Chapter 375: Goodnight, Flamme
Kurtz said nothing more. He simply walked up to Flamme, reached out, and lifted her lowered face with his fingertips, forcing her to look directly at him.
Ever since that impulsive moment decades ago, when she could no longer contain her feelings, Teacher Kurtz had not made such an intimate gesture toward her for a very long time.
Flamme was forced to raise her head, laying bare every expression on her face and the myriad thoughts in her eyes before him. She saw Kurtz's eyes, and naturally, she saw the meaning they held—no blame, no reprimand, only a complexity she found difficult to understand.
Kurtz's hand still cradled Flamme's cheek, while Flamme remained frozen in place, unable to move.
All her pretenses and resolve melted away under this gentle touch, like ice beneath the sun.
She could feel the frantic beating of her heart, the scalding rush of blood to her cheeks, and also the love buried deep within her, now on the verge of breaking through the surface.
She opened her mouth, but still no sound came out. Only tears rolled uncontrollably down her cheeks, dripping onto Kurtz's palm. In the end, she still could not bring herself to confess those feelings. Reason had once again prevailed, just as it had throughout these past decades of restraint. And once the tears started, they could no longer be held back.
Flamme tried to turn her face away, not wanting Kurtz to see her tear-streaked, pitiful state, but that hand remained steady and unyielding.
"Teacher..." Flamme finally found her voice, nasal and trembling. "I'm sorry... I..."
She wanted to say, "I lied to you." She wanted to say, "I just didn't know what to do."
But a thousand words clogged her chest, ultimately dissolving into even more torrential tears.
Kurtz did not speak.
He simply watched her quietly, his eternally unchanging black eyes reflecting her utterly disheveled face.
His thumb lingered at the corner of her eye. Without using any magic, like an ordinary person, he wiped away the continuously welling tears one stroke at a time, his movements gentle and patient.
As if he was not facing the capable Magician who commanded countless powerful spells, but rather the little girl from many, many years ago—the one who hid in the corner of ruined walls, whom Serie had pulled from despair, who had trembled before him for the very first time.
There was once a time when, after being scolded to tears by Serie for failing to learn magic, he had wiped away her tears just like this, stroke by stroke.
Flamme understood that sentiment, and her heart ached even more because of it.
How she wished she could remain strong forever. Forever be his proud student, rather than standing here like this, completely exposing her most wretched side before him.
She had clearly grown up. She was no longer that little girl who only knew how to cry.
Yet for some reason, in front of Teacher Kurtz, she would always become that little girl he had personally taught magic to, hand in hand.
"Why are you saying sorry?" Kurtz finally spoke. "Wanting to leave alone? Thinking that hiding everything in your heart and silently walking toward the end is the best choice?"
Kurtz's question struck directly at the core, completely voicing Flamme's innermost thoughts.
Flamme's breath hitched, and her tears flowed even more fiercely. She wanted to deny it, wanted to say it wasn't like that, but under his gaze, she ultimately abandoned the thought of making excuses.
"I... I just..." she sobbed, her words fragmented. "I didn't want to be a burden... didn't want to make Frieren sad... didn't want to make you and Teacher Serie worry..."
She spoke haltingly. These were the reasons closest to the truth, yet they still concealed the deepest layer beneath them: the love she could neither voice nor face openly.
"Burden? Worry?" Kurtz repeated the two words before speaking firmly in denial. "Flamme, from the day you were brought back from the ruins, you have never been a burden. You are Serie's and my student. The Magic Association is your home. You are our closest family."
Flamme held extraordinary significance to both him and Serie.
Even though Serie had already taught several generations of Magicians, and the disciples who had officially graduated long ago had surpassed double digits, the one she truly kept in her heart was Flamme alone.
At least, in Serie's eyes, none of her other disciples were as important as Flamme. It was just a pity that the proud elf would never openly reveal those feelings.
On the other hand, hearing Kurtz's words—hearing him call her family—caused Flamme's expression to dim slightly.
Yes. Home.
The Magic Association was home. Any place where Teacher Kurtz and Teacher Serie existed was her home. But precisely because she cherished this home so deeply, she feared destroying it even more.
"But... my time is almost gone. Solidification Magic ultimately has its limits. I don't want... don't want you all to see my final state..." She closed her eyes, her eyelashes trembling. "That... would be too ugly."
That final sentence carried the fear deeply rooted within a girl—the fear of beauty fading away, especially before the person she loved. Perhaps this was the reason she felt most ashamed of all when she chose to leave silently.
Kurtz was slightly taken aback. He naturally understood the nature of Solidification Magic. He knew that it could not reverse the loss of life essence.
Yet hearing her personally say words like "too ugly" still made his heart ache.
"Ugly? Flamme, look at me."
Flamme was forced to open her eyes again and meet his gaze.
"Do you think Serie and I would find you ugly or burdensome simply because your appearance changes? The years we have lived, the births, aging, sickness, death, and changing appearances we have witnessed are far beyond what you can imagine. Why would you think we care about such things?"
