Chương 175: [Immortal] Humans

The New Year is just a few days away.

The atmosphere in the entire city of Oisast became festive.

More and more people who have been traveling are returning to their hometowns, and the city is visibly becoming more lively.

Shane also received letters from Earl Granat and Lord Alden, along with a whole cart full of travel supplies.

This made Xia En very embarrassed.

He was merely writing to inquire about Duncan.

Unexpectedly, the two marquises were so thoughtful that they could calculate that the letter would arrive on New Year's Day, and even prepared supplies and gifts.

Along with the supplies came two thick letters.

In Lord Alden's letter, most of it was written by Wilt and Mutter, who talked about many things in a disjointed manner: Now, with only one arm, Wilt has become a famous "one-armed knight" in the entire Frisch region, and has even won first place in the regional tournament.

He even won the favor of a wealthy young lady as a result.

That young lady is now Wilt's fiancée.

Little Mutter said that his future sister-in-law was quite beautiful, and when Shane came to visit Frisch again, he would definitely make Shane take a good look at her.

Xia En was speechless.

You really are your brother's good younger brother.

You should leave this benefit to your brother to see himself.

Little Mutter also asked Shane to pass on a message to Shutark, saying that he had been eagerly awaiting a letter from Shutark but hadn't received one, and asked if Shutark had forgotten their friendship.

The little guy's words were full of resentment towards Shutark for being unfaithful.

They are truly pitiful.

Xia En thought for a moment.

Given Shutark's silly personality, the idea of writing a letter might never have even crossed his mind.

Forget it.

Remind him later to reply to poor little Mutter.

Don't let the children wait anxiously.

In addition to these everyday conversations, Lord Alden provided a specific answer to Shane's question, stating that the two men had indeed served together in the Imperial Army forty years ago.

Back then, Duncan was brave and resourceful, a well-known "battle mage" in the army, very popular, and full of youthful passion and high spirits.

But later, because his wife became seriously ill, Duncan suddenly became much more gloomy and began to scheme and plot. In Duncan's own words, a mere common soldier could not save his wife. Only by climbing to a high position and gaining power and resources could he win a chance for his wife to live.

Later, Duncan climbed his way up from the Imperial Army to the position of Court Magician. During this time, they met less and less, and until recently, they hadn't seen each other for more than a decade.

Resilient, decisive, wise, and composed.

He is a respectable friend.

This is Lord Alden's assessment of Duncan.

As for Duncan's desire to adopt Shane, the lord's words conveyed a sense of pity for his old friend, but he did not directly advise Shane on what to do.

"A good friend is not necessarily a good father. I won't give you advice rashly, but I hope you can give yourself and Duncan a chance to get along. After all, this is a matter that needs to be carefully considered."

Looking at this sentence, Xia En could easily imagine the expression on the lord's face when he wrote it.

Just like he treated his two sons.

He was also seriously considering Xia En's situation.

The letter from Earl Granat was quite different from the one from Lord Alden.

The thick envelope contained two sheets of paper.

One was made by the Earl, and the other by the Countess.

Count Guranat was very supportive of Shane becoming Duncan's adopted son.

Like Lord Alden, the Earl also spoke highly of Duncan, believing that Duncan's status could provide considerable convenience for Shane in the northern kingdoms.

He encouraged Shane to seize the opportunity.

"A person is ultimately lonely, so having the support of a family is very important."

The Countess's letter was much more interesting.

Compared to the count, the countess's letters were more than twice as thick.

At the beginning of the letter, the Countess instructed Shane not to reveal what she was about to see to the Earl, as she had secretly slipped the letter into his possession.

"Duncan is good, but Gullarnet is good too—"

"What do you mean, 'Our brother has already spoken, so let's not make things difficult for Xia En anymore'? We can give up other opportunities, but not the chance to take in a son!"

"I hate those scheming old guys in the palace. Oh, and don't tell Duncan that."

"If you feel lonely, come back to Granat. Don't make yourself suffer."

"Remember to use the supplies I sent. Don't be stingy. Write back if you run out."

"If you disagree, and Duncan tries to force you, remember to tell me, and I'll help you teach him a lesson."

The long, rambling message, besides telling Shane to take care of himself, was a scathing critique of Duncan for trying to steal the fruits of his labor and being a bad person.

Xia En found it amusing.

The Countess is a woman of true character.

How happy she would be if her son hadn't died at the hands of Aura!

Hey.

Xia En sighed and put the letter away.

It seems Duncan is a decent person. Perhaps I'm overthinking things? Does Duncan simply want to adopt a son and enjoy his retirement? Is there really no other motive behind this?

