Chapter 38:

“In the advancement of the magic system, mental strength and knowledge are particularly critical.”

“The former allows a mage to connect with the world, while the latter provides the means to understand it.”

“The combination of these two, using magic as the energy source to catalyze the release, is what people commonly recognize as magic.”

“The me now…”

“There is still a long way to go on the extraordinary path of magic.”

Allenson City, Magicians Association.

After exchanging the required items, Xu Xi gently stroked the cover of the magic book with his palm, feeling its frosted texture. He couldn’t help but sigh.

No extraordinary path is easy to tread. Both luck and talent are indispensable. Fortunately, he had the simulator to aid him.

As long as he could survive until the end of his life and rest peacefully, perhaps he could reach the level of a Holy Domain Magister, or maybe even aspire to divinity.

With this thought, Xu Xi placed the extraordinary materials and magic books into his space ring. Turning around, he noticed a rare incense from the far south burning in the exquisite candle holders on the walls.

The fragrance was pleasant, reminiscent of Qingshencao, a scent that cleared the mind.

At the same time, he could faintly hear a melodious female voice coming from the second floor of the association above him. The sound was intoxicating and soothing.

It was likely a banquet for noble magicians.

Xu Xi paused momentarily as he prepared to leave. He wasn’t drawn by the sound but was reminded of a certain girl waiting for him at home.

“That kid Krisha is probably cleaning the house now, right?”

“I always feel a little uneasy…”

“Before heading back, I should buy her a New Year’s gift. She’s been working so hard on her magic training.”

Xu Xi changed his course and returned to the Magicians Association’s transaction window.

After careful selection, he chose a necklace. Its outer ring was crafted from silver, shining brightly. Embedded along its length were fragments of sparkling starlight stones, making it exceptionally eye-catching.

The inner grooves were adorned with deep blue aquamarine beads, an extraordinary material sourced from the waters of Little Britain. Under light, the necklace emitted sparkling waves that resembled real tides, refracting a captivating halo.

“I hope Krisha will like it,” Xu Xi murmured, looking at the necklace in his hand.

From his perspective, the necklace suited the young witch perfectly. It would look stunning on her, and the water-attribute aquamarine beads could provide a boost to her water magic—a practical and beautiful choice.

But gifts depend on the recipient’s feelings.

…

After paying for the necklace, Xu Xi declined an invitation to the banquet upstairs and left the Magicians Association.

He then headed to the market to buy more ingredients and daily necessities.

“Buzz—”

“Buzz—”

Steam roared as cold winds howled through the city.

In this particularly harsh winter, Allenson City’s steam equipment worked overtime. The sound was like thousands of birds chirping as steam collided with the freezing air, creating cloud-like formations in the sky.

These clouds wouldn’t last long, though. They would soon be dispersed by massive steam airships or torn apart by high-speed mages soaring through the sky.

“The coexistence of steam and magic in this world is truly fascinating.”

“I wonder how humanity here embarked on such a unique path of harmony,” Xu Xi mused.

He layered protective spells over himself and used windbending to fly to the market.

With remarkable efficiency, he purchased everything he needed and then flew back toward his yard.

As he landed, a small figure was already waiting.

“Master, welcome back,” Krisha said. Her silver-gray hair shimmered in the faint light as she stood on tiptoe, helping Xu Xi remove his loose robe. She carefully brushed off the snowflakes with her small hands, her expression serious as if performing an important task.

“Yes, I’m back,” Xu Xi replied with a smile.

…

[This world is so vast that even gods can find space within it.]

[But this world is so small that, to Krisha, only you exist.]

[After cleaning the house, the young witch stood at the courtyard door, waiting for your return.]

[She helped you remove your robe, prepared soft shoes, and took the ingredients for tonight’s meal from your hands. She intended to cook New Year’s Eve dinner by herself.]

[You thought for a moment and stopped her.]

[After all, she had only recently started learning to cook and often made mistakes. Normally, you wouldn’t mind, but tonight was New Year’s Eve. Ensuring the safety of your stomach seemed important.]

[You entered the kitchen in time, preventing a potential kitchen disaster.]

[You began cooking yourself.]

[Mortal wisdom is activating… Observer is activating…]

[You comprehended all the recipes, observed every detail of the ingredients. From now on, all pots and pans would bow to your mastery, elevating your cooking skills to the level of a true expert.]

[When you asked the girl what she liked to eat, she replied that she enjoyed everything you made.]

[For a moment, you shuddered inexplicably, as though someone was watching you from somewhere.]

[Ignoring the feeling, you immersed yourself in cooking. Soon, you prepared four dishes and one soup, each emitting an enticing aroma. As you lifted the lid, a faint golden light shimmered.]

[Your cooking skills improved once again.]

…

Nightfall.

In Allenson City’s winter, the streets were nearly deserted. A thick cold fog enveloped the surroundings, muffling everything. Yet, the laughter and celebration of the townsfolk resonated through the mist, connecting them.

“Praise to the God of Fire…”

“Praise to the God of Blacksmiths…”

“Praise to the Harvest Goddess…”

“His glory, His deeds, and His brilliance bless us all. Thank you…”

Under the leadership of the city’s three divine churches, salutes rang out across Allenson.

In stark contrast, Xu Xi’s home was quiet and solitary.

The desolation of winter filled every corner.

Only the dining table, laden with delicious food, brought a hint of life to the scene.

Xu Xi sat at the head of the table, while Krisha sat to his right. Several glass lamps illuminated the surface of the dishes, reflecting their textures and colors, casting a warm glow across the room.

“Another year has passed. Next year will mark my seventh year in this simulated world.”

For a moment, Xu Xi felt a sense of disorientation.

The life simulation was so realistic.

Although memories of the real world and his first simulation lingered, and he could summon the simulator panel at will, his prolonged stay in Allenson often made him forget this was a simulation.

“But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.”

“As a child, I dreamed of traveling to different worlds. Now, in a way, that dream has come true.”

Xu Xi exhaled deeply, his expression calm and relaxed.