Chapter 183: The Changing Envelope

Chapter 183: The Changing Envelope

The newly established headquarters of the Magic Association was located in the magic city of Oysast in the Northern Kingdoms. The journey was long, and the ongoing war with the invading demonic races made it difficult to travel freely.

After the flying spell was perfected, Luk decided to submit it at the Magic Association branch in the capital city.

Upon learning his intention, the branch's director, Zane, a simply dressed and kind-looking elderly mage, welcomed him.

After demonstrating the flying spell, Zane marveled at its incredible nature and presented Luk with a token representing the highest mage rank—a pendant shaped like a circle and a triangle.

"Sir Luk, you have two options. The first is to receive a large lump sum payment. The flying spell is highly valuable and can ensure you a comfortable life."

"The second option is to receive a share of the profits. This way, one-third of the gold paid by all mages who learn the flying spell will be yours."

Zane stroked his beard, "Which one do you prefer?"

Luk thought for a moment and then asked, "Which one do you think is better?"

"If you were a regular human, either option would be fine, but you are an elf with an endless lifespan. The second option is clearly the better choice."

Luk smiled, "But wouldn't that be a bit unfair to the Magic Association? Is it really a good idea to suggest this?"

"A Magic Association that makes mages feel disheartened has no reason to exist. I've always believed that."

Hearing this, Luk was deeply moved and said earnestly, "You are a dedicated and responsible mentor."

He thought for a moment and then added, "There is one condition. If the Magic Association agrees, I will choose the first option."

"I hope the flying spell can be provided free of charge to the military or mages who temporarily join the army to fight against the demonic races."

Zane nodded solemnly and bowed to Luk, "This is of great significance to humanity. Thank you for your generosity."

After reaching an agreement, Luk went through a series of complex and tedious verifications, finally signing his name.

A servant brought a brown leather suitcase, which was itself an expensive magical device. It appeared small but had an unimaginable capacity and maintained a constant weight.

After bidding farewell to Zane, Luk hurried back to Barum and returned to the Campbell residence.

However, this time, he was greeted not by the familiar butler but by a young stranger.

The young man wore the same uniform as the butler, his youthful face showing a bit of nervousness. He bowed his head slightly when he saw Luk.

"Master Luk, I am the new butler, Charles. I will be responsible for managing the household. Please feel free to give me any instructions."

Luk stopped and asked, without much emotion, "What about Mr. Arno?"

"That was my father. While you were away, he fell seriously ill and returned to his hometown to recuperate. I am here to take over his duties."

Charles quickly explained, looking a bit anxious, as if he was worried Luk would be dissatisfied with his performance.

From what he knew, though Luk was officially a guest, Lady Roine had long considered him her own child, especially after Amir's departure. If he complained to Lady Roine, he would likely lose his job.

"I see. You can go about your business."

Thinking about the butler who had been with him and Amir for over twenty years, leaving without a proper goodbye, Luk felt his joy at returning home slightly dampened.

He walked straight into the hall, where Lady Roine greeted him with a joyful expression.

"Luk, you're back." Lady Roine's voice carried a hint of lightness, "Amir's letter arrived again. He's doing well in the army and recently killed a demonic general."

"That's quite impressive."

Luk smiled, listening to Lady Roine talk about Amir's exploits.

The older one gets, the more talkative they seem to become, even someone as elegant and composed as Lady Roine. After a while, she chuckled, a bit embarrassed.

"I've been talking about him the whole time. How was your trip? Did the Magic Association give you any trouble?"

"No, the branch president in the capital is very kind."

"That's good, that's good." Lady Roine's smile deepened, "Actually, you don't need to worry about the marriage to Trella. Even though the Campbell family isn't as prosperous as before, we can still provide a substantial dowry for our children's marriages."

She looked at Luk gently, "If I adopt you as my son and give you the Campbell name, you won't have to bear these responsibilities."

"Thank you, Lady, but researching magic is my passion, not just for Trella. Besides, I have already received enough funding."

Lady Roine nodded, her expression a bit wistful, "I see. But why don't you want to join the Campbell family? Do you not want to consider me as a mother, or are you thinking about Leenice's feelings?"

"Of course not. You have always been a respected elder to me, and Leenice isn't the type to care about such things." Luk smiled, "I just want to keep something to prove that my past memories are not just a dream."

"Past memories?" Lady Roine was a bit surprised, "But you've been living here since you were born."

Luk smiled silently, not answering, "Amir should have sent a letter to me as well. I want to read it first."

Amir's letters had arrived three times during this period, each time in pairs—one for his mother, Lady Roine, and one for Luk.

Lady Roine nodded understandingly, "Go ahead."

