A crisp laugh broke the silence in the cabin.

"Young man, don't panic. Countless transcendent bones lie beneath the pedestal of the Third Golden Law," the melodious voice said amiably.

"If I dared use transcendent power against you, the thunder of the Golden God would smash my head instantly."

"In truth, I'm more apprehensive than you are."

Her gentle words nicely diffused the tense atmosphere.

Yet Rosen remained vigilant, resolving to act with utmost care.

Serendis was also curious. "Miss Ourea, are transcendents gods?"

Ourea shook her head.

"By the traditional mage definition, a true god must have worshippers to harvest faith and bestow divine magic. Unfortunately, I have neither capability nor desire."

Rosen began to understand. "So you define yourself as a wanderer?"

"Correct. Wandering about, beholding different lands' splendor, savoring their wines and delicacies, while adhering to local rules... Longevity doesn't bring true freedom."

Her gaze turned to Anna.

"Miss Serendis, I can guess your aspirations, but must tell you a cruel truth."

Serendis straightened attentively. "Please enlighten me."

Ourea sipped cider leisurely before continuing.

"The Golden Land is the Golden God's domain. Transcendents are rare here. But we're actually quite numerous worldwide, most born rather than cultivated."

Serendis paled. "Innate transcendence...you too?"

"Of course. My mother birthed me over 300 years ago."

Seeing Serendis' discouragement, she smiled reassuringly. "Don't lose heart. You're shrouded in magnificent radiance, with limitless potential exceeding mine."

Serendis was perplexed.

Ourea smiled enigmatically, pointing to her forehead.

"I know some transcendent divination, sometimes accurate. So persevere, anything is possible."

Serendis was greatly invigorated and couldn't help asking, "What about my disciple Rosen's future?"

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Ourea shrugged. "That I don't know, divination fails on him for some reason. Likely due to my mediocre skills."

She looked at Rosen. "Don't think transcendents are omnipotent. As you saw, I was toyed with by some commoners this afternoon."

Rosen dared not be smug about provoking a tiger. Surviving was pure luck, getting bitten to death was the norm.

"My apologies for the discourtesy, Miss Ourea."

Ourea shook her head with a carefree smile.

"Without some ups and downs, what fun would the mundane world be? I should thank you for an unforgettable experience."

Her expression turned serious again. "But enough idle chatter, let's get down to business."

Rosen and Serendis pricked up their ears.

Ourea began narrating melodiously.

"For unknown reasons, the Golden God has gradually relaxed control of the Golden Land in the last century, granting less divine magic and harsher conditions."

"In short, his earthly agents grow weaker."

"The Golden God has endless patience, changing incrementally, so most mortals remain unaware. But the dragon's frailty is first noticed by prey beneath its claws, like myself and the Wintry King. That is why I dared wander here."

Both were shocked by this revelation.

Curious, Serendis asked, "Can transcendents really become immortal?"

Ourea frankly shook her head.

"True immortality remains distant. We just live longer, around three to four thousand years, rarely exceeding two thousand. But luck plays a role."

"Ah, no more interruptions, back to the main topic."

"The Wintry King is also a transcendent lifeform, originally a tree. A banyan awakened by tasting innocent blood amidst war and chaos. You must have witnessed his power already?"

The two mages nodded.

"Around 700 years ago, he was likely 1500 years old at least. Beaten grievously and diminished, perhaps inferior to my youthful self now. But his wisdom far exceeds mine and most mortals."

She regarded them. "I presume you plan confronting his emissary?"

Serendis nodded. "That was the original scheme, but seems unfeasible now."

Ourea smiled faintly. "No need to be overly wary, just an emissary, not the King himself."

She looked at Rosen. "While evading capture today, I also investigated. Rosen's affinity perfectly counters the Wintry King's power. The lunar force is more constrained by the wintry force."

"So to defeat the emissary, Rosen's fire magic exceeds your lunar magic in might."

Rosen spread his hands helplessly. "My meager power and skills are unfit for this task."

"Don't worry, I'll assist you. After all, capturing his emissary will free me from wanted status."

"Oh right, given my status, I cannot directly intervene, since no one knows the Golden God's true intentions. Too much action may displease the old man and bring misfortune."

"Also, I can't help for free. Remember to split the bounty."

Serendis was somewhat speechless. "Transcendents also lack money?"

"Of course! You know how hard earning is here, no?"

The two could deeply relate.

'Clink'

Ourea placed a vial on the table containing milky white viscous liquid faintly glinting golden.

"Pure solar essence, refined with my power and herbs. Shortly after ingestion, magic power increases exponentially, at least fivefold, potentially much more depending on soul fortitude. Effects last around 2 hours."

"This exploits a loophole in the Third Law, but since we aim to vanquish the emissary, the Golden God shouldn't mind this little transgression."

Rosen looked at the potion. "For me to drink?"

"Obviously."

"No poison. Test it on a rat if distrustful. A drop will unleash ancestral might."

Having said thus, Ourea snatched the half-full moonlight wine.

"My crafted potion isn't free, so this wine is payment."

With that, she left.

Rosen and Serendis looked at each other, feeling duped.

After a long silence, Serendis said, "Well, time to teach you a powerful fireball upstairs."