s name hadn’t come up—not even once.

Still, her colleagues urged her to write a thesis on the breakthrough and publish it under the Vermillion name before someone else caught wind and stole the credit. And honestly, they weren’t wrong.

Ruby also saw the wisdom in stamping their claim before others caught up. Which is why she was planning to ask Adrian something bold today—to let his name be included in the authorship. If not his full name, then at least his initials.

And then there was another thought... one she’d been pushing aside for days.

’It’s been a while since we went out... would he say yes if I asked again?’

She still remembered the first time they met—at that small market near the academy. He was hunched over a rack of Runesmithing tools, scrutinizing them like they were puzzle pieces. She’d noticed him because of his intense expression, that signature frown of concentration etched on his face.

That was the first time she found herself drawn to a man—purely for his looks. But when they struck up a conversation, it was his mind that captivated her. The way he talked about Runesmithing with such precision and depth left a lasting impression.