Chapter 354: Two People Who Understand Each Other
Unlike the bustling area below, the top floor of the Magic Association Tower was rarely visited, making it exceptionally tranquil.
However, recently, this tranquility had been disrupted.
Whenever the streetlights outside the capital city came on, someone knocked on the door to Kurtz's research lab on time.
On the first few occasions, Kurtz would stop his research and say "Come in" to the door.
Frieren would then push open the door and enter, standing in her usual spot, looking at him with eyes that lacked any obvious emotional fluctuation, and posing the question that had been repeated countless times. "Do you have any new ideas about methods to extend Master Flamme's lifespan?"
Kurtz would give the same response, or sometimes just a simple "get out" in response.
But every time, Frieren's reaction was exactly the same.
She would nod, say "oh," and turn to leave without the slightest hesitation, showing no sign of discouragement or dissatisfaction.
Then she came again the next day.
Later, Kurtz began to ignore her completely.
When the knocking sounded, he stopped responding and focused solely on his research, as if the sound didn't exist.
The presence outside the door seemed patient enough. After waiting about a minute, she would push the door open and come in—he hadn't bothered setting up barriers to keep her out.
She stood there, asking the same question, her expression unchanged. After a long silence, she finally uttered an "Oh," and left.
Day after day.
One afternoon, before Frieren's usual visit, another figure appeared at the door of Kurtz's research lab.
It was Flamme.
She entered apologetically. "Teacher," Flamme bowed slightly, "I am truly sorry for bothering you with all this regarding Frieren."
"I've spoken to her many times, but she—" Flamme sighed helplessly. "She seems convinced that if she keeps asking, one day she'll be able to change your mind."
Instead of the anger Flamme had expected, a smile flickered across Kurtz's face.
"It's alright, Flamme. She didn't interfere with my research. On the contrary, it proves one thing: she really cares about you."
Flamme paused, feeling a complex warmth rising within her. The apology and helplessness she felt for Frieren's persistence shifted into something softer.
Yes, that detached elf disciple was acting clumsily in a way that even she herself might not fully understand.
She hesitated for a moment before voicing the question that had been lingering in her mind. "Teacher, since Frieren is so insistent, why don't you just tell her the whole truth?"
Tell her that there was no other human being in this world who could truly achieve immortality except for you. Tell her that those runes were ultimately just like the moon's reflection in water.
Maybe, maybe she would give up if she knew there was no hope at all?
Kurtz did not answer immediately.
He stopped what he was doing, leaned back slightly, and looked at Flamme's face with an indescribable emotion in his eyes.
Flamme felt a little uncomfortable under that gaze and subconsciously touched her face. "Teacher? Is there something on my face?"
Kurtz slowly shook his head and looked away. Silence spread through the research room.
"Until everything settles down, or at least we see a clear glimmer of hope," Kurtz finally spoke, "any further words, whether explanations or promises, are futile."
Flamme seemed to understand, but not quite.
She sensed that her teacher's words held a hidden meaning, but he seemed unwilling to say it outright. Just then, Kurtz changed the subject, his tone becoming more direct. "So, Flamme, putting aside Frieren's obsession, what about yourself? Do you wish to stay in this world a little longer?"
Flamme shuddered slightly and looked up at him.
She had thought about this question before, but the teacher's direct questioning stirred up those deep-seated thoughts.
She paused for a moment, carefully choosing her words. "Teacher, do you mean that magic that can absorb life force?"
Kurtz nodded.
"That is currently the only magic that can extend human lifespan, but of course, the price is huge, and the process and outcome are by no means pleasant."
After listening, Flamme smiled knowingly.
"I knew it. Thank you for considering this option for me, teacher." She shook her head slightly. "But it's not necessary."
"It can buy you at least several hundred years, or even longer," Kurtz continued, his gaze never leaving Flamme's face. "You have enough talent to control it and minimize the side effects. For several hundred years, you can see magic develop more broadly, you can stay with Frieren longer, or you can stay in the future..." He didn't finish.
