Thinking of this, Leon couldn’t help but ask, “Do you still have any more Starfruit that’s been juiced and extracted? I’d like to try one.”
“You could eat a second one, but I think you shouldn’t rush it. The energy from the first Starfruit you ate hasn’t been fully consumed yet. Wait until your body has completely absorbed the growth effects from that fruit before considering a second.”
Rasmodius didn’t outright refuse, but neither did he agree. He simply reminded Leon about his current physical state.
“When will I finish absorbing that Starfruit’s energy?” Leon was surprised. He had assumed the growth boost from a Starfruit was a one-time thing. He hadn’t expected it to work like a rechargeable battery that kept giving.
The problem was, he hadn’t noticed any ongoing, infinite strengthening lately. Apart from the enhancements that came with leveling up, he’d never experienced that sudden surge of power in his day-to-day life.
“It’s a very slow process. Why are you in such a hurry?” Rasmodius sighed and teased.
“I just want to see where my limits are,” Leon explained awkwardly.
“Still, don’t rush it. Otherwise, your future self will regret the decision.” Rasmodius warned.
“You’re the expert. I’ll listen to you.” Leon nodded.
Rasmodius glanced at Leon, then at the peacefully sleeping Abigail on the bed. Suddenly, he asked,
“You two went to the Calico Desert today—was it for a date?”
“Uh, no. We went so Abigail could try using Yoba’s Crafting Altar.” Leon shook his head. Then, remembering something, he sighed and complained,
“Come on, Wizard, you did this on purpose. You gave us the Prismatic Shard yourself, and now you’re asking why we went to the Calico Desert? Do all magic-users love gossip this much?”
“Ahem… I just didn’t think of it at the time.” Rasmodius coughed twice in embarrassment, then quickly changed the subject.
“From the way you spoke, it sounds like you ran into another magic-user along the way?”
“Yeah, but not a wizard—a witch. She called herself Camilla.” Leon replied.
“You met Camilla?” Rasmodius’ expression darkened slightly before he hurriedly asked, “She didn’t say anything strange or invite you on some adventure, did she?”
“No, we just exchanged greetings and she left. Why? Is there something wrong with her?” Leon noticed his reaction and quickly asked.
“Not exactly. She’s an old friend of mine and a powerful witch—young and extremely gifted. But her personality is a bit unpredictable, and she has… her own little schemes.” Rasmodius explained.
“Oh.” Leon nodded, but in his heart, he suspected Rasmodius was just afraid she’d spill his embarrassing secrets.
“You might not be on her radar right now, but when you grow stronger, remember to stay away from her. She’ll try to lure you to the Castle Village in the Crimson Desert, claiming it’s an excellent trial ground for adventurers. In truth, she just wants free labor. Reject anything she offers.”
“Crimson Desert? Castle Village?” The new place names immediately piqued Leon’s interest.
“Want to know more?” Rasmodius saw his curiosity flare up again and smiled.
“Of course. Mostly because I want to know if the Crimson Desert is the same area my grandfather risked his life to explore.” Leon said.
“You underestimate your grandfather. The Crimson Desert is nothing compared to where he went. That place only holds a small fragment of It. Your grandfather went to Its true burial ground. The difference between the two is like the gap between you and Linus right now.”
Rasmodius’ expression grew complicated.
“If you really want to know about the Crimson Desert and Castle Village, go ask Linus. I have to go—Abigail’s about to wake up.”
“Wait, Wizard, I have one more question!” Leon quickly called out.
“Ask.” Rasmodius halted the teleportation magic he’d been weaving.
“When do you plan to teach Abigail?”
“When the time is right. But if she just wants to live as an ordinary person, I won’t force her. Everyone has their own way of life. Magic may seem wondrous, but it comes with heavy responsibilities.” Rasmodius shook his head.
“Got it.”
Leon didn’t press the matter. This world was far from peaceful, but if possible, he wanted Abigail to live her whole life safe and ordinary.
“Oh, right. Her Galaxy Weapon is with you, isn’t it? Take it out and let me see.” Just as Rasmodius turned to leave, something came to mind.
Without hesitation, Leon took the Galaxy Dagger from his backpack and handed it to him.
Rasmodius gripped the slender weapon, gave it a few swings, then nodded in satisfaction. “A fine weapon—highly adaptable to magic. Clearly, her magic talent was recognized, not just her combat skills.”
“Uh…” Leon wanted to complain but, given the gap in their power, he decided to stay quiet.
“This weapon should stay with her.” Rasmodius then fully enchanted the Galaxy Dagger from tip to hilt. He placed it in Abigail’s sleeping hand.
The moment the dagger touched her skin, it curled up and transformed into a purple, sword-shaped ring on her index finger.
“All right, I’m leaving.” With that, Rasmodius vanished before Leon’s eyes.
Leon’s unasked questions were completely cut off.
Looking at the ring that had once been the Galaxy Dagger, Leon sighed. “Sure, it’s easier to carry now, but you could at least tell me how to use it. How am I supposed to explain to Abigail that her weapon turned into a ring?”
“You don’t need to. She’ll instinctively know how to change it when she wakes. I’ve left a mental cue in the ring.”
Though Rasmodius’ figure was gone, his voice echoed clearly in Leon’s ear.
“You can use Wind’s Voice too?” Leon asked reflexively.
“Just a simple elemental resonance trick for sending messages,” Rasmodius replied. After that, there was only silence.
If you enjoyed this chapter, please consider subscribing to me on (www./RomayStories)—it helps me bring you more chapters faster and with even better quality!
Next Chapter >>>