Return of the Legendary Runesmith

Adrian, despite the dragon suddenly withdrawing all its killing intent and now bowing before him, did not lower his guard.

His weapon remained steady in his hand, ready to strike again if this proved to be nothing more than a trick.

"I recognize you as his heir," the dragon spoke, its voice still carrying that intense pride, though now touched with a faint note of resignation.

"What changed?" Adrian asked. It was not that he did not appreciate the shift. For all how quickly he could enter battle, he was still a man who preferred peace above all else.

Especially when the fight was happening so close to a place that was nothing less than a national treasure for Raven.

"It’s your ambition," the dragon replied. "For all the destruction this world has suffered at my Lord’s hands, I know what he truly sought through his journey."

Lifting his gaze to the sky, the silver-headed dragon continued, "During those long, lonely travels across worlds, he would often speak of things he kept buried deep within. His hope for a peaceful, free world. A place where people do not die under the wrath of foolish gods. A world filled with happiness and peace, not fear and forced devotion."

The system had already informed him, and the dragon’s words only confirmed it. This being had once been Darkness’s personal mount.

"So you mean to say, just because we share the same view on peace, I am suddenly worthy?" Adrian asked, trying to make sense of the absurd turn of events.

The dragon lowered its head again. "I recognize that you carry his blood and his will." Then it raised its gaze, eyes hard as they locked onto Adrian. "But I still do not consider you worthy of bearing his legacy. You have yet to reach a height where you can carry his name with pride."

Adrian let out a wry smile. It took a certain kind of talent to acknowledge someone and dismiss them in the same breath.

Shaking his head, he asked, "Why appear now, of all times? I have come to this planet before." He had even fought the Apostle here. If there was ever a moment, it should have been then, when he openly revealed his origin.

The dragon’s demeanor shifted entirely. Its presence turned heavy with displeasure, enough to make Adrian ready himself for another clash.

But this time, that killing intent was not directed at him.

The eight-foot-tall man growled under his breath. "Those bastards have started moving again. They are gathering forces, waking their dead Apostles, and preparing for something massive."

Adrian’s eyes sharpened. "What do you mean?"

The dragon slowly rose to its feet. "This planet is about to die. Not just because those scum have kept the sun from ever rising, but because the life energy itself is being drained to sustain those dead, rotting Apostles."

Adrian’s eyes widened. "What?" He glanced down at the ground beneath his feet. The dry soil had a dull, grey tint. He had assumed it was simply infertile, something that required special methods to cultivate.

But this meant—

"They are drawing energy from it?"

The dragon nodded. "To them, this planet is nothing more than dead weight. They hold no dominion here, so they exploit it for their own gain."

Adrian already knew that this world had once fallen under Nytharos’s jurisdiction. After his fall, more than half the population had turned into Acolytes, seeking revenge for their god.

That had earned them banishment.

Those higher beings had severed all support, taking away even something as vital as the sun. And now, little by little, they were killing the planet itself from within.

Anger surged in his chest. Those scumbags...

Just how low could they fall? Anger with him was one thing but the people living in this world has nothing to do with him or Nytharos anymore.

"How do I stop this?" Adrian asked, already sensing that the being before him had an answer.

"You can’t," the dragon replied without hesitation, its gaze lowering toward him. "Unless you have a way to reach the Heavens and fight those beings."

Adrian clicked his tongue. "You know that’s not possible. And I know you have another way, so stop circling it and tell me."

The dragon remained silent for a few moments, studying him.

That same short temper when it came to those he wished to protect. The same unyielding sense of justice. And that look. It was unmistakable.

’My instincts did not deceive me.’

Letting out a slow breath, the beast finally spoke. "Find the true ruler of this land. Take the authority of this world from him."

Adrian blinked. "From Nytharos? Is there a fragment of him on this planet as well?"

The dragon nodded. "Yes. But I have been unable to locate it. There is a strong chance the fragment is hiding, preserving itself due to how faint its presence has become."

Adrian clicked his tongue again. There was no time to search aimlessly for something that did not want to be found. And even if he did, there was every chance that this fragment would turn out just as wary and corrupt.

Then... what should be his first move?

The one sealed in the depths of the sea prison.

Damn it. He was being pushed back to that path again.

Turning to the towering figure, Adrian asked, "What do I do when I find one? Just ask him to hand over the authority?"

The beast nodded. "Once an active being holds this world’s authority, the others will have no choice but to oppose you directly to reclaim it. And since they cannot descend to fight you themselves, all you need to do is destroy every single Apostle that exists here."

The dragon let out a low growl. "If you wish, I can lend you my strength in that."

So this was it... he was to become the new ruler of this world.

Adrian did not hesitate. He knew exactly how much this world meant to Querella. The people here were her family. And if freeing Nytharos was what it took to protect it, then so be it.

"I understand. I will find a way to contact Nytharos and take the authority of this world from him." His tone steadied now that he had a clear path forward.

The beast placed its hands on its waist. "Your resolve is admirable, but Nytharos will not hand over that authority so easily."

Adrian shook his head. "Don’t worry about that." Letting out a breath, he rubbed the back of his head before adding, "Since you’ve awakened, I assume you might have some time on your hands?"

The beast narrowed its eyes. "What are you implying?"

Adrian quickly clarified, "I mean... when I’m not around, and those vultures make their move, could you at least protect places like those?"

The dragon did not need to turn to know where he was pointing.

Adrian knew the Apostles would act soon, but he could not remain here forever.

So he asked, "Can you stand as this world’s guardian until I settle things on my end?"

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A/N:- Thanks for reading. Please drop a comment.