Ascetic Diary, Three Years, Dust Elf Arrietty

"I had no idea that there was something hidden in this room."

Ronan stared at the few smoky figures in Orian's hand, his tone faltering as he hesitated, unsure of how to address them.

"Dust Elf".

Orian picked up where he left off, saying calmly, "You'll naturally come into contact with them once you've lived here long enough."

They are very shy, and it took me fifteen years of living here before I was able to gradually have some simple interactions and exchanges with them.

Fifteen years... Ronan pursed his lips.

Indeed, there are no geniuses in this world without a reason.

Orian's ability to advance to the Third Level Wizard and earn the prestigious title of "Four-Colored Metal" before the age of fifty was not only due to his exceptional talent, but also inseparable from the abundant top-tier resources provided by the Silver Magic Ring.

Ronan survived a crisis at the Ancient Wizard Revival Society because of the coordinates of a World Stone, which granted him the exceptional right to enter the meditation chamber and use part of the Inheritance Imprint Space.

Having stayed here for a while, Ronan has felt his abilities growing rapidly in all aspects; this is truly a haven for wizards seeking tranquility.

Orian, however, has lived in this place for at least fifteen years.

Ronan felt a pang of emotion, thought for a moment, and then said, "Whatever."

Orian lowered his head slightly, making a sound as soft as a mosquito's buzz as he spoke to the Dust Elf in his hands in a language Ronan couldn't understand, like strange whispers.

Soon, the Dust Elf, following Orian's command, vanished like smoke.

"If you want to communicate with them, remember to keep your voice down, otherwise you will frighten them."

Dust Elf can understand our language, but communicating with them in their language will be much easier. On the bookshelf on the 53rd floor to your left behind you, there's an introduction to the Dust Elf's language. If you're interested, you can look it up; it won't take long to learn."

Orian looked up and spoke to Ronan in the tone of someone who had been through it all.

He was clearly teaching Ronan something, yet he didn't come across as annoying, displaying an exceptional level of refinement that Ronan had never encountered from anyone else.

At this moment, the Dust Elf that had left earlier returned, bringing with them even more Dust Elf.

Several tiny winged figures were stacked together, wobbling precariously while holding teapots, teacups, and trays that were many times their own size, making one worry that they would fall over at any moment.

Orian whispered a reminder to Ronan: "Don't try to help them, or you'll only anger them and they'll ignore you for a long time."

The Dust Elf are the attic's caretakers; they're eager to serve us. You simply need to carefully tell them what you need and then wait patiently. If you build a good relationship with them, they might even share many unknown secrets that happen within the attic.

Ronan watched as a large group of Dust Elf set everything out on the long table. They brought steaming hot tea, along with sugar cubes, cream, honey, salt, and snacks such as muffins and fruit tarts, quickly preparing a rather sumptuous afternoon tea.

He listened to Orian's words, his expression shifting slightly, and he couldn't help but say, "You really know them."

Orian as a gray-winged Dust Elf awkwardly poured water into the cup in front of him, and said calmly, "Of course, I've spent more time with them than anyone else in the Arcane Circle."

Ronan sensed a deep loneliness in Orian's words; it seemed that being placed on high hopes by the ring masters of the Arcane Circle was not all good.

Ronan could almost picture it—the lonely wizard boy spending his days and years in this narrow, quiet room, spending his time meditating and practicing, and talking to the little dust figures hiding in the cracks of the floor and bookshelves.

"What's the situation outside now?"

Ronan gently stirred the snow-white sugar cubes in the red tea with a small silver spoon, and casually asked Orian.

In fact, he was not completely unaware of the outside world. Although he was "imprisoned" here and could not leave for the time being, he still had communication devices on him and would occasionally Bennigo, Clemens, and others.

Sitting face-to-face with Orian, he wondered if he should take the initiative to start a conversation to break the quiet and slightly awkward atmosphere.

Which aspect are you referring to?

"Ancient Wizard Revival Society".

Orian for a moment, then replied, "Since the list of [Resurrection Society] wizards was released, manhunts have been constantly being issued. Wizards from other factions have also gotten involved, and bloodshed and conflict are happening every day."

From Orian's brief description, Ronan discerned one word—"chaos."

The situation surrounding the Ancient Wizard Revival Society has gradually spiraled out of control.

The resources of the forces damaged by the Ancient Wizard Revival Society have become highly sought-after by many. Under the pretext of eliminating the remaining forces of the Ancient Wizard Revival Society, many forces have begun to plunder other people's territories. Some have even directly "disguised" themselves as the Ancient Wizard Revival Society, openly killing and robbing people... The six major powers, or rather, the five major powers now, according to Orian, the Thorn Palace had already completely disbanded last month.

