Archwizard K’s Journey In The Cultivation World

Case 108: Before the Iris sleeps.

With regards to mana circles and other permanent engraves or inscriptions, Kierra always favored a more meticulous, steady approach. If one didn't have the patience to refine their own arts, they wouldn't have the right to wield them fully.

However, with how urgent things were, the archwizard couldn't help but seek shortcuts.

'Shortcuts' might be an exaggeration. She wouldn't want to hurt her own growth by doing something stupid. It was in the sense that she wanted to innovate her own way of growing. Being the pinnacle of magic, she was, more than anyone, aware that the science of it hadn't reached its end yet. Not for a while. Besides her, there would be many more geniuses who had the capabilities to revolutionize the arts further.

It had been a few years.

She wondered if someone had done it during that time.

''Whew...''

After a few days, Kierra was on the verge of finishing the sixth circle or her second heart. Thinking she might need a rest from this strain, the archwizard exited her room.

For now, her first goal was to check on the Crimson Tower's library.

As the tower's master, Kierra, of course, had full clearance on all its facilities, and so did the guests she brought. Amidst the ginormous shelves of books that required ladders to gain full access, there stood a lone woman with lush black hair that was distinct from the surrounding red, blue, or brown.

''Mhm...''

Yu Chen flipped a page of the book she was reading; her earrings swayed gently as her eyes squinted.

''Do you need help finding books?''

''Eh, ah... Kierra?''

The two smiled slightly at each other, keeping their interaction casual.

In the end, Yu Chen decided she wanted to accompany her lover. Walking along the maze-like paths, they headed toward the center of the floor.

''What were you trying to look for?''

''Books about the history of magic... maybe?''

Yu Chen giggled, hugging Kierra's arm.

''You were in a lot of those stories.'' She added. ''Was it true that you developed a nine-star spell in one day?''

''I didn't clock it, but it took around one day, yes.''

''I want to learn it. [Hellflame]... that sounds powerful.''

''If I have the time, sure.''

Soon enough, they arrived at a round space without bookshelves. In the middle of it, an elaborate counter was present, with several people working inside it. Looking closer, it was where matters related to books were processed.

''How may I help you—wah?!''

The young woman—an apprentice wizard working as a librarian—promptly freaked out when she saw the tower master with her signature sullen look.

''Do you have the catalog of titles that passed the quality check in the last three years?''

''O-Of course, tower master! I shall prepare it for you right away!''

''Wait.''

''Y-Yes...?''

''Chen, what would you like to read?''

''Erm...''

The librarian finally heaved out a relieved sigh, receiving Yu Chen's request instead of a scold. After a brief wait, she brought back a stack of books and a slightly larger catalog. Kierra skimmed through the list, picking the ones she was interested in. Then, the couple moved to a table in a quiet corner.

The afternoon's dimmed sunlight poured in from the window, dyeing everything a nostalgic orange.

As the lamp flicked on, Yu Chen leaned on Kierra's shoulder.

''After all of this ends... let's get married.''

The archwizard paused her reading for a moment, ''...That came out of nowhere.''

''I was meant to tell you this for a bit, but... you know.'' Yu Chen bitterly smiled. ''Cultivating is fun. Magic is also fun. Still... I want to settle down with you, living peacefully for a long, long time.''

''...''

''Am I being too presumptuous?''

Her voice, as soft as a whisper, yet carrying emotions so heavy they made Kierra's heart tighten. So, Kierra stopped contemplating and spoke her heart,

''Of course, when all of this is over.''

''Would I be the first?''

''...''

''Fufu, I'm kidding. We'll all do it together, alright?''

'All... together.'

Kierra chewed on her lover's words for a moment. For what she feared the most was losing her loved ones—would it still be the same with someone missing?

'...Let's not think about it for now.'

In the end, Kierra couldn't find something that could benefit her at this level. Still, it wasn't as though the trip was fruitless. She gained a few ideas, which were stopped at mere proposals by amateurs, yet they were more creative than most.

Creativity didn't equal effectiveness, but it was good enough for a refresh.

The minds of beginners could produce many noteworthy thoughts, even if the majority of them were useless.

She also gained a Yu Chen.

''Woah... it's only the second time I'm here, but I love this already.''

''...''

She quite shamelessly followed Kierra back to her room after their date at the library. She didn't ask for permission—not because she was shy, but perhaps as a sign of force.

Kierra didn't say anything about that, anyway.

''Where do you often train, Kierra?''

Yu Chen, gaining a wordless permit, flopped onto the fluffy bed and made herself wholly home. Kierra let out a chuckle at this sight.

'Is she trying to assert her presence?'

It was as though a cat was trying to claim its owner's space. A harmless, cozy invasion—she didn't hate it. So, without much thought, she also made herself comfortable, removing her coat and sitting down beside Yu Chen.

''On the floor, usually.''

''Naked?''

''Naked. Why?''

''I'm jealous.''

Somehow, the conversation took a strange turn. Kierra took a glance at her mischievous lover, only to see a prominent blush on her cheeks, one that was borderline intoxication.

'Hm... it has been a while indeed.'

It had been a moment since Kierra bedded anyone. It made sense that their lust would run rampant in the process. As she pondered that, at some point, Yu Chen had already inched closer to her, greedily wrapping her arms around the archwizard's waist.

The soft breaths tickled the fair, silky skin.

Leaving herself to the urge, Kierra's hand moved, combing through Yu Chen's hair, which was as black as hers. The woman lightly purred, nuzzling against her palm.

''I'll bathe first, okay?''

Kierra asked, kissing her forehead. In response, Yu Chen momentarily paused her movement and... tightened her grip. 

''I'll go with you.'' She declared.

''Aren't you being too presumptuous?''

''Am I? We've seen each other's all already. Why so shy?''

''...''

''...''

For a bit, there was only silence in the room. Eventually, they both laughed it off, and together, they headed toward the shower. It wasn't for certain if there had been a happy accident inside or not, but it did take a while for them to go out.

''Hah... this is more exhausting than I thought.''

''This is why I told you not to push it. It's dangerous in that slippery space, too.''

''...Speaking from experience?''

''Ask that bluehead—the rival of yours.''

At the mention of August, Yu Chen sprung up from the bed, clinging determinedly to Kierra.

''Don't mention her. Don't mention anyone else.''

''You were the one who asked.''

''Don't care. Let's... do it again...

...before I fall asleep.''