In the end, Daof, in silence, cast spells to deal with the traces of this battle. Glen could well fathom the inner turmoil Daof was experiencing.
Were Glen in the same situation, he too would be quite vexed.
The strange weather did not endure for long. By four in the afternoon, it gradually dissipated.
Daof released all the living beings within the oil painting, and through his magic, eradicated those wind sprites. The remaining civilian victims were then allowed to return to their respective abodes.
Before leaving at noon, he further stated that he needed to go out and eliminate all signs of Morogen's presence here.
Prior to his departure, Daof specifically encouraged Glen to interact more with Ciri, expressing the hope that they would assist one another in the days to come.
Glen had no objections.
After Ciri's departure, Glen found himself at leisure, and Mako took over as his instructor.
Although Mako was merely a fourth - level mage, her erudition was undoubtedly far superior to Glen's.
Noticing Glen's keen interest in artifact - making, she expounded upon a wealth of knowledge in this regard, sharing numerous insights of her own, which significantly enlightened Glen.
With her assistance, Glen successfully crafted a magical artifact independently for the first time.
It was a translucent sphere capable of emitting light autonomously. The color of the light was adjustable, and it would synchronize with the rhythm of music.
It could be utilized at gatherings.
Although of little practical value, it at least attested to Glen's remarkable progress.
Whether due to his knowledge from his past life or his innate talent, in the subsequent days, Glen successively managed to create several magical artifacts.
This greatly astonished Mako and the other apprentices.
They had examined the artifacts Glen had made, whose functions were somewhat ambiguous. Although not exquisitely crafted, for someone who had been studying magic for less than a year, it was quite remarkable.
Glen became deeply engrossed in this pursuit.
Despite his eagerness to remain in the laboratory around the clock, the younger apprentices would regularly pester him to tell stories.
Out of consideration for these young ones who had never ventured outside, Glen would set aside time for storytelling.
However, the tales he recounted were no longer about mundane matters but had shifted to fairy tales.
As he narrated these fairy tales, he often felt as if he were a preacher, and couldn't help but envision these children, upon growing up, regarding him as their spiritual leader.
"...And in the end, Cinderella and the prince lived a life of happiness and contentment."
Glen finished the story of Cinderella with a parched throat. After informing the young apprentices that the story had concluded and was about to depart,
The little ones were reluctant to let him go. They had become utterly entranced by the enchanting stories Glen had spun and yearned to listen to them all day long.
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"Glen, please tell us one more story, just one, would you?"
"We wish to hear more!"
"Magic isn't interesting at all."
This was not the first time Glen had encountered such a situation. He adeptly admonished them,
"One cannot do without learning. Story - listening is merely for relaxation. Learning magic should be your top priority. Go attend to your tasks, and we'll discuss this matter tomorrow."
At this moment, Mushroom rushed forward, clung to one of Glen's legs, and looked up at him with tear - filled eyes."Tell us another one, please..."
How did this little girl learn to be so endearing? And with such a potent effect?!... Glen felt as if he were being blinded by a glaring light and dared not meet Mushroom's gaze.
The girl had a cherubic face with large, limpid eyes. When she pleaded like this, few tough - looking individuals could resist.
Seeing that Glen was avoiding her gaze, Mushroom shook his leg again, her voice tinged with a hint of grievance."Mushroom wants to hear another one, please..."
Glen finally relented."Very well, just one more, but this is the absolute last time. I have numerous assignments to complete."
"Hooray!"
Mushroom and the other apprentices cheered in unison.
Leaves regarded Glen with a thoughtful expression.
After they reseated themselves, just as Glen was about to commence the story, Mushroom approached once more, kissed Glen on the cheek, then blushed and scurried back to sit beside her companions.
Glen touched the spot where he had been kissed, relishing the little girl's innocence.
"The next story is titled 'The Little Match - Girl'."
A sorrowful narrative began to unfold.
"...In the depth of winter, a solitary little girl endured the bitter cold, peddling matches all by herself...
With no one purchasing her matches, the little girl appeared truly pitiful."
Children are emotionally sensitive. When Glen depicted such a scene, several of them had already welled up with tears.
Yet, the sorrow was yet to reach its peak.
When they heard that the little match - girl saw her beloved kin in the faint glow of the matches, someone finally broke down and wept.
Mushroom and Leaves covered their mouths, tears streaming down their cheeks between their fingers.
Some of the young boys, perhaps out of pride, although already in tears, feigned looking around, seizing the opportunity to wipe away their tears.
Glen found it rather amusing. Watching these young children being so affected by his story gave him a sense of mischievous delight.
"...The following day, when the little girl was discovered, she had passed away. She was huddled in the corner, wearing a blissful smile on her lips. People knew that she could now spend the New Year with her grandmother."
As soon as Glen finished the story, all the apprentices burst into sobs.
"Er..." Glen was momentarily flustered. It seemed rather difficult to pacify them.
He suddenly glanced behind him. Mako was gently dabbing at her tears.
Noticing Glen's look, she gave him a glance indicating that he should handle the situation himself, then turned and left.
She too had been listening to the story and had been moved to tears. As a mage who had lived for several centuries, she couldn't recall the last time she had shed tears.
Glen sighed. He had created this situation, and now he had to bear the consequences.
"Why didn't anyone come to the little match - girl's aid? She was so pitiful, wuwu..."
With Lucas absent, Leaves, being the eldest among them, was crying the loudest.
Mushroom buried her head, only her large wizard's hat was visible. She kept rubbing her eyes with her tiny hands, evidently deeply grieved.
The others were in no better state.
It was as if the sadness was contagious. Even those with relatively stronger characters were touched by the atmosphere.
Glen offered several words of consolation, but to no avail. Finally, he came up with an idea.
So, he raised his voice and declared,"Hold on! This story isn't over yet!"
Surprisingly, upon hearing this, the wailing and sobbing ceased immediately.
Glen took a deep breath and continued,"The little match - girl actually still had a faint breath. Just as she was on the verge of death, er... I... I chanced upon her. Having studied medicine before, I could tell at a glance that she wasn't dead. So, I promptly rescued her and cared for her throughout the winter..."
He wasn't certain if this improvised continuation would satisfy these children, but he had no other recourse.
"Is... is it really true?" Leaves asked, her voice choked with sobs.
"Of course, it's true. The little match - girl is now living a wonderful and happy life." Glen said with great conviction.
Upon hearing this, the apprentices finally calmed down.
"Thank you for saving the little match - girl, Glen." Mushroom looked up at this moment, deeply touched.
Glen blushed in embarrassment, waved his hand stiffly, and said,"It's nothing. Hehe..."
He vowed never to tell sad stories to children again, at least not by himself.
After this incident, somehow, there was an added touch of admiration in the way these children regarded him.