Under the darkest night sky, ashes flew everywhere.
The people who were previously controlled by Giza slowly woke up from the ground.
Some of them regained control of their bodies. In the panic of surviving a disaster, they hugged each other and wept bitterly.
However, there were even more people whose bodies had been greatly deformed by the Blood Mystic's modifications. After they regained their senses and control, they howled and died under the flying ashes.
"I am Nicholas of the White Blade Guards. Do not panic!"
A pale-faced man covered in blood, holding a strange-looking blade, shuttled through the crowd.
He mercilessly pushed away an old man who was questioning the people around him in a frenzy and strode forward.
"Everyone, stay where you are and don't move! The higher-ups will send someone over!
"In the name of the king!"
The Star Killer's awe-inspiring reputation intimidated the poor people in Shield District. Many of them hesitated and quietened down.
There were also a few people who were more 'stubborn'. Nicholas had to use the blade to persuade them.
Nicholas panted as he walked to one of the ruins. He pulled out a thick arm from under a collapsed signboard.
"I thought you were dead." The Star Killer laboriously moved the injured man. "Did that calamity let you go?"
The owner of the thick arm, the crippled former heavy swordsman Gleeward, pushed away the dirt, stones, and ashes on his body. With Nicholas' strength, he crawled out from under the collapsed signboard.
"No." Gleeward coughed violently. He laboriously hung his body around Nicholas' neck and raised his hand to touch his bleeding forehead.
"That man with the child …"
The veteran frowned. His expression was solemn.
"He was the one who let me go when I was being controlled by that monster."
Nicholas was slightly taken aback.
"Man? With the child? " The Star Killer helped Gleeward stand up. His eyes were filled with suspicion. "He can move freely in front of that calamity. Does he have a legendary anti-mystic equipment?"
Gleeward staggered and shook his head. "I don't know. Maybe."
Nicholas narrowed his eyes. His words were straightforward. "Where is he?"
"He was here a few minutes ago." Gleeward chewed on the salty taste in his mouth and spat out a bloody tooth. He said in a rough voice, "Damn it, that guy withstood the attacks from me and those monsters …"
Nicholas pushed aside a wooden plank. "Is he very powerful?"
Gleeward froze. Wariness and graveness flashed in his eyes.
"Very powerful."
Nicholas put the Severing Souls Blade back into its sheath. "So, it was that guy who dealt with the calamities?"
"I don't know …" Gleeward still shook his head with a dejected expression.
"Maybe."
— —
Thales panted in a daze. A few pieces of black ash gently touched his face and shattered.
Was it over?
He raised his head and looked at the sky full of flying ash and the surrounding ruins.
Thales did not recognize this place. He had been brought too far away while Giza was fleeing.
But he could still see the dead body lying on the street. At his feet lay a white-haired old man. Before he died, he tried to reach out his hand, as if to touch the hope of survival.
Thales' ears twitched. He sensed something.
He turned around and was immediately shocked.
Unscathed, Asda stood behind him, looking as elegant as ever in the sky full of ashes.
The Air Mystic stared at the Blade of Purification in Thales' hand with a complicated expression.
Thales panted and calmed himself down. "Can you make a sound next time? Or send me an invitation first? "
Asda did not speak. He only shifted his gaze to Thales' face.
Thales sighed and gestured at his surroundings with his chin. "Also, aren't you late?"
Asda raised his head and looked at the fluttering ashes. There was a subtle emotion in his eyes.
"Coming out from underground …" the Mystic said slowly. His expression did not change. "I need time."
Thales sneered.
After the battle with Giza, and especially after listening to Black Sword's words, he seemed to have suddenly been enlightened.
The wariness and fear that he used to suppress when he faced the Air Mystic, but was still hidden deep in his heart, began to slowly melt.
'Mystic?
Compared to Giza, the one in front of me is just a slightly stronger opponent. '
Thales called Asda's surname softly. "By the way, Mister Sakern, I've thought about the matter regarding the Mystic …"
The Mystic raised his eyebrows slightly.
He lifted his gaze and looked at Asda with determination and determination.
