I Am a Sinner..

As Tilis embraced Luo Wei, he saw the surroundings shift.

The flickering flames of the fireplace, the warm and cozy room, and the faint scent of medicine. This was her small wooden house by the sea.

None of this was designed by Luo Wei; it was Tilis' subconscious projection—a place where she felt safe.

This heartwarming reunion was something Tilis had longed for, for a very long time. She clung to Luo Wei, pouring out her loneliness and yearning during their separation.

"I went to so many places, traveled the entire world, but I couldn’t find you anywhere..."

"I thought I’d never see you again..."

Luo Wei smiled gently, caressing her hair.

"But here you are, seeing me again, aren’t you?"

Tilis nestled teary-eyed in his embrace, "This time, you won’t leave me, will you?"

"Of course not."

Tilis lifted her head, smiling sweetly. "Promise me with your word! You mustn’t leave me again!"

Seeing Luo Wei nod, Tilis finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"Alright then..." She blinked mischievously, "During the time you were away, did you ever think of me?"

"Of course I did."

Tilis beamed like a child.

"Really? That’s wonderful!"

"I can hardly believe it! Today feels like a dream!"

Tilis quickly held onto Luo Wei’s hand, eager to say, "Since you’re back now, I want to take you to a special place. I’ve been planning it for a long, long time, and now it’s finally going to happen!"

"Where are we going?" Luo Wei asked.

"To a brand-new, beautiful world—maybe your hometown, or somewhere else. But no matter where, we’ll be together forever!"

Her excitement burst forth, but she suddenly realized she couldn’t pull Luo Wei along.

“What’s wrong?” Tilis turned questioningly, finding Luo Wei staring at her fixedly, his expression somewhat off.

Luo Wei gazed at her. "If you take me there, we won’t be able to stay together forever."

"Why?" Tilis’ expression darkened immediately.

"Because I’ll die," Luo Wei said matter-of-factly.

"What!?" Tilis froze.

She blurted out, "How... how is that even possible? You must be lying to me!"

Luo Wei didn’t rush to explain, just meeting her gaze calmly.

"So, what do you intend to do next?"

Tilis hesitated, then spoke without hesitation about her plan—detaching their spiritual essences, opening the mystical gate, and finally leaving this world she loathed behind, to live happily together forever...

Everything seemed perfect, as if their dream was already within reach.

Luo Wei’s expression turned regretful.

"If I told you that every part of your plan is flawed."

"And that it’ll endanger the life of the person you love the most, leaving no room for repair."

"Would you still stubbornly push forward?"

Tilis refused to believe it, even within the dream. She remained steadfast in her conviction about the plan.

"Stop lying to me! How could you possibly know what’ll happen in the future?"

Her tone turned cold and sharp. "Are you afraid? Don’t you dare back out now! Otherwise, don’t blame me!"

Luo Wei watched her growing agitation, inwardly sighing.

She was so convinced about this plan that it bordered on obsession.

In reality, no matter what Luo Wei said or did, she wouldn’t believe him.

She’d overlook the flaws, rationalize them away under her delusions, living entirely within her own world.

To change her, the only way was to brutally confront her with the harsh realities she refused to acknowledge, forcing her to see the disastrous consequences of her actions.

Luckily, this was the Dreamscape—his domain. Luo Wei could easily manipulate such scenes.

That powerful witch Tilis became helpless and subject to his will once trapped in the Dreamscape.

"Alright then, I’ll agree to you," Luo Wei looked at Tilis.

"Really?" Her mood flipped instantly, joy replacing her earlier frustration.

"Of course. Lead the way then." Luo Wei smiled faintly.

The surroundings transformed dramatically. A few steps later, they found themselves in the pristine underground research lab, where Luo Wei reenacted the past scene.

Dreamers rarely realize they’re dreaming, and Tilis remained oblivious to the bizarre changes around her.

Luo Wei couldn’t help but recall the days he’d been trapped within the Dreamscape by Ophelia.

He’d managed to escape from that dream because he always harbored doubts—it was his nature. But Tilis was different.

She had already sunken deeply into this reunion dream.

"Don’t worry~"

"The soul extraction technique has been tested countless times!"

"Conducted personally by me—only success awaits!"

Another painfully ironic statement.

Tilis suppressed her excitement, her hands trembling with anticipation.

The liquid slowly traveled through the IV tube into Luo Wei’s veins.

Gently, Luo Wei closed his eyes.

Tilis waited quietly for the procedure to complete, but soon, she started noticing something amiss.

The instrument’s glow suddenly dimmed, and the extracted spiritual essence dispersed quickly into the air.

Luo Wei’s eyes never opened again.

Tilis stood frozen, at a loss.

The very outcome she feared most surfaced in her mind.

Could it be...

Her hand trembled as she reached towards Luo Wei’s nose.

Tilis stood stunned.

The world spun around her.

How could it be, how could...

This simple procedure—one she’d tried countless times—how could it fail?

Yet, Luo Wei’s lifeless body lay in front of her, undeniably dead.

A tragedy she’d never imagined. All the beautiful scenarios she’d envisioned froze before taking their first step...

Because of her soul extraction technique, Luo Wei had perished...

He’d warned her, had advised against it, but she’d remained so stubborn, so blind. Her own obstinacy had led to his death.

Tilis crumpled like a broken kite, collapsing helplessly on the ground.

"It’s... really failed..."

"What have I done... how could such a thing happen... is this truly my fault..."

Then, from deep within her came a voice utterly devoid of emotion.

"Yes, this is your doing."

Tilis frantically pulled at her hair. "I cannot believe it! I refuse to believe it!!"

"He’s dead right in front of you, yet you still refuse to accept it? Tilis, how far will your stubbornness take you?"

Tilis stared blankly at Luo Wei’s lifeless body.

She opened her mouth, ready to counter, to defend herself, but ultimately fell silent.

No rebuttal could possibly matter anymore...

She was guilty.

...