Cold, an extreme cold.
Fear, an uncontrollable fear.
Loneliness, a loneliness capable of draining one's soul.
Enleco finds himself in this strange world, where various adverse reactions abound.
This dimensional space is desolate and terrifying. Day and night alternate in cycles of approximately three hours. During the day, the surroundings become as hot as a steel smelting furnace, with a massive white-hot sun roasting the ground, emitting billows of smoke. Molten glass-like substance churns and flows, forming a river of fiery red. As night falls, the temperature plunges into extreme cold. The source of this cold comes from the round moon hanging in the half-empty sky. The blue moonlight freezes everything it touches, turning the once-flowing glass-like lava river into a hard, porous surface. The drastic temperature changes between day and night fill the space with interweaving lightning and rampant hurricanes.
This is precisely the space where Enleco currently resides—people call this space the "Demon Realm."
Ever since Mistress Kris, the powerful mage, learned that Enleco was the apprentice of her nemesis, the mage Victor, she arranged for Enleco to train in this place. Kris, being a formidable mage, demonstrated the ability to tear open two spaces and establish a magic array at their interface, serving as a bridge between the two realms. While she admitted that without the vast magic energy gathered during the Radiant Battle on this ancient battlefield, creating a passage to the Demon Realm wouldn't be possible. The black sphere she used in her final battle with the old wolf was also crafted based on the same principle. She can be considered the only mage in this world capable of manipulating space.
The magic array leading to the Demon Realm is controlled by the sorcerer at its center. By maintaining a meditative state, one can sustain a life-preserving barrier within the magic array's range. However, the alternating climate of scorching heat and extreme cold, along with the thin air, still makes this place akin to a hell on Earth. If Enleco hadn't undergone prolonged electro-meditation training, he might not have been able to sustain this magic array.
Enleco can only hope for Kris's mercy, praying that she remembers to summon him back to the original world soon. He doesn't want a repeat of the last time, being forgotten in this otherworldly realm for three whole days. Of course, Kris insists it was unintentional, and Enleco can only accept it as an accidental oversight. As for Bertina, she prays for Enleco in the mortal realm, unsure if the divine power in the celestial realm can rescue him from the Demon Realm. Although Kate, being a good friend, once reminded Kris to summon Enleco back, she suffered severe injuries during training not long after, remaining unconscious for days and feeling powerless even if she were awake. Even if she did regain consciousness, it's doubtful she would have the courage to bring up the matter again.
In the Demon Realm, apart from the harsh environment, there's another thing that keeps Enleco on edge: the legendary demons who sought refuge in the Demon Realm due to the failure of the Radiant War.
Legend has it that demons and gods originally coexisted in this world, with equal power but opposite personalities. The gods favored light, while demons embraced darkness. Initially, there was no conflict between them. However, a fierce war erupted between the two factions over control of humanity. Humans were supposedly created by the gods, initially serving as assistants and stewards managing the gods' domains. In response, demons created various monstrous creatures as their minions.
Over thousands of years, humans, despite being comparatively weak beings, unexpectedly thrived and developed. The demons' territories were significantly eroded, and though the powerful monsters they created caused considerable damage to humans in the short term, humanity ultimately managed to eliminate those creatures. With each battle, human strength grew. With the clandestine support of the gods, humans dared to launch attacks against the true demons. While human victories were always short-lived, thanks to the protection of the gods, humans avoided complete annihilation.
Therefore, at the behest of the wise elders among the demons, a plan to tempt and manipulate humans was quietly set in motion. The demons sought proxies among humans and infused them with demonic power. With the gods neglecting their watch, humans gradually fell under demonic influence. When the gods finally realized, humans had become uncontrollable. In response, the gods unleashed a calamity, eliminating most of humanity. However, a small portion of humans was protected separately by both gods and demons.
After the great disaster, humans continued to multiply. The struggle for control between gods and demons erupted into the Radiant Battle. Following the battle, immense power tore through the fabric of space, creating various distinct realms. Most demons were eradicated, with only a small fraction finding refuge in an extremely perilous space, known to people as the Demon Realm.
