🐅 🐅 🐅
THE phreatic explosion had blown Hisame against the wall, rendering him immobile. As water flowed into the crumbling tower, he began floating on its cold surface.
It’s so cold, he thought as the frigid water rocked him back and forth. But swaying with the waves feels nice. I’m exhausted…
He didn’t feel like swimming at all. After expending all his magic and stamina, he had no energy left to spare.
What will my family think if I die here? Hisame wondered, recalling his parents and siblings in Anda. They’ll probably laugh and say, “Studying abroad in Jinlong was too much for him, after all.” Maybe they’ll be happy that the most useless of us is dead. Even so, Angelina will probably be sad. I bet she’ll always remember me. Becoming one of her memories wouldn’t be so bad. Still, I would have mocked someone for sacrificing themselves like this in the past.
Hisame smiled. Back in Anda, he’d always retreated into his shell for fear of being hurt. He’d perceived even his family as enemies, and merely protecting himself had taken his full effort. As such, he’d viewed sacrificing oneself for others as sanctimonious.
That said, meeting Angelina had changed him. Without knowing Hisame’s status, Angelina laughed, commiserated, and even dirtied herself with him as if it were natural. Ryuho had influenced him as well. Angelina and Ryuho shared everything. Though cutting everything in half should have reduced their enjoyment, they always seemed happier than Hisame. Before long, Hisame had decided to start sharing his enjoyment with others as well.
When Angelina laughed, Hisame shared her happiness. When she cried, his heart ached with her. When Ryuho bounced around in high spirits, Hisame’s mood brightened with him. By spending time with them, Hisame learned the joy of sharing his emotions with others. As a result, his excruciating life had become much brighter and enjoyable.
I don’t regret my decision, Hisame thought. This was the only path that could make everyone happy.
Angelina and Ryuho flashed across Hisame’s mind. Even as a fellow boy, Hisame admired Ryuho’s strength and decisiveness. He and Angelina were a good match.
You’ll be okay without me, Angelina. Plenty of people love you. You won’t lack for anything even when I’m gone.
The amulet at Hisame’s waist—which formed a matching pair with Angelina’s—swayed in the water. He smiled while remembering how delightful the festival had been.
No, my life wasn’t so bad. I was happy.
At that moment, the water around Hisame grew pleasantly warm. As his eyes cracked open, he spotted a beautiful woman with azure eyes floating on the water’s surface.
If a female tianshi existed, she would probably look like this woman. No, she looks like an adult version of Angelina.
“Where would you like to go?” the woman asked.
Her voice sounded similar to Angelina’s as well. In any case, the chalk marks drawn by Hisame on their way here began floating in the water. The marks formed a path leading back to the lake’s surface. Thus, Hisame pointed to the markings.
But going back to the surface now would be impossible.
“Don’t give up,” the woman said. “Angelina would surely regret losing you.”
Angelina appeared in Hisame’s mind again. Tears spilled from her azure eyes as she blamed herself for Hisame’s death.
That’s right—I can’t give up! Hisame cried out internally with a sharp intake of breath. Angelina will blame herself if I die. Plus, Anda will have a reason to invade Jinlong! I have to live! I have to!
Flowing, light pink hair filled Hisame’s vision. The woman beckoned to him with a wave, her arm pale and willowy. At that moment, the water flowed away from Hisame. The rainbow film that had protected the castle now enfolded him. Then, the film began to float in the air, following the chalk marks.