Defying the Fate of Beheading

[Location: Ense Empire · Tino City]

"Ah! After such a long journey, I've finally come home!"

Olivia stretched lazily, poking her head out the window.

Louis gazed at the peaceful scenery outside, feeling as if he had been transported to another era.

After so long, he still couldn't adapt to the customs of Star Continent.

This sight of war being so close yet everyone treating it as normal, he really couldn't comprehend.

As they passed the outer city and were about to reach the inner city, Olivia turned to Louis and said:

"We can finally have a good rest for a while, hehe, Louis, I won't let you surpass me so easily."

The little swan giggled and said: "I've already been able to inherit a part of the Jade Phoenix Mage's original power, and by the next time I come out of retreat, I probably can advance 2-3 levels."

"By that time, I'll leave you far behind again."

Louis snorted and said:

"Think about whether you have the chance to defeat me first!"

Louis was aware of the little swan's situation with the Jade Phoenix Mage inheritance.

Unlike Louis.

The little swan inherited more and stronger power from the previous Jade Phoenix Mage.

After all, Mr. Fox's final Jade Phoenix descent power was strong, but it relied on the remnants of a sacrificed demigod Jade Phoenix Mage.

His professional level still remained at LV20.

But the little swan inherited the full power of a legendary Jade Phoenix Mage.

Moreover, the mindset in inheriting this power was completely different.

Fox, after understanding the compromises and sacrifices from various forces and sealing the holes on Star Continent, sprouted the idea of "wanting to become someone like them."

This near "world peace-preserving" idea was too altruistic.

Louis appreciated his efforts and sacrifices but didn't want to become someone like him.

Though very moved, his mindset was still "while ensuring one's safety, if capable, then go and save others."

He couldn't possibly run around just to seal holes.

Maintaining world peace actively was also difficult for him.

Thus, he absorbed Fox's original power at an absurdly slow speed, even started doubting whether he needed to accept this power at that time?

But the situation with the little swan was different.

The Jade Phoenix Mage she inherited was one who diligently fell on Ense's land.

Ense's territory is vast, and there are quite a few spatial rifts.

That legendary Mage traveled across Ense all his life, dedicated to sealing spatial rifts and combating creatures from other worlds.

For that legendary Mage, in some ways, there might have been no distinction between public and private affairs.

Maintaining world peace and protecting Ense's land, to some extent, equated.

Not to mention, as a Palace Mage, he naturally stood from Ense's standpoint.

In other words, for the little swan, the legendary Mage's power was naturally easier to absorb.

Because she is Ense's Second Princess, guarding the nation's land, protecting Ense's peace is her duty.

Even in fulfilling the legendary Mage's last wish, she was more convenient.

It can be said, the little swan was now on a fast track.

This hidden fast track was something neither the original owner nor Louis understood.

It was a fast track specially tailored for her after the little swan's rebirth, using her previous life experience as a princess.

It's just that it involves Louis's blind spot.

He doesn't have the original owner's memories and cannot devise such a fast track.

Luckily, his advancement speed was already fast enough, or he'd probably die of envy.

"Don't worry, you won't be able to beat me even after advancing!"

Louis muttered softly.

"But my professional level is higher than yours!"

"You mastered many spells, but I've mastered quite a few myself, plus additional abilities from being a Soul Mage!"

"But my professional level is higher than yours!"

"I am unbeatable in close combat and not bad at spell bombardments either!"

"But my professional level is higher than yours!"

Louis: ...

Good one.

Just this one line over and over, huh!

Thus Louis said:

"But I can protect Beatrice better than you!"

Olivia widened her eyes:

"Can't win in arguments so you're playing dirty huh!"

"Just say yes or no!"

The little swan was about to cry.

Louis was being unreasonable.

She just wanted to say something when suddenly felt a gust inside the carriage.

Upon realizing, she found no trace of Louis in the carriage anymore.

She poked her head out the window and saw Louis already outside, embracing a cloaked woman.

Seeing the flowing blonde hair under the cloak hood, she instantly understood who it was.

She wanted to happily shout "Sister Wang, I'm back," but seeing the scene, she didn't rush forward.

Pouting, she withdrew back into the carriage, feeling somewhat upset.

"Sister Wang didn't even seek me out first!"

Lumi laughed, glancing at the sulking little swan.

Just suddenly felt a bit of cold sweat in her heart.

Just what is causing the little swan's unhappiness?

The sweet and affectionate situation between Louis and Princess Beatrice, resulting in times when the Eldest Princess occasionally overlooks the little swan, wasn't an isolated incident.

Why is the little swan unhappy now?

But recalling Louis directly striking into the shadow plane, slaying statues, and saving the little swan, she had nothing to say.

Who wouldn't be confused in this situation?

Even if this world didn't have the suspension bridge effect theory, Lumi understood, the complex emotions stemming from gratitude can easily entwine into peculiar feelings in the heart.

Otherwise, there wouldn't be so many seeking affection after being saved.