Lusen, Equivalent Exchange

The newcomer's collar was stained with grease, and his hair was a mess, as if he had just woken from a dream.

His slightly dark skin and cheeks scratched by some unknown creature made him frown from the sting whenever he chewed.

When he saw Wang Ya's indifferent expression, his brows relaxed again. He wiped his grease-stained hands on his clothes and said somewhat timidly, "Don't be like that. We're brothers in misfortune, both excluded from the rest."

"I just woke up late and missed out on a hot meal. We both chose Supernatural Nurturing—can't you give me a friendly smile?"

"Perhaps you should wash your hands first and get rid of that moldy, rotten clam smell on you." Wang Ya's lips moved.

"No, no, no. You don't understand. This is the scent of a mature man, a badge worthy of praise."

The youth named Gray said, "I've always believed Supernatural Nurturing is no weaker than anyone else's path. So what if they have Elemental Energy? Once we reach The Umbral Expanse, I doubt those guys could even produce a tiny flame after six months."

"The 'Ancient Physique' nurturing spell has been remarkably effective on my Kobik. Its claws have already started changing, though its temperament has grown more violent as well."

The youth bared his yellowed teeth and said confidently, "Give me five months at most, and I'll definitely complete this spell."

A cold-blooded lizard with brown, shriveled skin immediately surfaced in Wang Ya's mind.

The 'Ancient Physique' nurturing spell was indeed a good fit for it.

He also understood that the creature's violent temperament and its scratching its master meant that the Seed of Consciousness left behind through Spiritual Power perception had not taken root deeply enough.

Once the spell's nurturing process was complete, the Seed of Consciousness could transform into a Consciousness Imprint, allowing perfect control over the Supernatural Nurtured Creature.

This scruffy fellow was hardworking enough, but he had clearly not found the right way to root the Seed of Consciousness.

Subtle spiritual influence took time. Rushing it would only produce the opposite effect.

Wang Ya said nothing and offered no judgment, merely nodding slightly. "Compared with Elemental Energy, Supernatural Nurturing is indeed simpler at the foundational level. Within the Wizard System, they correspond to two different Wizard paths."

Their relationship was that of basic acquaintances and friends.

Only the two of them had chosen Supernatural Nurturing.

Most new students believed that personal strength was the right path.

There was nothing wrong with that.

But foundational spells were not enough to determine a Wizard path.

Only after learning a great deal of Wizard Knowledge and clarifying one's goals would a Wizard path gradually take shape.

"They're all smiling so happily. Once we reach The Umbral Expanse, if they can't complete their spell courses within six months, they'll have plenty of time to cry."

Gray raised his middle finger at the heated atmosphere in the crowd.

The two left the shadowed corner.

Arthur noticed them. He cast them a disdainful glance before withdrawing his gaze. Mediocre trash with low aptitude—choosing the Supernatural Nurturing Series alone revealed their lack of ambition. They were not even worth his attention.

The salty sea wind lashed at their faces and tousled their hair. On the deck, Gray yawned. "Then see you tomorrow, Wang Ya."

"See you tomorrow."

The sea at night was deep, black as ink, so dark that one could not see one's own hand.

He pulled up his collar. The corridor lights stretched his shadow long behind him, while the vibrations beneath his feet came from steam power driving the gears.

The vibrations at the bow had already become faint. Stepping over the red carpet, Wang Ya looked at the red wooden door before him. Before he could knock, a hoarse voice came from inside.

"Come in."

A black robe wrapped a frail body. Beneath the hood, skin as dry as tree bark clung tightly to bone, while a pair of sunken eyes stared at Wang Ya.

"Greetings, respected Wizard Tuta."

This was Wang Ya's second time entering the Captain's Quarters. Only several candles illuminated the spacious room. Heavy darkness pressed down on their dim light, and the air seemed to carry a faint scent of blood.

He bowed slightly in respect.

Wizard Tuta sat on the sofa, shrouded in shadow, his expression impossible to make out. From beneath his long robe extended a wrinkled, sagging right hand of aged skin, clutching a wooden box.

Wang Ya could no longer tear his gaze away. It held the most important thing to him.

"A young soul carrying such vigorous life force—it truly makes one yearn for youth."

Wizard Tuta sighed. "That little one had nearly bled dry, yet she still persisted in crawling before me."

"Wang Ya-Harak, you are fortunate. Fortunate to possess Wizard Aptitude, and fortunate to have such good luck."

The box opened, revealing a grim white phalanx bone.

Wang Ya's heart was heavier than his gaze.

The Kingdom of Harak, buried beneath the Ruins, and the memories buried in his heart resurfaced once more.

The king had many children. His wisdom and valor in his youth had not withstood the tyranny and incompetence of his twilight years.

Palace maids, attendants, and prostitutes had all borne him children.

Lusen and Wang Ya had been born around the same time, two among more than a hundred princes and princesses.

Within the cold Royal Palace, they depended on each other.

Ten years later, grievances filled every land, and Chaos broke out everywhere.

Life in the Royal Palace remained monotonous as ever. Lusen, who had always trailed after him, had grown long hair greener than the forest itself. She would force him to drink all manner of nutritional tonics, acting like a little housekeeper.

Only four years after the War Flames began, the City Wall was hung with the heads of nobles and ministers, while the young king slit his own throat upon the throne.

Everything changed. Even though he had suddenly awakened his Past Life Wisdom, recalled the memories of his previous life, and gained the Eye of Truth... it was all too late. He had no power to change anything.

His head would be cut off and hung from the City Wall, ending his life amid the cheers and applause of commoners.

His fear of death brought back a sensation terribly similar to when he had stayed up late grinding games in his past life, suffered shock, and died suddenly.

Yet the ending had been different. His younger sister, Lusen Harak, rode into the Inner City with irresistible force, ignored the enemy soldiers around her, and tossed him onto her horse as if he were a chick.

Then she carried him out of that city engulfed in War Flames.

He had been left dumbstruck.

But unnatural power came at a price. Her forest-like hair scattered into the wind, and her flesh and blood vanished like smoke.

He clutched her grim white skeleton and fell from the horse, taking the impact of shattered stones with his back.

When he opened his eyes again, a black-robed figure stood before him. The figure removed his hood and revealed a chilling smile. "Wang Ya-Harak, just as that little one said, you do possess Wizard Aptitude. Though it is quite ordinary, will you come with me?"

"Although I preserved her soul within the phalanx bone, it cannot last much longer. There are several ways to solve this, but you will need to pay a price," Wizard Tuta added. "And you must also pay the price for my intervention in stabilizing her soul."

The price could be Magic Stones, Supernatural Items, or resources—anything, so long as it was equivalent.

This was one of the fundamental principles of the Wizard World: Equivalent Exchange.

"Of course, I can allow you to owe these prices for now."