"And what about hundreds of years from now, teacher?" Flamme countered. "When my soul is gradually alienated because it carries too many lives that do not belong to me, will I still be Flamme then?"
"Or will I turn into a hideous monster, leaving only the instinct to survive? And when that day comes, will you, teacher, personally end my life, bringing to a close this journey that you yourself have extended, yet which is destined to become distorted?"
Kurtz fell silent.
This silence was even heavier than before.
He did not answer Flamme's question because the answer was self-evident, and because the future Flamme spoke of was the most powerful rebuttal to his proposed plan.
He couldn't imagine the moment he would direct destructive magic at Flamme, just as he couldn't bear the thought of Flamme ultimately becoming such a pathetic being.
There was one pitiful person in this world; Carlo alone was enough.
Seeing the teacher's silence, Flamme's smile widened, a relaxed expression of having finally come to terms with things.
"So, there really isn't any need, teacher." Her voice softened, filled with deep satisfaction. "I feel that my life has been perfect enough."
She began to recount. "I met someone I liked, and although it may not have worked out, at least I expressed my feelings frankly and have no regrets. I took Frieren as my disciple. Although she is a bit stubborn and a bit of a headache, she is so pure and hardworking. Watching her grow up little by little is one of my greatest joys."
She paused. "I also imparted my magical knowledge to many passionate people, watching the Magic Association gradually become a sacred place in the hearts of countless people, and witnessing the occurrence of miracles. Teacher, I truly feel...I have no regrets."
Looking at the genuine smile on her face, something inside him stirred. "Really, not even one?"
"Deep down, you probably have an even grander, perhaps more difficult, wish, right? You don't just want magic to be mastered by gifted individuals. You want magic to be truly accessible, a power that every ordinary person has the opportunity to access and use to improve their lives. You wish to break down the barriers of talent so that the light of magic can be held in everyone's hands."
Flamme was stunned.
She seemed to have never told Kurtz about this dream of hers. The only person she had told was Frieren.
Although given Teacher Kurtz's personality, he wouldn't care whether nobles or commoners learned magic, she had to consider Teacher Serie's feelings.
But she had never expected that Kurtz would actually see through her hidden dream. Her chest tightened with something she couldn't quite name, gratitude, perhaps, or the simple relief of being understood.
Of course! The teacher must have had the same thought!
So Flamme nodded, acknowledging this deep-seated expectation.
"Yes, teacher. You always see right through me." Her tone carried a hint of melancholy. "But that may be a sight I'll never see in my lifetime."
After all, achieving this goal required a fundamental breakthrough in the foundations of magical theory, and the time required would likely far exceed her imagination. She could only keep this wish hidden in her heart and occasionally indulge in daydreams about it.
She raised her head and looked intently at Kurtz. "But, teacher, I believe in you!"
If in the future, magic truly develops to the point where it can support that dream, you'll definitely do something about it, won't you?
Kurtz stared at her for a moment and finally gave in first.
"You've seen right through me, Flamme," he said in a low voice, as if admitting it. "When magic develops to the point where it can be learned without talent... I have indeed considered that possibility."
This seemingly casual statement, bordering on acknowledgment, caused an instant, brilliant light to shine in Flamme's eyes.
Her smile became incredibly radiant, as if she could already see that captivating vision of the distant future, even though she knew she would never witness it herself.
"That's wonderful, " she whispered, her voice slightly choked, but her smile never faltered. "This way...there are truly no regrets. Thank you, teacher. Thank you so much."
I like you the most!
Flamme didn't say this confession aloud. She kept it to herself.
Looking at her as if she had fulfilled her greatest wish in life, Kurtz felt complex emotions welling up in his chest once again.
He waved his hand. "Let's leave this topic at that. Go and do your work, Flamme. There's a lot of work waiting for you at the association."
Flamme nodded vigorously, bowed to Kurtz again, and turned and left with light steps. He watched the door close behind her, the research room suddenly feeling emptier than before.
[End of Chapter]