Chapter 119: One Day, One Answer

"This is an absolute masterpiece." Master Yale stood with his arms crossed. As the master smith who had forged the core components of the Weaver’s Tome, he understood better than anyone the genius behind Avia’s energy core design. An arcane device powered by such a heart was, without a doubt, a masterpiece among masterpieces.

"Wang Yu, try it." Avia handed the Weaver’s Tome to Wang Yu.

"Right." Wang Yu tucked the tome into his waistband. As his spiritual energy pulsed, connecting to the tome’s arcane circuit core, the external, invisible mana rails guided the flow with effortless fluidity, injecting power into the slots holding the spell-model metal plates.

Under the influence of the mana, elements gathered rapidly, filling the incomplete circuit and projecting the spell. Then, as the circuit disintegrated, the mana surged, completing the casting process in an instant.

A scorching fireball hovered in Wang Yu’s hand. He hadn't used a drop of his own energy; the power constructing this sphere came entirely from the high-purity mana crystals within the core. Without needing to draw upon his own sorcerous reserves, Wang Yu now possessed the ability to cast spells.

"The stability of the new Weaver’s Tome should be vastly improved. Wang Yu, try more precise control." The girl watched the stable, searing fireball in his hand and encouraged him to push further.

This optimized version of the Weaver’s Tome was leagues ahead of the original prototype.

He reconnected his spiritual energy to the circuits, manipulating the mana for the next spell. Rapid projection, followed by the disintegration of the circuit—one fireball after another appeared in his hands, floating in place, held perfectly still by the tome’s immense stability.

By the time Wang Yu felt he had reached his limit, there were over twenty fireballs hovering between his hands, and the Weaver’s Tome showed no signs of being overloaded.

He brought his hands together, his spiritual energy flowing into the tome through the ripples of his will. "Disintegrate."

As the mana circuit finished its recharge and activation, Wang Yu clapped his hands shut. The twenty-some fireballs between them were reduced to raw fire elements and dissipated entirely.

"Incredible. This level of control—it’s even more fluid than that of a typical mage." Wang Yu marveled at his own hands, releasing and canceling spells at will. The Weaver’s Tome would elevate his strength by an entire tier in the short term.

"Yay! It worked!" Avia clenched her fist in delight. The success of the tome brought her immense joy, not just because of Wang Yu, but because this was her favorite discipline: alchemy.

The pair finished their work on the arcane device and, after bidding farewell to Master Yale, left the alchemy center.

Master Yale had mentioned that if they ever had other innovative alchemical creations, they were welcome to commission him; for an alchemist of his caliber, forging things he had never seen before was a form of growth in itself.

Walking down the corridor, Wang Yu scratched his head and suddenly stopped. Under Avia’s puzzled gaze, he crouched down, placed his hands on her shoulders—just as he had done a year ago when speaking to her earnestly—and looked deep into her eyes.

"Um... this might be a bit sudden, but, Avia, could I have a day of your time?"

Wang Yu’s expression was so serious that Avia was caught off guard, stammering, unsure of what to say.

She struggled to interpret his meaning. Though she had some faint guesses, his usual personality made her hesitant to believe them, causing her gaze to drift away, unable to meet his eyes.

"I feel like we’ve been too tense ever since we arrived in the Royal City. In truth, we haven't had a chance to just wander through the forest and relax like we used to at the cabin."

"I’ve been either training or studying, and you, Avia, have spent almost all your time buried in magic, sorcery, and alchemy."

"I think it would be nice if we spent today just exploring the Royal City together. To be honest, we’ve been here so long, and aside from what I saw while completing missions for the Night’s Edge, I haven't really taken the time to see this city with you."

Wang Yu seemed to understand her incoherence and continued to explain his intentions.

"And, more importantly, tonight, I want to show you something. Also, though you haven't brought it up, I still owe you an answer. So, may I have a day of your time?"

Looking at her with profound sincerity, Wang Yu held out his hand, waiting for her response.

"Yes!" A blush spread across her face, tinting her fair cheeks with a faint, tipsy glow. She placed her hand in his, accepting his invitation with a mix of shyness and anticipation.

She still remembered what he had said: he wasn't oblivious or unaware of the atmosphere, just inexperienced and unsure of how to respond. Yet, he was always willing to listen, and always willing to give his answer...

"Thank you." Wang Yu smiled and stood up. "Let’s go for a walk, then."

"Um, but... shouldn't I change my clothes?" Avia looked down at her outfit, feeling a bit self-conscious. She hadn't dressed up at all, never expecting him to invite her out so suddenly, so she was just wearing her thick winter gear.

Although she had become mature and resilient through all they had endured, she was still a young girl at heart. She possessed all the sensibilities of a girl, and this sudden date left her feeling flustered.

"Not at all, you look beautiful just as you are." Wang Yu shook his head with a chuckle.