While the gods emerged victorious in the God-Demon War, their powers were considerable, and the gods paid a significant price. Moreover, the colossal clash of energies during the battle triggered a global catastrophe. The weakened gods were helpless, leading them to choose a suitable space to reside, taking many beautiful aspects of this world with them. Of course, they carefully selected a portion of humanity to accompany them into that space.
The remaining, desolate world was left to the rest of humanity. After several millennia, the world stabilized, and humans rebuilt civilization, becoming the masters of this realm. However, without faith, this period of history was characterized by barbarism and bloodshed. After a long time in this state, people rediscovered beliefs from ruins scattered worldwide, and magic was also reclaimed during this period. Through the prayers of those who rediscovered faith, the divine beings in the otherworld finally sensed the changes in this world. Envoys sent by the gods spread civilization anew among the faithful. The current world order emerged from these events. The world where the gods reside is known to people as the Celestial Realm.
Cryst, having little interest in legends, is instead intensely driven by the existence of demons. Long ago, she desired to capture a true demon, but these wise beings, having lived for countless years, were far too clever to be ensnared. What she managed to catch were only ancient demons and dark spiritual entities. Therefore, Enleco is now bestowed with a challenging yet honorable task—to act as bait. Of course, Cryst has also prepared two weapons for his defense, making her far superior to Victor in this regard.
Before entering the Demon Realm, Cryst handed Enleco a long knife. The blade measures three feet and nine inches, slightly long for Enleco. The widest part of the blade is only an inch and a half. The slender and curved blade vibrates through the air with a hissing sound when swung lightly, clearly indicating it's a fast knife designed for one-on-one combat. The blade is smooth, without any blood grooves or inscriptions. The lack of a guard at the hilt suggests the previous owner was a confident and skilled swordsman. The handle is extremely short; Enleco can barely grasp it with his thumb and index finger, while his middle finger can only loosely grip the handle. Cryst claims this powerful magical weapon, named the "Dark Crimson Tear," can absorb the life force of enemies and transfer it to the wielder, making the person more courageous in battle. However, this extraordinary power comes at a cost—the weapon periodically drains the wielder's life force. Cryst, not wanting the knife, found it too valuable to discard. Now, as Enleco is about to serve as bait, this knife might increase his chances of survival a bit.
Enleco, after much contemplation, eventually accepted the blade. When going through a simple ritual to bind with the weapon, the Dark Crimson Tear nearly cost him his life. To make the weapon acknowledge him as its master, Enleco had to provide enough blood. The significant blood loss left him severely anemic, and without any recovery time, Cryst promptly tossed him into the Demon Realm. If not for another piece of equipment sustaining him, Enleco might have turned into a charred sculpture in the Demon Realm.
The second piece of equipment is a black iron piece, polished on both sides to a mirror-like finish. Cryst refers to it as the "Moonlight Mirror," capable of absorbing moonlight and converting it into magical power. Cryst only gave it to Enleco because she found the effect too subtle after trying it herself. Little did she know, the energy emitted by the moonlight in the Demon Realm was so immense that the Moonlight Mirror nearly burst Enleco open when converting it into magical power. Enleco, uncertain whether to be pleased or troubled by the newfound magical power, struggled to manage the overwhelming influx of magic. The excess magic, even when attempting to conceal the Moonlight Mirror, relentlessly surged. Enleco could only cast spells continuously for three hours, followed by a three-hour rest, repeating the cycle due to the uncontrollable and incessant influx of magic energy.
Unbeknownst to Enleco, a portion of magical energy gradually merged into his body, circulating with his bloodstream. This was something he hadn't anticipated, and even Cryst failed to foresee. None of this would have happened without the Moonlight Mirror. If Enleco hadn't been in an extremely weakened state, it wouldn't have occurred either. Additionally, if Enleco were a typical magic user casting spells in the conventional manner, none of this would have transpired.
In the challenging environment, Enleco has endured for three days, and his mental state is on the brink of collapse. The power of the magic circle has decreased significantly with the decline of his mental strength. Currently, it's daytime, and there's no moonlight to support magical energy. Surviving the scorching daylight is already quite challenging. The surroundings reflect the glaring sunlight, turning into a reddish hue in Enleco's eyes. Suddenly, a wisp of black smoke emerges in front of him.
