Slow and Steady Can Also Be Useful

【Having Been a Wizard for Many Years】

【You finally begin constructing your own wizard tower】

【You place great hopes upon it, intending to forge it into a mobile fortress capable of both offense and defense. All the gains from the Plateau of Gods will serve as its foundation】

【Under your control, the long and tedious construction begins】

【Combining goblin technology and wizardry, swarms of automated construction puppets set to work, laboring diligently day and night without fatigue】

【During this period, you need not oversee the project constantly】

【Providing blueprints and replacing energy sources are the only tasks required of you】

【You quietly cultivate, hoping to break through to the Fourth-Circle Wizard soon, for only then can you employ cross-dimensional spatial techniques】

【Life and death, an endless cycle】

【You stand detached from the world, observing its demise through a unique spiritual vision】

【Your understanding of death deepens】

【While you cultivate, the Hero trains just as diligently. Her skeletal frame grows sturdier, and when her soulfire flickers, there is an indescribable beauty to it】

【The evolution of wizardry, the refinement of an undead body】

【Servia Clawphire’s strength now surpasses others of her rank】

【You compare her abilities and realize that with her current power, she could single-handedly defeat certain high-tier undead】

【You feel gratified】

【The lonely girl you once met has grown strong enough to protect herself】

【Even without you, through sheer perseverance and effort, the Hero walks the right path】

……

【The construction of the wizard tower is exceedingly slow】

【The materials required are also far beyond imagination】

【Fortunately, the automated puppets handle the gathering, leaving little for you to worry about】

【You guide the Hero, teaching her more techniques and helping her soul ascend further】

【The Hero wishes to repay you】

【Servia begins hauling bricks, but her inexperience leaves her far behind the automated construction puppets】

【You comfort her, assuring her that slow progress is still useful】

……

【Servia changes her approach to helping】

【She refines her culinary skills, gathering fresh ingredients from nearby to prepare a grand meal to nourish you】

【"Wizard Xu Xi, you’ve grown thinner lately."】

【The Hero cares deeply for your well-being】

【Touched, you pick out the poisonous ingredients from the assortment and discard them】

【Aside from her occasional misjudgment in selecting ingredients, the Hero’s cooking is quite decent】

【Beyond this, the Hero does more】

【When undead attack, she takes the initiative to protect you】

【When the weather shifts, she fetches clothes to keep you from falling ill】

【As you wait for the wizard tower to be completed】

【Your lives pass in quiet monotony—no thrilling dangers, no sudden surprises—just the silent turn of days beneath the sun and moon】

Loneliness is a peculiar sensation.

When actively sought, it rarely stirs the heart.

But in an unexpected moment, it strikes like a precise bullet, piercing the chest.

Then, the heartbeat slows, and the world fades into a silent monochrome.

Xu Xi had known this feeling before.

Back in the real world, during his days as a cripple.

No visitors.

No conversations.

Just solitude in a silent corner, alleviated only slightly by the convenience of the internet.

Yet, ever since obtaining the Life Simulator, Xu Xi had seldom felt lonely.

"Gurgle—"

"Gurgle—"

The crimson moonlight spills over the land,

Painting the pale bones scarlet, illuminating the dim world.

A cold wind howls through the canyon.

Xu Xi casts a few spells to block the chill and restless energy, ensuring Servia’s movements remain unaffected.

"Wizard Xu Xi, your dinner will be ready soon."

Her soulfire-simulated voice carries a hidden joy.

Fingers lightly grip the ladle,

Stirring the bubbling stew at a steady pace,

Allowing the flavors to meld fully into a harmonious whole.

The vegetables are stalks of windchime flowers.

The meat is unicorn rabbit haunch.

For dessert, sour pomelo fruit.

And a small, jelly-like confection made from assorted fruit juices.

Behold—the grand debut of a Clawphire-style dinner!

"You’ve worked hard, Servia."

Gazing at the meticulously prepared meal, Xu Xi savors the first bite.

Under the blood moon’s cold glow,

The steaming soup reflects rippling crimson light.

Yet it does not seem eerie—

Not the lurid red of blood, but a soft, drifting gradient of rosy hues.

A sip reveals warmth and richness, slightly sweet, slightly tart—a perfect appetizer.

The greens are crisp, the meat tender.

"You’ve done well, Servia," Xu Xi nods, offering the praise she had long awaited.

"I’m glad you like it."

The undead girl stands composed, her emerald eyes flickering faintly—a unique expression of her emotions.

As Xu Xi enjoys the meal,

Memories surface in his mind.

The first year they met, Servia’s cooking had been merely passable.

But with time, even that ordinary skill had blossomed into something remarkable.

Such is the wonder of time.

It can rot the sturdiest things into oblivion,

Yet also polish the humblest crafts into brilliance.

"Servia, you needn’t prepare meals every day."

"Why do you say that, Wizard Xu Xi?"

Under the girl’s slightly puzzled gaze, Xu Xi finishes the last sip of soup.

Stripped of its contents, the empty bowl glows scarlet under the moonlight.

"Because it cuts into your training time, doesn’t it?"

Years of companionship

Had made Xu Xi understand the Hero well.

More than cooking, Servia loved wielding her sword—

Not for herself, but to better protect others.

From childhood to now, across a thousand years, Servia Clawphire had grown stronger with this conviction.

Xu Xi smiles, wanting the girl to pursue what she truly enjoys.

"But…"

The firewood burns fiercely,

Flames illuminating the Hero’s fierce visage—

Half bone, half flesh.

"Wizard Xu Xi, I’ve always relied on your care. If I don’t do something in return, I’d feel uneasy."

Hearing her reply,

Xu Xi’s smile deepens.

True, he had helped Servia many times, but in turn, she had aided him greatly.

There was no debt between them.

It was only because of Servia that Xu Xi had completed his research on death and the soul ahead of schedule.

"Servia."

"Yes, I’m here!"

"You’re a good person, but you have one glaring flaw."

"Wizard Xu Xi, my flaw is…?"

Under the Hero’s slightly nervous gaze, Xu Xi reaches out and gently pinches the fleshy half of her cheek.

"Your flaw is that you’re too good."

"You neglect yourself for others."

Listening to Xu Xi’s lecture,

Servia wants to retort—for instance, by pointing out that Xu Xi shares the same trait.

But the touch on her cheek leaves her meek and compliant.

"...Understood. I’ll reflect on it."