Avia was wearing a thick, brown, cotton-lined jacket that was very warm. The simple style, devoid of flashy accessories, suited a girl as naturally beautiful as she was.

Her soft, golden hair, tied into a ponytail to keep it out of the way in the workshop, looked capable and vibrant.

With her delicate features, skin flushed with a faint, rosy hue, and those clear eyes currently filled with a touch of panic, Wang Yu could only shake his head and offer one word: "Beautiful."

He knew that by the standards of this world, Avia’s appearance wasn't the most striking—perhaps just above average—but to him, Avia was simply Avia, and that would never change.

"There's no need. You’re already beautiful." Wang Yu smiled and gave her hand a gentle tug, his sincerity reaching her instantly.

"R-really?" A heartfelt compliment is often the most moving, and Avia was truly flustered.

The contrast between Wang Yu’s behavior now and his usual self was so great that she felt a bit dazed. But thinking back, he had always been like this with her. It was precisely this sincerity that had kept her by the side of a guy who seemed so dense in these matters.

"Alright, let's go." A sudden clarity washed over her, and she felt at ease. Following the gentle pull of his hand, she began to walk.

Though her face remained flushed, her confusion had vanished, replaced by a sense of expectation and joy.

……

The two walked through the streets of the Royal City as snow fell in small, lazy flakes.

There were few pedestrians; most had chosen to stay in their warm homes during the cold weather. Those passing by were mostly city guards or members of the Night’s Edge.

Wang Yu had already extended his ripples, deliberately avoiding any soldiers who might disturb them, simply enjoying their stroll together.

Avia’s hand was indeed much smaller than his, and she could clearly feel the warmth radiating from his palm.

The winter wind was mischievous, sneaking through the gaps in their clothing to bring a sudden chill.

Yet, Avia felt nothing but peace and comfort. The warmth from his hand seemed to bring back the sense of security she had felt by the campfire when they first met in the woods.

The feeling that she wasn't alone, that someone was always by her side, was wonderful. During those days of drifting, it was his companionship that had helped her find her own strength.

Without realizing it, she closed her eyes, a faint smile playing on her lips, letting him lead her through the streets. Even though she couldn't see anything, she felt a quiet sense of contentment.

"Whoa!" Wang Yu’s exclamation and the sensation of his foot hitting empty air came at the same time. Avia felt her body tilt, only to be quickly steadied by his arm.

"Why aren't you watching where you're going? Be careful." Wang Yu gave a wry smile, looking with mock reproach at Avia, who had tripped over the curb while walking with her eyes closed. She opened them, looking a bit dazed.

"But you caught me, didn't you? Hehe." The girl suddenly flashed a rare, mischievous smile and patted the hand he was using to support her back.

"Ah, well, fair enough." Wang Yu blinked.

Then, they looked at each other and burst into laughter simultaneously.

…

Walking through the city, they realized they had never truly seen it before. Just by strolling slowly, they discovered all sorts of novel things.

Dwarf brothers were performing on a street corner, relying on their sturdy frames to smash stones on each other’s heads without any technique. They gulped down a bottle of ale, then pulled out another to use as fuel for a fire-breathing act. The spectacular performance drew applause from the small crowd.

Wang Yu smacked his lips—the street performers in this world were quite something. He reached into his pocket to toss a silver coin, but found nothing. He realized he had been using mana crystal cards the whole time. He looked at Avia, who wore the same helpless expression, and they let it go.

Passing by a shop that was doing good business in the winter, they were surprised to see many animals walking out—even a wolf resting on a tiger’s head. The guards on the street didn't react, watching with indifference.

They later discovered it was an elderly druid skilled in transmutation, allowing the city’s residents to experience what it felt like to be an animal.

The prices were fair and honest, which truly opened Wang Yu and Avia’s eyes. People in a place as grand as the Royal City certainly knew how to have fun.

Afterward, they visited the famous "Gilded Rose" theater. They hadn't expected much, thinking the world’s entertainment and literature would be lackluster.

Only after experiencing it did they realize that the performance—which used magic to provide sound, scent, temperature, and even physical presence—was an entirely different experience from entertainment on Earth.

Combined with the excellent skills of the city’s artists, a simple classic play about a hero fighting a dragon was brought to life, filled with dark humor and irony.

Heaven knows how they came up with the bizarre plot where the dragons hired dwarves and elves as mediators, turning the hero who wounded the dragon prince into a ground-dragon to serve as a mount for the prince in his human form. It was a miracle it passed censorship.

One could only say that because of the lack of certain factors, the cultural development of this world had blossomed in a hundred different ways. Wang Yu mused that he would bring Avia back to see more plays; without phones, computers, or the internet, entertainment was indeed a bit scarce.

