Surviving The Fourth Calamity

Felis could clearly understand Russell’s words, although hesitant, were tinged with encouragement and support.

Russell knew well that if Felis chose to follow the people from Sia Tower, they would inevitably become opponents... Even if he chose not to be Russell’s enemy, they could no longer continue to be friendly.

Yet he still brought it up.

Felis quickly judged one thing: His talent leaning towards the soul was not just a trait of the Tower of Dark Enigma; quite possibly, the mastermind behind Sia Tower might also be adept at soul spells.

Russell’s teacher seemed to hint at something between the lines... That’s why Russell gave him this suggestion.

Compared to solely relying on self-study... Ruth’s help could only go so far, no matter how outstanding Felis performed, nothing would change until he became a Seventh Circle Mage.

However, if he really managed to become a Seventh Circle Mage on his own, then there would be no need for anyone to change their attitude.

Russell indeed was considering his future... even if it meant possibly leading him into darkness.

This was entirely different from being forced to change soul attributes by consuming a soul elixir; entering darkness doesn’t necessarily mean doing evil, and even if one chooses to do evil, it’s based on their own choice.

For mages, factions were never a problem; the real issue was whether it was truly their own will.

Felis hesitated not for a moment, ”I will stay here.”

Russell was somewhat surprised.

Felis had principles; that wasn’t surprising, but the fact that his standards were so high left him a bit bewildered.

”Kindness is merely a choice, not a necessity, you know?” Russell asked quietly.

”I’m far more familiar with the Tower of Dark Enigma than you are.” Felis rolled his eyes, ”What I’ve seen are things that would never appear in front of a proper mage like you, who has backing and cards to play.

Tut-tut, the tower masters who allow these things to happen within their realm are far from associated with the word ’kindness.’

The Hainarson family, in comparison, is practically a paradise.”

Felis held the book, moved to his desk, and sat down, ”But the more I see such scenes, the stronger my rebellious psychology becomes.

Just because everyone does it doesn’t mean I have to follow suit.

I don’t know if this emotion is connected to my talent, but... I want to act according to my heart.

Just self-study, Archmage Gilbert primarily relied on self-study too, didn’t he?

I don’t know how far I can go, but, I’ll move forward slowly! That’s far better than before.

Moreover, your arrival makes my path even more resolute, thanks, Russell.”

”What do you mean?” Russell was truly confused this time.

”The Tower of Dark Enigma’s heritage magic book.” Felis glanced at him, pulled out a simple and unassuming black leather book from several others, ”I don’t believe you truly can’t tell the difference between metal and leather covers.

So you must have been unaware to be so blind.

But Archmage Ruth, and your teacher, couldn’t be as clueless.”

Russell widened his eyes... Leather? He clearly touched each one!

He tried hard to recall his previous feelings, though now suddenly a strange vagueness seemed to surface, but just moments ago, when he casually thumbed through it, it was supposed to be a Black Iron Book.

He still possessed some memory of it.

In this world today, leather isn’t nonexistent, considering the Magic Tower still raises some small animals... even rat leather is leather.

But to make a magic book and particularly one that appears ancient, the leather covers are from legendary extinct powerful creatures.

Just like the dragon that left all Magic Towers in defeat.

Even without being as astonishingly powerful as that dragon, at least it’s not something any mage could touch.

”Just giving it to you... Why?” Russell murmured.

”Perhaps, it’s because there hasn’t been a Soul Mage in the Tower of Dark Enigma for a long time.

No one can teach me anyway, so let’s see how much I can learn from this book myself.” Felis lowered his eyes, fingers gently tracing the black leather cover.

”Um... What kind of reason is that?” Russell still couldn’t comprehend.

What puzzled him more was why Ruth placed such trust in Felis, and Gilbert responded with such indifference, as though this heritage book had no difference from any other magic book.

”No need for that look.” Felis chuckled softly, ”That Archmage isn’t a fool.

Once I resolved not to go to Sia Tower, willing to remain in the Tower of Dark Enigma as a mere mage, this book transformed into what it is now.

If I hadn’t figured it out... this book would remain no different from other magic books in my hands.

In the end, it would return to the Archmage’s hands.

Such peculiar ways of testing people... No wonder the magic tower folks always noted that Archmage has a somewhat eccentric style.”

Russell felt something was off but knew asking Felis would be useless, so he calmly said, ”So, ultimately, you’ll have to choose your own path.

I can’t help you with that...

Then, I can only wish you follow your heart and walk on that bright sunny road.”

Felis couldn’t help but laugh, ”Such stiff wishes, how can you even say that.

Still, I appreciate the sentiment, it indeed made me feel warm.

Russell, speak more kindly... Words may be sharp, but they won’t lead you to a beautiful life.”

”Archmage Ruth’s tongue is the sharpest in the Tower of Dark Enigma.” Russell now genuinely intended to leave, ”As long as someday I also grow strong, then my so-called abrasive character won’t be an issue.

After all, I’m simply being honest, just not in the most pleasing manner.”

”Why insist on honesty? Sometimes a touching lie is reasonable too.

In this world, lies sometimes allow one to live more cheerfully.”

”Ah... You have your persistence, I have mine.”

”Do you know what you’re talking about?”

”Of course.

No one knows their own choice better than I do now.

It’s great, even though we’re different, we’ve found the path we want to take.

Then, farewell, Felis.”

”I don’t think you need to sound like we’ll be apart for so long, it’s unlikely Sia Tower wouldn’t give us even a year.”

”Who knows? Recently, I’ve been doing quite well with Prophecy Spells!” Russell waved without looking back as he left.

”What nonsense? That’s entirely different; you think you’re stargazing?

Hey~ Russell... wait...”

Felis didn’t know if Russell heard him... After all, once the chamber door was closed, no sound could penetrate.

But now he knew, Russell had a bit of a venomous touch.

He’s seen many with sharp tongues, but how does Russell make harsh words sound like real prophecy?

That... mysterious prophecy spell, could it really be true... how could it be?

If Russell, a newly advanced official mage, could truly glimpse part of destiny, then why be a mage, just become a god!

If it weren’t for Russell sending a message, Felis feared he might truly be forgotten by the world... Fortunately Gilbert remained Gilbert, even busy with moving, he opened access to parts of the side tower and underground passage to him.

Felis could now freely traverse between Gilbert’s side tower and the outer ring of Hainarson Mansion... Of course, the mansion location was still a wasteland Gilbert seized the opportunity to secure for his family... and traverse the secret path.

Initially, Gilbert didn’t intend to grant such access... Felis understood this was undoubtedly related to him inheriting the soul department’s heritage book.

Archmage Ruth portrayed a calm demeanor but seemed genuinely attentive to him.

Felis had some understanding of Gilbert’s character: although willing to support him, he wouldn’t go out of bounds for Felis.

Allowing Felis to take over parts of his side tower’s access, even permitting him unrestricted passage between the Tower of Dark Enigma’s inner and outer rings, must be due to Ruth’s exceptional permission.

In such a chaotic external atmosphere, Felis suddenly felt he quite mattered.

Embracing his magic book, he walked slowly through the underground passage he could finally enter, feeling somewhat complex.