"What’s happening to me?"

  Pixie groaned, feeling as though the pressure building inside her could make her cough up blood at any moment.

  Eirik shared the frustration, but he knew he couldn’t solve this alone.

  No matter how much he racked his mind, the answers evaded him. After careful consideration, he made a decision—he would take Pixie to Elaresar, the capital of the Dawnstar Dynasty.

  They’d kept a low profile for centuries, ever since Eirik had killed the emperor’s envoy. Word had it that the emperor, enraged by the envoy's death, had sent several others to investigate, but all had failed. Most who knew the location of the Starlight Range were either dead or had vanished, and Eirik’s wards had kept them hidden. For nearly a thousand years, imperial spies had been unable to track them, allowing Eirik and his companions the peace to study magic uninterrupted.

  Now, with so much time passed, Eirik felt the world might have forgotten them. Though dangerous, the journey to Elaresar seemed possible—if they kept a low profile. The current emperor was still the same one from a thousand years ago—Raedric.

  That’s right. Raedric had lived for over a millennium. Some whispered that he was a Savant-level master, while others claimed his longevity was thanks to a mysterious elixir brewed by Violanda, the legendary Master Alchemist.

  Eirik’s purpose was clear: he needed to meet Violanda, who had since become the High Priestess of the Church of Light. Not only had she reached Savant Lv. 5, but her alchemical skills were unparalleled. Many believed that without Violanda’s potions, Raedric would have long since perished.

  Eirik hoped she could help uncover the cause of Pixie's affliction.

  "Is Eirik out of his mind?"

  Selene muttered, her surprise evident.

  "Pixie's a wreck, and he’s still willing to go to such lengths to find an alchemist for her?"

  There was a twinge of envy in Selene’s voice.

  How lucky can someone be, having someone like Eirik?

  She imagined herself drooling, metaphorically speaking.

  It was no small risk to venture to the imperial capital, especially given Eirik’s past. If they were recognized, it could mean their end.

  But for Eirik, none of that mattered. He wasn’t playing the game to survive—he was playing to support Pixie. If she broke, the game was over. Winning meant nothing without her by his side.

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  Man... If I could find a husband like that... Selene hugged herself, the bitter emptiness of loneliness gnawing at her heart.

  Since the simulation began, Selene had been alone—her previous husband dying early on. She had never considered finding another. How could anyone compare to Eirik? All other men seemed dull by comparison.

  She wasn’t alone in this sentiment. Even Liora, her usually shy companion, remained single. When asked why, Liora always replied with a nervous excuse:

  "I... I’m just too introverted to meet anyone..."

  But in truth, Liora simply found relationships troublesome, especially given the many secrets she kept. It wasn’t just them—many others in their group remained single, for reasons of their own.

  Selene began to wonder: Was this some strange pattern? Was the simulation selecting only those destined to remain alone?

  Eirik didn’t linger on such thoughts. With Pixie and their son Thalion by his side, he set off for Elaresar. A thousand years had passed, and Thalion had matured into a fine young man, now a Savant Lv. 1. As a universal elemental, his combat prowess was impressive.

  When Thalion insisted on joining the journey, Eirik hesitated but ultimately agreed.

  “At this rate,” Eirik thought with a wry smile, “my son might become the strongest being in the universe before my wife does.”

  But then again, would that matter? No real rewards for that... just bragging rights.

  With three Savant-level individuals traveling together, few in the Dawnstar Dynasty could pose a real threat to them. On the contrary, people flocked to them, eager to align themselves with such powerful figures.

  The journey was uneventful, and within days, they reached the grand city of Elaresar.

  Elaresar lived up to its reputation as the capital of a magical empire. The grandeur of the city was breathtaking, with countless buildings suspended in midair. Magicians, magical beasts, and otherworldly creatures darted through the sky, making the city a dazzling spectacle.

  Though Pixie and Thalion were strong, they had rarely ventured beyond their secluded home. Exploring the capital was a dream come true for them. They wandered the bustling streets, marveling at the sights as if they were carefree tourists.

  Eirik allowed them to enjoy the sights before they finally made their way to meet Violanda, the legendary alchemist.

  Ordinary folk would find it nearly impossible to gain an audience with someone like her, but as soon as Eirik revealed their identities as Savant-level masters, word spread quickly. The commotion piqued Violanda’s curiosity, and she personally invited them to meet her.

  "So, this is the Master Alchemist..." Eirik thought, eyeing her.

  Violanda was as ethereal as the rumors described. Dressed in flowing white robes, she radiated a sense of divinity. Her long hair was elegantly tied, and a faint golden glow shimmered between her brows, adding an otherworldly allure to her serene beauty.

  Her presence reminded Eirik of Elvynna. Both women possessed a beauty that transcended the mortal realm, cold and distant.

  Yet there was a subtle difference. Elvynna’s coldness carried a trace of nobility, as if she were a princess from a fallen kingdom. Violanda, however, exuded an enigmatic allure that blended aloofness with seduction—her presence utterly captivating.

  "I’ve heard of your plight," Violanda said, her voice calm and analytical as she studied Pixie closely. "It is rare for one to reach the Savant level only to find themselves unable to progress further..."

  She took Pixie’s hand, her gaze sharp as she examined her body. The silence stretched on for several moments before Violanda’s expression shifted, her brow furrowing in disbelief.

  Far away, in the heart of Elaresar, Violanda sat cross-legged in meditation. Suddenly, her eyes snapped open, filled with shock.

  "A simulation...?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "What is this? Why is it unfolding in my mind?"

  The alchemist’s ruby lips parted in stunned disbelief as the strange vision continued to unfold, leaving her unable to comprehend the invasion of her thoughts.