"I am not ready yet." Thales stared at the Mystic's aggressive gaze and enunciated each word clearly. "This is my answer.
It is also my choice. "
Asda's handsome face did not move.
They stared at each other in silence.
After a while, the Mystic closed his eyes and sighed.
"But …"
Thales spoke again.
Under Asda's strange gaze, Thales calmly enunciated his words, "I am not prepared to reject you, and I am not averse to becoming …" Under Asda's strange gaze, Thales said, "But I need time to learn, understand, and obtain everything about Mystics, and perhaps everything about magic. And I need your help.
'And perhaps the truth about the Bloody Year.'
A strange blue light flashed in Asda's eyes.
"Besides, you definitely know about your current situation." Thales turned his head and looked at the corpses and ruins strewn all over the street. "It's not without reason that this world hates Mystics, even if you did it to protect me."
At that moment, Thales felt so oppressed that he could not breathe.
'So many lives …
'All because of …'
He took a deep breath and got rid of the emotions in his mind. He tried his best not to think about the fact that he was an executioner who killed without batting an eye.
Thales sorted out his thoughts and slowly said, "Perhaps I can help you, as a prince, and as the future King of Constellation."
Asda raised his chin slightly and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly. A strange look flashed in his eyes. "You mean …"
"After knowing the cause and effect, perhaps I can find a way for all of you, a way for all of you to gain a foothold, a way for the world to be safe and sound, and a way for both sides to live in harmony." Thales raised the Blade of Purification and said resolutely, "Mystics cannot go on like this."
Amidst the drifting black ashes, Asda stared at the small red sword in Thales' hand. There was fear in his eyes.
"If I really cannot avoid becoming a Mystic, then for my own sake, I have to do this." Thales nodded.
"And a human king with power and an army will undoubtedly be more helpful than a powerful and unrestrained calamity."
This time, Asda was silent for a long time.
Thales patiently waited for his answer.
For a second or two, the second prince swore that he saw an unusual flow of emotions on Asda's face.
'Nostalgia and sorrow?'
Thales had only seen this expression on Asda's face when he was explaining about the Magic Tower.
"Many people have the same idea — that Mystics and other races can coexist peacefully, and even help each other," Asda finally said slowly. His tone seemed to hide the sorrow he did not want to face.
"Whether it is Mystics, humans, or even elves, there are countless similar efforts and attempts.
They all failed. "
Asda said softly.
They stood in the ruins, one tall and one low.
Thales returned the Mystic's gaze with a firm and unquestionable gaze.
He took a step forward without hesitation.
"First, their efforts are not enough." Thales' voice spread in the air. "Second …
"I am not them.
"Not those losers."
Thales felt the chill in the air. His pupils shrank slightly. His tone was calm, but his voice was slightly deep.
"I am Thales."
Under Asda's puzzled gaze, he said faintly,
"Thales TherrenGirana Kessel Jadestar.
"The descendant of the Imperial Family, the Jadestar bloodline, the future king of Constellation."
Speaking of this, Thales took a deep breath and raised the Blade of Purification.
He was not surprised to see Asda frown and take a step back.
Thales smiled faintly in his heart. His expression did not change as he said firmly, "I am also the Blood Mystic's Sealer."
'And …
'A traveler from an unknown world.'
Countless unknown emotions flashed across Asda's eyes, but in the end, they were all suppressed by a crystalline blue light.
Thales put down the Blade of Purification. He quietly waited for the other party's reply.
But only he knew that his palm, which was holding the Blade of Purification, was already sweating slightly.
He did not forget Giza's last words before she disappeared.
"Be careful of Asda."
The Mystic still stared at him, his gaze unwavering.
One second.
Two seconds.
Three seconds …
Thales gulped. His palm trembled slightly.
Finally, Asda suddenly smiled.
Thales was stunned and looked at him, puzzled.
"You know, it's not just you …" Asda's chilling smile appeared again.
"After today, I realized that I wasn't prepared for you either." The Mystic nodded slightly. "You are too special."
Thales furrowed his brows.
Asda's gaze drifted to the Blade of Purification, and his words paused in a barely noticeable manner. "Whether it's as a human prince, or as …"
Asda raised his hands and gestured elegantly at himself.
