I AM A MAGE BUT WITH MILF SYSTEM

Chapter 537: Aspect of the nature

”Strangers. Which world do you step from? The realm of fire? The realm of stars? Or…” His eyes lingered on Julian, then drifted to Annie, lingering too long. ”…the realm of mortals?”

Annie shifted uncomfortably under his gaze while Julian only smirked, tilting his head.

”I am Valdris,” the man continued. ”Your presence here is...unusual. The barriers between realms have been particularly unstable of late, and yet here you stand at Heavenʼs threshold as if you simply walked through a door.”

Julianʼs lips curved into a faint smile, his confidence unwavering even in the presence of this divine being.

”Well then, thank you for letting us know,” he replied smoothly, though he offered no immediate answer to the question.

Valdris nodded, his eyes studying both visitors with growing curiosity. His gaze lingered longer than was comfortable, as though he could see through the surface of their bodies into something deeper, more fundamental.

”And what do you both go by?”

For a moment there was silence. Annieʼs lips parted, and though Julian felt her hesitate, she forced herself to answer.

”I... I am Annie. And this—” she glanced at him quickly, ”—this is my son, Rael.”

Julian raised a brow at her words, the faintest twitch of amusement passing across his lips, but he said nothing. Even after all she had witnessed, she still clung to that word: son.

Valdrisʼs eyes sharpened with interest. For a long moment he simply studied both visitors, his expression unreadable. Then, unexpectedly, he smiled.

”Hmm. A mother and son. How rare. How... intimate,” he said, the way he spoke making Annieʼs skin prickle with discomfort.

She glanced down, ashamed, yet unable to shake the chill that ran along her spine. Julian, however, only tilted his head, his grin widening as though daring the man to continue.

”Well then,” Valdris continued, ”since you are new here, the first thing you must understand is simple. This is not Heaven.”

He spread his arms slightly, as if inviting them to look deeper into the strange realm stretching behind them.

”What you see is only a passage. The first of many. You must cross the zones of purification before you can even glimpse the true gates of paradise.”

Julianʼs eyes narrowed with intrigue. ”Zones of purification, you say? Sounds more like a punishment than a reward.”

Valdris gave a knowing smile. ”Punishment and reward are the two sides of the same coin. You see, each zone strips away what you carry, leaving only the truth of what you are. Pride, envy, lust, wrath, greed, gluttony. They will not be stories or lessons, but living trials. And those who enter...” his eyes flicked over Annie meaningfully, ”...are not the same when they leave.”

As Valdris spoke, other inhabitants of this realm began to gather nearby. Their attire was indeed minimal and elegant, emphasizing their freedom and allure.

One of the women drifted close to Annie, her steps silent as flowing water. She moved with the ease of someone who had nothing to hide, her bare skin glowing faintly under the strange light that filled this place. Without a word, she brushed her arm deliberately against Annieʼs sleeve, the fabric of Annieʼs gown suddenly feeling heavy and out of place. The womanʼs lips curved into the faintest smirk, as if mocking Annieʼs modesty.

Annie stiffened, her whole body going rigid as she turned her face away, trying to ignore the burning heat creeping into her cheeks.

Julian, observing the interaction, let out a low chuckle, seemingly at ease with the otherworldly atmosphere. ”Tell me... is this how everyone dresses in your realm?”

Valdris tilted his head thoughtfully. ”Attire here reflects oneʼs relationship with truth and burden. Heavy clothing often represents attachments to shame, fear, or earthly concerns. As one progresses through purification, such weights naturally fall away.”

Annie swallowed hard, hugging herself protectively. She noticed the other inhabitants watching them curiously, their gazes intent and piercing. They whispered among themselves, sometimes giggling softly, sometimes staring at Julian as though measuring him.

”And what happens,” Annie asked hesitantly, ”if someone cannot complete these... purifications?”

Valdrisʼs expression did not change, but his silence stretched long enough to make her regret asking. Finally, he answered:

”Then they stay. Some willingly. Some do not. They remain in whichever zone resonates most with their nature, often finding peace in that acceptance. This place has many inhabitants who once thought they could pass through.”

At that, one of the women stepped forward, standing almost shoulder-to-shoulder with Annie. Her skin brushed Annieʼs sleeve again, this time firmer, her perfume oddly intoxicating. She leaned in close, her lips almost grazing Annieʼs ear.

”Better to shed your shame early. It is easier that way.”

Annie gasped softly and pulled back, her face turning deep red. Julian chuckled again, enjoying her embarrassment far too much.

”Fascinating,” Julian said. ”So what mortals might consider virtues could actually be limitations here?”

Valdris nodded slowly, his expression taking a more serious tone. ”Yes. We here move forward believing that transcendence is obtained only when letting things go. No shackles, no chains. No physical burdens, no emotional attachments...” They paused, their gaze settling explicitly on Annie, ”...and no moral restriction either.”

Annie felt her breath catch as she realized the full implication of what Valdris was suggesting.

”You speak of morality as if it were a disease,” she said, her voice trembling slightly but carrying a note of defiance. ”Where I come from, moral principles are what separate us from beasts. They give meaning to our choices, structure to our lives.”

Valdris tilted his head with something approaching sympathy. ”And yet, dear Annie, those very principles have also been the source of how much suffering? How many wars have been fought over competing moral codes? How many individuals have tortured themselves with guilt over desires that harm no one? How many have lived lives, denying their authentic nature to meet the standards of others?”

The man gestured gracefully to the floating islands around them. ”Here, in the zones of purification, you will encounter versions of yourself unbound by such limitation. You will see what you truly desire when fear of judgment is removed.”

Julian watched this exchange with growing interest. ”And you believe this leads to a higher form of existence?”

”Not believe,” Valdris corrected gently. ”Know. We have witnessed it countless times. Those who successfully navigate the zones emerge not as lesser beings driven by raw desire, but as complete beings who understand all aspects of their nature.”