Chapter 286 - 037: Sorry

Chapter 286: 037: Sorry

Only later did Lynch realize that ever since Graham had gone missing, his family had been searching for him too. Their method, however, could only be described as laughable—it was the most foolish approach, going door to door asking people one by one.

In these days, they had visited everyone associated with Lynch. Lanice’s place wasn’t even their first stop. It just so happened that this time Lynch and the others really were here, and they hadn’t been able to remain calm. You could only call it coincidence.

…

The Lanice Estate, guest room.

Inside the guest room, candlelight flickered. Heavy gray drapes hung over a four-poster bed, and the fire in the hearth danced lightly. The leaping flames occasionally opened their eyes to glance at the bed, as if the burning fire elements were intensely curious about the scene there.

Roland was seated on the edge of the bed, frowning as he stared at the unconscious Graham. His expression was grave.

Lynch stood to the side, explaining, “I’ve tried many methods, but I still can’t eradicate the Abyss Soul Devouring Worms. I can only make these little things temporarily fall into a deep sleep and prevent the body from decaying.”

Roland’s brows eased slightly, and he turned to Lynch, forcing a strained smile. “This is not your fault. The curse effect formed by the Punishment Stone Pillar in combination with the Abyss Soul Devouring Worms is exceptionally powerful. To resolve it would require at least a Third Tier…no, Fourth Tier strength to even have a chance.”

Lynch frowned. “Fourth Tier?”

If that really were the case, it’d be utterly absurd. After all, scouring the Ancient Ruins for the strongest individuals would only yield Third Tier talents. Did this mean Graham had no chance of survival at all?

Roland nodded and sighed deeply. “Although I don’t want to admit it, Graham’s current condition truly leaves little room for optimism. There’s no one here capable of saving him.”

Lynch’s brows furrowed even tighter.

Seeing this, Roland tried to comfort him. “You don’t need to feel sorrow over this. You’ve already done so much for Graham. If it weren’t for you, the boy would’ve died on Punishment Square, with not even a shred of a chance left.”

Lynch shook his head. “This was my responsibility.”

These Wizard Families had come for him in the first place. Graham was only implicated because of him. If anyone should feel guilt, it was him.

After a pause, he asked, “From what you said earlier, does that mean Graham isn’t entirely beyond saving?”

Roland nodded. “Yes.”

After a brief moment, he elaborated, “In his current state, there are only two places in this world where he might be saved. One is the Land of Freedom, and the other is the Land of Fran. I know some Witches at the Universal Healing Institute in Fran. Perhaps it’s worth a shot to see if they can do anything.”

The Universal Healing Institute, part of the Five Rings Wizard Domain in the Land of Fran, was a renowned Wizard organization specializing in healing spells. It was considered one of the most outstanding healing factions in the world.

Lynch said, “The Universal Healing Institute? I’ve heard of them too.”

After a moment of contemplation, he nodded. “Alright then. If that’s the case, I’ll leave Graham in your hands.”

Trusting so easily? Weren’t you afraid they might plot something?

On this point, Lynch had confidence.

Firstly, Lynch had heard Graham mention Roland before, describing him as an exceptionally responsible and competent family leader, someone who was always thinking about the family and tirelessly working to secure the best interests for each of its members. The declining Scoochi Family had essentially survived under his steadfast leadership.

Of course, character alone wasn’t enough to dispel doubts. Lynch’s faith primarily stemmed from the rules governing this land.

Rules regarding the survival of Wizard Families.

For families like the Scoochi Family, whose power was limited and even waning, internal unity was the fundamental principle of their existence. Take this time, for instance: they’d journeyed thousands of miles to look for Graham. Did they not understand how slim the chances were?

They knew. Yet they still had to act, because only by addressing the welfare of their family members—even if it was just to show they had tried—could they motivate and unite the family, securing their place in the world.

As for collective Pureblood interests?

In the hierarchy of family-centric rules, family interests always came first. Collective interests inevitably had to take a backseat. If this were happening to any other Wizard Family, the outcome would likely be similar.

“But…”

At that moment, Roland furrowed his brows again.

Lynch asked, “What’s the matter?”

Roland hesitated. “To go to Fran, we need to board a Flying Aircraft. The problem is, Graham’s legal identity has already been revoked…”

Lynch asked, “What about traveling to a neighboring Wizard Domain?”

Although Graham had been placed under a wanted notice, it was limited to the Ancient Ruins. Unlike Lynch, whose name was on the Supreme Wanted List, theoretically Graham could leave the Ancient Ruins and board a Flying Aircraft from a neighboring domain.

Roland said, “It’s possible, yes… but right now, the leading three Wizard Organizations and affiliated families have formed an alliance to implement a total blockade of the Ancient Ruins. This incident has caused such a stir that even the Black Tower Alliance has been notified, and all exits are sealed tight.”

This was indeed a problem…

The Scoochi Family was clearly incapable of breaking through such a blockade. Even if they could, they wouldn’t dare to.

After all, this was the kind of affair that couldn’t see the light of day. Even if caught attempting a covert operation, they might still have some chance of negotiating. Making a large commotion and attempting a direct breach would be suicide. They couldn’t risk the entire family just for Graham, right?

Lynch thought for a moment before speaking. “I have two plans.”