"Therefore …
"I will respect your decision." Under Thales' slightly moved gaze, the Mystic nodded slowly. "And I also need time to study your abnormal condition. Whether it is the inexplicable knocking on the Door or the spontaneous loss of control. Perhaps your path will be easier than ours, or even more arduous. We can't say for sure."
Thales suppressed the fluctuations of emotions in his heart. He put on his friendliest and most composed attitude and pursed his lips into a smile.
'Negotiation …
'Succeeded.
Asda … '
"Yes, I won't force you to come with me anymore, and I won't urge you to become a Mystic." Asda looked at his reaction and smiled faintly. "But since you said you want to understand mystic energy and magic …
"I can spare some time to think of a way." Thales reacted quickly. He raised his eyebrows. "Even as a prince, I have to have some secret extracurricular interests or hobbies?"
Thales enunciated the word 'secret' slightly.
"I will contact you regularly and in secret." Asda understood Thales' words. He flashed a mysterious smile and emphasized the word 'in secret'. "It's still the same old way — pay attention to receiving invitations."
Thales did not bother to hide the fact that he rolled his eyes right in front of him.
Asda chuckled and said slowly, "Then …
"We will meet again.
"Thales Jadestar."
He flashed a playful and profound smile. His gaze was subtle.
It was just like the first time they met in the chess room.
"My interesting junior."
Thales took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.
He nodded slightly. "Thank you, Sir Sakern."
Asda bowed slightly. His elegant figure turned into blue light.
The blue light slowly faded.
Until only a colorless breeze was left. It blew at Thales' hair and made him narrow his eyes.
"I won't disturb you anymore. She has been looking for you for a long time."
Asda's melodious voice came from the wind.
Thales was a little stunned.
A few seconds later, the sound of the wind disappeared.
Thales stood on the spot for a few seconds, holding the Blade of Purification tightly in his hand.
After making sure that the other party had left, he exhaled. The anxiety and tension in his heart instantly relaxed.
'Oh my God …'
He looked at the dark night sky and heaved a long sigh, as if he was relieved.
Giza's expression before she disappeared and Asda's gaze before he left still lingered in his mind.
'Mystics …
'What kind of existences are you?
'What does the world look like in your eyes?'
Thales immediately lowered his head and looked at his hands. JC's dagger was in his right hand, and the small red sword in his left. He was absent-minded.
He sighed dejectedly. He put JC back into the sheath at his waist, but touched a foreign object.
Thales froze.
'That's …'
He lowered his head and bit his lip. An indescribable sorrow welled up in his heart.
At this moment, a timid voice suddenly came from behind him.
"T-Thales … is that you?"
The second prince was shocked and turned around abruptly.
His eyes suddenly widened.
Little Rascal, who was in a sorry state and had filthy hair, stood behind him with her arms crossed. She was shivering in the cold.
She was squinting hard, as if trying to see everything clearly.
Thales was stunned.
'She …'
Little Rascal seemed to be used to everything in front of her. Her eyes were bloodshot. She sniffed, reached out her hands, and groped her way forward.
Amidst the ruins and corpses on the ground, she was like a child who had just learned how to walk, moving forward with trembling steps. She was also like a helpless blind person, moving forward alone in a lightless world.
This reminded Thales of the time in the library, when she leaned over a thick book and read it with narrowed eyes. Then, she raised her head in horror.
"Is that … Thales?"
Little Rascal staggered and tripped on the uneven ground.
Thales stared at her blankly. He only reacted after a few seconds.
"It's … it's me!
"Little Rascal!"
Hearing the affirmative answer, Little Rascal first took a deep breath, then pursed her lips.
Tears welled up in her eyes.
Thales exhaled. He bit his lip, stepped over the mess on the ground, and rushed to the girl in a few steps.
He stood a step away from her, gasping for breath as he carefully extended his bloody left hand.
Then, he held Little Rascal's palm.
Feeling his hand tighten, Little Rascal shuddered, as if she was afraid.
But after a moment, she resolutely and confidently held Thales' left hand with both hands.
They stood in the ruins on the ground, holding each other tightly.