The dispersed black smoke seems to consciously gather, forming an ethereal figure with only a face and a claw, both distinctly visible, while the other parts continuously gather and disperse with the smoke's undulations.
"Human, daring to intrude into the Demon Realm, your flesh will be the finest offering for me, and your soul will forever remain in the Demon Realm, unable to ascend for eternity," uttered the smoky entity, its words penetrating Enleco's mind.
Panicked, Enleco emits magical signals in rapid succession, activating another signal for Cryst, the sorceress in the other world. They had agreed that upon encountering a demon, Enleco would notify Cryst through magical signals. Cryst would then prepare and transfer the entire magic circle to that world. Therefore, as long as Enleco ensures he doesn't perish during this time, Cryst will be ready to intervene.
Unbeknownst to Enleco, a portion of magical energy gradually merged into his body, circulating with his bloodstream. This was something he hadn't anticipated, and even Cryst failed to foresee. None of this would have happened without the Moonlight Mirror. If Enleco hadn't been in an extremely weakened state, it wouldn't have occurred either. Additionally, if Enleco were a typical magic user casting spells in the conventional manner, none of this would have transpired.
In the challenging environment, Enleco has endured for three days, and his mental state is on the brink of collapse. The power of the magic circle has decreased significantly with the decline of his mental strength. Currently, it's daytime, and there's no moonlight to support magical energy. Surviving the scorching daylight is already quite challenging. The surroundings reflect the glaring sunlight, turning into a reddish hue in Enleco's eyes. Suddenly, a wisp of black smoke emerges in front of him.
The dispersed black smoke seems to consciously gather, forming an ethereal figure with only a face and a claw, both distinctly visible, while the other parts continuously gather and disperse with the smoke's undulations.
"Human, daring to intrude into the Demon Realm, your flesh will be the finest offering for me, and your soul will forever remain in the Demon Realm, unable to ascend for eternity," uttered the smoky entity, its words penetrating Enleco's mind.
Panicked, Enleco emits magical signals in rapid succession, activating another signal for Cryst, the sorceress in the other world. They had agreed that upon encountering a demon, Enleco would notify Cryst through magical signals. Cryst would then prepare and transfer the entire magic circle to that world. Therefore, as long as Enleco ensures he doesn't perish during this time, Cryst will be ready to intervene.
Enleco nervously continues signaling, eagerly anticipating the spatial reversal. Now, all he can do is pray that the demon in front of him delays its actions. There's no hope in fighting; the demon, composed of smoke, is plainly impervious to physical attacks. Moreover, it emerges during the magic-deprived daylight, contrary to the belief that demons prefer darkness. What an utterly time-agnostic demon, Enleco curses inwardly.
"Quite an interesting trap," the smoky entity praises. "It seems you're not the one in charge, just a pitiful scapegoat."
Observing the demon discern the truth of the situation so quickly and accurately assign roles, Enleco feels nothing but fear.
"Alright, considering you're a pitiful creature, I'll give you a choice: surrender your soul or your flesh," the demon says.
Hearing there's a choice, Enleco is naturally relieved. Having a choice means negotiating terms, and negotiating terms means a chance to survive.
"If you sign a soul contract with me, offering your soul entirely to me for handling, I'll spare your life," the demon declares.
When it comes to a one-choice question of survival or destruction, Enleco excels.
Therefore, after a brief ritual, the demon suddenly disappears before him.
Enleco finally heaves a long sigh of relief because he has just escaped life's greatest peril, although he's unaware of the true extent of the cost he has incurred.
However, he quickly realizes that he is about to face the second major crisis of his life. With a series of vibrations, the colossal magic array gradually accumulates energy. The spatial transfer magic is about to be activated. If Enleco fervently wished to return to his own world a moment ago, now he must be praying fervently not to return to his world. However, the magic is already in motion, and he will soon face Kris. Therefore, Enleco prays to the gods that Kris's current mood is a bit better.
