NOVEL NEXT Chapter 49:
Chapter 49: She Can Only See Your Figure:
The mountain breeze at night carried a lonely chill.
The rustling wind bent the trees and pressed the grass low to the earth.
Xu Xi hadn’t experienced such a night in a long time. Back in Allenson City, he had lived in warmth and comfort, especially after the first harsh year in the slums. His courtyard, equipped with steam equipment, had always provided respite, even in the most biting winters.
But now, the courtyard was gone, the city of Allenson reduced to ruins.
Fortunately, Xu Xi could still rely on his magic. With level 3 Fire Magic, he created a light red barrier that enveloped the camp, pushing back the cold and shielding them from the wind.
Warmth returned to their temporary shelter.
“Master, please,” came a calm, steady voice.
The tone was soft and gentle, flowing like an undisturbed stream. Though devoid of fluctuations, it carried a unique beauty.
Only one person could speak this way.
“Thank you, Krisha,” Xu Xi said, accepting the bowl of hot soup from the girl’s hands.
Steam rose from the soup, carrying a sharp aroma. The bowl was filled with hearty ingredients, the thick pieces of meat packed tightly together.
Xu Xi turned the bowl in his hands, adjusting it under the light of the campfire to get a better view. On the surface of the soup floated small fragments of Fireleaf Grass, a spicy herb cherished in the wizarding world for its heat-inducing properties.
Taking a sip, Xu Xi felt the warmth travel from his tongue to his throat and into his stomach. The Fireleaf Grass worked its magic, filling his body with warmth.
“You did a great job, Krisha. Your cooking has improved a lot,” Xu Xi praised, smiling at the witch who stood beside him, awaiting his evaluation.
Krisha’s journey in cooking had been a challenging one. She had once caused a kitchen explosion, but her determination and persistent effort over four years had paid off.
“Yes, thank you for the compliment,” Krisha replied, her voice steady and emotionless.
Her long silver-gray hair shimmered in the flickering firelight, cascading down her shoulders like flowing water. She now wore her old black-and-white magic apprentice robe, which, being slightly oversized, still fit her growing frame.
Krisha served herself a bowl of soup and sat next to Xu Xi, eating quietly with a spoon and fork. Even now, chopsticks remained an elusive enemy she couldn’t conquer.
Watching her struggle with utensils was an amusing sight that always brought a smile to Xu Xi’s face.
“I feel like you’re laughing at me,” Krisha remarked, her intuition as sharp as ever.
“That must be your imagination,” Xu Xi responded calmly.
The girl tilted her head slightly, her expression blank. After a moment, she accepted his words and returned her focus to her bowl, chewing the meat in small, deliberate bites.
The two shared a quiet meal, the crackling fire and rustling wind their only companions.
Though the night lacked the warmth of steam heaters or the glow of glass lamps, Xu Xi didn’t mind the simplicity.
Blowing gently on the soup, he took slow sips, savoring the rare experience.
“This feels like a rare moment,” he thought.
A great magician and a 16-year-old witch, sitting together on a remote hill, sharing a simple meal under the open sky—such a scene would be unimaginable in the magical world.
As sparks danced in the fire, their shadows stretched and blended into the dark night, merging with the surrounding landscape.
When the meal was finished, Krisha stood and used water magic and wind magic to clean the dishes. The process was swift and efficient, the magic washing away grease and grime effortlessly.
This wasn’t the first time Krisha had taken the initiative to handle chores, and Xu Xi never objected.
Magic made even the most mundane tasks simple and manageable.
“Krisha, come here,” Xu Xi called.
The late-night wind grew stronger, carrying a mournful howl.
Glancing toward Allenson City, Xu Xi saw the fires still raging, their glow illuminating the demonic silhouettes prowling amidst the ruins. Despite the chaos, nothing seemed unusual.
He turned his attention back to Krisha.
“I need to check your eyes,” he said.
“I understand, mentor,” Krisha replied obediently, taking a seat across from him.
Under the campfire’s light, Xu Xi could see her delicate features clearly. Her pale face remained calm, her breathing steady, and her expression emotionless.
The witch tried to assist him by keeping her eyes wide open, but the attempt only made her look stiff.
“I’ll handle it,” Xu Xi reassured her.
Krisha relaxed, sitting still as Xu Xi began his examination.
With his left hand, Xu Xi cast level 0 Light Magic, creating a soft glow that wouldn’t hurt her eyes. He leaned closer, using his thumb and index finger to gently lift her eyelids.
What he saw left him momentarily silent.
Krisha’s once-pale golden eyes, which had held a captivating brilliance, were now marred by an unnatural blackness.
The black occupied her pupils like an unwelcome intruder, starkly contrasting with the remaining gold. The two colors seemed disconnected, like fragments of different worlds forced together.
But amidst the stark contrast, one thing remained unchanged:
Her eyes still reflected Xu Xi’s figure, just as they always had.