Xu Xi met Krisha in the late autumn of the sixth year of the simulation.
Now, it is the tenth year of the simulation.
In other words, nearly four years have passed since Xu Xi saved Krisha, took her away from the filthy and foul alley, and gave her a life as a "human."
Four years of time, four years of companionship—what kind of weight does that carry?
Even Xu Xi, who experienced it firsthand, could not give a precise answer.
Tap—
Tap—
Pushing open the door of the meditation room, Xu Xi, who had successfully advanced, walked down the corridor, the slightly thick soles of his boots making a heavy thud that echoed repeatedly in the air.
The hum reverberated, continuous and unending.
Suddenly.
Xu Xi stopped in his tracks, slightly raising his head to gaze at the azure sky and the bright sun outside the corridor.
"The sunlight today is truly dazzling…"
The overly glaring sun had completely evaporated the mist that perpetually lingered over Allenson City. The sun was so bright that Xu Xi instinctively narrowed his eyes.
The halo of light triggered memories.
As his vision blurred, Xu Xi recalled many things—the bits and pieces of his life since arriving in the simulated world.
In the ten years of his simulated life, Xu Xi spent six years living alone and the last four years living with the witch.
It was strange.
Even though the former period was much longer than the latter, he could hardly remember the details of those earlier years.
What he remembered were the daily moments spent with the witch.
For example, two years ago, Krisha worked hard to practice her cooking skills and finally managed to prepare a decent meal. Although the surface was slightly burnt and the taste somewhat bitter, Xu Xi still finished it all.
Or, a year ago, when Krisha was practicing her Level 3 water magic, her talent for water elements was so strong that it caused a flood that washed away all the flowers and plants in the courtyard, leaving it completely bare.
She herself was also drenched, water dripping from her entire body.
Krisha immediately apologized to Xu Xi.
Xu Xi smiled, neither scolding nor reprimanding the girl. Instead, he simply took her to change into dry clothes and, for the first time in a while, used a combination of wind and fire magic to dry her wet hair.
These daily moments.
Though insignificant in the grand scheme of life.
They were like faint miracles, flickering in the ordinary passage of time, bringing warmth and beauty.
"Unfortunately, it’s time to bid farewell to this life for now."
Xu Xi’s gaze remained fixed on the sky, the clear and cloudless expanse resembling a beautiful painting, evenly spread without any annoying moisture.
But it was precisely this that filled Xu Xi with a strong sense of crisis.
This situation was not normal.
"To power the entire city, the steam engines beneath the center of Allenson City are extremely massive. Their output and the volume of steam they produce far exceed what we’re seeing today."
"But over the past month, the activity of the steam engines in the city center has been decreasing."
"Moreover, steam airships have been frequently deployed, transporting people away from Allenson City."
There’s a problem.
There’s definitely a problem.
Xu Xi once went to the Mage Association to gather information, but to his shock and unease, the higher-ups of the association had also disappeared, just like the nobles.
Only the most basic staff remained, ensuring the normal operation of the Mage Association.
From this, Xu Xi concluded: 【Allenson City is about to face a crisis】
With insufficient information, he couldn’t determine what the crisis was.
But staying away would not be wrong.
"I’ve already advanced to the rank of Grand Mage. Even if I move to another city, I won’t face any financial issues. We must leave as soon as possible."
Xu Xi pondered in his heart.
A magic shield appeared in front of him, blocking the overly glaring sunlight.
It wasn’t Xu Xi’s own magic.
"Thank you, Krisha. You’ve used the magic shield very well," Xu Xi said, turning to his right, where the 16-year-old witch had already appeared by his side.
Four years had passed, and the witch was no longer the thin and pitiful girl she once was.
She had grown taller.
Her features were delicate.
Her silver-gray hair cascaded past her neck and shoulders, like overlapping ripples of water. When the wind blew, it swayed gently, creating light waves.
She lacked the liveliness typical of girls her age.
Her expression was calm, devoid of joy or sorrow.
But this did not diminish her beauty or allure.
She wore a simple, light white dress, with a pale blue short coat adding a touch of gradient. Her attire was uncomplicated, but paired with the sapphire necklace Xu Xi had given her, she effortlessly outshone the so-called noble ladies of her age.
Her natural beauty, honed through enduring malice, appeared even more enchanting and unique.
"You flatter me. It’s what I should do."
Krisha stood beside Xu Xi, her hands crossed in front of her abdomen, remaining exceptionally quiet.
Her voice matched her expression.
Devoid of any emotion.
Seeing the witch so obedient, Xu Xi felt a pang of regret. Over the past four years, he had tried many times, but he still couldn’t restore Krisha’s emotions.
"Krisha, while I was away, was there any news from outside?"
As they walked toward the living room, Xu Xi asked.
"Following your instructions, I kept an eye on the use of the steam airships. The last three steam airships left this morning."
"This morning? Today?"
"Yes."
Listening to Krisha’s calm reply.
Xu Xi paused, his sense of crisis stronger than ever.
"This is not right. They didn’t leave a single one behind. Does this mean they’ve completely abandoned Allenson City?"
"It seems we’ll have to leave too, Krisha."
"Today."
Xu Xi took a deep breath, closed his eyes for a moment, and then opened them.
He turned to the girl: "Krisha, go to the market now. Buy as much food and daily necessities as you can, and store them in the spatial ring."
"There’s no need to hide your magic anymore. Go ahead, use the Wind Riding spell to fly there."
"Yes, as you wish."
Without asking why.
Krisha nodded lightly, then took out her wand, "Gray Rekindling." With a wave of her arm, the wind element enveloped her body as she soared into the sky.
As for Xu Xi, he quickly entered the study outside the courtyard.
He pulled two magic books from the shelf.
The sense of crisis in his heart grew stronger.
His intuition told him that Level 4 and Level 5 magic alone would not be enough to deal with the unknown danger.
So, he would use the brief time Krisha was out shopping to learn the Level 6 and Level 7 spells that only a Grand Mage could use, adding strength to their imminent evacuation.
【The atmosphere in Allenson City has turned strange, and you’ve keenly observed something】
【The Observer trait is activating… continuing to activate…】
【You’ve sensed the crisis hidden behind the events. The departure of all the steam airships has made you realize that the crisis might descend upon Allenson City soon—perhaps even today】
【You’ve sent the witch to urgently purchase supplies】
【You’ve begun studying magic to increase the feasibility of your evacuation. The trait "Mortal Wisdom" is continuously activating…】
【You’ve observed the workings of the world. Your understanding of magic is rapidly improving. You’ve learned your first Level 7 spell, and you’ve learned your second Level 7 spell】
【You’ve begun creating new magic…】