Chapter 63: The Witch Gradually Senses That Something Is Wrong

Simulation Year 22.

Xu Xi is 36, Cressa is 28.

Compared to before, Xu Xi has undergone a tremendous change, a change called “aging.”

Cressa remains young, still maintaining the appearance of a 17-year-old.

Now.

When the two go out together, no one mistakes them for “siblings” anymore; the difference in their appearances is too stark, and people firmly believe they are “father and daughter.”

When she hears such comments, Cressa’s eyes become even more hollow.

Her fingers unconsciously tighten.

She feels a hidden pain in her chest.

But the specifics of that pain, the source of that heaviness, the witch cannot describe well, she can only helplessly hide behind Xu Xi.

Like before, deep in the shadow of light.

Seeking that brief, momentary peace of mind.

“It’s okay, Cressa, let’s keep going,” Xu Xi comforts the frightened witch, just like when he first met her, extending his hand, gently leading the witch forward.

The path of life is painful.

And twisted with unease.

Xu Xi knows that alone, Cressa would find it hard to walk fearlessly to the end.

So, in the limited time he can still move, Xu Xi will always lead Cressa forward, until the very end.

…

[Simulation Year 23, you are 37, Cressa is 29]

[You deeply realize that you are indeed no longer young, but your life is not affected by this]

[For a mage, the older you are, the more powerful you become, although your body is not as young as before, your vast spiritual energy is enough to help you accomplish anything]

[In the same year, Cressa is promoted again]

[She advances from Grand Mage to Grand Magister, becoming a spellcaster of the same realm as you, but unlike you, the witch is not heavily sealed]

[You speculate that perhaps the power of equilibrium helps the witch offset some of the obstacles]

[You exclaim in your heart: The power of equilibrium is terrifying]

[To celebrate the witch’s growth, as a mentor, you decide to give a special gift, you craft a unique magic staff]

Summer cicadas chirp, heat waves surge.

Under the sunlight, the leaves of the tree sea shimmer like emerald, turning into deep green waves when the wind blows, rustling continuously.

At the thick, vigorous tree roots.

Xu Xi and Cressa sit resting.

“Cressa, this is the new magic staff I prepared for you, try it,” Xu Xi’s fingers brush over the spatial ring, taking out a brand new staff.

The staff is slender, yellowish-brown.

Made from a branch of the Tree of Life.

It has a natural recovery effect.

And enhances the holder’s meditation effect.

At the top is a smooth, crystal-clear transparent orb, the essence of an elemental fairy’s life, enhancing the power of magic.

“Thank you, I like it…”

Whatever you give.

I like it.

Cressa takes the staff, her eyes blinking, still hollow and lifeless.

Her fingers gently caress the staff, feeling the wooden texture and rough touch, adapting to the new staff in this way.

The newly made staff has no name.

Xu Xi lets the girl name it herself.

Cressa hugs the staff, with those blank eyes, looking at Xu Xi’s face, finally giving this answer:

“Gray Rekindling.”

This is Cressa’s first staff, also the name of the first staff Xu Xi gave her.

During the Allenson Crisis, Cressa accidentally lost it, and now, she chooses to give that name to the new staff.

Is this a kind of inheritance?

Xu Xi smiles, reaches out, and ruffles the witch’s hair.

“That’s good.”

He says.

…

[Simulation Year 26, you are 40, Cressa is 32]

[Your body has become a bit sluggish, but your mind remains sharp, your elemental control is superb, you gradually sense the concept of domains]

[You and Cressa are still traveling the world]

[You lead the immortal witch to the island in the lake on the eastern side of the world, a terrifying place known as Dragon Island, not only inhabited by many dragonkin but also by true pure-blood dragons]

[You invite the witch to ride a dragon with you]

“Cressa, don’t worry, these dragons are very docile.”

“Just like this, gently tap, they will understand our intentions, more obedient than domestic pets.”

The usually roaring Dragon Island.

Is unusually quiet today.

Countless dragonkin lie on the ground, trembling, looking in horror at the terrifying mentor and apprentice not far away.

“Look, Cressa.”

On the head of the pure-blood red dragon, Xu Xi smiles and waves his staff.

Level 9 Earth Magic: Gravity Field.

Level 9 Fire Magic: Skyfire.

Level 9 Lightning Magic: Thunderous Roar.

Level 9 Light Magic: Holy Thorn Pierce.

The small long-handled staff simultaneously casts four level 9 spells, lightly tapping the dragon’s head amidst its terrified whimpers.

Dragon scales explode, dragon blood spurts, the scene is a dragon’s nightmare.

But soon.

With the dragon’s strong physique, the red dragon wakes from unconsciousness, bowing to Xu Xi in a flattering manner, fearing another strike.

“See, Cressa, dragons are very docile.”

“I understand, mentor.”

The witch obediently responds, memorizing the dragon-taming secrets taught by Xu Xi.

…

[You teach the witch how to communicate with the brutal demonic creatures and dragonkin, the witch understands your teachings, keeping them in mind]

[You and the witch become dragon riders for a while, feeling refreshed]

[Afterwards, you and the witch leave Dragon Island, but your fame spreads, deeply rooted in the minds of the dragon-blooded]

[Simulation Year 30, you are 44, Cressa is 36]

[You look even older, while drinking water, you see your reflection, a strand of white hair has appeared at your temple]

[You pause for a moment, pluck out the white hair, the witch knows nothing about it]

[You take the witch to a country without steam equipment, this country still maintains primitive customs, using human labor for farming, but its scenery is beautiful]

[The witch sees the vast golden wheat waves for the first time, in the harmony of soil and breeze, she learns to observe the world calmly]

[Simulation Year 35, you are 49, Cressa is 41]

[The changes of time, the flow of years, have not affected the “miracle beyond gods” at all, Cressa still maintains the beautiful appearance of a 17-year-old]

[But her inner self has matured and stabilized greatly due to long travels with you]

[You notice that, at some point, whether moving or resting, the witch’s gaze is always on you, as if worried about something]

[Simulation Year 38, you are 52, Cressa is 44]

[You are about to break through to Saint Magister]