Sovereign of the Ashes

A year and a half later...

“Sein, you look so handsome when you’re conducting experiments.”

Faye leaned over the experimental table, resting her face on her hands as she watched Sein, who was immersed in his work.

Speaking during an experiment was generally considered taboo, so she only broke the silence when Sein was wrapping up.

Her flirtatious compliment went either unnoticed or ignored as Sein concentrated on finishing the Verdant Flame Eye Mask laid out before him.

Since acquiring Morsidor’s remaining magic notes and the alchemy handbooks, Sein’s skills in alchemy had significantly improved.

After receiving centuries of accumulated wisdom from Morsidor, Sein had identified several areas for enhancement and strengthening in the Verdant Flame Eye mask.

Great inventions often started with paying meticulous attention to detail.

The Verdant Flame Eye Mask was one of Sein’s strengths and a key means of defense, so he invested considerable effort into enhancing it.

After applying the final touches, Sein exhaled a soft sigh of relief and carefully stowed away the mask.

He then turned to Faye and asked, “Have you completed all the homework I assigned you the other day? What about the magic tomes I picked out for you-...”

Before Sein could finish, Faye waved her hand dismissively. “I finished those ages ago and I’m almost done with the tomes. However, there are parts that I don’t understand and could use your help, my little junior.”

Faye emphasized the word “little” playfully in a flirtatious tone.

A year and a half had passed since Sein began living in Faye’s magic tower.

Any lingering awkwardness from their decades of separation had completely vanished over the last year.

Sein had been familiar with Faye’s personality for decades. Life in Blackhaven had changed her, but during the eighteen months at his side, she seemed to gradually reclaim her former self.

Her playful nature contrasted with Sein, who was always more strict and reserved. Yet, deep down, Sein appreciated this aspect of her character.

Indeed, it was Faye’s liveliness that had brought light to Sein’s otherwise somber life in Blackhaven during this period.

Over the past eighteen months, Faye’s focus and mana levels had both reached 92 points, nearly returning her to her peak condition.

For a magic initiate who had previously failed to break through, this progress was nothing short of miraculous.

Considering the huge amount of resources Faye had used during this period and Sein’s meticulous guidance, her achievements seemed almost inevitable.

For the black magic initiates in the Blackhaven who had nothing, 92 points of focus was a significant milestone worth gambling their efforts to breakthrough to Rank One.

After all, not all magic initiates had access to top-tier supplementary potions like Laurent Water in their pursuit of reaching Rank One.

Many black magic initiates, destitute and desperate, were forced to attempt their breakthroughs without any external aid.

Most, of course, fail.

Yet, there were always the fortunate few who succeeded against all odds—a rare occurrence often attributed to sheer luck.

Sein advised Faye to be patient a little longer, suggesting she spend at least two more years elevating her focus and mana levels to 95 points.

Once her stats were maximized, she could then attempt another breakthrough to become a full-fledged mage, with the support of potent potions like Laurent Water.

Although Sein had never formally taken on any apprentices, his instructional skills were commendable.

Despite Faye’s playful demeanor, she would listen attentively as soon as Sein began to delve into the secrets of pyro elemental magic.

The harsh lessons of reality had made Faye, no longer a young woman, acutely aware of her immediate needs and what she could temporarily set aside.

During one of their sessions, as Sein observed Faye meditating, he noticed that she appeared rejuvenated—her skin more supple and radiant than it had been just a year ago.

This change was likely due to her restored focus and mana levels, though Sein suspected that Faye might also be concocting beauty potions in her spare time to present her best self.

Their lessons were brief, modeled after Sein’s experience attending public classes at the Divine Tower of Verdant Spring Academy.

Sein believed in quality over quantity of lessons, ensuring Faye fully grasped the concept he had shared before moving on to a new area.

Once the lesson concluded, Faye let out a sigh of relief.

In terms of their relationship, Faye was his senior. However, given the current circumstances, Sein had assumed the role of her mentor.

Both of them found this reversal of roles a little hard to adapt to.

While Sein managed these transitions smoothly, Faye occasionally betrayed her feelings through subtle gestures.

“Sein, there’s a few decent-looking slaves in the basement of my magic tower. Would you like to try...?” Faye suggested nonchalantly, twirling her shoulder-length hair around her finger.

”Not interested,” Sein replied curtly, cutting her off before she could finish speaking.

“Oh.” Faye pouted but seemed clearly pleased with Sein’s response.

“What’s next, then? Shall I help you with your Verdant Flame Body Tempering experiment?” she asked, clapping her hands eagerly.

A blush tinged Faye’s cheeks, betraying her fascination with Sein’s Verdant Flame Body Tempering.

Over the past year and a half, she had assisted with the Verdant Flame Body Tempering experiment only a few times, but each session had left a lasting impression on her, especially when it involved Sein’s striking physique on the experimental table...

“No. You should go over and summarize the knowledge I’ve just shared. It’s almost time for your meditation too. I’ll have Yuri and Sev assist me with the experiment,” Sein refused, shaking his head.

Faye had been aware of Yuri’s existence for over a year, including the fact that Sein had an exceptionally rare and valuable mermaid.

Without dwelling further on the matter, Faye turned and headed toward the meditation room under Sein’s watchful gaze.

Sein had not neglected his research and personal growth during his time on Mordoron Island.

His focus, mana, and constitution had all been steadily improving. Perhaps the lingering effects of the kelp he had consumed in Sea God Bay were still at work.

Although he was no longer in Tourmaline’s presence, his constitution’s growth rate had not significantly declined compared to during his journey across the western ocean.

As Sein’s stats continued to improve, the opening of the Knight Continent also drew nearer. He had even learned that it was scheduled to open in two years.

Since the start of the year, numerous black mages had emerged from the depths of Blackhaven and were moving south toward Mordoron Island.

The southern part of the Western Archipelago would likely see even more activity, attracting trialists and attention from throughout the Magus World.

If Sein intended to explore the Knight Continent, it was about time for him to set out.

Unlike most black mages who could only remain on the periphery, Sein’s legitimate status as a registered mage of a divine tower allowed him to venture deeper.

This last year and a half had brought many changes, yet Sein remained concerned about the absence of news about Leena.