Return of the Legendary Runesmith-Chapter 206 - 205- Roles

"I am soooo glad to be back!" Aries exclaimed as she threw her arms around Elana. novelbuddy-cσ๓

The silver-haired girl let out a small sigh at her friend’s dramatic behavior. "Yes, I’m glad you’re back too."

The others just smiled at the contrast between the two—one lively and expressive, the other calm and composed.

Aries had returned just yesterday after spending a month at the other academy. She was there as an exchange student, taking Elana’s place.

Naturally, Elizabeth returned to Aegis yesterday as well.

The talk about her relationship with Allen is all over the school.

After all, just before hopping into the carriage, she kissed Allen.

"How was it, senior? Your stay at a different academy?" breaking his thoughts, Allen asked her.

The black-haired girl glanced over her shoulder and replied in her usual flat tone, "It was just average. Their food was terrible—they stuck to a strict military diet. Apparently, they think food is the key to building a strong warrior or something."

She shook her head. "It doesn’t make sense. Military rations are designed to give the most nutrition in the smallest amount. Why make students eat like that every day? It’s like starving them on purpose."

"Because they want to prepare their students for any kind of situation," came the voice of their manager, who entered the room with his hands clasped behind his back.

Elana quickly sat upright, brushing Aries off and straightening her clothes.

Adrian stepped up to the podium and looked at his students. "We don’t know what kind of group battle you’ll face in the first or second round—it might even stretch over a day or two. That’s why some academies believe training their students to live like soldiers will give them an edge during the contest."

"That sounds kind of intense," said the team’s fifth member, a first-year student.

Adrian shrugged. "They take this contest very seriously."

Artifacts from the Tower, gold from the kingdoms, and recognition across the world—or so the saying goes.

Those were the rewards for winning the contest.

For many, just the recognition was enough to give it their all. That’s why so many students took it seriously.

From what Adrian could tell, aside from Aries and Elana, the other team members were clearly fired up for the trials ahead.

"Alright then, let’s start with introductions and your specialties," Adrian said. "Knowing each other’s strengths will help us work better as a team."

The first to step forward was Aries. "Name’s Aries. I’m good with heavy weapons. I’m built for tanking and defense. Don’t believe me? Hit me and see for yourself," she said proudly, hands on her hips.

Adrian let out a small chuckle at her confidence, then looked to the next person.

"I’m Brendon, first year. I’m good at scouting and spying."

Adrian gave him a nod.

If he remembered right, Brendon had an affinity for air. His scores during enrollment were impressive, and the Student Council had even asked him to join as a disciplinary officer.

Next was a second-year student.

"I’m Altia. I use a spear, and my affinity is with flames. I don’t know how strong I really am, but I’m a decent fighter," she said softly.

She was a blue-haired girl with a shy demeanor. Adrian had seen her fight before—and honestly, she was impressive. Her techniques were sharp, and she could take hits without backing down.

If her grades weren’t holding her back, she might have given Olivia a tough time in the race for Student Council president.

Next was Allen.

"I have an affinity for flame and light. I’m a swordsman. I won’t assign myself a role just yet, but I believe I’m suited for the front line," he said calmly.

Adrian was a bit surprised—he had expected Allen to claim the main attacker spot right away.

Allen was usually proud and confident, but maybe the last two incidents had shaken him more than he let on.

Finally, the last one stepped forward.

"Elana. Ice affinity," she said.

Short and simple, yet it caught everyone’s attention.

No one asked for more. They had all heard of what she’d done—even in her short life, her feats spoke louder than words.

Adrian clasped his hands together. "We won’t assign roles just yet. Let’s run a few tests first—after that, I’ll decide where each of you fits."

No one objected.

"Alright then," he said, pulling out his revolver.

Altia flinched at the sudden motion.

Adrian didn’t point it at anyone—just aimed it at the ground.

"I suggest you stand up."

Everyone rose from their seats immediately, not daring to test his tone.

Adrian gave Elana a quick glance—then pulled the trigger.

Tha

In an instant, darkness swallowed the room.

The classroom, the desks, even the walls—gone.

Each student now stood alone, cut off from the others.

No sounds. No voices. No teacher.

Just silence.

And then the world around them took shape—identical for all five, though they would never know it.

They stood in the heart of a crumbling royal capital.

The sky above was dark and red, choked with smoke and ash.

Screams echoed in the distance, and the ground trembled beneath their feet.

Monsters surged through the city like a flood—twisted, snarling beasts that tore through everything in sight.

Soldiers fought bravely, but they were too few. Too scattered.

Their blades clashed against claws, but the tide was turning fast.

The students had no time to think.

They had to act.

Three paths stretched out before them:

—To the right, the grand marble gates of the throne room, barely holding against the enemy. Behind them, the King, the mind and heart of the nation.

—To the left, a collapsed tower—civilians trapped beneath rubble, their cries weak, but desperate. Time was running out.

—Straight ahead, the frontlines—knights locked in brutal combat with the monsters. If no one backed them up, they would fall... and the city would be lost.

Three choices.

Each one is urgent.

No time to think.

Adrian grinned as he saw them making their decision

’They aren’t acting like what they aspired to be. Nice, this is better.’

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A/N:- Thanks for reading.

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