The vibrations cease, and upon seeing Kris, still half-asleep, Enleco knows that the gods in the heavenly realm have not heard his prayers. When Kris, the great magician, wakes up with a start and sees nothing but Enleco in the magic array, she casually summons a high-level lightning storm that engulfs Enleco along with the magic array. Then, she turns around and goes back to sleep.
In the following decades, whenever Enleco hears thunder or sees lightning, he becomes terrified, entering a state of panic.
The next day, after Kate and the others drag Enleco out of the magic array, Jerry says something to Enleco that almost pushes his already tragic and crumbling body to the brink of mental collapse. "Great Magician Kris wants to talk to you."
Without waiting for Kris to ask questions, Enleco spills out every detail of what happened, looking as if he's awaiting judgment.
"Hehehe, hehehe," a series of high-pitched laughter, indicating that Kris is either extremely pleased or about to lose her temper.
Kris waved her hand, and a magic array emerged from the ceiling. A silver light enveloped several misty forms as they descended.
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"Is it similar to them?" Kris asked with a smile.
"Yes."
"Hehehe, hehehe, you made a contract with Dark Spirit Entities, hehehe, hehehe." Kris seemed ecstatic, as if she had stumbled upon a treasure.
"Dark Spirit Entities are the lowest-level creatures, mere weaklings with such low abilities that they can only simple aggregate together. They have no physical form and are feeble except for intimidation. By the way, what kind of contract did you make with them? Master-servant contract or an equal contract?" Kris inquired.
"It's called something like a Soul Contract," Enleco replied.
"Hehehe, cough, cough, cough." Kris was now laughing so hard that she couldn't catch her breath. She leaned on the table, coughing, and said, "A Soul Contract, I really didn't expect that, Enleco, you're truly very timid."
Seeing the four students looking puzzled, she explained, "A Soul Contract is an extremely rare form of agreement because it's almost entirely one-sided and heavily favors one party. Therefore, the conditions for signing are extremely stringent."
Seeing everyone's puzzled expressions, Kris continued, "Contracts are a method for establishing a connection between humans and gods or demons. The difficulty of signing a contract is related to the benefits humans gain from it. As long as gods or demons are willing, they can establish a master-servant relationship with humans, and the person who signed the contract can freely use the power of the contracting deity. In an equal relationship, it's somewhat similar, but gods or demons can terminate the contract at any time. Secondary contracts require the person's permission, and after the contract is established, the person can use the portion of the deity's power allowed by the contract, paying the corresponding price for the obtained power. However, a Soul Contract is the most unequal; humans gain no benefits, and everything about them belongs to the contracting deity. The deity can invade the person's body or take their soul whenever they wish. However, to sign such an unequal contract, the person must be absolutely willing. If the person shows the slightest hint of reluctance during the ritual, the contract cannot be established. Understand?"
Looking at Enleco, who was dumbfounded, Kris revealed a wicked smile and said, "Adorable little Enleco, waking me up yesterday was a considerable offense. If you don't sign a contract with me that satisfies me..."
In his mentally broken state, Enleco absentmindedly signed over a dozen agreements drafted by Kris, and then finally, he passed out.
When Bertina attempted to treat Enleco's injuries, Kris, the mage, stopped her and informed her that for someone who had made a contract with a demon, Bertina's healing spells were the most lethal.
When Enleco woke up from his stupor, he found himself covered in various herbs, and the pungent smell of herbs filled the room. He struggled to climb out of the herb pile, feeling as if he were walking on a soft, cotton-like surface, making it difficult to maintain balance. Pushing open the door, he saw Kate sweating profusely in the center of a massive magic circle in the hall, dodging left and right, with several bleeding wounds on her body. However, there was no one on the opposite side. Bertina and Jerry were sitting on the side, watching.
"Kate," Enleco greeted his friend.
Kate hesitated for a moment, and then a lightning bolt appeared out of nowhere, striking Kate's left side, giving him a fierce shock. With an additional wound, Kate dared not lose focus.
Seeing that he disrupted Kate's training, Enleco walked over to the two onlookers and asked, "Hey! What is Kate training for?"
"Don't bother me. I need to concentrate on controlling this magic circle," Jerry warned.