Lu Ke slowly retreated, returning to the room.

Trella, ever considerate, had prepared a hot bath for the weary Lu Ke, and she managed to resist indulging in affection with her long-separated lover, opting instead to sleep soundly. Although she was clingy, she never disturbed Lu Ke when it came to serious matters, which made the elf feel quite at ease. Well, except for the occasional wandering hands and feet.

After Trella fell asleep, Lu Ke rose quietly, took a magic codex from the bookshelf, and left the room. He flew up to the roof of the manor and sat down at a weathered little table. He opened the book and retrieved the letters.

Amir's two letters seemed to have different contents, as Lady Rhoein's spirits would always lift after reading them, and she would smile more than usual. However, the letters Lu Ke received were more realistic and harsh, not exactly pleasant to read.

Dear Friend,

The battles have intensified since we left the Swordlands. The demons are like cockroaches—no matter how many we kill, there are always more. At first, I had trouble bringing myself to kill the young demons, but I've gradually become an efficient executioner, swinging my sword to dispatch the enemies in front of me.

Captain Lexi comforted me, telling me that demons don't deserve sympathy. They are merely beasts in human form, using human appearance and language as a disguise. Their cold hearts are their true nature.

I know all this, but their disguise is so good. They look exactly like humans and can speak, which makes me worry that I might become numb to the killing and lose my respect for life.

The bodies of the demons dissipate quickly, but I feel as if their blood has already stained my sword.

Lu Ke, was I protected too well before, so much that I couldn't understand the cruelty of war?

Dear Friend,

After passing through Appetito, we arrived at the Arter Forest.

Our unit was ambushed here, and Captain Lexi sacrificed himself to cover our retreat. I took his place as the new captain of the unit.

We encountered a powerful monster, the Chaos Flower, and my comrades fell one by one. With their cover, I managed to slay the monster, and afterward, I received applause and honors. But I couldn't be happy.

So many of my comrades who fought and died alongside me are gone. I can no longer see their faces.

Why is life so fragile?

Our unit has stopped advancing. Our goal is to hold the line and repel the demon invasion. It's not an easy task, but I believe we can do it.

However, I feel less and less like myself. I can't laugh freely, can't run freely, and can't show fear or hesitation. I must present a convincing aura of authority to keep the troops' morale stable.

This feeling is unpleasant, but I have to keep up the act.

Dear Friend,

Today, I saw a demon general for the first time. It was one of the elite forces under the Demon King, aside from the Seven Collapsed Sages, the All-Knowing Shurahart, and the Corrupt Sage.

It was incredibly powerful!

If not for a powerful group of heroes coming to our rescue, we would have been wiped out. But we survived, and with the help of the hero group, we managed to behead the demon general.

I deeply realize that my strength is not enough to challenge the Demon King. Amir Campbell is not the one who can kill the Demon King, end the war, and bring peace.

I miss you all.

I miss everything about the manor, my mother's nagging, the noble etiquette I once detested, Teacher Lenis, and the meals you taught Bal to cook.

I dream of the times we sparred on the lawn, how you would calmly dodge my attacks, point out my weaknesses, trip me, and then extend a hand to help me up.

But I don't plan to return. Even if I can't kill the Demon King, every demon I slay brings the scales of victory a little closer to humanity.

Lu Ke, I'm not sure if this mindset makes me more mature or more naive than before.

Do you think I've grown a little?

After reading the latest letter, Lu Ke's brow furrowed, and he felt an urge to rush to the front lines and drag the wayward son back.

But as he had told Lady Rhoein, if Amir truly wanted to join the military, he wouldn't stop him from making his own choices.

The same applied to staying in the army.

With a heavy heart, Lu Ke returned to the room, where he saw a candle burning. He pushed the door open, and Trella had already sat up in bed.

"Where did you go without telling me?"

Lu Ke didn't hide anything from her. "I went to read Amir's letters. The content wasn't very pleasant, and I didn't want to affect you, so I waited until you were asleep to read them."

"I think it's better to vent negative emotions promptly. Holding them in can lead to problems. Why don't you tell me about it?"

Lu Ke briefly recounted Amir's situation, and Trella nodded thoughtfully.

"Amir's choice to join the army and fight the Demon King is his own. If you're really concerned, you can help him in your own way."

Trella smiled. "Isn't flight magic a great example? By developing magic that benefits the war effort, you can enhance the overall strength of humanity, making him safer."

Lu Ke pondered for a moment, then looked at Trella with surprise. "Trella, you're really smart."

Trella rolled her eyes. "You're just dumb outside of fighting and studying. Do you want to remember how you were tricked by me?"

Lu Ke recalled for a moment, then opened his mouth, but no words came out.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end