Mage Legend

"Heiss, is there something you want to accomplish? Why did you become a Witch Demon?" Lynch asked, "Where were you a Mage when you still had a body?"

Heiss remained silent, but this time, his jaw opened several times, only to slowly close again. The flames flickering in his pupils seemed to dim a little, or perhaps became gentler.

"Maybe you don't want to say, or maybe you feel it's not the right time to say it." Lynch sighed, "I would love to say goodnight to you, but I know that's impossible. I know what it's like to not be able to sleep, because I too gave up that right. I once thought I made the right choice, gained a great advantage, but now I feel some regret in my heart — why did I make that choice when I was young?"

The Witch Demon tilted its head, listening intently to the Mage's words. Lynch continued, "Sometimes I think, if I had the chance to face my younger self, I would tell him, 'Don't accept that price, it's far more than you can imagine.' But obviously, that's not possible. I wonder if you have the same thoughts? I hold the Undead Magic Bead, I can feel the torment in the hearts of those Undead. They became evil because of endless regret and longing, which ultimately turned into hatred and anger. You think you've gained infinite time, but in the end, aside from time, you've lost everything else. You can't feel happiness anymore because the joy you experience always has limits; you might even get tired of experiencing joy. In the endless river of time, all you're left with is pain and regret, and the torment of self is infinite." The Mage concluded, "Think about it, Heiss, now I give you the chance to choose again."

The Witch Demon silently watched as the Mage left, then stood back in the corner of the room, motionless. The golden light continuously flickered, casting swaying shadows on everything in the room.

Macken the Knight slept on the stairs, keeping watch for the two ladies upstairs. At any time, the old Knight stood between the Witch Demon and Soka, protecting the little angel. Maybe he believed that even the gaze of the Witch Demon could destroy Soka's innocence. When Lynch passed by, he opened one eye. The Mage told him, "Rest assured and sleep, I'll go check on them." But Macken the Knight still sat on the stairs, holding his family heirloom sword in his arms.

Zilvra still hadn't told Soka her identity; they still hadn't recognized each other as sisters. However, judging by their current relationship, they were no different from real sisters. Soka snuggled in Zilvra's arms, sleeping on her sister's chest, her gentle breathing fluttering Zilvra's silver-white hair tips. A pair of white wings spread on the bed, covering the two of them underneath. The little angel couldn't lie down to sleep, if not lying on her stomach, she would have to hang from a rope. But once Zilvra discovered that Soka's wings could serve as a blanket, the two sisters began sleeping together.

Lynch tried to keep his footsteps light, but was still detected by Zilvra and Soka's pet. The white tiger yawned when it saw who was coming, then continued to rest on its own front paws. Zilvra blinked twice, looking at the Mage's face.

She whispered, "Are you thinking now, if only Soka weren't here, you'd have your chance?" Zilvra wore a sly smile. Her fingers gently slid over her own shoulder, tugging the soft armor down a bit.

Lynch scratched his head, not denying that he indeed had that thought. However, the Mage used mental power to move the back corner, covering the two pairs of small white feet — a skill he recently learned from Heiss, an infinitely usable "Mage's Hand". Though it could currently only be applied to light objects, continuous practice would enhance this power.

The Mage sat at the bedside, gently caressing Zilvra's silver hair. He asked, "When will you tell Soka everything? Or would it be better if I broke the news?"

"Don't rush, isn't it fine for now?" Zilvra said softly, "Do you think that after telling her, I'll gain something I currently don't have?" The Mage shook his head, and Zilvra continued, "If that's the case, why bother?"

"She will find out someday," Lynch said, "I don't know when, maybe never, or maybe as soon as tomorrow. Soka's parents will come for their daughter. At that time, you'll meet your biological father too."

Zilvra sneered, "To me, the significance of a biological father is negligible, my survival has nothing to do with him. Lynch, what do you want to see? A touching reunion where I cry with that guy? Or be surrounded by a bunch of prattling people like today? Forget it, my dear Mage."

Lynch smiled, silently watching Zilvra, without responding to her question. During the day, the Mage had already noticed that Zilvra was absent-minded while standing in the corner, deliberately avoiding the lively atmosphere around her, trying to keep herself out of it. In Ratris City, female Drow had their own residences but no freedom; now, she had freedom, but didn't know where her residence was. Maybe Soka, maybe Lynch was the only place where she could find a "home", but what the Mage wanted to give her was more than just a place to stay.

After being watched by the Mage for a while, Zilvra said, "What are you looking at? You male Mage, all I see in your eyes are filthy thoughts." Then she transformed her feigned anger into a seductive smile, "Oh, I can already hear that heart beating in your chest, the warm blood starting to surge, making it difficult for you to control your desire. Yes, just that kind of desire." She licked her lips, her bright red tongue more vivid and alluring against her pale lips, "Come on, Mage, you're the master here. Why worry about barriers if you want it? Soka is my sister; one day she'll understand the beauty in this. Don't worry about her, come on, Mage, consider this my reward to you for today…"

Lynch lightly tapped Zilvra's head with his magic wand, laughing, "If I fell for that, wouldn't everyone laugh their heads off? If you want it, it'll happen when Soka isn't around, just like last time." The Mage stood up, saying, "For now, let's enjoy some peaceful sleep; it's been a long time since we've had that."

"Cowardly coward, humph!" Zilvra still looked at the Mage, "But you are the first man to dare refuse my command."

"Proper waiting adds to the fun, doesn't it?" the Mage said, "Isn't that the same meaning behind the requests you originally made of me? Since you can use such methods on me, I naturally have to repay you once." Lynch pinched Zilvra's nose, saying, "Next time, don't play this kind of game."

"You're the smartest! But you will beg me." Zilvra switched back to Dark Elf Language, stubbornly saying, "Someday, you man, will kneel on the ground, kissing my toes, begging for my mercy. Then, even the slightest glance from me will make you willing to die for me."

"Alright, enjoy this peaceful night, my lady." Lynch stood up and walked to the window. The street outside was empty except for a long tail flashing past the corner. Lynch's Eye of Insight caught that scene, and he turned back to say, "Who knows how many more nights like this we'll have, sleep well, Zilvra. I'll be here with you."