Bertina pulled Enleco aside, and the two moved to the other side of the magic circle. Bertina explained softly in Enleco's ear, "While you were unconscious, Kate began formal training in combining magic and martial skills. Now, he's trying to maintain the state of Windburst while dodging lightning attacks, and Jerry is in charge of overseeing this lightning magic circle."
Excited but somewhat melancholic about his companion's growth, Enleco pondered his initial choice. Feeling bored, he slowly returned to his room, and in his weakened state, he started to doubt if being a magician was the right path for him. Perhaps that old grocery store was his true haven.
"I might not be cut out to be a magician," Enleco mumbled to himself.
"It depends on how you view magic," a sudden, unfamiliar voice said.
"Who? Who's there?" Enleco shouted.
"A person? I'm far from being a person. How quickly my master forgets me," accompanied by a deep, low growl, a wisp of smoke appeared before him. As the smoke dispersed, the eternal pain in Enleco's heart surfaced. The successful scam artist, the unnamed creature from the other world, stood before him.
Terrified, Enleco gazed at the creature from the demon realm. Despite Kris the mage's assurance that it was powerless, the deep-rooted fear of these otherworldly beings lingered in Enleco's heart.
"How did you come out?" Enleco gathered courage and asked.
"After signing a contract with you, of course, I can freely travel between the two realms."
Hearing the creature mention the contract that caused him immense pain, Enleco remained silent for a long time. Facing this being from another world, Enleco, an ordinary person, knew almost nothing about it except what Kris had told him — that it was called Mostr.
"Why did you run out?" Even though Enleco knew this creature from the demon realm wasn't dangerous, releasing a demon in this peaceful world might have adverse effects. Enleco was more concerned, fearing that this creature might threaten him with his own soul to rescue the otherworldly beings captured by Kris. Terrified at the thought of Kris, Enleco shuddered. It was safer to understand its intentions.
"Aren't you troubled by the inability to use magic? I can help you," the creature said.
With a mix of surprise and suspicion, Enleco asked, "You can make me able to use magic?" After all, Kris, despite her magical prowess, might not grasp the essence of magic as well as beings inherently composed of magic, gods, and demons.
"I can't give you magical power, but I can enable you to use magic. Whether your constitution changes, and you eventually gain your magical power, depends on your luck," the creature explained.
Mentioning luck shook Enleco's confidence significantly. It seemed he was destined to be favored by the goddess of misfortune. Enleco had to face this reality. However, since participating in this trial journey, he developed a profound affection for magic. Now, asking him to give up was nearly impossible. Like a drowning person reaching for a lifeline, even if it only provided a slight hope compared to despair, he would grab it without hesitation.
"Didn't you experience the feeling of using magic in the demon realm? Didn't that help you understand the essence of magic?" Mostr, the demon, saw Enleco's confused expression and continued, "Using magic is the control of spiritual power over magical elements. In the demon realm, the amplification from the moonlight allows your spiritual power to freely manipulate magical elements. In this world, people control limited magical elements by gathering spiritual power. That's why you can't use magic. However, there are methods in this world to amplify spiritual power—divine contracts and magic circles."
Enleco, delighted at the mention of divine contracts, eagerly listened as Mostr continued explaining.
"Divine contracts are based on gods and demons providing direct support to the contracting spellcaster in controlling magical elements. In other words, with minimal spiritual power, you can control the elements that the contracted deity or demon can manipulate. For example, if you sign a contract with a fire god or flame demon, you can easily use fire magic. However, your spiritual power doesn't become stronger, and your ability to use magic from other elemental categories doesn't improve just because you contract with a deity."
Seeing Enleco's eyes shining with excitement, Mostr poured a bucket of cold water over him without reservation: "I don't have any extra power to offer you."
Witnessing Enleco's dejected expression, Mostr consoled him in a comforting tone, "Although I can't lend you power, I can guide you to obtain it."
Hearing this, Enleco, climbing up from the depths of despair, pleaded, "Please, tell me quickly." His desire for magic left him without considering what price he might have to pay to the creature before him.
Fortunately, the creature didn't seize this opportunity to extract a pound of flesh from Enleco; it seemed to have a much kinder disposition than Victor and Kris. "Don't forget about magic circles. Magic circles rely on specific spiritual power to control elemental forces. Your spiritual power just needs to be sufficient to activate and maintain the magic circle. I've observed you in the demon realm for quite some time, and you've performed remarkably well in this aspect."
