You Are My One and Only

"Master, a world without you is not the world I desire."

"You lied to me... The power of love is not infinite..."

"Without you, I can do... nothing..."

Xu Xi was dreaming.

Fragmented images, like twisted oil paintings, overlapped and swirled in a vortex.

They resembled dreamlike, multicolored clouds.

Converging in the sky, rippling across the sea of stars.

The interplay of light and shadow reflected nameless yearnings, revealing scenes of stark reality.

Xu Xi saw many visions.

Pale, boundless.

He witnessed the silver-haired witch weeping alone after the second simulation, her sorrow spilling out in silence.

The witch wandered through an empty courtyard.

Stumbling in her confusion.

Losing herself in helplessness.

Yet in the end, she stood up on her own, knowing no one would ever lift her again.

Grief, tears, regret.

Her shoulders trembled.

Tormented by her own powerlessness.

If only she could become stronger—could she have averted the tragedy?

Brought back the warmth that had slipped away?

"Master..."

"I can use chopsticks properly now..."

"I'll wait for you. Always, always... until you return."

Xu Xi witnessed it all.

Watched her journey alone through the magical world.

Watched her weep yet stride forward with resilience.

Watched her endure solitude, waiting eternally for reunion.

As the "undying monster."

Forever awaiting Xu Xi's return—that warm, radiant light to brighten her dim existence.

......

......

Dawn broke.

Pale yellow sunlight pierced the clouds, squeezing through the gaps in the curtains to cast faint strands across Xu Xi's face.

"A dream?"

"No, it felt too real."

"Almost... like a replay of the past."

Xu Xi slowly sat up.

He stared at his palms, lost in thought.

Though he didn’t understand why he could see Krisha’s past, it felt undeniably real.

Her emotions.

Her thoughts.

The profound sorrow in the dream had seeped into his heart.

"Have you been waiting for me all this time...?"

Xu Xi lowered his gaze, lost in reflection.

Moments later, the bedroom door creaked open softly.

"Master?" It was Krisha.

Today, the witch wore a frilled maid’s dress, her silver-gray hair cascading over her shoulders like silent, undulating waves.

Her calm expression wasn’t cold—instead, it carried a unique, understated beauty.

"Master, breakfast is ready: warm milk, fried eggs, and smoked dragon meat," Krisha said as she brought the tray to him.

"Thank you, Krisha," Xu Xi replied gently.

"You’ve worked hard all this time."

Krisha shook her head.

Her voice was serene: "There’s no need for gratitude, Master. This is my duty."

It wasn’t hard.

It could never be hard.

As long as she could meet you, as long as she could reunite with you—

Seeing your face, holding your hand, feeling that long-lost warmth—she would never grow weary.

Because you are her one and only.

Clink.

The tray settled on the table.

Krisha took two light steps to the drawn curtains, pinched the fabric between her fingers, and pulled them apart.

Whoosh.

In an instant, morning light flooded the room.

Warm, bright, tender rays.

Dispelling the cold desolation of night.

Illuminating the small space.

"Master, is one portion enough?" Krisha turned, her back to the dawn, facing the only sun she acknowledged.

"If not, I can prepare ten more."

"Krisha," Xu Xi called.

"Yes, I’m here."

"Your offer is kind, but let’s save it for another time."

Xu Xi declined with a smile.

After breakfast, he toured the mansion.

Furnished, elegant, adorned with lush greenery.

Nothing needed changing.

"This life... isn’t bad," Xu Xi mused, reminded of his days in Allenson City long ago. The resemblance was uncanny.

The only difference?

No more magic research.

This time, Xu Xi planned only to accompany Krisha—to let the immortal witch bask in warmth for as long as possible.

"Krisha, is there anything you’d like to do?"

Xu Xi paused, turning to the composed witch beside him.

"Stay with you."

"Anything else?"

"Watch over you. Care for you. Serve you."

Krisha’s gaze never left Xu Xi’s face.

Her tone was calm, yet resolute.

Her world began and ended with him—she could think of nothing else.

"This is..."

Xu Xi felt stuck.

Then, a flicker of recollection passed through Krisha’s eyes.

"Master, there is... one place I’d like to visit."

......

Krisha’s request surprised Xu Xi.

She wanted to visit the grandest cathedral in the most bustling city of this magical world.

Though no true gods existed here, faith thrived regardless.

Hence, cathedrals stood tall.

Xu Xi didn’t understand why Krisha—who despised deities—wished to see one. But he agreed.

"How rare..."

"For you to suggest a destination."

He smiled. "I can’t think of a reason to refuse—nor do I want to."

"Let’s go, Krisha."

"Though I’ll have to trouble you."

"I’m just an ordinary man now. No flight, no teleportation. You’ll have to take me there."

His voice was gentle, tinged with apology.

"...It’s fine, Master."

"...I’m the one inconveniencing you."

Krisha was likely pleased by his consent.

Her face remained impassive.

But the faint tremor in her lashes betrayed her joy.

Staff in hand—Gray Rekindling—she let Xu Xi clasp her fingers. Together, under the sun’s glow, they stepped into a spatial rift.

She hadn’t asked because she wanted to go.

She wanted to go because he was there.

......

A brief spatial leap later, Xu Xi and Krisha emerged in the world’s grandest city.

This was no ordinary metropolis.

It was the capital of the kingdom.

Home to countless warriors, knights, mages—and beyond.

Dragonriders of the royal legion streaked across the sky, their mounts diving in majestic arcs.

Magnificent. Stately.

Sacred. Luminous.

Such was Xu Xi’s first impression.

But his focus lay elsewhere.

He turned to their true destination.

"The cathedral... That one? Surprisingly conspicuous."