“First, I take Graham out myself.”

As far as escape went, excluding a handful of Third Tier opponents, Lynch was confident no one could reliably capture him.

“But the risk in doing so is great. I can’t guarantee they wouldn’t escalate and issue a Supreme Wanted notice for Graham too.”

He paused and continued, “As for the second method, it would require your cooperation.”

Roland said, “Please, go on.”

Lynch said, “I’ll create a commotion, and you can take advantage of the chaos to smuggle Graham out.”

Lynch had used this tactic before when he and Avery were fleeing. The results had been immediate.

Roland said, “You mean…”

Lynch explained, “Their primary target is still me. As long as I appear near the border, they’ll undoubtedly divert most of their forces there. That should make sneaking Graham out comparatively easier.”

Roland pondered this for a while, then discussed it briefly with the other two family members present.

Soon after, all three stood together and solemnly bowed deeply to Lynch, declaring, “The Scoochi Family will forever remember your name, never forgetting your kindness!”

Enjoy placing people on a wanted list? Love picking a fight?

Fine!

Bring it on!

A glint of cold determination flashed in Lynch’s eyes.

…

And so, the plan was roughly decided. Both sides then spent some time discussing the specific details of the operation. Essentially, Lynch would head towards the eastern border to first attack a few local Wizard Family estates and draw the surrounding forces away. The Scoochi Family members would then use the chaos to smuggle Graham out.

As for Lynch himself…

He was already on the Supreme Wanted List and couldn’t board a Flying Aircraft. Once the situation calmed, he would head north instead, entering the ruins of the wastelands. For what came after… he would decide when the time came.

After resting for two more days, on the evening of the third day, Lynch received a message from the Scoochi Family. Everything on their end was ready, and he could take action the next morning.

Before setting out, Lynch was in his room packing his belongings.

“Knock, knock, knock!”

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

Lynch turned his head and saw Lanice standing at the doorway, her eyes slightly red.

She walked into the room, watching Lynch as he packed, and asked, “Have you… finalized your departure time?”

Lynch nodded. “Yes, the agreed time is early tomorrow morning, so I’m leaving tonight.”

Lanice’s expression sank. “So soon…”

Lynch said, “Yes.”

Lanice said, “Let me help you.”

Without waiting for a response, she stepped forward and began helping Lynch pack. But her movements were agonizingly slow, repeatedly picking up and putting down a single Magic Potion Bottle, as if she could never finish.

Lynch took the Magic Potion Bottle from her hands. “I’ll do it myself.”

Lanice fell silent for a while.

Then suddenly, she asked, “Is it impossible for me?”

In a bitter voice, she said, “Can’t I come with you?”

“I’m not afraid. It doesn’t matter if it’s White Wizards or Black Wizards—I don’t care. I don’t expect anything in return. Even if I’m just by your side as an assistant, an apprentice…”

Lynch cut her off. “No.”

If he had hesitated about how to handle his feelings for Lanice before, the moment he had been placed on the Supreme Wanted List, his answer had become crystal clear.

Lanice was a Level 1 Instructor at the Magic Potion Manor, a rising star admired by countless Wizard Families. She was poised to ascend to become a Wizard, securing the status and position matching her talent. A bright and stable future awaited her.

But if she followed him…

It would mean harsh days, always on the run, never having a place to call home, constantly facing threats of assassination from who-knows-where.

A life on the run?

That might sound romantic in theory, but in practice, it was riddled with issues. At least Lynch couldn’t promise Lanice anything better than what she already had. If so, what was the point of dragging her down?

After a pause, Lynch said bluntly, “Sorry, Lanice, but I’ve thought about this carefully over the past few days. I don’t feel that way about you.”

Lanice visibly flinched. All color drained from her face in an instant, as if every trace of life had been stripped from her.

*Drip, drip…*

Silent tears began to well up in her eyes, cascading down her cheeks like broken strands of pearls, shattering on the floor in tiny, imperceptible ripples.

Her lips pressed tightly together, her teeth sinking deep into her lower lip, almost drawing blood, yet she seemed numb to the pain. Her entire body trembled uncontrollably, as though trying with all her strength to suppress a flood of emotion teetering on the brink of collapse.

The air grew suffocatingly heavy, broken only by her subdued sobbing—a sound that seemed to well up from her soul, a mournful dirge of heartbreak.

Truthfully, witnessing such a scene tore at Lynch as well. Instinctively, he wanted to hold her, to console her.

But he knew he couldn’t.

If you don’t dare shoulder the responsibility or have the courage to fight for someone else’s happiness, you shouldn’t give them hope or expectations.

And so,

He steeled himself, slinging the pack over his shoulder.

“I’m sorry. Forget about me.”

With that, he strode away without looking back.

The world around seemed to freeze in that moment.

In the vast room, only Lanice’s quiet sobbing echoed faintly.

Every ounce of warmth, every cherished fantasy, seemed to shatter into a thousand pieces. What she had envisioned in her heart was nothing more than an illusion, as fleeting as the dew atop a mirror flower.

No…

Suddenly, Lanice snapped back to herself. She flung the door open and dashed out.

But outside, Lynch’s figure was already gone. Still, she clung to the doorframe, shouting into the distance:

“No!”

“I will not forget!”

“Never!”

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