"Magic circles! Why didn't I think of that?" Enleco exclaimed joyfully, nearly missing the next words from Mostr.
"What about the energy-amplifying panel you used in the demon realm?" Mostr asked.
Enleco, recalling the energy-amplifying panel mentioned by Mostr, pulled out the moonlight mirror from his pocket. He couldn't help but feel a slight regret, wondering if this creature might misuse it for dangerous deeds.
However, Mostr's following words alleviated his concerns.
"The energy-amplifying panel is made of dark matter, which has the ability to transform magical energy into dark magical power. I have a method to restore the panel to dark matter, and you can absorb it. I'll also teach you a spell that allows you to use the properties of dark matter, absorbing the energy of magic attacks directed at you during battles. With magic power, you can then cast spells."
Excited about this opportunity, Enleco eagerly requested Mostr to proceed.
A dark smoke enveloped the moonlight mirror, and the smooth surface seemed to boil, emitting bubbles that burst into strands of black threads. These threads wriggled like living organisms, yet the black smoke bound them like ropes, growing more numerous. The moonlight mirror shrunk as if evaporating, and as it entirely vanished into the air, accompanied by a thunderous sound, Enleco lost consciousness.
After an unknown period of sleep, Enleco awoke to find himself within a vast and intricate magic circle. As his consciousness fully returned, the magic circle automatically began to fade. Enleco felt a blankness in his mind.
Around two hours later, a lengthy incantation appeared in his mind. Enleco felt dazed by its considerable length and its difference from the other spells he knew.
Trying to softly chant this magical script, as the extended incantation concluded, an invisible wall materialized in front of him. If not for the ancient characters above, faintly shimmering, Enleco might not have noticed anything before him.
The creaking sound of the door being pushed open startled Enleco. With a flash of light, the room returned to tranquility.
Bertina, who came in to check on Enleco, apparently hadn't seen his recent actions. Delighted to find him awake, she eagerly took Enleco to have dinner.
At the dining table, Enleiko tentatively approached Chris, asking for guidance on knowledge about magic arrays. Initially, he didn't harbor much hope for this request, but to his surprise, Chris agreed readily, leaving Enleiko hesitant. Given Chris's past behavior, this sudden willingness unnerved Enleiko, and even his companions shared the sentiment.
Chris, apparently aware of their apprehension, reassured Enleiko with a few words:
"Don't be afraid."
"I won't harm you."
"Remember, you've signed many contracts with me. You are my property now, and I naturally want what belongs to me to be as useful as possible."
With this realization, the group felt at ease.
Over the following period, Enleiko finally received formal instruction from Chris. Despite Chris's eccentric demeanor, she proved to be an erudite mage, particularly in the in-depth study of magic arrays. After all, she had created a magic array capable of communicating with the magical realm.
Enleiko found himself inundated with a wealth of knowledge to learn each day. The setup and application of magic arrays were far more challenging than ordinary magic use.
Chris's teaching methods, however, were quite rough. She didn't explain the principles behind the arrangement of magic arrays or the methods of use and meditation. Instead, she directed Enleiko to memorize the functions and layouts of the magic arrays.
Subsequently, she commanded Enleiko to experiment with the learned magic arrays on his own. Through countless near-death experiences, Enleiko almost memorized all the magic arrays he had studied.
It seemed that the effectiveness of this teaching method was directly proportional to the student's life force. In this regard, those least skilled in magic but physically robust barbarians would be the most ideal students.
It seems that Chris only understands this one teaching method. This holds true for Enleiko, and to a large extent, for Kate as well. At this point, Bertina can instantly concoct corresponding potions just by glancing at Enleiko's wounds. The efficacy of her special detergent has become increasingly apparent, proving useful for both laundry and treating injuries.
After nearly two months of relatively calm study life, the learning period finally came to an end. Don't assume that Enleiko and Kate have completed their studies, or that Bertina has finally finished washing the entire room full of dirty clothes. Also, don't think it's due to Chris suddenly having a change of heart. The liberation of the four pitiful students is thanks to an unexpected visitor.
