Return of the Legendary Runesmith - Chapter 401

Chapter 401: Chapter 400- War after war
There were many things Adrian couldn’t remember about the time he walked this planet as Avirin.

But one thing was certain — the memories after he left Annabelle didn’t exist. If he recalled correctly, he hadn’t lived more than a few months after parting ways with her.

That explained why Adrian knew nothing about the war that happened after his death.

“I’m not quite aware. Tell me,” Adrian said, focusing on Annabelle.

The raven-haired girl sat down and began, “After Nytharos was declared a traitor, his followers started protesting, growing violent, and eventually waging war against others.”

“Hmm, fanatics,” Adrian muttered, nodding. “I’ve read that several regions later became the birthplace of Demonic Cults.”

Annabelle nodded. “Those who still had the ability to use independent magic began calling themselves Acolytes and formed a demonic cult. Their main goal back then was to suppress others and bring justice to their deity.”

Adrian sighed. “Mortals trying to meddle with the affairs of immortals.”

“It was pointless,” Annabelle agreed. “But Nytharos gained something from it. His followers never stopped believing in him or his ideals. Their devotion allowed him to rise again and send his Apostles across worlds to destroy churches and the Apostles of other gods.”

That caught Adrian’s attention. “Most Apostles died fighting the Darkness, didn’t they?”

“Yes,” Annabelle said, “but not all. Seven Apostles survived that war — only to be later killed by the Acolytes.”

“Oh, right… the seven founding Apostles,” Adrian recalled.

Everyone knew that the Towers — the governing bodies across the world — were established by the Apostles of the gods.

But the books never explained how they died. Most people simply believed they passed away naturally.

“In truth,” Annabelle said softly, “they fell during the war, defending the churches.”

Adrian thought for a moment. “Were the Acolytes that strong back then?”

“They were,” Annabelle replied. “Much stronger than the ones we see today… but still not strong enough to defeat the Apostles on their own.”

“That’s what I thought,” Adrian said, frowning. “We had already won the war against the Darkness by then, so their forces must have been gone. When Nytharos’s followers attacked, we should’ve been united enough to fight back.”

There had been a long gap between the two wars — more than ten years. That should’ve been enough time for them to recover from the last one.

Annabelle let out a soft sigh. “Darling… when you have something to protect, you can never fight with your full strength.”

Adrian agreed quietly, though he wasn’t entirely sure what she meant by that.

When there’s someone behind you whom you must protect, your movements become restricted. You’re forced to divide your attention—one eye on your enemy, the other on the person you’re guarding. You can never truly focus on the battle.

Annabelle continued, “For the Apostles, the churches became that restraint. They could never fight at their full potential.” Her tone grew heavier as she went on, “Their devotion turned into obsession. They refused to leave the places of worship, holding their ground no matter what, doing everything they could to protect those churches.”

Adrian’s brows furrowed as he listened in silence.

“They became so consumed by their faith,” Annabelle said quietly, “that one Apostle even took his own life after failing to protect a church.”

Adrian’s eyes widened. “That’s madness,” he muttered.

Annabelle nodded solemnly. “Exactly, Darling. People soon realized that if things went on like that, we’d all be in danger. The warriors who were supposed to protect us had become addicted to protecting their gods instead. We were left completely defenseless.”

Adrian fell silent, letting her words sink in. None of this had ever been recorded in the books.

He realized now that anything portraying blind devotion to the Divine Ones as dangerous had been deliberately erased from history.

“At that time,” Annabelle continued, “I realized it had become too much to bear. With each passing day, more lives were lost. The city we once lived in was falling apart. Your companions and acquaintances were either dying while protecting their families or leaving everything behind to find safety.”

She paused briefly before adding, “But with Acolytes rising across the world, I knew there would soon be no safe place left.”

Adrian crossed his arms. “So that’s when you reached out to the others on the server, I guess?”

Annabelle nodded. “Yes…” Her voice softened as she trailed off, then she continued, “I fought alone for months. Forming alliances or groups meant nothing then. The world had fallen into a state where no one could trust anyone—not even their own family.”