Xia En pondered silently— When he finished packing and came out, the hotel corridor was quiet, and Frillie and the three little ones' room was empty.

recent.

Frillie's courses have finished focusing on techniques, and now they are more inclined to magical cultivation and magical insight, often taking the three little ones to meditate for a whole day.

The three children's magical skills have also visibly improved.

Xia En was increasingly looking forward to the three of them's exam results.

Zain and Shutark were not there either.

"He's off off somewhere having fun again—" Sigh, he never learns his lesson.

After being tricked by Duncan last time, the two of them behaved themselves for three days, and then their true colors were revealed.

They never learn from their mistakes.

Having lived here for several months, Zain and Shutark know the city better than the locals of Oisassin.

It's no exaggeration to say that they both know exactly how many dog holes there are in Oisassin.

Xia En pursed his lips.

As I passed the front desk, the proprietress, unsurprisingly, came to greet me.

"Mr. Shane!"

The proprietress seemed to have been waiting downstairs. When she saw Xia En, she quickly tucked a stray hair behind her ear, picked up a small plate, and walked over gracefully.

"These are some hot spring snacks I just bought. Would you like to try them?"

"Of course, it's my honor."

Xia En smiled politely.

As a result, when he saw what was on the plate, his smile immediately broke into a grin.

Spiced peanuts?!

Is this some kind of food from another world?!

Seeing Xia En's confused expression, the proprietress quickly explained, "I bought this from a traveling merchant. It's said to be a specialty food from an Eastern country."

Yes.

It's quite unique.

Xia En picked up a piece and put it in his mouth.

It has a savory and fragrant taste, with multiple layers of aroma from star anise, cinnamon, and fennel. It's not greasy, crispy but not dry, and becomes more fragrant the more you chew.

Yes, that's the taste.

Authentic spiced peanuts.

Xia En's nose felt a little sore.

I've been in this world for ten years, ten years, and I haven't tasted this flavor in ten years.

"It's delicious!"

The proprietress was overjoyed.

"Really! Looks like I made the right choice."

"I didn't make a mistake. It's just that—this stuff can't be eaten on its own; it has to be eaten with wine."

9

"With some alcohol?"

Xia En nodded, and casually grabbed a large handful from the small dish.

"Later, you can ask my partner, Mr. Zain, to recommend a refreshing and non-drowsy wine. If you sell them together, they're sure to be popular."

The proprietress looked at Xia En with such alluring eyes that it was almost seductive.

"I never imagined you were not only handsome and gentle, but also had such a good business sense—"

"Thank you for the compliment, Madam, but I only know a little bit about the basics."

With that, Xia En quickly made an excuse to slip away.

The proprietress gave him a reproachful look.

on the road.

While eating peanuts, Xia En watched the increasingly festive decorations on the street.

To create a festive atmosphere, many shops hung up ribbons and lanterns early on, as well as the red rice stalks that every household has.

This is a unique tradition of Oyssas.

Every year during the New Year, every household hangs red-dyed rice ears above their front door.

It symbolizes a prosperous and fruitful year ahead.

Just like in my past life, every household would put up the character "福" (fortune) during the Lunar New Year.

"Perhaps praying for blessings in the New Year is a common practice among working people all over the world."

The peanuts are finished.

Xia En clapped his hands.

He had arrived at the entrance of the Continental Magic Association.

He came to see Falsh today.

There has finally been some progress on the lump of [black asphalt] that I asked Falshu to analyze.

"Over here."

Falshu was already waiting in the hall.

Upon seeing Xia En, he immediately came up to her, grabbed her arm, and led her away.

"I told you to come early, why are you only coming now? Hurry up, hurry up, or it will be too late."

7

"What's too late?"

Xia En was puzzled.

Falshu adjusted his glasses, continuing on his way.

"It's a very peculiar phenomenon, and it can't be explained in just a few words. Come on, go and see for yourself, and you'll understand."

Falshu pulled Shane through the association's hall and into a corridor at the back.

This was the first time Shane had been granted permission to enter this place.

The corridor is very long.

There are many rooms on both sides of the corridor.

Occasionally, one or two people wearing the uniforms of the Continental Magic Association would walk through the corridor, and would nod to Falshu as they passed by Shane and his group.

Xia En found it novel.

There's a clear hierarchy within the continental magic associations.

The two walked down the corridor, with Xia En curiously looking at the rooms on both sides.

Through those open doors, you could see rows of shelves filled with books and files, and some rooms also contained a considerable number of magical tools.