One morning, after Enleiko and Kate had just finished their daily routine exercises—Enleiko managing to memorize an unforgettable magic array that left him grilled like a hamburger, and Kate resembling a platter of assorted fruits and vegetables after battling a thorny dragon—they were undergoing routine treatment from Bertina.
Suddenly, a bright light beamed down from the ceiling, accompanied by a buzzing roar. The sound attracted Chris, the mage experimenting in the laboratory, and Jerry, who was sleeping in the room, to come out.
The intense light gradually dissipated, revealing a beautiful noble lady. Her intricately coiled golden hairdo shone brightly, and she wore an evening gown as if attending a ball, gracefully waving a velvet and feathered fan. Her elegant demeanor clashed with the atmosphere of the place. Kate, in the midst of treatment, hastily struggled to get up, anxiously adjusting her clothes. She took a few hurried steps to stand before the lady, bowing deeply and saying, "Your Highness, how did you come here?"
"Princess!" Enleiko exclaimed in surprise. He had heard that the current king had a son and a daughter, but it felt like they belonged to entirely different worlds from the son of a grocery store owner. He had never imagined that he would one day see either the prince or the princess in person. The princess before him seemed to be around Kate's age but appeared much more mature than the older child.
She gracefully returned a bow and said, "I never expected to encounter Mr. Kate here." Afterward, she turned away, ignoring the other three, and walked directly to the mage Chris. She bowed deeply and said, "Greetings, respected teacher. I have a matter to seek your assistance with."
Surprisingly, the princess was Chris's disciple, but it seemed she hadn't truly undergone Chris's peculiar education.
Everyone couldn't help but wonder why the princess didn't choose Grand Magus Naga as her mentor. Grand Magus Naga was highly respected, especially being the kingdom's guardian mage of Sofian. He would undoubtedly accept the princess as his apprentice, so why choose the eccentric Chris as her mentor?
"Whatever it is, let's discuss it during dinner. I have an important experiment to conduct," said Mage Chris, then returned to her laboratory.
For the next half day, Kate stuck closely to the princess, possibly due to his knightly instincts. Jerry, true to his merchant habits, didn't miss the opportunity to court the princess. Bearing the responsibility his father entrusted him with, even his elder brother, a member of the Royal Knights, hadn't had a chance to approach a royal member yet. Perhaps he would be the first to meet his father's expectations and become a noble.
Enleiko and Bertina, however, weren't as excited. Enleiko felt he belonged to a completely different world from the royalty and wasn't enthusiastic. Bertina, having received sacred education from a young age, didn't place much importance on worldly hierarchies, so she wasn't eager either.
However, the princess showed great admiration for Bertina, not because of her abilities, but solely for her exceptional culinary skills. Therefore, during dinner, they became close friends, addressing each other informally. The princess called Bertina "Betty," and Bertina referred to the princess as "Nee." Of course, these nicknames were exclusive to them, and others couldn't use even the princess's real name, "Franny."
At the dinner table, Mage Chris inquired about the princess's purpose. From the princess's words, everyone finally learned that the powerful nation, the Kingdom of Kaotchi, was facing instability. With the recent death of the longstanding Prime Minister Ross, the hawkish faction gained strength, and there were attempts to conquer other nations through force. Seizing the opportunity of the Victory Day national celebration, the king dispatched the prince and princess to visit the Kingdom of Kaotchi, hoping to form an alliance with King Hocorus III, the current ruler of Kaotchi.
After listening to the princess's narrative, Mage Chris remained noncommittal.
"Teacher, this is a request from my brother and me, as well as from our father, your elder brother, a plea from your niece," the princess continued.
Hearing the princess's request, the four trainees were all shocked.
Chris was a member of the royal family? The king's sister and the elder princess?
Was this eccentric, arrogant, and powerful witch truly of noble blood, receiving a strict royal education as a princess?