Thales looked at Little Rascal with a complicated expression. He clenched his fists and felt his heavy heart lighten a little.
"Are … are you okay?"
He asked hesitantly.
Little Rascal seemed to have calmed down a lot. She squinted her highly myopic green eyes and nodded shakily.
"Her … those tentacles, let me go."
The girl stood in front of him, her lips slightly pursed.
Looking at the disheveled girl, Thales closed his eyes and took a deep breath as well.
Little Rascal sniffled. Her hands, which were holding his arm, trembled slightly.
"We … that …"
But before she could finish, Thales suddenly smiled.
A second later, he took a step forward without hesitation and hugged the dazed Little Rascal tightly.
Little Rascal shuddered, but she obediently leaned against Thales' shoulder. Tears streamed down her cheeks uncontrollably.
"That's good."
Thales gritted his teeth and mumbled.
He stared at the streets of Shield District, which were only left with the howling wind and snow. He looked at the countless corpses lying by the roadside and the scattered ashes. He hugged the only warm and trembling life in front of him tightly.
At that moment, Thales felt his eyes blur.
"It's okay," he said softly.
"We're safe."
Little Rascal hugged him tightly, sniffling, her tears drenching his shoulder.
"At least, King Nuven …" Thales grabbed the Blade of Purification and wiped his tears with the back of his hand.
Hearing King Nuven's name, Little Rascal froze slightly.
Thales smoothed out his breath, forced a smile, and continued.
"At least he won't hang me on the city gate for kidnapping a girl."
Little Rascal froze for a moment, then burst into laughter.
Thales chuckled as well.
"Oh, right."
A moment later, Thales let go of Little Rascal.
He reached towards his waist, towards the foreign object.
"This is for you …"
Thales took it out and stuffed it into Little Rascal's hand.
Little Rascal was slightly stunned. She fumbled with the object in her hand.
It was the thing she was most familiar with.
Little Rascal sniffled hard. Then, she gently raised the object in her hand, put it on her head, and pressed it behind her ear.
Behind the comical, thick, dusty, and cracked black-rimmed glasses, the little girl opened her crystal-clear green eyes again.
Little Rascal stared at Thales in a daze. She stared at the boy, who was covered in blood and dirt, with messy hair and a big red bump on his forehead.
A few seconds later.
Both of them looked at each other's disheveled appearance and laughed together.
At that moment …
Little Rascal's expression changed.
"W-what's wrong with you?" she asked, a little shocked.
Thales raised an eyebrow. "Huh?"
In the next second, Little Rascal widened her eyes in horror.
Thales frowned. He quickly sensed that something was wrong.
He lowered his head, his face pale.
A drop of blood appeared on the ground.
Then a second drop, a third drop …
Thales shuddered violently.
He reached out and touched his nose.
It was wet and slippery.
Thales' expression froze.
'This is …
'What's wrong?'
* Clang! *
The Blade of Purification fell from his hand and fell to the ground, swaying slightly.
Under Little Rascal's shocked gaze, Thales staggered a step back and subconsciously covered his chest.
The prince's hands trembled uncontrollably.
He stared at Little Rascal with widened eyes.
As if he had seen the most terrifying thing.
At that moment, Little Rascal remembered Alex's expression before she died a few hours ago.
She covered her mouth and screamed.
'No.
'It can't be.'
Following Little Rascal's scream, Thales swayed and fell.
Little Rascal turned pale with fright. She quickly extended her hand and helped him lie down.
"Argh …"
Thales let out a pained and suppressed moan.
A heart-wrenching pain suddenly spread from Thales' body!
It was as if his soul was being torn apart!
'No.
'No!'
The pain he felt when he was assassinated by a Psionic assassin, when he was bombarded by a Mystic Gun. It was as if every inch of his body and every cell was being torn apart …
'That, the price of using mystic energy …
'Again …
'Is this … the price of victory?'
While he was in extreme pain, Thales vaguely heard the sound of something cracking, as if it was real. It came from within his body in a chilling manner!
It was as if his body was slowly disintegrating.
"Argh —"
Thales' body convulsed and he let out another pained cry.
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