Return of the Legendary Runesmith-Chapter 51 - 50- Pain

’Mm...’ Eve woke up from her slumber...or more like, she fainted if she remembers right.

She was still pinned to the wall, her ankles and wrists had lost their sensations, and her limbs were no longer moving as much as she tried.

Using her armament was out of the question and her body was too tired for her to try anything in an attempt to escape.

Two days ago, she was going to report to the adventurer’s guild and collect her reward for hunting several high-ranking monsters using the armament Adrian made for her.

But then, a man appeared before her asking where she got the armament from and who made it.

Naturally, she didn’t tell him not only because Adrian had forbidden her but also because she found the man suspicious.

However, later, he revealed that he already knew who inscribed those runes since the Acolyte she killed in the forest when she was escorting Adrian used to work under the man.

After that, everything happened in a blur.

She was surrounded by Acolytes, and they were all trained mages who easily trapped her in a spell that was practically impossible to break.

She was brought here after that and nailed to the wall.

She wasn’t dying because the mage healed her regularly...but that wasn’t lessening the pain. It only refreshes it.

Because of the loss of blood, she regularly lost consciousness, and the lack of energy was making her feel her senses were going numb.

She was breaking down slowly. She doesn’t have anyone waiting for her back home or anyone in her life who would get worried about her absence.

Even if she died today, she doesn’t think anyone would cry except for the church people. She usually visits that place on her free days

....but well, there are several other donors as well, so they would not miss her presence much.

’But why are they keeping me alive ..’ She has already guessed that the gang leader had something to do with Adrian. She has heard his name from him several times, and it seems he even sent people to create trouble for the Runesmith.

However, why was she kept alive until now...Adrian won’t come here for her. They barely know each other, so surely she couldn’t be used as a hostage...unless Adrian has a sense of heroism.

’Will I appear like a loser if I cry now ...or is it already too late....’ The pain was unbearable...she really wanted to return to her usual life.

But she couldn’t...she was too powerless.

’Pa...’ At times of pain and helplessness, just like everyone, she also thought of that person who used to provide her with warmth and protection.

She...just wanted this pain to disappear.

She can’t bear it anymore...

°°°°°°°°°

"Professor Adrian, how many points do we get if we answer second?" Inside the meeting room, the students gathered after dinner.

They all were present here except for Michael. Well, his absence was acceptable since he was not going to participate in the second round. Michael and Allen would be useful in the third round as test subjects.

Hearing the question, Adrian started writing on the whiteboard, "If you answer the question correctly in the first attempt, you get five points. If you press the button second and the first one fails to answer, then you get four points. The same goes for the third and fourth; they get four points if the people above them fail to answer correctly."

It was apparent that the one who would press the buzzer first would benefit the most.

However, "Remember, if you press the buzzer first and fail to answer correctly, two marks will be deducted. But in comparison to that, the second, third, and fourth would only get one mark deducted."

....now, their views changed a bit.

While pressing the buzzer first surely has a glaring benefit, upon failing to answer correctly, they would have to pay double the price, too.

"Be sensible in your approach. Remember, only answer when you are a hundred percent sure." Saying so, he took another sip of his black coffee. It was strong and aromatic.

They had finally broken the curse of the first round, and seeing how sensible and smart the students were, Adrian believed they would pass the next round, too.

Out of twenty questions, which carry a hundred points, they only have to secure twenty, and they would proceed to the next round. And considering how well they have performed in the first round, Adrian believed they surely will get twenty points.

"Professor..." Very hesitantly, Sylvie raised her hand.

After ’that’ day, this was the first time she talked to him directly, which explains why she was so awkward. freēwēbnovel.com

Everyone turned extremely silent while Elana’s eyes narrowed warily. If the girl says something unnecessary here...

However, Sylvie had a very strong reason to call him out.

"Yes, Sylvie?" Adrian replied in his natural voice and waited for her to ask.

After a momentary pause, she finally asked, "Will securing more than necessary points give us any further benefits in the third round?"

That was quite an important question. If they don’t get any benefit, then risking to gain more points than what is necessary to qualify would be foolish.

Once they answered four questions, they would just remain silent for the rest of the second round.

Every eye was now on Adrian as they also got curious.

"Hmm, good question. I actually asked Master Albec about it yesterday."

Elana inwardly grumbled ..why couldn’t she think of that question...

Ignorant about his student’s disappointment, he answered, "Yes, you will get an advantage in the third round. Extra points would add time in the third round. To be precise, ten extra points means ten extra minutes. So yes, if you believe you know answers even after you have reached the minimum mark, don’t think much and answer it."

Adrian didn’t tell them about it until now, intentionally. He didn’t want them to take unnecessary risks in the greed of extra benefit. But since Sylvie asked about it...he was left with no other option.

Sylvie nodded, now satisfied.

After she heard the answer and the rankings of the other school, she believed that there was a higher chance for the Runebound Academy to outsmart others.

*Ding* *Dong*

Hearing the bell, Adrian got up from his seat and said, "Okay, kids, it’s already ten. Return to your room and rest. The test will start in the evening tomorrow, so don’t overwork yourself."

Leaving those words behind, Adrian walked out of the room.

He needs to get some training done!

°°°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- Thanks for reading. Drop a comment.

I have already decided to make guns his main armament.