Kate suddenly realized another critical matter. As the elder princess, Chris should be the third in line for the throne after the prince and princess. Of course, Kate wasn't concerned that Chris would assassinate the current king. However, if something were to happen to the prince and princess during this mission, and the already frail king met an untimely end, her eccentric teacher would become the first in line for the throne. Just the thought of this madwoman ruling the country based on her own experiences made Kate fear for the future.
So, for the sake of the homeland, family, and their own futures, she had to persuade her teacher to help.
"Yes! Yes! Only a great mage like you, Teacher, can save this country, save this world. The magnificent and genius Archmage Chris!" In the interest of everyone, Kate finally set aside her dignity as a knight and picked up Jerry's most adept skill—flattery.
Whether it was because Kate's flattery skills were lacking or Chris had heard too much flattery lately, the eccentric mage showed no reaction.
Kate urgently signaled her companions, and the two "shrewd merchants" immediately began lavishly applying their well-practiced and refined traditional flattery techniques to praise Mage Chris.
The princess frowned in disbelief, unable to comprehend such shameless individuals in the world.
All they heard was Chris letting out a series of "hehehe" high-pitched laughs.
Everyone knew it had worked.
Chris the mage happily said, "Good, good, indeed as you all say. However, I want to focus on magical research and have no time for state affairs. Kate, you come from a knightly family, and you're a noble, right? I've taught you for quite some time, and you've gained a lot. So, I'll entrust you with the task of protecting the princess and the prince. Of course, I won't let you go alone. Enrico, you are my property, don't forget that, right? Now, I'll assign you a task – assist Kate in protecting the princess. Any issues? And Belitina, you probably have a lot of clothes to wash, right? For now, you can skip that. Join them too. Jerry, as their companion, you should share their fate. Go together, and you can save your money."
With that, Chris snapped her fingers, and a barrier enveloped the dining table. Everyone felt as if they had mouths but couldn't make a sound. It seemed they had no choice.
Each person harbored their thoughts and silently finished dinner.
Chris the mage had retired early that day, leaving behind four students and a previous guest. Acting as a half-host, Belitina took the initiative to welcome the princess, leaving three young men in the original room. Exhausted, Jerry naturally lay down on the bed. Enrico, feeling dizzy, sat blankly on the edge of the bed. Kate paced anxiously around the room.
"It's over, it's over, we're doomed. This time it's a mission with no chance of survival. Otherwise, the royal family wouldn't have come to request help from this crazy woman," Jerry lamented in despair, disregarding the usual taboo of insulting Chris the mage.
"Coward! So you're only worried about that? Then don't go, the country is in a crisis," Kate passionately declared. However, Enrico didn't hear anything after learning about Chris's identity as the elder princess. His mind had been in turmoil, thinking about Chris's actions towards him, the persecution, and finally, the forcibly signed contracts. Considering his current status – the private property of the elder princess – he wasn't sure whether to feel sad or fortunate.
Although everyone had different thoughts, it was certain that they would leave early the next morning, embarking on a new journey.
As dawn arrived, the three young people, burdened with thoughts throughout the sleepless night, got up early. After packing their belongings, the three, with nothing else to do, quietly sneaked outside. In the four months they had been at this laboratory, Enrico hadn't left it once. Kate was probably the same. Seeing the two staring blankly at the outside scenery, Jerry found a place to sit.
"It's beautiful!" Kate exclaimed. In front of them lay a vast expanse of dense jungle, surrounded by mountains like lotus petals, accentuating the massive basin in the center.
"Do you know? This is where the final battle of the Radiant Battle took place. Right where we're standing now, the God King unleashed the ultimate magic, decisively defeating all the magical beings and leaving behind this basin," Jerry explained like a commentator.
Seeing Kate's spirited expression, Enrico believed that even if a gigantic dragon lay before them, Kate would courageously charge at it. Clearly, Jerry also realized the unfavorable situation for the upcoming journey.
Therefore, against their insistence, Kate was dragged back into the laboratory.
Returning downstairs, they found the two ladies had prepared breakfast and were waiting.
Chris the mage, arriving somewhat late, hastily finished breakfast and urged the young ones to hit the road.
The travelers, unable to finish their breakfast, were ushered beneath the central teleportation magic circle. A strong light beamed from the top, accompanied by a buzzing roar, and the scenery before them brightened.