Chapter 33

[After adopting a witch, your life takes a subtle turn.]

[Previously, your days were consumed by studying magic and conducting various magical experiments, but since adopting Krisa, part of your time has been devoted to teaching her.]

[You don’t see this as a burden. Instead, you find it a fulfilling way to spend your spare time, especially since your magical attainments are already advanced, and improving your strength is just a matter of time.]

[Krisa surprises you with her remarkable perceptiveness, far exceeding your expectations.]

[Within a week, she masters basic knowledge about human society and how to interact with others. Despite her tragic past leaving her somewhat unusual, she can now hold normal conversations with you.]

[You feel pleased and praise Krisa for her efforts.]

[But as much as her progress brings you joy, you can’t ignore the unsettling void within her. It’s not just her impure demon blood, her damaged horns, or the incomplete scales on her skin.]

[The most concerning issue is her emotional detachment.]

[She doesn’t know joy, sadness, or anger. Only fear lingers.]

[Her harrowing past, filled with countless insults, beatings, and despair, taught her to numb herself and suppress unnecessary emotions.]

[She can’t smile, can’t cry.]

[All that remains are physical instincts molded by repeated pain and the reflexive fear of beatings.]

[Once, as you reached across the table to take a cup of black tea, Krisa screamed in terror, mistakenly thinking you were about to strike her. She cowered in the corner, trembling in fear.]

[Since then, you’ve consciously softened your movements, gradually helping her grow more comfortable around you.]

[Time flies quickly. Within just fifteen days of adopting Krisa, your careful guidance has transformed her. She has become more obedient and has even begun helping with daily tasks.]

[You ponder her future deeply, considering her options before presenting them to her.]

[1. Let Krisa stay at home as a maid to help with your daily life.]

[2. Teach Krisa magic, allowing her to become a true witch and change her life forever.]

[3. Give her sufficient money and let her leave to start a new life.]

The cold autumn wind howled through Allenson City, scattering dead leaves across the streets.

In a courtyard closer to the city center, a young girl—no older than eleven or twelve—stood with dull, lifeless eyes. Her demeanor resembled a machine without self-will.

Three items lay before her.

The first was a maid’s outfit.

The second was the robe of a magic apprentice.

The third was a bulging bag of coins.

Each item represented a different path in life.

Without hesitation, Krisa ignored the bag of coins. Despite its promise of financial security, it didn’t tempt her in the slightest.

“Maid…”

Her gaze lingered on the maid’s outfit.

Krisa had no interest in extraordinary power or aspirations of greatness. The idea of remaining by Xu Xi’s side, even as a maid, seemed like a happy ending to her.

Just as she reached out for the maid’s outfit, she noticed a hint of disappointment in Xu Xi’s eyes.

Her hand paused, then hesitantly shifted toward the magic apprentice’s robe.

This time, she saw it—relief flickered in Xu Xi’s expression.

With newfound determination, Krisa grabbed the apprentice’s robe.

“Master, I’ve made my choice,” Krisa said flatly, her tone devoid of emotion. Clad in the black apprentice’s robe, her long, gray-silver hair gave her an air of quiet mystery.

“Krisa, starting tomorrow, come to the meditation room. I’ll teach you the fundamentals of meditation,” Xu Xi said, his tone kind yet firm.

Gently stroking Krisa’s hair, which had begun to regain its luster, Xu Xi felt a mix of guilt and relief.

He knew Krisa hadn’t chosen this path for herself but had done so to please him.

Though he felt guilty, he also believed it was the right decision.

In this world of magic, strength was essential to control one’s destiny.

For demons, who had far longer lifespans than humans, survival depended on power. Even Krisa, as a half-demon, could potentially live for centuries, maybe even a thousand years.

Xu Xi didn’t know how long he could remain in this simulated world, but he doubted it would be as long as Krisa’s lifespan. He feared that without power, she might one day face the same abuse and suffering she had endured before.

“I must teach her magic—the kind of power that can truly protect her.”

Xu Xi knew Krisa’s demon blood rendered her unable to draw magic from divine belief. Fortunately, as an elemental mage, he could guide her to connect with the elements.

Looking up at the bare branches of the courtyard tree, Xu Xi thought about the fleeting nature of time.

“Krisa, let’s head inside. It’s too cold out here, and you might catch a cold.”

“Yes, Master,” Krisa replied softly, following closely behind him.

The next day, deep within the courtyard, in a room transformed into a meditation chamber, the flickering candlelight cast long shadows on the walls.

Xu Xi and Krisa sat facing each other, surrounded by a magic circle engraved into the floor.

The circle enhanced focus and heightened elemental perception—perfect for a novice like Krisa.

“Clear your mind, Krisa. Empty it of all thoughts. Let yourself naturally sense the elements around you,” Xu Xi instructed.

He waved a tan wand lightly, filling the room with a faintly burning scent. The air grew thick and warm, infused with the essence of Qingshen Grass—a miraculous herb known for its ability to enlighten and guide beginner mages.

Xu Xi estimated that with a month of diligent practice in this environment, Krisa could become a true magic apprentice without relying on divine belief.

“Take your time. There’s no need to rush,” Xu Xi said calmly, prepared for a long journey ahead.

After all, elemental mages were rare in this world, and a half-demon mage was practically unheard of.

“Master, I’ve done it,” Krisa said suddenly, her voice steady and confident.

“?”