Sovereign of the Ashes

Intermediate initiates could quickly grasp basic and non-destructive magic spells with ease due to their expanded horizons and enriched knowledge.

The learning process was not only swift but also required minimal effort.

Over the past three years, Sein heeded his mentor’s advice and had only acquired useful basic magic spells.

Sein could only truly earn the title of a “mage” by mastering various types of magic spells.

In addition to his magic and alchemy studies, Sein found time to learn the improved version of nutritional potions from Marie, along with some foundational potion-making knowledge.

Working together efficiently and collaboratively, Sein and Faye swiftly organized their somewhat cluttered laboratory.

The experiments Morsidor, a full-fledged mage, conducted were a lot more complex compared to Sein’s usual experiments.

Throughout these years, Sein had crafted numerous alchemy items under Morsidor’s guidance.

Most of them were not standalone equipment but were components of a bigger set of magic equipment.

Sein’s intuition as a student of alchemy suggested that these components were designed to be used in combination, yet their exact purpose remained a mystery to him.

After concluding their cleanup, Faye wiped the sweat from her forehead with her wrist. She was visibly fatigued.

Faye’s constitution was much worse than Sein’s, just one night’s experiment and half an hour of tidying up had left her exhausted.

In contrast, Sein showed no exhaustion. In his current state, he could continue working for another full day.

“What a strong young man,” Faye thought to herself as she observed Sein cleaning the last bit of mess from the experiment table.

“Have you given any thought to what I mentioned last week?” Faye suddenly asked Sein as she rested her chin on her hands.

Faye’s question took Sein by surprise and left him feeling somewhat uncomfortable.

It was true that Faye had taken care of him a lot in these years, but that request that she brought up a week ago was...

The awkward look on his face made Faye huff in annoyance and said, “What? Are you telling me you have no interest in an old hag like me?”

“You’re just worried that your girlfriend might find out about it, aren’t you? It’s not a big deal, we can be discreet about it,” she added.

Faye’s suggestion caused a few beads of sweat to appear on Sein’s forehead.

A week ago, Faye had spontaneously proposed spending a night with Sein to experience being with a young man.

At that time, the proposal had taken Sein completely by surprise.

Faye probably realized how unexpectedly she had made the request and allowed Sein some time to ponder it.

Sein, assuming the request was made in jest, was taken by surprise when Faye raised the matter again a week later.

Faye had invested significant effort in maintaining her appearance and appeared to be in her twenties. Her skin, in particular, was fair and exuded a milky scent when she was nearby.

However, her actual age was certainly not as young as she portrayed.

Mages often possessed means to retain youthfulness, or even extend their lifespan.

Master Morsidor and Zorro were prime examples of those who paid little attention to their appearance.

This seemed to be a common trait among male mages, who were either engrossed in the pursuit of knowledge and power or immersed in experiments and meditation all day long, leaving little time for other concerns.

On the contrary, female mages tended to pay extra attention to their appearance, especially their skin, teeth, hair, and even nails.

Faye was no different in this regard.

Sein was aware that her knowledge in creating nutritional potions came from her dedicated study of apothecary.

Her focus during that period had been on creating potions that could improve her skin and overall well-being.

Nutritional potions had only been a minor part of Faye’s learning journey during that time.

Judging by the peculiar taste and formula of the nutritional potions, it was evident that her primary interest lay elsewhere.

Even Leena, despite her typically reserved demeanor, occasionally used a skincare potion she received from Marie.

It was evident that the vast majority of female mages placed a high value on maintaining their beauty.

Sein could not help but ponder Faye’s age, suspecting that she was likely over forty.

He did not dare to inquire about her actual age, as the last time he broached the topic, Faye had given him an earful.

Sein’s hesitation and silence were clearly frustrating Faye.

Truth be told, Sein was not entirely inexperienced, considering he had Leena as his actual girlfriend.

However, he still struggled to understand the complexities of a woman’s mind, especially in a situation that extended beyond the boundaries of his magic knowledge.

He was at a loss for what to do.

He contemplated whether to go with the flow, much like he had with Leena, and let the situation develop naturally.

Alternatively, he could follow the same approach he had used with Cindy, the fresh initiate from a few years ago, and coldly decline Faye’s request.

Then again, considering his deep bond with Faye, he could not bring himself to treat her as he had treated Cindy.

Doing something like that with Faye... felt hasty, as their emotional connection had not reached a level where such a request was appropriate.

Sein found himself grappling with uncertainty, but Faye had always been a decisive individual.

Otherwise, she would not have brought up this matter a week ago in such a straightforward manner.

After a moment, she sighed and said, “Consider yourself lucky, young man. I’ve never been involved with another man before.”

“If it weren’t for the fact that you’re reasonably good-looking and that I’ve grown rather fond of you over these past few years, I wouldn’t have chosen you so casually,” Faye remarked, standing up with her arms crossed, a smirk on her face.

Without giving Sein a chance to respond, Faye issued a clear ultimatum. “Come to my dorm room in three days. I’m sure you know where it is.”

“It’s fine if you don’t want to. I won’t force you, but don’t count on my assistance in the future either!”

With that, Faye walked out of the laboratory, leaving Sein with a pounding headache and a swirl of confusion.

“Sheesh, that kid is painfully oblivious. Or has my allure waned?” Faye mused with a touch of exasperation as she exited the laboratory.

At the same time, a small magic mirror appeared in her hand.

Faye had this mirror crafted for her by Zorro after she persuaded him.

Unlike Sein, who was deeply engrossed in the mysteries of magic and the elements, Faye occasionally directed her attention elsewhere.

Inside the magic mirror, Faye still appeared youthful and beautiful, seemingly untouched by the passage of time.

However, Faye knew her own skin condition well. She could see the faint wrinkle under her eye.

It had been a month since the wrinkle had appeared. Despite using various skincare and magic potions, she could not make it vanish.

Life and youth were precious commodities, often elusive even with wealth and magic.

Faye’s only hope for reversing the aging process lay in advancing to a full-fledged mage and achieving a profound life transformation.

Without this, all her efforts could only slow down the aging process and not truly restore her youth.

“I should make the most of these experiences while I’m still young. It won’t be the same when I’m older,” Faye contemplated to herself.

Can I really break through to a full-fledged mage? I’m still quite a distance from even reaching the level of a Quasi Mage. Even if I do reach that point in the future, there are rumors that the rejuvenation effect is limited once you’re older.

I better just hand out my first time now. Sheesh, I can still remember twenty years ago when initiates at the Black Magic Academy pursued me in droves. They could’ve filled up the entire academy building.

Poor Aaron, why did you have to leave us so soon? Among the initiates who pursued me, you were the one who really stood a chance.

But I guess that didn’t matter. If it weren’t for Aaron’s untimely passing, I might never have met this handsome and mature junior.

Hehe, I hope that that guy won’t stand me up in three days.

“Well, I’m about to reach... years old. Is it so wrong to desire such an experience?” Faye whispered to herself.

However, as she pondered less favorable outcomes, she stomped her heel into the ground.

With a vicious look on her face, she added, “If he doesn’t show up, I’ll have to take matters into my own hands.”

“That girlfriend of his is stronger than him. I wonder if she was also the one who made the first move back then,” Faye speculated with a mischievous grin.