Simulation Year 22.
Xu Xi is 36 years old, and Krisha is 28.
Compared to before, Xu Xi has undergone a significant change, a change called "aging."
Krisha, however, remains young, still maintaining the appearance of a 17-year-old.
Now, when the two go out together, no one mistakes them for "siblings." The disparity in their appearances is too great, and people firmly believe they are "father and daughter."
When hearing such comments, Krisha's eyes grow even more hollow.
Her fingers unconsciously tighten.
She feels a dull ache in her chest.
Yet, the specifics of that pain, the source of its weight, the witch cannot quite articulate. She can only hide helplessly behind Xu Xi, as she always has, deep in the shadow of light.
There, she seeks a fleeting, momentary peace.
"It's alright, Krisha, let's keep going," Xu Xi comforts the frightened witch, just as he did when they first met, extending his hand and gently leading her forward.
The path of life is painful.
It is also twisted and unsettling.
Xu Xi knows that Krisha, alone, would struggle to walk fearlessly to the end.
So, in the limited time he has left to act, Xu Xi will continue to lead Krisha forward, until the final conclusion.
...
[Simulation Year 23, you are 37, Krisha is 29]
[You deeply realize that you are indeed no longer young, but your life remains unaffected]
[For a mage, the older you are, the more powerful you become. Though your body is not as youthful as before, your vast spiritual energy is enough to accomplish anything]
[That same year, Krisha advances once more]
[She rises from a Grand Magus to a Grand Archmage, becoming a spellcaster of the same realm as you. But unlike you, the witch's restraints are not as severe]
[You speculate that perhaps the power of Equilibrium has helped her offset some of the obstacles]
[In your heart, you exclaim: The power of Equilibrium is truly terrifying]
[To celebrate the witch's growth, as her mentor, you decide to gift her something special. You craft a unique wand]
The cicadas hum in the summer heat, waves of warmth rolling through the air.
Under the sunlight, the leaves of the vast forest shimmer like emeralds. When the wind blows, they transform into deep green waves, rustling endlessly.
At the base of a thick, sturdy tree root.
Xu Xi and Krisha sit resting.
"Krisha, this is the new wand I prepared for you. Try it out," Xu Xi says, brushing his fingers over his spatial ring and pulling out a brand-new wand.
The wand is slender, its body a yellowish-brown hue.
It is crafted from a branch of the Tree of Life.
It carries a natural restorative effect.
It also enhances the wielder's meditation.
At its tip, embedded in a depression, is a smooth, translucent gem—the essence of an elemental fairy, capable of amplifying the power of magic.
"Thank you, I like it very much..."
Whatever you give me.
I will cherish.
Krisha takes the wand, her eyes blinking, still hollow and lifeless.
Her fingers gently trace the wand, feeling the wooden grain and rough texture, acclimating to its use.
The newly crafted wand has no name.
Xu Xi lets the girl name it herself.
Krisha holds the wand close to her chest, her blank eyes gazing at Xu Xi's face, and finally responds:
"Gray Rekindling."
This is the name of Krisha's first wand, the first wand Xu Xi ever gave her.
During the Alenson Crisis years ago, Krisha accidentally lost it. Now, she chooses to bestow that name upon this new wand.
Is this a form of legacy?
Xu Xi smiles, reaching out to ruffle the witch's hair.
"That's good," he says.
...
[Simulation Year 26, you are 40, Krisha is 32]
[Your body has grown somewhat sluggish, but your mind remains sharp. Your mastery over the elements has reached a divine level, and you begin to sense the concept of domains]
[You and Krisha continue to travel the world]
[You lead the immortal witch to the island in the eastern lake, a place known as Dragon Island, a terrifying and perilous land teeming with draconic creatures and ruled by true pure-blooded dragons]
[You invite the witch to ride a dragon with you]
"Krisha, don't worry, these dragons are quite docile."
"Just like this, a gentle tap, and they'll understand our intentions. They're more obedient than household pets."
The once-roaring Dragon Island.
Today, it is unusually quiet.
Countless draconic creatures lie prostrate on the ground, trembling, their eyes filled with terror as they watch the fearsome master and disciple conducting their lesson nearby.
"Look, Krisha."
Atop the head of a crimson dragon, Xu Xi smiles and waves his wand.
9th-tier Earth Magic: Gravity Field.
9th-tier Fire Magic: Skyfire.
9th-tier Lightning Magic: Thunderous Roar.
9th-tier Light Magic: Holy Thorn Piercer.
The small, long-handled wand is simultaneously imbued with four 9th-tier spells. With a light tap on the dragon's head, the crimson dragon lets out a panicked whimper.
Dragon scales shatter, blood spurts, and the scene becomes a dragon's nightmare.
But soon.
Thanks to the dragon's robust constitution, it regains consciousness and lowers its head in a submissive gesture, fearing another strike.
"See, Krisha, dragons are very docile."
"I understand, Mentor."
The witch obediently replies, committing Xu Xi's dragon-taming techniques to memory.
...
[You teach the witch how to communicate with savage magical beasts and dragons. The witch internalizes your teachings, remembering them deeply]
[You and the witch become dragon riders for a day, leaving in high spirits]
[Afterward, you and the witch leave Dragon Island, but your legend spreads, firmly ingrained in the minds of the dragon-blooded]
[Simulation Year 30, you are 44, Krisha is 36]
[You look even older now. While drinking water, you catch a glimpse of your reflection and notice a strand of white hair at your temple]
[You pause for a moment, plucking out the strand. The witch remains unaware]
[You take the witch to a country devoid of steam technology, a place still steeped in primitive customs, where people rely on manual labor for farming. Yet, its scenery is breathtaking]
[The witch sees endless golden waves of wheat for the first time. Amidst the harmony of soil and breeze, she learns to observe the world with a calm heart]
[Simulation Year 35, you are 49, Krisha is 41]
[The passage of time, the flow of years, has not affected the "miracle that surpasses the divine" in the slightest. Krisha still maintains the appearance of a 17-year-old]
[But her inner self has matured and stabilized through her long journey with you]
[You notice that, at some point, whether walking or resting, the witch's gaze is always fixed on you, as if she is worried about something]
[Simulation Year 38, you are 52, Krisha is 44]
[You prepare to break through to the realm of a Saintly Archmage]