Even the Silver Magic Ring has absorbed a small number of the Thorn Palace wizards to join them.

The regions surrounding the five major wizarding powers are already in complete chaos, and this turmoil continues to spread to even more distant areas.

Amidst the turmoil, powerful wizards rose to prominence, earning awe and renown, while established wizards perished, their souls journeying to Land of Peace. "Before coming here, I encountered Rufus."

Orian suddenly spoke up, looking at Ronan.

Ronan was slightly taken aback, and an image of a hideous body covered in exposed flesh and blood subconsciously surfaced in his mind.

"I fought him."

He also mentioned you to me.

"What did you mean by mentioning me?"

Ronan picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and asked the question without making a sound.

He's curious about whether you're alive or dead.

Orian said calmly.

"What was the result of your fight with him?"

Ronan spoke, even though he knew it was impolite to ask such a direct question.

Orian paused for a moment, then said, "Rufus practices the Ancient Blood Secret Technique passed down within the Crimson Tower, and he is very powerful."

This turmoil provided fertile ground for his rapid growth in strength. In this battle, neither he nor I used our full power.

The outcome at this stage is meaningless; the real competition will have to wait until three years from now.

Ronan's eyes flickered. "Helamus's bid for the Talent Seat?"

"No one will miss this grand event."

Orian looked into Ronan's eyes and said calmly, "You're the same, aren't you?"

Ronan shook his head and said nothing.

Although he was eager to go, whether he could successfully advance to level three in three years was still an unknown for him.

"Interested in a match?"

Orian suddenly spoke, Ronan's hand, holding the teacup, froze.

A subtle ripple seemed to arise between the two, and the emanating fighting spirit startled the Dust Elf busy at the long table, causing them to scatter in panic.

A moment later, Ronan extinguished the spark of the battle.

"Feel sorry."

Ronan shook his head and put down his teacup. "I'm having some health issues and am completely unsuitable for spellcasting combat right now."

Ronan knew very well that what Orian was interested in was the fusion of his Three Law Domains, the spell that instantly killed Ignatius, and the power of the Frost Hydra Bloodline.

This is why Orian and Rufus both considered him an equal opponent.

However, the problem of "Hecalto's remaining will" within the Consciousness Space has not yet been resolved. Ronan can no longer use the power related to the Ancient Frost Hydra, otherwise he may suffer a backlash from the will. Therefore, he could only reject Orian's proposal.

Although he himself was equally curious about Orian's combat strength.

"All right."

Orian showed a slight regret on his face, but said nothing.

The conversation between the two ended, and they both fell silent, simply enjoying their afternoon tea.

"Actually, they are quite good. Entrusting the house to them for management is very worry-free."

If things go well, I suggest you take a few with you when the time comes."

After an unknown amount of time, Orian stood up from his seat, waved goodbye to the Dust Elf playing on the table with his finger, and then calmly left the meditation room.

This time, it seemed as if he had come specifically to meet Ronan.

"This guy probably doesn't have many friends."

Ronan watched Orian leave, then thought for a moment and casually took a book from the bookshelf on the left side behind him, from the 53rd line from the bottom up—"The Secret of House Elves".

After casually flipping through a few pages, Ronan uttered a strange, slightly awkward whisper. Several Dust Elf, attracted by his call, cautiously peeked out from the cracks in the table, but as soon as their eyes met his, they immediately turned into smoke and disappeared.

Ronan smiled, put down his book, turned around, and chose a small gray door to go inside.

Orian's arrival was just a minor incident, and the peaceful and regular life continued.

Sometimes he loses track of time.

He seemed to have been forgotten in this neglected corner.

Orian never appeared again after that incident, and the only person who visited the attic was Porby would come every few days to deliver resources.

Ronan developed the habit of keeping a diary, but because he didn't know the exact dates, he used another method to mark and record them.

——

[Rune recognition progress: 200. Mental power progress: 64%. Preparing to condense the third Spiritual Power Crystal. Porby delivered the resources for breaking through to the late stage of Level 2 Wizard two days ago. I asked him how much time was left until the 'Southern Wizard Genius Gathering,' but he wouldn't answer.]

Rune recognition progress: 520. Mental power progress: still stuck at 64%, the third Spiritual Power Crystal is not condensed, and mental power cannot continue to increase.

The reason I'm writing this diary is because 520 is a special number worth commemorating. Unfortunately, I don't have a partner to share it with, but wizards don't need partners, and women would only affect my spellcasting speed.

Good news! After studying more than 500 first and second-tier runes, I can finally barely understand the runes inside the Mirror Dagger and Silver Comb. I'm now trying to use these two runes to make final modifications to the [Silverization] seal.

More runes within the Myriad Treasure Orb can be deciphered, and the [Multiple Mirror Lights could perhaps be further optimized.

I've named the core rune within the Dawn Rank Silver Staff [Stasis], and I'm currently performing a preliminary analysis.

Rune recognition progress: 703. Mental strength progress: 66%.

I have successfully advanced to the late stage of Level 2 Wizard. The third Spiritual Power Crystal has been condensed, and the upgraded and optimized [Silverization] rune has been successfully solidified. The effect is quite good.

Good news! Your proficiency in [Detection Spell] has advanced to Master Level, granting you the derivative ability [Eye of Truth], which allows you to see the trajectory of energy particles flowing and arranging during spellcasting. Further exploration is needed to discover its many other uses.

Rune recognition progress: 754. Mental strength progress: 68%.

[Frost Spear] Advanced to Master Level, giving rise to Extraordinary Magic Domain.

Rune recognition progress: 867; Mental strength progress: 75%.

Great news! [Ice Ball] has entered the second stage of Magic Domain Resonance! So fast! The Ancient Frost Hydra Bloodline is still in effect; I am now a true Ice Magic prodigy!

Rune recognition progress: 901, Mental strength progress: 78%.

Good news! The Frost Ray has also entered the second stage of Magic Domain Resonance.

Rune recognition progress: 970; Mental strength progress: 80%.

Good news! [Ice Blade] has entered the second stage of Magic Domain Resonance, and the fusion of the Three Law Domains is more complete. I am trying to incorporate the fourth ice-type Extraordinary Magic Domain into the fusion as well. I can foresee that [Hecalto's Death Gaze] will bring a small shock to the wizarding geniuses throughout the south.

If I have the chance to receive an invitation to compete for a seat.

Good news! I've finally honed my [Power of Breaking Law] to the point of One Segment Magic Domain Resonance. The Energy Affinity [Disintegration Ray] spell I found on the 573rd shelf of the attic has been a great inspiration to me.

Good news! The [Particle Torrent] has entered the second stage of Magic Domain Resonance.

Good news! My Master Level proficiency in [Ascetic Body Forging] has surpassed 1000, and my [Ancient Power] rune has advanced to Intermediate level.

Good news! I've almost completely worn down Hecalto's remaining will within the Consciousness Space. The hidden danger to his bloodline has been temporarily eliminated, and I can now attempt to continue the bloodline fusion. The ideas regarding the [Mirror Soul] spell can be explored.

Good news! The [Mirror Soul] spell, cast with blood containing the Ancient Frost Hydra Bloodline, is even more powerful than I imagined. If I can master this spell, my trump card should be Master Level by +1.

Bad news: My mental strength growth has plateaued. I don't know the exact time, but I can feel that I've been stuck at 88% for quite some time now. The magical potions that Porby sent to enhance my mental strength cultivation have almost all developed resistance.

When Porby comes next time, I plan to discuss a solution to this problem with him.

The bad news is that Porby believes the root of the problem might still lie in my soul aptitude. My strength has increased too quickly, which is something that a wizard with my aptitude should not be able to achieve.

The impurities within my soul are hindering my progress. I need to fight to temper myself, but... I cannot leave for the time being.

Good news! My Master Level proficiency in Basic Meditation Technique has surpassed 1,000, and my mental energy has undergone a second purification, finally overcoming the plateau that had been holding me back.

The bad news is that the battle for the Helamus Genius Seat is likely to begin soon, and I don't want to miss it.

Rune recognition progress: 3,052.

Mental strength progress: 101%. Bad news: I've read all the runebooks on the bookshelf in the ascetic room.

[Bad news: The spatial energy seed within the Consciousness Space has disappeared.]

[Bad news: The key to advancing from level two to Third Level Wizard requires external means to enhance Soul Power. The worse the soul aptitude, the more resources are needed to enhance Soul Power.]

After consuming both potions that bolstered my Soul Power, Porby, I still haven't felt any opportunity to advance to level three. Kosti is continuing to collect [the necessary items].

[The bad news is that while I remain obsessed with researching the spatial and mirror-based rune spells of the Ancient Mirror Garden, my research has completely stalled after losing the support of the spatial energy seed.]

I really want to enter the Mirror Garden again; many of my ideas could be tested, and perhaps I could gain even more inspiration.

Good news! I've finally become friends with a female Dust Elf. She's very beautiful, only the size of my thumb, and I've named her Arrietty.

Bad news.

Today, the age displayed on my Character Panel has changed to twenty-one.

Good news! I can go out now.

The quiet attic of the hermitage Illumination Crystal light that fell like a white veil.

In front of a smooth, silver half-length mirror, a tall, slender figure, draped in Gray Magic Robe, is carefully adjusting his appearance.

Beautiful chestnut brown hair and beard fell down with the rustling sound of scissors, landing on the warm wood floor.

A large group of winged Dust Elf busily ran around on the floor, collecting the scattered strands of hair.

Then, at some point, the pruning stopped abruptly.

The Dust Elf on the ground and in the air immediately scattered, and then the hair piled up on the floor was silently ignited by the flames, quickly burning into a pile of charred ashes.

Among the Dust Elf, a beautiful girl with two pairs of gray wings and a long braid fluttered her wings, bravely approached the figure, gently landed on its shoulder, and then curiously looked into the mirror.

The silver half-length mirror reflected a young man with short chestnut brown hair.

With handsome and dashing features, fair skin, and deep blue eyes that resembled an infinitely tranquil lake, the young man exuded a calm and scholarly aura. His demeanor was composed and reserved, giving the impression of a humble and wise scholar, or a low-key and elegant nobleman.

"Arrietty, would you like to come with me?"

The young man tilted his head slightly and asked the beautiful girl on his shoulder in a soft and gentle voice.

The girl's face showed interest, but she hesitated. She lowered her head and looked down.

On the floor, Dust Elf resembling a middle-aged couple were looking at her with complicated expressions and waving gently at her.

"Um!"

The girl mustered her courage and nodded vigorously at the young man in the mirror.

The latter smiled, reached out and gently stroked the girl's head. She obediently snuggled closer to him, then turned into a wisp of smoke and hid in the folds of his robe collar.

After doing all this, the young man turned around.

He raised his hand, and the silver half-body mirror behind him melted away like water, flowing completely into his sleeve.

"Three years have passed without me even realizing it..."

Ronan sighed softly.

He looked around and saw the silent books on the shelves, as if they were saying goodbye to him in silence.

Over the past three years, he has read almost every book on the shelves. The excellent memory brought about by Brain Domain Development has allowed him to easily recall the contents of every page of every book in every location on the bookshelf.

I entered this place when I was almost eighteen, and now I am twenty-one, having grown from a boy into a young man.

Sometimes I feel that three years is quite a long time.

But looking back now, it feels as if the reflection in the mirror changed completely in just a glance.

"Whoosh—"

A silvery-white Space Vortex appeared silently in the air in front of them.

Ronan's eyes flickered; he was now extremely sensitive to any spatial energy fluctuations.

"Let's go, Arrietty."

After calming down, Ronan gently patted the collar of his robe, and then, with a large group of Dust Elf seeing him off, slowly walked into the vortex.

On the wooden floor behind him, the Dust Elf, resembling a middle-aged couple, watched his departing figure, waving and wiping away tears.

When Ronan stepped out of the vortex exit, he found himself not in the dark tunnel he had entered three years ago, but in mid-air.

The blazing sun hangs in the cloudless sky, casting golden rays down, while beneath your feet lies a giant, silently rotating metal ring.

Ronan squinted and made a simple gesture to shield his vision. Once his pupils adjusted to the external light, he lowered his hand and could see clearly the figure facing him under the blazing sun.

It looks exactly the same as it did three years ago.

Time left no trace on Kosti.

She remained breathtakingly beautiful, possessing the innocence of a young girl, the elegance of a noblewoman, and the majesty and composure befitting a top wizard of the Mist.

She opened her arms to Ronan and said softly, "Welcome back, Damien."

The top of the Seventh Magic Ring Tower.

Ronan stood in front of the huge crystal floor-to-ceiling window, Porby Colorful Conch Parrot, flew noisily around his head.

He had met Ronan just seven days ago, and even the news that he could leave was relayed by Porby, but now he was as excited as if he hadn't seen him for three years.

Ronan looked down over the entire Arcane Circle and saw a huge metal base at one end of the west side of the seven Silver White High Tower, with many wizards dressed in Arcane Circle robes busy around it.

"The Arcane Circle is preparing to build its eighth tower."

Kosti walked up to Ronan and explained calmly, "A lot happened during the three years you were in seclusion."

The Thorn Palace no longer exists. Our Arcane Circle has accepted a former peak level three wizard from the Arcane Circle Thorn Palace, intending to make her the eighth ring master. The decision was just passed two months ago. Oh, by the way, you should have seen that person before; she was the wizard who led the Thorn Palace team in the Second Battlefield when the core secret realm of the Mirror Garden opened."

Is it her?

Ronan blinked; Kosti's words had made some sense to him.

An image of a beautiful plant-themed witch with hair covered in vines and flowers came to mind.

Unexpectedly, the other party became a member of the Arcane Circle in the blink of an eye.

"How much stronger are you now, three levels below your current level?"

Suddenly, Kosti brought up another matter and asked Ronan about it.

"A lot of."

Ronan shook his head.

He knew why Kosti was asking this.

He thought for a moment and then asked, "How much time is left until the Southern Wizard Genius Gathering begins?"