"What did you just say? Did I hear that wrong?" Violanda gasped, her beautiful eyes wide in disbelief, as if she were dreaming.

"Choose me, and I’ll give you power, wealth, beauties, and influence! Isn't that what life is all about?"

The allure of those gifts was undeniable; any one of them could drive men mad with desire. Yet now, he stood before her, choosing Elvynna over everything she offered.

"The Master Alchemist, you didn’t mishear me. My choice is Elvynna." Eirik’s voice was soft yet resolute.

"Why?" Violanda asked, confusion clouding her expression as her delicate hands tapped nervously on the crystal rail of the carriage, producing a sharp, rhythmic sound.

Why indeed? She couldn’t comprehend.

"The treasures you offer are indeed rare and sought after, cherished by many. I truly admire them," Eirik admitted, a hint of regret in his eyes.

Who wouldn’t love such things?

To reject the Master Alchemist was to forsake an opportunity for greatness.

Yet, it was just a game.

Even without the shortcuts, Eirik was confident he could still obtain those rewards through his own efforts!

"But compared to that, I prefer her. In her presence, worldly treasures mean nothing!"

"You... prefer her?" Violanda’s disappointment was palpable; her face drained of color.

"I'll ask you one more time. Are you certain? You're young and may not fully grasp what you’re rejecting for the sake of a fleeting feeling. Is it worth it?" Violanda questioned, her tone serious.

Fleeting? Elvynna’s feelings for him were anything but. Eirik sighed inwardly, remembering how she had waited for him through countless lifetimes, clinging to the hope of a tale woven through time.

In the Dawnstar Dynasty, it was said that souls would reunite, like two flowers blooming together in the vastness of life... Now, that was truly ephemeral! Yet she had waited—waiting until her life force faded away.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

That was why Eirik had resolved to choose Elvynna in this lifetime.

"The Master Alchemist needs not say more; my mind is made up." Eirik spoke calmly.

Violanda opened her mouth, but ultimately sighed instead. A token floated down from her outstretched hand.

"If you ever regret this, find me in Elaresar." With that, she took to the skies in her cloud carriage, leaving behind a sense of loss.

She realized she had truly lost this time.

Who could have imagined that the young Eirik would possess such resolve, turning down an extraordinary opportunity for an elusive feeling? In that moment, Violanda felt a surge of anger, a fleeting thought to snatch Eirik away. But she restrained herself.

Eirik's Elemental Absorption talent only worked well with those he cared for deeply.

If she were to forcefully take him, or even harm Elvynna, his hatred would only grow. What good would it do? Moreover, Violanda was proud; she would never stoop to such underhanded tactics.

"The Master Alchemist need not worry. Love is the most fragile thing in the world. That boy will soon realize just how ridiculous his decision is!" The giant general beside her offered his consolation.

"Is that so..." Violanda replied with a bittersweet smile, but doubt lingered in her heart.

For other men, perhaps this was true.

But Eirik was different! She knew how much he had sacrificed for Pixie; a bond of thousands of years didn’t fade easily.

Would he truly change his heart for Elvynna? This golden opportunity was harder to attain than it seemed!

Meanwhile, the world channel erupted into heated discussions after a brief silence.

"Wow, I almost thought I misheard! Eirik... he really turned down the Master Alchemist!"

"Don’t give me that! If I had such a chance, I’d never let it go!"

"Seriously, I’m impressed. To reject such temptation? No wonder he’s called the legendary Golden Card!"

"A true gentleman! If I were Elvynna, I’d be in tears right now!"

"For Elvynna-senpai, he turned down power, wealth, and beauties! What kind of divine love is this?!"

At that moment, envy filled the air as everyone gazed in awe.

"Turns out Eirik liked senpai all along! No wonder..." Pixie was green with envy, itching to confront Elvynna directly.

Meanwhile, other female players eyeing Eirik felt a heavy weight in their hearts. If even the Master Alchemist couldn’t sway him, what chance did they have? Did it really take Elvynna rejecting him for them to have a shot?

On the other side, Elvynna was at a loss for words, overwhelmed by the revelation of her importance to Eirik. He had sacrificed so much for her!

"Eirik's words in the simulation reflected his true feelings. In reality, he must feel the same; he just hasn’t had the chance to express it..." Elvynna mused, her lips curving into a smile despite herself.

She found herself smiling foolishly, blushing several times.

Pixie, noticing Elvynna’s silence, wondered if she had fainted from emotion. Using her magic to probe, she found Elvynna grinning like a fool, which only fueled Pixie's irritation and jealousy!

"I’ve never seen someone smile so irritatingly!" Pixie scoffed.

"Is that so? You might see it more often. Didn’t Eirik say he has always liked me? You’re just a third wheel!" Elvynna shot back coldly.

Just days ago, Pixie had been flaunting her bravado, nearly inciting Elvynna's wrath. Now, the tables had turned, and it felt delightful!

"What are you so smug about? Just because he likes you? We have thousands of years of shared history as husband and wife!" Pixie fumed, covering her ears and running away.

"Junior Sister !" Elvynna seethed, her chest heaving in frustration.

For now, she pushed aside thoughts of Pixie and focused on her future. Eirik had chosen her over so many opportunities, and she vowed to master magic and create a legendary love story together with him!

"My love, Elvynna will not disappoint you. You’ll see, your choice was the right one!"