Chapter 59: May You Not Be a Caged Bird

What is the definition of an object?

In the worldview shaped by the girl's tragic childhood…

A so-called object is something that can be driven at will by its owner and possesses a certain function.

Only with a function do you get to eat; only with a function are you qualified to be kept.

A witness to a journey of wandering.

An observer of a journey of flight.

Klisa had seen too many 'objects' discarded by their respective owners because they could no longer fulfill a purpose.

Even though Xu Xi had said he wouldn't abandon her, and even though Xu Xi's words were so gentle that the witch trusted them, a small sense of humility originating from her heart still made her unable to resist wanting to do something.

To prove she was useful, to prove she wouldn't be a burden to her master.

To this end, Klisa wanted Xu Xi to give up the idea of moving, unwilling to let herself become a weight around his neck.

However.

Suddenly.

Xu Xi said such words to Klisa, speaking with a smile: "Klisa, do you know why birds fly?"

Despite her internal confusion.

And not understanding the meaning behind Xu Xi's question.

Klisa still answered truthfully: "Because birds have wings."

It was the simplest answer, and also the most fundamental one. Without the existence of wings, even the lightest bird would have no possibility of soaring through the sky.

Xu Xi nodded, affirming the girl's answer.

"You are absolutely right. The reason birds can fly into the sky is that they have wings. Wings grant them infinite possibilities."

"The meaning of flight and where its end lies are actually not important."

"What truly matters are only those unrestrained wings."

"If a bird is locked in a cage, its wings bound and unable to stretch its body freely, then the bird's meaning will be stripped away along with it."

He paused slightly.

That familiar and warm large hand once again covered Klisa's head, gently stroking her gray hair, bringing her expectation and affirmation.

"Klisa, you are currently like that bird in a cage, subjected to constraints you shouldn't have to bear."

"This is not what I want to see."

"So, come with me. I want to see you in your unrestrained form once again."

Xu Xi's voice was very soft.

Very gentle.

It caused Klisa to daze for a long time.

A draft blew through the room, slightly lifting her long gray-silver hair. In the silence, deep blue waves shimmered at her chest; it was the reflection of light from the Sea Blue Necklace.

Today she had probably overused her eyes, as Klisa felt them stinging slightly.

She didn't understand Xu Xi's words.

Because she was an object belonging exclusively to Xu Xi, a shadow living under the sun for a lifetime, rather than a bird flying freely.

But even for Klisa, who had no confidence in herself, even for Klisa, who felt she was worthless, she still had one trait she considered excellent.

Obedience.

Yes, as long as she was obedient, it would be enough.

The witch, who had no opinions of her own, chose to follow Xu Xi's words, packed her luggage, and left Wage City.

After a long time, she walked out of the courtyard gate, under the sunlight, in the midst of light, walking side-by-side with Xu Xi, her hand held by his as they stepped toward a brand-new future.

Just like that late autumn years ago, when she was pulled out of the foul-smelling alley by Xu Xi.

As long as Xu Xi was by her side.

The witch could be fearless.

Facing falling flowers and flying leaves, treading on the shadows of the sun, she walked toward a new beauty she had never imagined before.

…

[You have seen the trouble that immortality brings to the witch]

[You are determined to change this]

[You have given up the plan to live in seclusion in the same city for a long time. In your limited life, you want to take the witch to experience more different things in the human world]

[You both left Wage City and took a Steam Train to a coastal city further south]

[This is the first time the witch has seen the sea. Although you couldn't see a look of joy on her face due to her emotional defects, you know the witch's mood is much better than usual]

[You deeply feel that your decision was correct and decide to settle down in the new city]

Apogu City.

In the common tongue of the Magic World, it means the City of Water.

Unlike Alenson City where you lived before, there is almost no winter here. It is warm and pleasant all year round, and it borders the boundless sea, producing an abundance of water-attribute transcendent Materials.

The waves shimmered and surged, and the scenery was beautiful.

Xu Xi was very satisfied with this city.

Good scenery, high element concentration, and most importantly, it was far enough away.

No one here knew Klisa, allowing her to move about freely, no longer needing to stay cooped up in a house.

Of course.

Living in Apogu City was only temporary.

Over time, the mages here would also notice something was wrong, and at that time, they would need to change cities again.

"Let's go, Klisa."

Xu Xi called out softly.

Taking the witch toward the third city they would live in.

…

[Brilliant sunlight, surging sea, whistling sea breeze]

[Having lived in Alenson and Wage for many years, you were already tired of scenes of ice and snow. Now that you've changed your living environment, you feel very happy]

[You begin to set up magic circles for the new residence]

[The witch begins to purchase the necessary furniture]

[In the following days, you faintly perceive that the sense of restraint on the witch has disappeared, because she can go out again to solve procurement problems for you]

[This makes the witch feel that she has successfully helped you and is a useful existence to you]

[You are very gratified, gratified that Klisa has become active again]

[You are very worried, worried that Klisa will never be able to leave you and will find it difficult to be independent in the future]

[You and the witch settle in Apogu City. Your life is peaceful and harmonious, but occasionally, the witch receives stern education from you]

[Because you often find the witch using Water Magic alone to catch all kinds of seafood from the sea]

[The witch claims that fresh seafood is more nutritious]

[But you still firmly shake your head and throw away those poisonous fish containing transcendent toxins that could easily end your simulation]

[Simulation Year 15: You are 29, the witch is 21]

[Klisa still maintains the appearance of a 17-year-old girl, but because you haven't been here long, no one suspects anything is wrong, and your life remains peaceful]

[Your path of magic has once again reached a Bottleneck]

[You have a premonition that your Mental Energy is about to break through, promoting you from Archmage to Sanctuary Archmage]

[Further beyond is the Sanctuary Archmage you've been longing for, and the Demigod who possesses Divine Power]

Apogu City.

A Steam Manor near the sea.

Inside the deepest meditation room.

The pitch-black floor used the blood of transcendent monsters to engrave a pale blue Mental Meditation Array. The 29-year-old Xu Xi sat cross-legged on it, his magic wand laid flat.

Invisible and surging Mental Energy was forming a blurred, distorted field around him.

It pulled and moved various elements.

Rising or falling, sinking or floating, Mental Energy and elements fused and connected. As if breaking through some restriction, a sudden vibration rang out in the air.