Return of the Legendary Runesmith - Chapter 392

Chapter 392: Chapter 391- Brilliant…or not
“Are you embarrassed?” Adrian asked with a teasing grin as they rode back to the palace.

Raven had been unusually quiet in the carriage, and even now, she avoided looking at him.

She finally glanced at him and muttered, “I had so many plans…plans to capture your heart. But all I did was cry and take advantage of you.”

She had planned to go on a date with him, show him her favorite places, and even cook food for him.

However, things turned out very differently when he suddenly asked her to bring her to the plantation.

And the way he volunteered to help them, gave them a new hope, she couldn’t stop herself from shedding tears.

While she was glad as a Queen that someone came as their aide, as his future wife she was embarrassed to show such a side.

Adrian chuckled. “You didn’t rely on me unfairly. Think of it as me returning the favor for all the help you’ve given me so far.”

Raven had provided him with magical records to improve his training, and she had also saved Sylvie’s life when the girl was infected with a worm during the tournament ambush. She had helped him more than once, never asking for anything in return.

“But still,” she said softly, “I can’t help feeling bad for taking so much from you.” She paused, then added, “There is something I can give you in return.”

Adrian waved his hand. “Like I said, it’s fine—”

“No, Adrian. You have to accept it, or I’ll feel burdened.”

Seeing her unusually stubborn, Adrian sighed and finally gave in. “Okay, fine. But if it turns out to be too expensive, I won’t take it.”

Raven chuckled. “Consider it priceless.”

…

They entered the palace, and Raven led him to a room where the team of former Acolytes was waiting.

The hall was large and brightly lit. Other than three humans standing at a distance, the room was empty.

“Meet Ava, Charlie, and Nia,” Raven introduced them.

Ava, the one on the left, stepped forward. “Nice to meet you, Sir Lockwood. I’ve heard a lot about you from the Queen.”

“I hope you heard good things,” Adrian joked, shaking her hand before turning to the others.

When he reached Nia, she held his hand a little longer than the others and said, “You…have a strong presence.”

Adrian raised his brows as she let go, curious. “Have you been training mana control lately?”

Adrian wryly smiled, “Not exactly…”

Nia huffed, “But I can tell you’re doing really well for someone with such a large amount of mana.”

Charlie’s brows lifted. “I thought I was imagining it.”

Raven tilted her head, curious. “Is there something I should be concerned about?”

Charlie exchanged a glance with the raven-haired woman. “Nothing dangerous. It’s just…when he entered, his presence nearly outshone yours.”

Raven hummed softly, clearly surprised.

Adrian asked. “Is that…something to worry about?”

Ava shook her head and explained, “Not exactly. It’s just that the Queen has the largest mana reserves on the continent. She can fight for days without tiring. Normally, when someone holds that much magical energy, it’s impossible to hide it completely. Yet, you were able to suppress her presence.”

“Oh…” Adrian nodded thoughtfully. “I understand now.”

The three former Acolytes exchanged looks, quietly amazed. Adrian had just been told he possessed more mana than the Queen, yet he didn’t seem shocked or even proud.

Raven chuckled softly. “Very few things surprise him. Anyway, help him understand more about his own energy. I’ll just stand in the corner and watch.”

Adrian raised a brow. “Are you sure? Won’t you get bored?”

Raven smiled faintly, her tone gentle. “You’re only here for a short time. I don’t want to miss even a second of it.”

The three magicians exchanged glances again, this time allowing small, knowing smiles to appear on their faces.

Adrian said nothing to Raven and simply nodded.

Turning his attention to the Acolytes, he asked, “Shall we begin?”

Charlie stepped forward. “Yes. First, sit down.”

“Here… on the ground?” Adrian raised an eyebrow.

Charlie nodded. Adrian settled cross-legged, watching as Charlie reached into his pocket and pulled something out.

“I believe you’ve already gained control over your mana,” Charlie said. “Now, let’s see how well you can manipulate it.”

Adrian frowned. “What…do I need to do?”

Charlie held up an hourglass-shaped object with golden rims encasing the glass.

Ava stepped forward. “This is a mana compass. You need to pour your magical energy into it with just the right force—not too strong, or it will break, and not too weak, or it will leak from the other end.”

Adrian nodded and took the glass in his hands, taking a deep breath. He hadn’t had much time to practice since awakening his core, and while he was confident in his abilities, this was entirely new.

He exhaled mana from the tip of his finger, concentrating, and pushed it into the mana compass—

*CLINK!*

The compass shattered on first contact.

“…” Adrian stared at the broken glass, blank.

Nia sighed. “Nothing surprising. The moment you released your mana, I knew it would break.”

Adrian, used to mastering things quickly, felt a sting of frustration. “What did I do wrong?”

Nia explained gently, “Mana isn’t a tool or a weapon. It’s a part of you. I think you understand that in theory—but you haven’t learned to apply it properly yet.”

Adrian nodded, listening quietly.

Charlie spoke next. “Every magician can use telekinesis, but most either don’t know it exists or can’t control it.” He lifted his hand, and the broken shards of the glass began to float, hovering mid-air.

Adrian’s eyes widened as he faintly saw Charlie’s mana clinging to the shards, guiding their motion.

Ava added, “It’s all about applying the right amount of force. Think of it like pouring oil into a container—spill even a little, and everything gets messy.”

Adrian nodded slowly. “I understand…so the key is manipulation.”

Nia smiled. “Exactly. We’ll show you how it’s done. But remember, control doesn’t come from forcing it. You have to train regularly, stay disciplined, and learn to guide your mana gently. Only then will you truly master it.”

Adrian nodded, absorbing every word.

Raven, standing quietly to the side, couldn’t help but smile.

The same man who rarely saw anyone as his equal, the one who often mocked others for their mistakes, was now sitting like a student—attentive, patient, and open to learning.

No pride blocking him, no impatience at receiving guidance.

‘You were already a brilliant scholar… now, you are becoming a perfect man.’

°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading.