NOVEL NEXT Chapter 40:
Chapter 40: The Witch Regards You as the Sun:
“Bang——”
A loud explosion echoed outside.
High-level fire magic created fireworks that shot into the sky, concentrating at a single point before bursting into brilliant flames. The dazzling light illuminated the dark night.
In Allenson City, the magicians under the three major churches—dedicated to the God of Fire, the God of Blacksmiths, and the Goddess of Harvest—were releasing powerful spells to demonstrate the might of their gods.
This time of year, the churches engaged in secret competitions, vying for more believers in the coming year.
“Boom!”
“Boom!”
The deafening noise of magical explosions in the distant sky broke Xu Xi’s train of thought.
He glanced to the side and saw the young witch sitting quietly. She clutched the necklace and gold coins tightly in her hands, her expression as empty and calm as ever.
The magic outside was dazzling, so bright that its light spilled into the house, illuminating half of Krisha’s fair cheek, her smooth silver-gray hair, her delicate nose, and her slender fingers as they stroked the necklace repeatedly.
Krisha seemed eager to wear the necklace, but she didn’t know how. In her painful and tortured past, necklaces were things she had only ever looked at, never worn.
Her slender white fingers hesitated as they touched the necklace’s ring. She handled it clumsily and cautiously, afraid of damaging it.
Her movements were awkward, her fingers trembling, and the sight stirred pity in Xu Xi.
“Krisha, let me help you.”
“…Hmm.”
Xu Xi took the sea-blue necklace from her hands and moved behind her. Carefully, he held the mithril chains at both ends and gently looped them around her neck.
As he worked, his fingers brushed lightly against her neck.
It was a new sensation for Krisha—ticklish, warm, and oddly pleasant. She rubbed her neck subconsciously, the chains jingling softly against her skin.
Realizing this might make things difficult for Xu Xi, she quickly stopped moving and stood still. Feeling the warmth of his hands as he lifted her hair, she held her breath.
Finally, with a soft click, the silver buckle was fastened, and the sea-blue necklace rested against her neck.
Outside, the snow continued to fall heavily, and the air was filled with noise. Yet in that moment, all Krisha could focus on was the warmth of the hands that had just helped her.
Her neck felt warm—strangely so.
The witch was confused. This was a feeling she had never experienced before.
“Not bad, not bad,” Xu Xi said, stepping back to admire his work.
Looking at Krisha, a satisfied expression spread across his face.
“Just as I thought, this necklace suits you perfectly,” Xu Xi said, his voice full of genuine admiration.
Winter was cold and unrelenting, even on the festive New Year’s Eve. But in this moment, Xu Xi felt as though he had witnessed something beautiful enough to melt the frost.
Her silver-gray hair cascaded softly over her shoulders, partially covering her pale neck. The scars of the past were gone, replaced by a delicate and graceful presence.
Krisha stood with her head lowered, holding the necklace in both hands.
The aquamarine pearls reflected a dreamy blue glow, their light shimmering in her eyes. For a fleeting moment, her lifeless gaze seemed to regain a hint of spirit.
Though it faded quickly, Xu Xi cherished that brief moment of brilliance.
He felt a swell of pride. My witch is so beautiful.
“How do you feel, Krisha? Do you like it?” Xu Xi asked gently.
The girl nodded slightly. “I like it.”
Then, in a soft voice, she added, “Thank you.”
…
It was late at night, the end of New Year’s Eve.
After giving her the necklace and lucky money, Xu Xi left the kitchen and headed to the study to meditate. He planned to break through his spiritual power before sleeping.
Left alone, Krisha sat in a daze for a long time, her mind clouded and restless.
By the time she came to her senses, she found herself in her room, the dishes already cleaned and put away.
Sitting on the bed, she hugged her knees and remained motionless for a long while.
“Gift…”
“I also have my own… gift…”
Her soft voice echoed faintly in the quiet room, devoid of emotion.
Even now, Krisha still felt unworthy of receiving gifts or affection. She saw herself as an object—discardable, without value, undeserving of kindness.
Objects should know their place.
They shouldn’t expect things that don’t belong to them.
But Xu Xi had told her to accept the gift, so she couldn’t refuse.
Krisha held the dark blue necklace to her chest. Her eyes were clouded with confusion, yet they wavered slightly as if holding a fragile glimmer of hope.
She liked it… she really liked it.
The thoughts weighed heavily on her, growing more oppressive and unsettling. But she couldn’t understand them.
For a witch who had lost her emotions, comprehending such feelings was an impossible task.
But it didn’t matter.
Krisha had her own way of coping. She didn’t need to understand or release these feelings. All she needed was to stay by Xu Xi’s side, following his words and actions.
…
The sunlight streaming through her window caught her attention.
Only then did she realize she had sat in her room all night without noticing the passing time.
It was the first day of the new year.
The sunlight was more brilliant than ever before. Its radiant warmth pierced through the curtains, falling upon the demon girl as she sat in silence—just like Xu Xi’s arrival had done two months ago.
“Praise be to the great Sun God.”
“May the Sun God protect you and me forever.”
Outside, the citizens of Allenson City emerged from their homes, praying to the sun on the first day of the new year. They hoped for the Sun God’s protection in the coming days.
The sun…
Krisha lowered her head and buried her face in her knees. In a barely audible whisper, she murmured:
“Thank the sun…”
But her gratitude wasn’t directed at the Sun God.
It was for the “sun” that had entered her world, pulled her out of despair, and brought her light and hope.
Her sun.
The one who had heard her silent cries for help. The one who had reached out to her with warmth and kindness.
That warmth…
That love…
It was deeply engraved in the witch’s heart, impossible to erase.
For that reason, the witch would live for her “sun.”
If she ever lost that gentle light, that gaze that saw her, she would lose the very reason for her existence…
And fall into an abyss even she feared.