Chapter 356: Two People Who Understand Each Other
The top floor of the Magic Association tower was unusually quiet, unlike the hustle and bustle below. Very few people could come up here.
However, recently, a noise had been added to this tranquility.
Whenever the streetlamps outside the capital lit up, a knock would sound on Rhodes's laboratory door on the dot.
The first few times, Rhodes would stop his research and say "Enter."
Frieren would push the door open, stand in her usual spot, look at him with those eyes devoid of obvious emotional ripples, and ask the question that had been repeated countless times: "Regarding methods to extend Master Flamme's lifespan, do you have any new considerations?"
Rhodes would give the same reply, sometimes just a simple "Get out."
But Frieren's reaction was identical every time.
She would nod, say "Oh," and turn to leave without any dragging, showing no discouragement or dissatisfaction.
Then she would come again the next day.
Later, Rhodes tried ignoring her.
When the knock sounded, he didn't respond, focusing on his research as if the sound didn't exist.
The existence outside the door seemed extremely patient. She would wait for about a minute, then push the door open herself—after all, Rhodes hadn't set a restriction to truly block her.
She would stand there, ask the same question, face the long silence, say "Oh," and leave.
Day after day.
Until one afternoon, before Frieren's scheduled visit time, another figure appeared at Rhodes's door.
It was Flamme.
She walked in apologetically. "Master," she bowed slightly, "regarding Frieren... disturbing you all this time, I am truly very sorry."
"I have talked to her many times, but she..." Flamme sighed helplessly. "She seems convinced that as long as she keeps asking, one day she can change your mind."
Rhodes didn't show the anger Flamme expected. Instead, a smile flashed across his face.
"It is fine, Flamme. She hasn't interfered with my research. On the contrary, this proves one thing—she truly cares about you."
Flamme was stunned. The apology and helplessness born of Frieren's stubbornness were touched by Rhodes's words, turning into a complex warmth.
Yes, that emotionally detached elven disciple was acting clumsily in a way even she herself might not fully understand.
She hesitated, then voiced the question that had lingered in her heart for a long time. "Master, since Frieren is so persistent, why don't you just tell her the whole truth?"
"Tell her that besides you, no second human in this world can truly achieve immortality. Tell her those runes are ultimately just a reflection of the moon in the water."
"Maybe... maybe if she knows there is absolutely no hope, she might give up?"
Rhodes didn't answer immediately.
He stopped his work, leaned back slightly, and looked at Flamme with an indescribable emotion.
Flamme felt a bit uncomfortable under his gaze and touched her face subconsciously. "Master? Is there... something on my face?"
Rhodes shook his head slowly and looked away. A silent atmosphere began to spread in the laboratory.
"Before the dust settles, or at least before a clear dawn is seen," Rhodes finally spoke, "too many words, whether explanation or promise, are useless actions."
Flamme half-understood.
She felt there was unexpressed meaning in his words, but he didn't seem intend to clarify. Just then, Rhodes changed the subject, his tone becoming more direct. "Then, Flamme, setting aside Frieren's obsession, what about yourself? Do you wish... to stay in this world a while longer?"
Flamme trembled slightly, looking up at Rhodes abruptly.
It wasn't that she hadn't considered this question, but under her teacher's direct inquiry, those buried thoughts were instantly churned up.
She was silent for a moment, not hesitating, but carefully organizing her words. "Master, do you mean... the magic that absorbs life force?"
Rhodes nodded, not denying it.
"That is currently the only magic capable of extending human lifespan. Of course, the price is huge, and the process and ending are by no means beautiful."
Flamme just smiled knowingly.
"As expected. Thank you for being willing to consider this option for me, Master." She shook her head slightly. "But, there is no need."
"It can buy you at least several hundred years, maybe even longer." Rhodes continued stating the possibilities, his gaze never leaving Flamme's face. "You have enough talent to control it and minimize the side effects. In several hundred years, you could see the broader development of magic, accompany Frieren longer, and stay..."
He didn't finish the sentence.
"Then, what about after several hundred years, Master?" Flamme countered. "When my soul gradually alienates because it bears too much life that doesn't belong to me... will I still be Flamme then?"
"Will I become an ugly monster? Left only with the instinct to survive?"
"And when that day comes, will you have to end my life personally, Master? Terminating this journey that you extended with your own hands, yet was destined to become grotesque?"
Rhodes fell silent.
This silence was heavier than before.
He didn't answer Flamme's question because the answer was self-evident. And because the future Flamme described was the most powerful rebuttal to his proposal.
He couldn't imagine pointing destructive magic at Flamme, just as he couldn't tolerate Flamme eventually becoming such a pathetic existence.
One pitiful person like Carlo in this world was enough.
Seeing her teacher's silence, Flamme's smile became more relaxed—a lightness after thinking everything through.
"So, there really is no need, Master." Her voice softened, carrying deep satisfaction. "I feel... my life is already perfect enough."
She began to count. "I met the person I liked. Although there might be no result, at least I expressed my feelings frankly and left no regrets."
"I took Frieren as a disciple. Although she is a bit stubborn and headache-inducing, she is so pure and hardworking."
"Watching her grow bit by bit is one of my greatest joys."
"I also taught magical knowledge to many enthusiastic people, watching the Magic Association gradually become a holy land in the hearts of countless people, witnessing the emergence of miracles."
"Master, I really feel... I have no regrets."
Rhodes looked at the heartfelt smile on her face, and something in his heart was touched gently. "Really... absolutely none?"
"Deep in your heart, you actually have a grander, perhaps more difficult wish, don't you?"
"You don't just want magic to be mastered by the talented. You hope magic can be truly popularized, becoming a power that every ordinary person has the chance to touch and use to improve their lives."
"You hope to break the barrier of talent, so the light of magic can be held in everyone's hands."
Flamme froze.
She seemed to have never mentioned this dream to Rhodes; the only person she told was Frieren.
Although given Master Rhodes's personality, he wouldn't care if magic was learned by nobles or commoners, she had to consider Master Serie's feelings.
She hadn't expected Master Rhodes to see through this dream hidden deep in her heart.
As expected! Master must hold similar thoughts!
So Flamme nodded, admitting this deep expectation.
"Yes, Master. You always see through me." Her tone carried a hint of wistfulness. "But that might be a scene I cannot witness with my own eyes in this life."
"After all, realizing this goal requires a fundamental breakthrough in the foundation of magical theory. The time required probably far exceeds my imagination. So I can only hide this wish in my heart and fantasize about it occasionally."
She raised her head, looking at Rhodes with burning eyes. "But, Master, I believe in you!"
"If in the future, magic truly develops to an era capable of supporting that dream, you will definitely do something, right?"
Rhodes looked at her for a moment, then finally conceded first.
"I have been seen through completely by you as well, Flamme." He spoke in a low voice, an admission. "When magic develops to the point where it can be learned without talent... I have indeed considered that possibility."
Just this statement, bordering on an admission, made Flamme's eyes burst with incomparably bright light.
Her smile became incredibly radiant, as if she could already see the picture of the distant future that fascinated her, even knowing she wouldn't see it personally.
"That is wonderful..." she whispered, her voice choking up, but she couldn't stop smiling. "Like this... there really are no regrets. Thank you, Master. Truly, thank you."
I love you the most!
Flamme didn't say this confession aloud; she just kept it in her heart.
Rhodes looked at her appearance, as if her greatest lifelong wish had been fulfilled, and complex emotions surged in his heart again.
He waved his hand. "Let this topic end here. Go busy yourself, Flamme. There is still much work waiting for you in the Association."
Flamme nodded vigorously, bowed to Rhodes again, turned, and left with light steps.
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