*Crack*
The stone pillar cracked as Munrow slammed his fist into it, sheer aggression filled his eyes and his demeanor warned the people around him to stay away from the man.
Although they succeeded in framing Adrian and Moret played his role well in making everyone believe that Adrian was the culprit, they ultimately failed. All because of a woman
"That damn nasty b*tch....why did she appear here?!" Munrow growled, his knuckles bleeding, but the anger overwhelmed the pain.
There was no one who could have expected to see the Warden named Vermillion to appear there. Ruby had nothing to do with the Tower situated in a different nation. She has always been busy with her research and mostly remains cooped up in her rabbit hole.
Then why ...why did she appear in the Tower and save Adrian?
"Past connection? They both are Runesmiths, after all." One of the cultists suggested a possible reason.
Munrow frowned....can there really be a connection?
But Adrian has a not-so-unique past with no foreign relations...
"If there is a connection between the two, then it becomes more important to capture Adrian." Another cultist added.
That's right, Adrian was now his ambition. He has to bring that man to his side and utilize his talent and connections for his benefit.
"We are going to bring him here."
°°°°°°°°
The students were gathered in the meeting room after dinner.
They would be told the result in a few minutes, and based on that, it would be decided if they would stay here as participants or losers.
Although Elana knew that all the answers they had filled were answered through the majority. But still, there was stress that they could be wrong about a few answers despite having the agreement. It could be a coincidence or just their bad luck that they all ended up giving the wrong but same answer.
The source of apprehension doesn't come from her personal achievement or school reputation. She just wants to win this for Adrian. He has put a lot of effort into this and she has seen his dedication.
She wants to win this contest for him.
To make him smile and pat her head.
"Shouldn't we prepare a little for the next round? It would be quite difficult." Aeris suggested as she softly massaged her swollen toe with a pain-relieving gel.
The next round was a quiz where students had to be quick with their answers.
The one who answers first will get points. And if you are wrong then be prepared for negative scoring.
Since there is a chance that all the other three schools would also qualify for the second round, the competition would be tough.
"First, let the results come." Allen voiced, as he casually leaned back in his seat.
"Do you mean to say, that we might fail?" The green-haired girl, Thalia asked with a frown.
"You helped the least so shouldn't you be more scared?" Hayden, the chubby guy sitting beside Thalia asked.
He was evidently quite nervous about the results that's why he was blurring whatever was coming to his mind.
"Hmph, I just didn't want to put pressure on my head when you all were working hard already."
"Just accept that you didn't know much. You are just chosen because of your Runesmithing skills."
"The same goes for you, fatso!"
"Weed-head..."
Allen chuckled at their bickering before his eyes drifted towards Sylvie.
Leaning closer to her, he asked, "What do you think? Will you pass?"
"We already have. We just need confirmation." She flipped the page of the book nonchalantly, as she spoke those words with utter confidence.
Allen was taken aback, "Quite trust you have in yourself."
Sylvie didn't respond this time and continued to read the book.
Suddenly, Allen felt a piercing gaze boring down on him. The feeling of dread was so profound that he couldn't stop himself from turning his head.
"Huh?" However, the moment he looked across from him, the person was looking down at his notes.
Allen couldn't stop himself from asking, "Michael, are you okay?" Allen couldn't be mistaken here. Michael was indeed glaring at him a moment ago...but why?
"Yes? I am fine, Allen." As usual, he was smiling as if nothing happened.
Allen frowned...what's with him?
Breaking his line of thoughts, the doors of the meeting room were parted and a familiar person walked inside, his steps slightly hurried.
Everyone closed their books and stopped chatting at once.
Elana clasped her hand under the desk and patiently waited to hear the news.
Sylvie was confident that's why she didn't show nervousness. But yes, she was excited about the results.
Just as Adrian turned to look at them, Elana gasped and Aries asked hurriedly, "What happened to your face, sir?" There was a faint bruising on his cheek.
Adrian dryly laughed, "I tripped while on my way..."
"That's a lie." Allen voiced what he believed.
"Yes, that's right. Please tell us what happened, Professor." Elana insisted, concern and slight agitation building in her eyes.
"Your Professor is a little too protective toward you all." Another person entered the room.
"Headmistress...."
Ariana casually strode toward Adrian as she said, "An official had some doubts about whether you all cheated since Runebound Academy has never performed this well before. That's why, he wanted to question you all privately."
Adrian grumbled ..why did she have to reveal it to them?
Ariana ignored that look and continued, "Adrian got furious because he was suspecting his precious student. They argued for a while before Adrian ended up throwing a punch."
"Damn! For real?" Aries was excited as she nearly jumped from her seat.
"Is that true, Headmistress?" Allen couldn't believe his ears. Is Allen punching someone, and a Tower member, no less?
This time, Adrian spoke up, "They question me, I don't mind...but when it comes to my students, I can't tolerate hearing them badmouth you all."
"...!"
A wave of warmth swept across the room.
Aeris' excitement dimmed as she stared at Adrian with her eyes slightly widened.
Elana also had a similar reaction, but rather than shock, she looked at her Professor with a loving expression.
Sylvie was quite shocked too...as she stared at Adrian with complicated emotions in her eyes.
Soon, Adrian revealed, "Regardless of their suspicion, the Tower has granted us the permission to proceed to the second round. And not only that, you all have aced the first round by leaving the other academies far behind."
"Congratulations, students."
°°°°°°°°°
A/N:- Thanks for reading. I have uploaded character images on discord.