Fennec's younger sister, Fiona, shared the same foxfolk lineage, yet her presence couldn’t have been more different.
Like Fennec, she possessed the innate allure of their kin, but Fiona was a delicate, fragile girl—soft in demeanor, a stark contrast to Fennec's bold energy and spirited, almost masculine charm.
“I’ve only just unlocked this Simulated Life System,” Fiona murmured, her large, anxious eyes fixed on her elder sister.
“Even though I’ve had it for such a short time, I can already see how important this Eirik character is! Winning his favor could lead to reaching Archmage status! But look at the mess you've made!”
Fiona clasped her chest, a deep frustration building up within her as she gazed at her sister with a look that seemed to say, How could you be so blind?
Since unlocking this Simulated Life game, Fiona had kept to the sidelines, mostly listening in on conversations in the world chat.
Predictably, the female players were most interested in discussing Eirik.
Many of them, even though they knew they could never be his partner, had become his most ardent admirers, sharing wild and fanciful comments about him.
"Not only did you pass him up, but you even went out of your way to help that other girl—gifting him money, magical scrolls, and even rare tomes! You practically handed him to her on a silver platter! You're acting like an even bigger doormat than those fangirls!"
Fiona sighed, her heart aching at the foolishness of it all.
How could she be related to such a clueless sister?
“Watch your tone! How dare you compare me to some doormat fangirl! You know I’ve never relied on any man!”
Fennec, flustered and irritated, grabbed a handful of Fiona’s long, flowing hair and tugged on her ear.
Fiona, terrified of pain, would usually give in immediately. But today, she only looked up at her sister, tears welling in her eyes.
“Sister, pulling my ear won’t change the fact that you’re wrong!”
An opportunity to ascend to Archmage, thrown away so recklessly.
Was she not acting like a complete fool?
In their foxfolk clan, even a Level 4 was a rare find, let alone an Archmage.
Fiona felt as if she'd just thrown away a winning lottery ticket, and the blame rested entirely with her sister.
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At least, if you had to give him up, couldn’t you have… couldn’t you have given him to me?
Seeing the tears glisten in Fiona’s eyes, Fennec softened, releasing her grip and letting go of her sister’s hair.
Fiona sniffed, covering her sore, red ears, and stormed off, still fuming.
“Fiona!”
Fennec moved forward, wanting to chase after her, but stopped herself. Had she truly been wrong? She had only wanted to free her people from dependency. Was that so misguided?
With a long sigh, she retreated to her room, seeking solitude.
Meanwhile, far away, Eirik and Pixie had finally become husband and wife.
As a result, Pixie had been swiftly promoted within the Institute of Primeval Magic, quickly rising to the esteemed position of Student Council President!
But soon after, Pip’s cursed "Heaven-Forsaken Body" was exposed.
Those who had already looked down on the lowly maidservant were now quick to ridicule her, openly pushing Eirik to cast her aside.
“With her cursed talent, how could she ever dream of marrying the son of an Archmage?”
“A toad yearning for a swan!”
These taunts left Pip on the verge of tears.
“Why are they so cruel? Worse than even the Dawnstar Dynasty’s!”
Though she tried to defend herself, Pip couldn't shake off her own insecurities.
She knew she was aiming far beyond her station, burdened by doubt.
But she clenched her teeth, determined to find a way to break the curse of her Heaven-Forsaken Body. She threw herself into studying the Forgotten Grimoire, redoubling her efforts to grow stronger.
Fortunately, a powerful mentor from the Institute of Primeval Magic agreed to journey to the Dawnstar Dynasty in search of the Ocean Mirror, an artifact said to lift curses.
Eirik watched, helpless, as Pip endured it all. He knew this was part of her “hero’s journey.”
Right now, others mocked her; but soon, she would rise and prove them all wrong.
“My love, don’t listen to such trivial gossip. How could they possibly understand the bond we share? Even if you were an ordinary person, I would still spend a lifetime by your side.”
With unwavering devotion, Eirik took Pip’s hand. Each time someone spoke ill of her, he met them with fury, ready to duel anyone who dared insult his wife.
With the Archmage’s son visibly enraged, those who’d badmouthed Pip quickly fell silent, though whispers continued to swirl behind their backs.
“She must have succubus blood in her veins, to have bewitched him like that!”
“No matter, she’s cursed with the Heaven-Forsaken Body. How long can she live, anyway? We’ve got time on our side.”
Little did they know, Eirik’s Elemental Absorption aura would help Pip overcome her curse and grow stronger. In fact, once the Heaven-Forsaken Body was freed from its curse, it could rival even the most blessed physiques.
“My husband… you’re so good to me…”
Pip burst into tears, overwhelmed with emotion at Eirik’s unwavering support. To her, Eirik was the best in the world—her one and only.
“Ah, Eirik truly is the perfect husband!”
“I wish I were doted on like that!”
“He’s great as a husband, but you’d never want him as a father…”
On the world channel, spectators could only watch with envy.
Little Pip’s fate was indeed a fortunate one.
So many players, in countless simulations, had tried and failed to win Eirik’s heart, yet here she was, marrying him for the second time!
“The Ocean Mirror, the Forgotten Grimoire… Too complicated. My love, I’ve come across another ancient method. There are forbidden lands where ancient beings slumber. We could seek their help.”
After all, Eirik’s mother—an Archmage in her own right—though missing, still held great influence in the land. Several ancient powers within these forbidden lands owed her their gratitude.
“Is Eirik really planning to enter the Forbidden Zone?!”
The news electrified spectators. The forbidden lands were rumored to be treasure troves, though few who ventured there ever returned. A place cloaked in mystery—who wouldn’t be intrigued?