"Flamme, your radiance never came merely from being young and beautiful. It came from your wisdom, your passion for magic, your sense of responsibility toward the Association, toward Frieren, toward everyone around you. Those things will never dim with the passage of time."
Kurtz's words were deeply comforting, moving Flamme immensely.
She had not expected Teacher Kurtz to comfort her so directly. Tears surged forth again.
"But..." She still could not completely let go of her fears. "Frieren believes you'll find a way. But I know how difficult that is. It's almost impossible. I can't afford to hope for too much..."
"Why can't you hope?" Kurtz interrupted her. "Flamme, you've witnessed miracles and even created miracles with your own hands. So why, when it comes to yourself, do you lack even the courage to hope?"
He leaned slightly closer, bringing their eyes level as his voice softened further.
"You can believe Frieren. And you can believe your teacher. Although progress is slow, the path ahead is unknown, and the risks are great..."
Flamme's heart skipped a beat as she held her breath and stared at him.
"But," Kurtz continued, his tone suddenly becoming firm as iron, "that does not mean you can simply give up on yourself and make that decision for everyone else as well."
"Flamme, do you remember the words I once told you?"
"Believe in hope and miracles, because belief needs no reason," Flamme murmured softly, repeating the phrase.
"Yes. So you can also try believing in me. Believe that this is not a permanent farewell, but merely a brief separation. A brief slumber." Kurtz's words were as immovable as bedrock, the weight of his promise enough to dispel all despair.
Flamme's lips trembled. She had never expected Teacher Kurtz to make such a promise to her personally. This time, it was no longer the almost naive faith that came from Frieren's mouth, but a promise spoken directly by him.
"So stay, Flamme. At least at the Association, I can protect you better." Kurtz extended his hand toward her.
Even though the Heavenly Divine Kingdom was unimaginably safe, nearly impossible for humans or other races to reach, Kurtz still wished for his most precious disciple to remain by his side, even if only in a state of slumber.
Moreover, he might still be able to improve Flamme's constitution somehow, allowing her to live longer and delay the arrival of this farewell as much as possible.
Facing Kurtz's invitation, Flamme lowered her head.
The warm, surging emotions inside her almost broke through every restraint, making her want to nod and stay beside him.
However, after the tide of hope brought by his promise receded, the remnants of her reason gradually resurfaced.
What would staying truly mean?
It would mean facing Teacher Kurtz every single day during the limited time she had left, endlessly waiting amid hope and uncertainty.
It would mean watching Teacher Kurtz invest even more time, energy, and perhaps even endure unknown risks for the sake of that tiny possibility.
It would mean Teacher Serie learning everything. With her intelligence and sharp perception, there was no way she would fail to notice Kurtz's extraordinary devotion to this matter. And when that happened... what would Serie feel?
And all of this was built upon a single, unbearably heavy promise from Teacher Kurtz.
She was unwilling—and she did not dare—to face any of it.
At the very least, she had already obtained a tiny sliver of hope. Let her carry that hope and continue forward.
"Teacher," she began, her voice no longer trembling, but calm and clear, "thank you. Thank you for your promise, and thank you for being willing to..."
"...make such an attempt for me."
She reached out as well. Their hands clasped together briefly, and she returned a slight but firm squeeze before gently withdrawing her hand.
Kurtz's gaze sharpened slightly as it settled on her face.
"But please forgive my selfishness." Flamme met his gaze, even managing to curve her lips into a faint smile. "I still wish to leave with Senior Olivia."
Without waiting for Kurtz to respond, she continued.
"It's not because I don't trust you, Teacher. On the contrary, it is precisely because I believe in you, because I believe in your promise, that I want to choose this path even more." She paused, organizing her thoughts carefully.
"If I stayed, then every day would become a countdown filled with anxiety over the future and fear of uncertainty. That is not how I wish to spend the remainder of my time. And for Frieren, for Teacher Serie, and for you... wouldn't that become a source of pressure as well? Leaving for the Heavenly Divine Kingdom and falling into slumber under Senior Olivia's care is not death to me. It is a hopeful sleep."
"I won't have to feel my life force fading day after day. I won't have to fear changes in my appearance, nor let anyone witness my decline. I can sleep while still remaining whole, carrying your promise within my heart and believing that one day, in the future, when you finally find that path... You will wake me once again."
"This is the best method I can think of for all of us. Not a farewell, but simply... a parting that requires patience."
After saying this, she quietly looked at Kurtz, waiting for his response.
This was her carefully considered decision. Not a momentary impulse, nor a rejection of Kurtz's promise, but another form of trust.
She would entrust that hope entirely to his promise, while she herself chose to wait for that possible miracle in the quietest, least burdensome way possible.
Just as Kurtz had once taught her, she chose to believe in miracles. And precisely because she chose to believe, she chose to leave.
Kurtz did not speak for a long time.
