CHAPTER 185: CHAPTER 184- DEPARTURE

Adrian and Ariana were still in the office when the Tower Master arrived.

Albec stepped inside, flanked by two Tower members. The room’s warm atmosphere shifted instantly—replaced by the quiet chill of their presence.

Though Albec seemed slightly tense, it was the two men standing beside the door—one on either side—who brought with them a heavy nervousness that settled in the air like fog.

"Mister Albec," Adrian greeted, extending a hand.

Albec took it with a firm shake, and they all sat down—Ariana beside Albec, Adrian across from them. The two Tower members remained standing, unmoving, as if guarding something more than just the doorway.

"Apologies for arriving on such short notice," Albec began, his tone both hurried and sincere. "The situation is urgent, so I took the liberty of imposing."

He knew Adrian was not only a teacher but also a researcher. And after everything that had happened recently, the man probably needed time to rest and recover. But the matter couldn’t wait. Courtesy had to come second.

"So... what’s going on?" Adrian asked, cutting to the chase.

Albec reached into his coat and pulled out a folded sheet of parchment, then slid it across the table.

"This is a report we received from the east."

Ariana’s brows knit together. "You mean... the Barren Lands? Who would send a report from there?" Her voice held disbelief—no one in their right mind wandered that far out.

Albec gave a small nod. "A few days ago, several of the terrorists involved in the capital attack were captured. They were being transported to the central holding cell... but en route, they escaped."

He paused, then added, "Since then, we’ve been dispatching officers into the eastern stretches to track them down. Not just to punish them—but because we need information. These weren’t just foot soldiers. They have connections, and we believe they were part of something larger."

Ariana really wanted to say something here—like how on earth could a few non-awakened terrorists manage to escape? But she held her tongue. Picking a fight with the Tower right now would do no good.

Adrian read through the report with a deepening frown before passing it over to the Headmistress.

"Unnatural body posture, eyes vacant, strange behavior... listless movement..." Adrian read aloud. "What are these symptoms supposed to indicate?"

The report described the terrorists’ state when they were finally found, but it offered no real explanation. Adrian couldn’t figure out what could have caused such unnatural, almost inhuman changes. A curse? Mind control? Some twisted experiment?

Albec responded calmly. "During the investigation, we discovered that while they were in hiding, they stumbled upon a relic. It was laced with several runes—complex ones. We could hardly identify them. But we believe that relic was responsible for their condition."

Adrian leaned back slightly, cupping his chin in thought.

An ancient relic. Unknown runes.

Now it made sense why Albec had come in person.

Ariana, who had been quietly skimming the report, looked up. "So... where is it now?"

Albec exhaled. "Still in the Barren Lands. We didn’t move it. There’s a chance tampering with it could either erase its significance or trigger something dangerous. So for now, we’ve left it untouched."

Adrian asked, "Did you copy the runes? Can I take a look?"

Albec shook his head. "I haven’t seen them myself. And honestly, I believe it’s better if you come with us and examine them directly."

Ariana’s eyes widened. "Why does he need to go there? Doesn’t the Tower have all the rune specialists you need?"

Albec gave a tired, wry smile. "Miss Ariana... do you think I haven’t already sent my best men?"

Ariana crossed her arms and tilted her head. "You tell me."

Albec let out a sigh. "They couldn’t make sense of it. Miss Tia was the only one who could even begin to read the runes, and the very first person she suggested... was him."

Adrian leaned back slightly in his seat, a faint smile curling at his lips. Their last meeting had clearly left an impression on the Tower Master.

Silence hung in the room for a beat before Adrian asked, "How long would it take to get there?"

Albec’s eyes lit up, but before he could respond, Ariana cut in sharply, "You’re actually considering going? You’d risk your life for this?"

Adrian turned to her, calm and steady. "With Tower members there, do you really think any monster could lay a finger on me?" he asked. "And as for the relic—unless I’m absolutely sure what it is and what it does, I won’t go anywhere near it."

Ariana rubbed her forehead, clearly troubled. Something about this felt... wrong. A knot formed in her chest, and she couldn’t shake the unease coiling within her.

The Barren Lands were infamous for the inhabitants of the ancient creatures who had fought thousands of years ago.

Anything can happen there.

Albec assured her, "I promise we will pay extra attention to Sir Adrian’s safety. We also acknowledge his importance as a Runesmith, so please be assured, Miss Ariana."

Ariana exhaled a long breath, "Okay...I trust you." She agreed, not because of Albec’s assurance rather it was the curiosity in Adrian’s eyes that forced her to agree

’Naturally, an ancient relic would make him drool.’ She shook her head, with a soft smile dancing on her lips.

"So it’s decided. When can we leave?" Albec asked.

"Are we leaving right away?" Adrian was surprised but not unwilling.

"It would take some time to reach the border region since there is no teleportation portal around."

Adrian nodded, "I understand. Then, give me a few minutes. I will pack a few necessary things."

Albec nodded before getting up from his seat.

Soon the three Tower members stepped out of the room.

Adrian turned towards Ariana and soon his tie was pulled by his woman.

Her sharp eyes were fixed on his. Her hot breath washing over her face.

"I must warn you. Mister Adrian. You have a bride waiting for you here, so you must not take any risk."

Adrian smiled before giving her a brief kiss.

"I promise."

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.