⸻
When I opened my eyes that morning, the exhaustion from yesterday still clung to my body.
But I knew I had to pull myself together now.
I couldn't afford to stay weak in this world.
My eyes caught a dress draped over the chair beside the bed.
It was clear Lucian had sent it.
An off-shoulder, silver satin dress that hugged the waist.
A thin belt wrapped around it, and the fabric shimmered softly in the light.
A small note was placed beside it:
"Get ready. I'll be there shortly."
I stared at the dress.
Wasn't this… a bit much?
Did Lucian choose it like this on purpose?
My cheeks grew warm.
After a brief hesitation, I took a deep breath.
Whatever happened, I would stay strong today.
I put the dress on.
I brushed my long silver hair and let it fall over my shoulders.
Looking into the mirror, I noticed how the storm-gray color of my eyes stood out against the fabric.
I held my head high.
That's when the door opened.
Lucian stepped in.
Wearing his usual white robes.
His gaze briefly scanned over me from head to toe.
He didn't change his expression, but there was a flicker of warmth in his eyes.
He approached and stood just a few steps away.
With gentle fingers, he tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear.
"It suits you," he said in a low voice.
I simply nodded and thanked him. My voice trembled slightly.
Lucian's gaze lingered a little longer, then he spoke with his usual seriousness:
"We have a short task today. I want you to come with me."
⸻
We arrived at the forest together.
The air felt different.
Black veins were spreading from the tree trunks like disease.
The faint scent of something burning filled the air.
Lucian moved forward, inspecting the area as he spoke:
"This… is the mark of dark magic."
"What exactly is dark magic?" I asked.
"It's energy that goes against the natural flow.
Regular magic works in harmony with mana balance.
Dark magic disrupts it. It damages living tissues."
I watched how the black veins crept along the trees.
"Who's doing this?"
Lucian hesitated for a moment before replying:
"We don't know. All we can do is contain it.
But each day, it becomes harder.
If left unchecked, it spreads."
"And if it spreads?"
Lucian turned to meet my gaze. His tone grew sharper.
"First, the trees rot.
Then the soil turns toxic.
Animals grow sick.
In humans, the damage is much faster.
If it grows enough… it can wipe out an entire city."
A chill ran through me.
Lucian turned back to the corrupted roots.
"This one's in its early stages. But we must cleanse it immediately."
He raised his hand.
Symbols began swirling around his fingertips.
Then he turned to me and extended his hand:
"Take my hand."
I hesitated.
"So you can feel the mana flow. Don't worry."
I took his hand.
His fingers gently wrapped around mine.
His touch was warm, his movements precise.
As Lucian controlled the spell, I felt the vibrations in my hand.
The mana inside me moved under his guidance.
He glanced at me.
"Stay calm."
The poisoned roots crackled and began to wither.
The soil breathed again.
A few minutes later, the process was complete.
Lucian let go of my hand.
But the warmth lingered on my skin.
"You did well," he said softly.
⸻
After seeing me last night, Lucian seemed a bit more cautious around me.
Maybe… he was afraid I'd break down again?
Lucian?
I doubted that.
Still, I thought—maybe learning magic wouldn't be a bad idea.
At least, if I ever got stuck in a cave again, I could teleport out.
To run.
To protect myself…
With that thought, I tugged lightly at Lucian's sleeve.
He looked surprised but didn't pull away.
"Lucian…" I said.
"Will you teach me magic?"
Lucian fully turned to me.
"I already offered to train you once. I even invited you to join us. But you refused."
I remembered.
Back when I was playing the game, I had just spammed "skip" through all those dialogues.
Yes… I had done that.
This time, I was firm:
"I changed my mind."
Lucian turned his back and began walking.
His voice was commanding:
"No."
I didn't back down.
I caught up to him quickly.
"You asked before. Why reject me now?"
"Because I didn't care back then.
But now… I can't risk putting you in danger."
Lucian's steps were brisk.
I followed behind.
"Lucian, I don't just want to learn spells. I want to protect myself."
He stopped.
Slowly turned to me.
"The test is dangerous," he said coldly, though worry shone in his eyes.
"If your spirit isn't ready, it could shatter.
One mistake… could erase your future."
I nodded.
"You saw what happened in the cave."
Lucian narrowed his eyes.
"If something happens to you…"
He didn't finish the sentence.
"…I won't be able to accept it."
"Lucian." My voice softened.
"If you teach me, I'll be safer.
I don't just want to be protected.
I want to help myself."
Lucian locked eyes with me.
There was a long silence.
The war in his heart was obvious.
Finally, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"We'll talk about this later," he said quietly.
"For now, I'm taking you home."
He lifted his hand.
Blue light rings began swirling around us.
Teleportation magic.
⸻
When we opened our eyes again, we had returned to my base.
It was Lucian's first time here.
He looked around silently.
Bare walls, empty shelves, untouched corners…
The place was completely plain.
I had never spent time customizing it while playing the game.
Lucian's eyes settled on me.
"It's like…" he said slowly, "you never planned to stay here. Like you're always ready to leave."
His words struck something deep inside me.
He wasn't wrong.
Lucian glanced around once more.
Then he added quietly:
"Get some rest. We'll talk again tomorrow."
His eyes lingered on me for a moment.
Then he turned and vanished into the light.
⸻
I took a deep breath.
The burnt scent from the forest still clung to my clothes.
I decided to take a shower.
Afterward, I put on a white nightgown.
I sat in front of the mirror and brushed my hair.
Surprisingly, I had gotten used to this body very quickly.
It didn't feel strange anymore.
But if I was going to stay here…
I'd have to fix up this place a little.
⸻
Knock knock knock!
I jumped at the sound of the door.
Who could it be… at this hour?