Archwizard K’s Journey In The Cultivation World

Case 111: Lily’s future.

''Hm...''

''My, are you perhaps bothered by something?''

Kierra was, indeed, bothered by something.

She had been mulling over the problem of a breakthrough for a few days, but nothing had really clicked. She thought she might be able to realize it after a few 'refreshing' nights, but it seemed there would need to be more than that.

Yesterday, her partner was Mie Xieren, and today, it was Bai Qing.

Sitting side by side on a roadside bench amidst the busy streams of people, the archwizard pondered her recent time. 

She didn't particularly choose a schedule or anything of the sort. It just turned out to be this way for the last several days. Every time, she would meet one of them at random, and they would somehow be alone. Even the inseparable duo of Bai Qing and Kang Shuren was mysteriously split today.

Not that she complained, anyway. More opportunities to intimately interact with her loved ones were always welcome.

''So you need inspiration for a breakthrough?''

''Yes.''

''Um... I'm sorry. I probably won't be useful, then.''

Before the self-deprecating words could be further uttered, Kierra quickly put a stop to them.

''I'm not seeking your company for that, so don't think much about it.''

''I see...''

''...''

''...Now that I think about it, there haven't been many times that we are alone, has it?'' Bai Qing smiled bitterly, fidgeting with her fingers. ''Usually, you're with the others... and I come with Kang Shuren, right? Heheh...''

When something is awkward, it is awkward, no matter how unusual it might seem.

Bai Qing didn't have much time alone with Kierra, and it was hard to adjust when she had to carry out half of the conversation on her own.

Knowing this, Kierra didn't hesitate to become more talkative.

Words weren't something she struggled to get out. If she could ease her lover up like this, she wouldn't care much about anything else. In a way, it certainly was bothersome. One might think an older, more mature lover would match the archwizard better.

Still, Kierra found charms in such a model of young feminity like Bai Qing. She reminded the archwizard of her own early years—very much so.

Perhaps it was nostalgia.

Perhaps it wasn't entirely love, but its sprout.

For now, it would remain this way until either of their hearts changed.

At least, that was what Kierra believed. For Bai Qing, it was more than just a matter of age. She feared her inexperience might push her out of the conversation entirely, that her lover wouldn't even pay much attention to her, an insignificant woman.

This was inevitable since the age gap between the two wasn't small, and it got worse once the harem part came.

''Well, now you seem more troubled than I am.''

Kierra sighed lightly before rising to her feet. After stretching out her arms a little, she extended a hand to the dejected Bai Qing.

''Sitting around all day is boring. Let's go somewhere.''

''Ah... yes.''

And so, it became a date... again.

This time, Kierra had a perfect objective—the Lilienthal Academy.

It was where talents from all over the country, nay, the continent, would be cultivated, be it wizards or knights. In reality, the students from there would often be scouted by guilds or organizations like the Crimson Tower.

Contrary to popular belief, neither Kierra nor August played an important role in its development despite being honored everywhere within the institution. 

They just established it... and that's all.

Nevertheless, the academy would be a fantastic choice for a trip with Bai Qing. The disciple of Qinling Peak was right about the age for admission, so Kierra thought she might be interested in its curriculum.

In addition, she wanted to monitor the efforts that were being made to censor Eon's cult. The Lilienthal Academy was a diverse public institution, after all.

So, wearing their disguise, Kierra and Bai Qing headed to the place.

''This is... impressive.''

''I know.''

At first, Bai Qing couldn't help but gasp at how grand and elaborate the buildings were. On top of that, the sheer 'power' radiating from each and every student or professor passing by couldn't be underestimated. If it were the old Bai Qing, she would have been ashamed of herself for being so weak.

''Don't just stand there. Let's go.''

Following Kierra, hand in hand, Bai Qing was introduced to many places. She visited the cafeteria, where she got to taste a popular dessert with glee. The library, containing books on not only magic but swordsmanship and other arts, was also explored. She also stopped by the main hall where statues of Kierra and August stood.

''Woah... they look just like the real ones.''

''Pfft—hahah...''

''K-Kierra?''

''No, it's just... you remind me of my own reaction when I first saw these ones. Actually, both Au and I were stunned. It was a very talented sculptor who made these, after all. I seriously thought this could replace me as the tower master once in a while so that I can play somewhere else... wait.''

''Kierra?''

''...No, it's nothing. Is there anywhere else you want to visit?''

''Um... how about the training grounds? Am I allowed to observe?''

''Should be no problem. Follow me.''

The training grounds for the students of Lilienthal Academy were extensive. It made sense, considering the colossal amount of funds pouring into the institution itself.

Here, one could find students practicing with hologram targets or engaging in duels almost every hour of the day. Kierra, more than seeing the novices, was more interested in Bai Qing and her colorful expressions.

''It's amazing... so these students can endure for that long under constant pain... it must be tough.''

''True. I believe they, the children of Lilienthal, are resilient. They value efforts and hard work the most, you see.''

''...''

''Even if they have talents, it won't push them to be lazy. After all, what use is a talent when you don't develop it?''

For a moment, the two's eyes met. As Kierra's turned mellow, Bai Qing's widened.

She had never seen this expression of the archwizard before.

''My old magic teacher used to say this, 'You'll never get anywhere if you never start to run.' He was not really good at magic, often having me teaching him, but his philosophy was quite decent.''

It was a solemn quote. Clearly, this person was someone Kierra valued.

And it got Bai Qing stunned.

Suddenly, she realized that she was convincing herself to give up before even starting. Truthfully, she might have become like this due to dumb luck. That day, if she hadn't randomly encountered Kierra and got rescued by her, she would perhaps have never become a wizard.

'No.'

It wasn't luck. If Bai Qing had been talentless, she wouldn't have been chosen.

But she was talentless compared to the women Kierra had.

'No.'

Was it truly?

She was hundreds of years younger than them. Surely, she could get to their level one day.

But was it just meaningless stubbornness? Was she only being foolish about her own inadequacy?

'No.'

But Bai Qing chose to deny all of it. She had a chance—that was what she chose to believe in.

''I'll get there. Eventually.'' She uttered.

For a while, the two smiled at each other. It wasn't certain either one of them misunderstood the other, but it didn't matter.

In the end, the tour of the academy lasted until sunset.

Amidst the waves of students returning to their homes and dorms, Kierra and Bai Qing stood in a shaded corner, watching all of it unfold.

''You know, Kierra.''

''...''

''I think I want to go here someday in the future.''

''Is that so?''

''Um. It might be fun. Who knows?''

Kierra glanced at the obsidian-like eyes that were glued to the sky for a moment. Then, a gentle smile broke out.

''Of course. You can visit wherever you want in the future.

I'll make it possible. For you.''