Falshu noticed Shane's gaze.

I explained it to him as we walked.

"This is the association's office area."

"In each room, there are mages working. Some are responsible for analyzing magic, some for organizing documents, and some for identifying magical tools—in short, everyone has a different role."

"Are the first-level mages here too?"

"No, first-level mages usually have their own residences and only come to headquarters when they need to report on their work."

"I wouldn't be here if it weren't for what I promised you."

Oh.

Xia En was a little disappointed.

He had thought he would meet the other 43 first-level mages besides Lylene and Falshu.

He was very curious about Zanze, the "hair monster".

Pity.

They're not usually here.

Hey!

and many more!

Reporting on work!

"You mean the Great Mage Celia is here?!"

"Of course." Falshu pointed to the end of the corridor.

"Lady Celia is in that room."

Xia En's eyes widened instantly.

Even their steps faltered.

The reigning queen of human magic, a living grimoire, the great mage closest to the omniscient and omnipotent goddess, an ancient elf who has lived for countless years—Seria!

It's at the very end of this corridor!

Gudong.

Xia En swallowed hard.

I'm so close to becoming a legend!

Snapped.

Falshu snapped his fingers right in front of Shane's stunned eyes.

"I'm snapping out of it."

"Honestly, everyone who hears the name of Lady Celie reacts like this."

"Don't worry, Lady Celie won't see you."

Xia En was speechless.

Is this something that can reassure people?

Falshu adjusted his glasses.

"Every winter, around the New Year, Lady Celie stays indoors for a whole month."

"At this time, unless you have something extremely important to say, seeing her is not advisable—" Falshuu shuddered.

Xia En raised an eyebrow.

Staying indoors for a month?

Hibernation?

Frillie doesn't have this habit.

I was just thinking about it.

Falshuu led him to a door.

"Stop thinking about all that unnecessary stuff, come and see this! You'll never guess the real purpose of that [black asphalt]!"

Falshu pushed open the door.

Shane immediately noticed the large table in the center of the room, with a long, cylindrical glass bottle standing on it.

A dead twig was stuck at the top of the glass bottle, which contained a clear liquid with a clump of black asphalt suspended in it.

at this time.

That lump of black asphalt was twisting and struggling.

It seemed to be trying its best to break free from the constraints of the glass bottle.

Xia En entered the room.

A pale blue magical light immediately illuminated the floor.

He looked down, his eyes filled with shock. Falshu had actually drawn a huge magic circle on the entire floor of the room.

and---- This magic circle looks very familiar.

It bore a striking resemblance to the one he had seen in the underground laboratory of the Mad Sage, Charles.

Falshu closed the door.

The light in the room dimmed slightly.

Under the light of the pale blue magical particles, the black asphalt in the glass bottle turned crimson.

"So, did you find anything?"

Falshu walked to the table, placed his hands on the surface, and looked at the lump of [asphalt] with a smile.

His glasses reflected a strange image of the glass bottle— The pitch-black asphalt, now crimson, is slowly calming down, and like a drop of ink falling into clear water, it gradually spreads and fills the entire glass bottle.

at the same time.

At the top of the glass bottle, the withered branch took root and sprouted at a speed visible to the naked eye, and in no time it grew green leaves and flower buds.

The room was filled with a wonderful fragrance.

It was a peach tree branch.

of course.

This is not the point.

The key point is that after the peach blossoms on the branches fade, new buds appear; the buds open, fade, and new buds appear again.

Repeatedly.

In an instant, the entire tabletop was covered with peach petals.

One layer on top of another.

The peach blossoms seem to never stop falling.

Shocked, Xia En couldn't help but take a step back.

This bizarre scene is like turning on some kind of endlessly looping, boring short video.

A chill ran down his back.

Om—Falshu gently clasped his hands together.

The light from the magic circle on the ground went out, and the magic particles disappeared.

The already spread asphalt instantly boiled, coalescing back into a twisted and terrifying mass.

During this process of convergence, the originally blooming peach branches seemed to have their life force drained, instantly withering, shrinking, and returning to their original dry state.

The whole process takes only a few seconds.

"Giving life, taking life, and even—maintaining life." Falshu pushed up his glasses, his voice tinged with excitement.

"Shane, if I'm not mistaken, this [black matter] is very likely—the answer to [immortality]."

The answer to immortality — Xia En stared at the terrifying mass of twisted and struggling matter.

He suddenly understood why his appearance hadn't changed in ten years — Perhaps, from the very beginning, the Mad Sage, Charles, was creating an immortal human being.

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