……

After their short tour of the Royal City, the two had gained a new perspective. The city was a microcosm of this fantasy world, and given the chance, Wang Yu was determined to explore more of this world that was so vastly different from Earth.

They grabbed a decent meal at the Golden Cuckoo Tavern and returned to their small courtyard on Red Maple Street. Sitting under a tree that shielded them from the falling snow, they watched the stars begin to twinkle in the darkening sky.

"It’s beautiful. You can’t see stars this brilliant back on Earth," Wang Yu remarked with a sigh.

"Wang Yu, what is it you want to show me?" Avia asked, her curiosity piqued. Wang Yu had promised her something unique, right here and now; she wondered if he meant the starry sky.

"The calendar here doesn't distinguish between lunar and solar, so I'm not sure when the New Year falls, but I reckon it's around this time. Let's just call it the Spring Festival. I thought watching fireworks together would be a fine way to celebrate." Wang Yu smiled and snapped his fingers.

In the distance, brilliant blossoms of fire suddenly ignited the snowy night over the Royal City, illuminating the girl’s clear eyes as she gazed upward. Within those reflections, beneath the shimmering stars, fireworks began to bloom, equally breathtaking and deeply moving.

"What is that guy Wang Yu dragging us out here for? Oh, holy hell!" Shael stood at the entrance of Red Maple Street, startled by the sudden pyrotechnics in the sky, and let out an involuntary curse.

"Truly beautiful." Edward sat beneath the great red maple tree, watching the fiery flowers bloom and fade in the sky—beautiful, fleeting, and for that very reason, profound.

"Indeed, meow." The cat-girl Sufang, wrapped up tightly against the cold, stood by his side and echoed Edward’s praise.

"So this is why Wang Yu asked for our approval; I thought he was up to something else." Shugyin, in his eternal trench coat, stood with Zig and Garcia, puffing on his pipe as they admired the display.

"True, it’s not his usual style," Zig laughed. "But it’s quite a sight, isn't it?"

"Wrong, this is exactly his style." As one of the first to know Wang Yu, Garcia understood him better than the others.

"Wow, those 'alchemy bombs' Wang Yu asked me to make turned out so well, they must be worth a fortune, ho ho! Hey, don't shove me, I'm the one who made them, you lot—ahhh!"

In the shadows of the Royal City, at the Night Church, the believers watched in a trance as the Saintess Darkness projected the blooming fireworks for them.

Some believers pushed forward, jostling the Goblin Chamber of Commerce boss, Elliot, until he was swaying unsteadily, saved only by Eamon, who hauled him out of the crush.

The Lady of the Night watched her followers excitedly admiring the "fireworks" produced by their nominal Archbishop, Wang Yu. Feeling the faint trickle of faith flowing toward her, she wore a gentle, satisfied smile.

Many residents of the Royal City poked their heads out, marveling at the simple yet undeniably beautiful display.

...

Avia gazed at the "fireworks" blooming in the distance, crafted from alchemy bombs. Though Wang Yu had told her how spectacular they were back when they weren't banned, seeing them in person left her stunned and moved.

Suddenly, she felt a hand rest upon her head, and she turned her gaze to Wang Yu.

"It’s been a long time, and I feel I’ve owed you an answer. Let’s use this fine day to finally give it to you." Wang Yu scratched his cheek, looking uncharacteristically shy, having abandoned his usual habit of playing the fool.

"I’ve mentioned I’m searching for a way back to Earth. I don’t know if my guesses about your feelings are right, but regardless, I owe you this."

"If I find a way back to Earth but cannot bring you with me, then I choose to stay here. I will never leave you behind, alright?"

Wang Yu looked earnestly into Avia’s eyes, which mirrored the fireworks and the night sky. He spoke each word with solemn sincerity; he rarely made promises, but what he vowed, he would surely fulfill.

"Trust me, okay? I swea—"

Wang Yu saw the girl’s eyes remain wide, a misty haze gathering within them. He was about to swear an oath, but her actions cut him short.

Avia suddenly threw herself into Wang Yu’s arms. Despite his lightning-fast reflexes, Wang Yu was caught off guard, feeling the soft, warm, and damp touch of her lips against his cheek.

"Yes, I trust you, Wang Yu. I love you! I will absolutely help you find a way for us to go back together!" Avia buried her face in his chest. With this direct response from Wang Yu, something she had long suppressed finally found its release.

She let go of all the emotions she had held back due to his personality. The words whispered into his ear were the most sincere expressions of her heart.

"I feel the same." A faint curve touched his lips as Wang Yu opened his arms to pull her close. Having never been this intimate with Avia before, he held her like a true man, giving her the answer she had waited for so long.

The stars filled the sky, the fireworks blazed, and the snow drifted wantonly. The night in the Royal City was beautiful, and not just because of the scenery...

(Ah, that bastard Wang Yu finally gave the heroine the answer he owed her.)