Her eyes were resolute, leaving no room for compromise, yet beneath that calm, he could still sense a deep fear—the fear that after entering slumber, there might truly be no tomorrow.
He understood Flamme.
After decades together, she had long become one of the people he understood best. And he knew that once she had made up her mind, persuasion would likely accomplish nothing.
"...I understand," Kurtz finally said. His voice regained its usual steadiness, though a trace of bitterness still lingered within it. "I respect your decision."
He paused, his gaze fixed firmly on Flamme. "Remember my words, Flamme. This is not a farewell. It is only a temporary parting. My promise still stands.
"No matter how long that path takes, a century, a millennium, or even longer, when you awaken, I will be there."
These were not empty words of comfort. This was a vow spoken in the name of Kurtz.
Tears instantly welled up in Flamme's eyes once more. She nodded vigorously as tears traced down her cheeks, yet the corners of her lips rose into a bright smile.
"Mm! I'll remember, Teacher! I'll wait... I'll wait for the day you come to wake me."
Without hesitating any longer, she stepped back and performed a formal bow of farewell toward Kurtz.
"Well then... Teacher, I'm leaving. Please take care of yourselves and Teacher Serie. And Frieren... I'll leave her in your hands."
Kurtz gave a slight nod. "Rest assured."
Flamme straightened up, took one final, lingering look at Kurtz, then resolutely turned away. Her red hair streamed behind her as she strode toward the direction Olivia had disappeared earlier.
She did not look back.
...
Kurtz remained where he stood, watching her figure gradually merge into the morning mist and brightening world until she finally disappeared from sight.
The sounds of the city gradually grew louder.
The imperial capital had fully awakened from the darkness, brimming once more with life.
Kurtz lifted his gaze toward a certain window at the very top of the Magic Association tower. For just a moment, a flash of golden hair seemed to pass by there.
Serie... she must have seen everything as well.
He would need to speak with her later. About Flamme's choice, about the promise he had made, and about the long path that now lay ahead.
But for now, he simply stood there a little longer, silently gazing in the direction Flamme had departed.
Motionless for a very long time.
Flamme embarked on her journey toward the distant divine kingdom.
Led by Olivia, they crossed boundaries unreachable by ordinary mortals and arrived at that realm above the sea of clouds.
There, Flamme did not immediately activate the Solidification Magic. Instead, she first helped Olivia complete several maintenance tasks.
The Heavenly Divine Kingdom's power source and barrier magic required replenishment. Although Olivia could have managed it alone, Flamme still wished to lend a hand.
Once all the preparations were complete, Olivia led Flamme to a vast hall filled with a sacred aura.
This was the Skywing Clan's prayer hall, the place where they had once communicated with the gods. But now, with both the Skywing Clan and the gods long gone, the place had fallen silent and abandoned.
Fortunately, the grand hall was the very core of the divine kingdom itself, protected by countless layers of magic. Despite the passage of time, not even a trace of erosion could be found, making it the perfect place for Flamme's slumber.
Flamme changed out of her mage robes and into a simple, plain-colored dress, as though preparing for sleep.
The Solidification Magic Array had already been prepared. To prevent any unforeseen accidents, Olivia also intended to completely seal this place away from all outside interference.
Flamme sat quietly there, gazing at the divine kingdom's eternal yet ever-changing sky.
Within her heart, there was no fear. Only deep peace and anticipation for some distant moment in the future.
"Senior Olivia," she said softly, "I look forward to seeing you again."
Olivia nodded gently. "I look forward to it as well."
Flamme smiled faintly before slowly closing her eyes.
She began guiding the dwindling life force within her body, while Olivia activated the modified Solidification Magic Kurtz had created.
A warm, gentle light emanated from within Flamme's body, gradually forming a large, translucent cocoon that enveloped her.
Her breathing became nearly imperceptible. Her body gradually relaxed, and her face, bathed in that soft light, appeared peaceful and serene, as though she had merely fallen into a beautiful dream.
The breath of life had not been extinguished.
It had only been perfectly sealed away, waiting for the one unique key capable of unlocking it.
Eventually, the cocoon of light stabilized, transforming into a crystal-clear crystalline structure that rested quietly within the vast and empty hall.
Inside it, the red-haired Magician slept peacefully, a faint smile lingering at the corner of her lips.
She had fallen asleep.
Carrying the promise Kurtz had made to her, and holding tightly to the hope of reunion someday in the future, she entered this long and peaceful slumber whose end remained unknown.
This was not the end. It was the beginning of a very long wait.
Far away, within the human empire's capital, at the top of the Magic Association tower, Kurtz slowly withdrew his gaze from the distant clouds and turned back toward the depths of his research chamber.
Countless studies regarding Life Magic still awaited him there. The road ahead was long and perilous. But he had already made a vow.
For the girl slumbering within the divine kingdom, for the people he regarded as family, he had to continue moving forward.
The morning light remained unchanged. Only this time, that familiar presence was no longer there.
[End of Chapter]