Deep inside, Pixie felt a flicker of gratitude towards Emperor Raedric.
Without him, she would have never discovered the Ocean's Mirror, this incredible artifact! After all, Raedric was the ruler of the Dawnstar Dynasty, with an endless royal library. Even such peculiar treasures could be found, capable of breaking the Tome of Forgetting!
Pixie had a plan.
Tonight, she would first erase her emotions and reshape her soul, starting anew to rid herself of her Heaven-Forsaken Body. Then, she would use the Ocean's Mirror to revert, restoring her feelings. This way, she and Eirik could walk together forever!
As the sun set, Eirik stretched and rose from his meditative state in the garden, returning to his room. Pixie and Elvynna had not shown up all day, leaving him to study magic in peace.
His progress was astonishing—having learned for just a few days, he had already reached Stalwart Lv7. Truly impressive!
The Eye of Divine Insight proved to be a legendary talent! As for the Void Reaver he had obtained recently, he tried to refine it but couldn’t grasp its secrets yet, due to his low power. After snacking on some treats the maid had brought, Eirik hesitantly opened the simulation panel.
*【A New Beginning】*
*【Past Reflections】*
*【Skin Collection】*
*【Unknown Dungeon】*
The words stood out. Just like before, the “Unknown Dungeon” option remained grayed out, inaccessible. The “New Beginning” shimmered faintly, seemingly urging him to start. The thought of the lovely ladies within the simulator being real added a bit of pressure.
“This time, I can’t mess it up. I must be cautious. I can't be the bad guy…” With a deep breath, Eirik finally started the game.
*【You are eighteen, yet still an insignificant citizen…】*
The familiar opening line prompted him to step out of his meager home, heading towards Elvynna's residence. This time, he had made up his mind—he would choose Elvynna. Pixie seemed too tangled in her feelings, so it was better to let her cool down first, to distinguish between reality and the game.
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Truthfully, if given the choice, Eirik wouldn’t want to choose anyone at all. But he had to. His ratings and rewards in the game depended on the prowess of his companions.
It was like being a teacher—his success relied on the performance of his "students."
But he had a plan. This time, he wouldn’t pursue frivolous antics; he would focus on being a serious support.
No queen-hunting or baby-making for him! He would be a diligent, idealistic, enlightened gentleman, wholly uninterested in women! All he wanted was to quietly study magic. Surely, that was acceptable, right?
He had to clear this game, after all. Just an ultimate powerhouse in the universe? Elvynna, this time, let's focus on magic; you just hold on tight while I lead you to victory!
“This time, I won’t be foolish!”
Meanwhile, Elvynna entered the game, not waiting at home as usual. Instead, she headed straight for Eirik’s house. “Junior Sister, this time you can't act all high and mighty!” Because I won’t give you that chance!
Moreover, Elvynna was determined to have a loving relationship with Eirik, not just for a long time but to build a family together, raising their descendants to be the best of the best.
She sought the perfect ending, so she could flaunt it and make Junior Sister furious, showing everyone she was the one who truly understood Eirik!
And so, Eirik and Elvynna raced towards each other. Just minutes into the game, they “coincidentally” met in the street!
*【Fortune: Destined Encounter】*
Seeing the system's prompt, Elvynna felt tears well up—things were finally falling into place. She confidently approached Eirik, taking his hand, her eyes glistening.
In the simulator, Elvynna felt bolder. Even if memories lingered, what she saw now was just text, making her feel braver, less shy. However, she was taken aback and amused when, facing her boldness,
*【Young Eirik pulled his hand away, declaring that he only agreed to be your retainer, not to offer any romantic favors. Please, behave yourself!】*
“Ha! This jerk, taking advantage and then acting coy!” Elvynna huffed, feeling a bit flustered. She realized she had come on a bit too strong; after all, this was their first meeting in this life.
Just then, as they chatted, a curvaceous, elegant woman approached, swaying her hips. “Mentor Ravenscroft…”
Elvynna squinted, hostility brewing within her. “Young man, think carefully—becoming a personal retainer often leads to a grim fate. Who knows what your employer is really like and what hidden quirks they may have?”
Elvynna glared at her, suppressing the urge to curse. Ravenscroft, how could you, an elder, actually compete with your student for a man? Plus, I, Elvynna, have always been aboveboard; I have no hidden quirks!
What was she implying? Was she suggesting I had shameful secrets? How dare she! Elvynna’s cheeks flushed at the thought of inappropriate ideas.
At that moment, she felt exhausted. How could these people be so shameless? What troubled her more was when Selene produced a jade token and handed it to Eirik. “Here, this represents your enrollment in our magic academy. Come find me at the new student office!”
Eirik was stunned. He vaguely remembered Selene from the illustrations, a woman of great allure, and a widow no less. The system certainly had everything covered—after all, some people do fancy their sister-in-laws and widows…
“Why do I feel like this system has ulterior motives, constantly leading this virtuous man down a dubious path? It’s outrageous!”
Clearing his throat, he considered Selene's offer, which was quite tempting.
Generally, only those in dire straits became retainers, while only noble families or renowned magical scholars would be exceptions. Joining the academy would elevate his status above that of a mere retainer. But Eirik wasn’t here to be a scholar; he was meant to be a support.
The identity of a student held no allure for him! Just as he feigned hesitation, a deafening roar suddenly echoed from the sky. A colossal figure, darkening the sun, appeared above Aelsryel, looming over Eirik!