The Last Day Before New Year

【Your guidance of the witch has been successful】

【She has mastered the four elements of earth, wind, water, and fire】

【The emotional flaws make the witch different from ordinary people, but they also make her progress in magic extremely fast, and in some aspects, she has a unique understanding of magic】

【You are pleased because this means that the witch's talent is not bad】

【You feel that such growth and progress can, to some extent, fill the fragile and sensitive heart of Krisha】

【You begin to teach her more advanced magical knowledge】

【Krisha learns very seriously, memorizing all your teachings, and she respects you deeply. Besides learning magic, she also takes the initiative to do household chores】

【You do not stop her】

【Because you clearly know that to restore a broken heart, besides giving confidence, you must also give a sense of existence】

【Helping the girl unconditionally and showing endless kindness and love will not restore her, but only make her confused and lost】

【Therefore, you give the girl a sense of "value"】

【By keeping her busy with household chores, you make her feel needed and valuable, rather than a piece of garbage that could be discarded at any moment】

【This approach effectively enhances the girl's sense of security】

……

【Time flies, and two months have passed since you adopted the witch】

【It is now the end of December】

【Your popularity in Allenson City has slightly declined, but among the common people, you are still a well-known topic. People often discuss how devout your faith is, enough to move the Goddess of Life to bestow her blessings】

【You laugh it off because you are not a believer of the Goddess of Life】

【Allenson City is located in the northern part of the world, where winter arrives earlier and is more severe than in other cities. Snowflakes begin to fall from the sky, and the people on the streets shiver】

【The snow falls heavily, and the cold is biting】

【In such extreme conditions, even breathing becomes a painful experience. The cold air ruthlessly cuts through the mouth and nose, invading the body and wreaking havoc】

【But this has nothing to do with you. Your house is equipped with a full set of steam heating, and you can also use fire magic to keep warm】

【You accidentally learn from the Mage Association in the city center that in a border city further north of Allenson, orcs are launching an assault】

【The harsh winter not only torments humans but also these physically extraordinary non-humans】

【This matter has not caused a stir in Allenson. The border is defended by multiple mage legions, and several divine churches assist in the defense, making it impossible for the orcs to break through】

【The new year is approaching】

【From the nobles to the commoners, everyone is preparing for the first day of the new year】

【This day is known as "Divine Creation Day," celebrated by many divine churches as the day when the gods collectively created the world, a day of joyous celebration in the midst of winter】

……

Noise.

Commotion.

And clamor.

Xu Xi sat in the warm and comfortable study, quietly listening to the sounds of joy coming from outside.

Since the weather turned cold, he had not heard such lively sounds for a long time. There were children playing and adults laughing, adding a bit of color to the silent winter.

In previous years, Xu Xi had spent this time alone.

But this year was different. Xu Xi had the witch by his side.

"Master, please."

A calm voice sounded by his ear, devoid of any strong emotion, like a gently flowing stream or a breeze brushing past the treetops.

This was the unique, beautiful voice of Krisha.

"Thank you, Krisha," Xu Xi looked to his right.

After two months of proper nutrition.

The once emaciated and pitiful little girl.

Had regained her basic health and figure.

Her silver-gray hair flowed smoothly like a waterfall, and she stood quietly in her black and white apprentice mage robe, holding a cup of hot drink.

【Chaka】

This is a magical drink popular among humans.

Xu Xi understood it as the magical world's equivalent of coffee.

Taking it from the girl's hand, he sipped it, feeling the warmth flow down his throat and nourish his body. At the same time, his mind became clearer, and his perception of magic deepened.

This was the effect of Chaka.

One cup cost 1 gold coin.

"Ridiculous," Xu Xi smacked his lips, feeling that this so-called Chaka was nothing special, far inferior to his three traits.

But on second thought, the local mages of this simulation world did not have trait bonuses. It was understandable that they would hype Chaka to such a price for the slight enhancement it provided.

Shaking his head.

Xu Xi stopped thinking about it.

He placed the cup back on the tray and stood up.

"Krisha, I'm going out for a while. Please take care of the house."

"Yes, please rest assured."

Xu Xi wore the robe of a formal mage, casting Wind Barrier and Fire Warmth on himself, followed by Wind Riding, allowing him to ride the air currents and fly out of the courtyard.

The girl stood at the courtyard gate, quietly watching the departing figure.

Until it completely disappeared from sight.

Then she returned to the house to continue her household chores.

……

Today was the last day of the year.

Xu Xi planned to go to the Mage Association in the city center to settle some commissions, purchase some new magic books, and make an appearance.

Xu Xi was not particularly fond of socializing, but the popularity brought by his identity as the "Slum Mage" was too high. Many mages, driven by curiosity, sought to befriend him.

Through these connections, Xu Xi had obtained many useful supernatural materials and learned a lot of information.

The news of the orc invasion of the border was one such piece of information.

Gradually.

Xu Xi developed the habit of occasionally visiting the Mage Association.

"Yo, Xu, long time no see!"

"Here comes the famous Slum Light, come on, let's drink to our heart's content!"

"Damn it, Tidof, you old fox, you cheated again with your wind magic, moving my dice. Your tricks are the most useless!"

"Hmph, can a mage's actions be called cheating?"

Upon entering the Mage Association of Allenson City.

Some acquaintances greeted Xu Xi, while others were immersed in their games.

Compared to usual.

The association hall was much quieter.

"It seems most people have gone back to celebrate the New Year," Xu Xi thought to himself, nodding in response to those he knew, then walked into the inner part of the association to settle some previously accepted commissions.

With the commission fees in hand, his wallet suddenly became much fuller.

Xu Xi purchased some supernatural materials and magic books he had not yet read.

Through the red trait "Wisdom of Mortals," Xu Xi could quickly integrate supernatural materials and knowledge, turning them into his own reserves and advancing further on the path of a mage.

There is a saying in this world: The stronger one is, the more profound their knowledge.

Meaning that powerful mages possess profound knowledge.

Conversely, it can also be understood that the more profound a mage's knowledge, the stronger they are.