She took a quiet breath. “That’s when I read the messages from others and realized they were going through the same thing… especially Raven and Dark Knight.”

Adrian let out a slow exhale. “And their worlds are still in a dire state, as for what I have seen.”

Annabelle hummed softly. “Back then, we worked together. They helped me wipe out several major cults, forcing the Acolytes onto the defensive.”

Adrian chuckled. “And yet, none of the history books ever mentioned those mysterious warriors—or you, for that matter.”

Annabelle smiled faintly. “I never saved people for recognition or praise. I did it because I didn’t want to waste the second chance you gave me.”

Adrian’s chest warmed at her words. That look in her eyes—it was the same as before.

He remembered it clearly—the way she used to watch him from the corner of his workshop while he worked at his table. Her gaze always carried that quiet sense of devotion. To her, his presence had been a necessity—something that reminded her she wasn’t alone in this world.

A soft knock interrupted the moment. “Food’s ready,” came Ariana’s voice from behind the door.

The silver-haired woman blinked, realizing she might’ve walked in at the wrong time. Still, he smiled, standing up and gently patting Annabelle’s shoulder. “Come on. Stop dwelling on the past and join us.”

Annabelle nodded and followed them out.

Outside, Jean stood by the barbeque grill, an apron tied around her waist as she focused on the sizzling meat.

“Smells amazing,” Adrian remarked, smiling. “I think my stomach’s already growling.”

Ariana grinned and handed him a plate with freshly grilled meat and vegetables. “Jean prepared the spices, so all the compliments—or complaints—go to her.”

Adrian chuckled as he picked up a piece of meat and took a bite. “Hmm, hmm.” His eyes widened slightly before he gave an approving nod toward Jean.

Jean waited with a curious smile until he swallowed and said, “Once you retire, consider becoming my chef.”

She laughed softly, shaking her head as she began serving food for her Queen as well. Extending a plate toward Annabelle, she said politely, “Here you go, My Lady.”

Annabelle frowned as she glanced down. “Why the greens…” she mumbled under her breath, her tone almost sulky.

Jean was about to remove the vegetables, hiding a small smile, but Ariana quickly stepped in and snatched the plate from her hands. “No way. Finish everything,” she said, thrusting the plate back toward Annabelle with mock authority.

Annabelle groaned in protest, a dramatic sigh escaping her lips, but she still took the plate and obediently sat down.

The group soon gathered around the grill. Jean continued tending to the meat, her movements rhythmic and focused, while Ariana made sure to feed her bits from her own plate between turns. The soft crackle of the coal, the smell of seared meat, and the occasional burst of laughter filled the air, blending into a rare moment of peace.

As Adrian leaned back on the wooden bench, savoring the warmth of the scene, he asked casually, “So, is anyone from Umbral being invited to the celebration party hosted by Borodicus Clark?”

The mention of the name drew Jean’s attention. Of course, she knew about it—the grand event arranged by the greatest Runesmith of the age. It was set to take place on his private island, a place few had ever even stepped foot on.

Jean shook her head after a brief pause. “While a few Umbral members work in the service divisions and even within the national ministry, none of them received an invitation.”

Ariana chuckled, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “I even heard that high-ranking nobles weren’t invited either.”

Adrian raised an eyebrow. “Oh? That must’ve ruffled some feathers.”

Ariana nodded eagerly. “You should’ve seen the scene at the capital. The nobles were fuming—especially those who thought they were indispensable. Some even tried sending gifts to the Clark family in advance, hoping for an invitation. But it seems every single attempt failed.”

Adrian hummed, “So…it seems he has chosen his guests.”

“And you are one of them.” Annabelle smiled.

Adrian nodded, “But I am unsure if I will go.”

Jean was startled, “Eh? Really?”

Adrian nodded, “Based on what I find out tomorrow at the site, I will decide if I want to be there or not.”

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A/N:- Thanks for reading. Please make sure to leave a comment.