CHAPTER 166 – GENUINE SMILES

HIRAYA MISTELTEIN – PREVIOUS TIMELINE

I led Lysander through the winding corridors of the Dragon Fortress to the most hidden and sacred chamber within Cathedral Exa. Only Alris and Gazelle accompanied us as we made our way to the heart of the ancient church.

At the center of the vast, dimly lit room stood the New Yggdrasil, a majestic tree rising proudly from an indoor fountain. The gnarled remains of the old, withered tree served as the foundation and nourishment for the new growth, now flourishing and full of life. The fountain brimmed with vibrant activity, golden carps darting beneath the surface while water lilies floated serenely above. Rays of sunlight poured through the shattered ceiling, casting a heavenly glow upon the fountain and the resilient tree.

“Let’s go. I will show you something cool,” I said, a smile playing on my lips as I turned to Lysander.

Lysander, Alris, and Gazelle exchanged puzzled glances, clearly unaware of what lay ahead. Alris and Gazelle could only respond with indifferent shrugs.

I guided them to the rear of the grand altar, where a concealed passage awaited. We ventured into the narrow, shadowy hallway, illuminated only by the eerie green flames of magical torches that flickered on the walls, casting dancing shadows as we moved deeper into the fortress.

After a few minutes of walking through the dimly lit hallway, we finally arrived at a vacant room. Leading them further down into the depths of the fortress, I revealed an ancient hexagram mural site, a place steeped in history where the hidden tales of the dragonoids and the Goddess Exceria were meticulously chronicled on the walls.

“This is… interesting,” Lysander muttered, his eyes widening as he took in the sight. He looked up, captivated by the sprawling roots of the Yggdrasil Tree that wove through the ceiling, intertwined with a naturally-engraved magical circle.

“These are the magical circles used by the Elysian Oracles,” I explained. “They provide visions and guidance towards the future. The New Yggdrasil Tree I planted has amplified their effects.”

Lysander continued to gaze at the intricate patterns. “There are magical formulas in this circle that are not present in those typically used by Elysians,” he observed. “This is something unique.”

“So, can you fix it and make some alterations in the Regression Magic using those formulas?” I asked, hopeful that the newfound knowledge could be harnessed for our purposes.

“I think I can,” Lysander said, pointing thoughtfully at the floor. “If I incorporate some of the magical circle formulas here, it will amplify and modify the time networks within the Oracles' magical circle. Then, the main magical circle can be engraved in the empty room above, creating the ritual site for the Altered Regression Magic. It will be a three-layered 3D magical circle capable of potentially destroying timelines and creating new ones.”

I crossed my arms and smiled, genuinely impressed by Lysander’s genius. His mastery of magic was unparalleled; he was a true Erudite, a Sage who had mastered thousands of spells. My decision to take a gamble on him was clearly justified.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Noticing Alris looking at me, I met his gaze. He smiled, and I returned the gesture before turning my attention back to Lysander. “Can you make this the Altered Regression Magic Ritual Site?” I asked.

“I can, but it will take months. Maybe two months, at least,” Lysander replied, his tone measured.

I clapped my hands together, a broad smile spreading across my face. “Please do it! I’m begging you!” I exclaimed with enthusiasm.

“Alright,” Lysander said, nodding with determination.

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And so, our alliance to create the Altered Regression Magic Ritual Site began in earnest. Lysander essentially lived a double life. During the day, he returned to the Empire’s Sanctuary to delve into research on Regression Magic, and by night, he was here, meticulously drawing and inscribing the necessary magical formulas. Being the fastest Erudite alive, Lysander effortlessly shuttled between the two distant fortresses.

I also contributed to the creation of the ritual site. While I may not possess Lysander’s genius, his guidance proved invaluable. Alris assisted with minor but crucial tasks, providing us with food and potions, and delivering books from various libraries to aid in perfecting our magical formulas.

After a week of tireless construction, Alris approached me with an unusual request.

“Can I have a piano here, in the Cathedral?” Alris asked, his tone earnest.

“A piano? Why?” I inquired, puzzled.

“Sometimes, I get bored waiting for you two. I’m not proficient in magic, so I feel I would just intrude if I stayed around. I want to help you and Lysander in any way I can, and I think making music would be the best way for me to contribute,” Alris explained.

“Okay,” I said with a smile. “Let’s grab a luxurious one from Goldcliff City. I remember seeing a music store when we raided it months ago.”

“Thanks,” Alris replied, his face lighting up with gratitude.

I picked up the stack of grimoires Lysander had requested that morning and prepared to head to the ritual site. Just as I was about to leave, Alris caught my attention once more.

“Hiraya.”

“Yes?” I responded, turning to face him.

“It’s nice to see you smiling again,” Alris said softly.

“I’m always smiling,” I replied, puffing my cheeks with a blush. My elven ears twitched, betraying my embarrassment.

“No. This time, I know it’s your genuine smile. Not fake. Not out of hatred. But out of peace,” Alris continued, his innocent smile touching my heart. “Is it because of Lysander?”

I was taken aback by Alris’ observation. “Alris, you know that you’re the one I love,” I said firmly.

“I know, but…” Alris’ smile faded slightly, replaced by a look of understanding. “I realize I failed to bring back the smiles you lost after Arthur did those horrible things to you. It was only when you reunited with Lysander that I saw your genuine smiles for the first time.”

“Alris…” I frowned, feeling a pang of guilt and sadness.

“I do admit, I feel a little bit jealous. I know that Lysander is someone special; that's why you chose him to be the possessor of the Heart of Exceria. And I know that Lysander has a good heart, considering that he’s helping us achieve our shared goals. He’s even betraying humanity and his best friend for our cause. That’s why I respect him.”

I stepped closer to Alris and gently kissed him on the lips. Holding his cheeks, I smiled warmly.

“Lysander has the Heart of Exceria. But you have my heart, Alris,” I said, my words meant to reassure him.

“Thank you. But I understand you. I do. I kinda like Lysander too,” Alris admitted, his voice soft.

I was about to respond to Alris’ surprising confession when suddenly, a stack of books tumbled to the ground with a loud crash. We turned around and saw Lysander standing there, his cheeks flushed a deep red.

“I-I’m sorry for the intrusion!” Lysander cried, his voice echoing through the chamber as he hurriedly retreated back to the underground passage.

“Lysander, wait,” Alris called after him.

Lysander stopped in his tracks and turned to look at us, confusion and embarrassment written across his face.

Seizing the moment, I decided to lighten the mood with a rare attempt at humor. “You like me, right, Lysander?” I asked, a playful smile tugging at my lips.

“W-What are you up to?” Lysander responded, giving us a doubtful stare.

“Alris fancies you… Want to have a threesome?” I grinned, my mischievous tone breaking the tension in the air.