Chapter 445: Partings Always Happen in Winter |
“Janna, I know you have many means to protect yourself, but battles between 【Law Planes】 are far more dangerous than you imagine…”
“So, once you encounter danger, I can immediately call upon my father, or the Contract Wizards of the Rose Family, or even myself, to support you at the first possible moment.”
Hearing Vivian’s slightly agitated tone, Janna no longer refused and finally accepted the 【Calamity Crystal】.
Up to this point, in terms of life-saving measures, Janna had actually accumulated quite a few.
For example, the 【White Bone Medal】 given to her by Anthony-Rook, as well as the 【Stellar Guardian】 given by Professor Uta as a mission reward, were both protective Witch Tools capable of resisting fatal injuries.
If worse came to worst, Janna could still have the Hundred-Eyed Specter open the Gate of Seals and escape into the Mirror Layer Domain to take refuge; or she could transfigure into her 【Oak Dryad Form】 and flee at a speed rivaling the wind.
Not to mention, Janna carried many valuable magical items that further enhanced her survival.
For instance, the top-tier Wizard Robe she wore was a gift from the 【Spirit Communication Group】, while the jewelry on her neck and ears were custom-made by 【Spirit Communication Jewelry】. In addition, 【Kirlia Workshop】 had designed a pair of lambskin boots inscribed with wind-elemental runes—“Specialized for Outdoor Escape”—tailored specifically for her.
With just these, to some extent, Janna’s wealth nearly surpassed that of many direct heirs from Wizard Families—
“This was originally meant to be your birthday gift. Although the day hasn’t come yet, I’ll give it to you in advance.”
“This is—Blood Source Essence!?”
Looking at the crimson light flickering within the crystal sphere, the instinctive desire that welled up from Vivian’s bloodline nearly made her recognize the item immediately.
“That’s right, and it comes from 【Atlantis】—a top-tier Blood Source Essence. Even if you can’t use it now, one day you will.”
【Blood Source Essence】 was generally used to refine bloodlines for magical beasts or 【Bloodline-Side】 Wizard Apprentices. It was considered a relatively common material.
However, top-tier 【Blood Source Essence】 only existed in rare places such as the Vampire Duke’s Castle in the Shadow World, the Dragon Fortress, Atlantis’ Crystal Palace, or the Elven Forest—domains ruled by extraordinary beings.
Moreover, top-tier 【Blood Source Essence】 had always been priceless and rarely circulated on the market.
For this reason, many apprentices walking the 【Warlock Pathway】 of the 【Bloodline-Side】 often had to settle for alternatives, spending a fortune to purchase 【Blood Source Potions】 from the 【Witch Sect】 or other secondary Wizard gatherings. But their effects were far inferior to true top-tier 【Blood Source Essence】.
The one in Janna’s hand, however, had been obtained as a mission reward after she completed the task “Purify the Deep Sea Mermaid” assigned by Richard Eva, making it an unquestionable masterpiece.
Although it held little use for Janna, who did not specialize in bloodlines, for Vivian, who had turned to the 【Warlock Pathway】, it was a priceless treasure.
But Vivian had only just awakened the 【Cochin King Serpent】 bloodline not long ago. It was still too early for her bloodline to evolve. Thus, Janna had planned to give it to her on her birthday later this year.
Unexpectedly, their impending parting had forced her to bring it out early.
“I—Janna—this must have cost you a fortune, right?”
Feeling the pure power within the 【Blood Source Essence】, Vivian, who had been depressed about her elimination from the White Tower, completely forgot her sorrow. Her mind was filled only with the urge to consume it.
“No, it didn’t cost me anything. I happened to obtain it—”
“Gulp—”
Hearing the unconscious swallowing sound from Vivian, Janna couldn’t help but smile.
“Wake up quickly, or your drool will start dripping.”
“Ah—I won’t! Don’t talk nonsense!”
Forcing her focus away from the 【Blood Source Essence】, Vivian raised her head and firmly pushed it back toward Janna.
“This is far more precious than the 【Calamity Crystal】. I absolutely cannot take it———”
“Are you sure?”
Seeing Vivian’s words not matching her heart, Janna shook the crystal sphere before her eyes with a teasing smile.
“I—I don’t want it! Hurry and put it away!”
“If you don’t want it, I’ll just sell it——”
“Then I’ll buy it!”
At these words, Janna’s smile gradually faded. She solemnly placed the 【Blood Source Essence】 back into Vivian’s hand.
“Its market value isn’t much higher than the 【Calamity Crystal】, and keeping it with me doesn’t give it much meaning.”
“But——”
“Let me finish first.”
Watching Vivian’s attempt to argue, Janna firmly held down her hand to stop her from returning the essence.
“Vivian, I told you before—you are my friend who will always fight by my side. You were in the past, and you will be in the future—”
“And you also said that you always saw me as your best friend—and I feel the same.”
Her voice was gentle, like spring wind brushing by.
Even though Janna hadn’t used her 【Voice Like Heavenly Music】 ability to soothe minds, Vivian’s eyes still welled up red as she listened.
“Thank you, Janna——”
“There’s no need for thanks between us.”
The times she had received help during financial hardship, the moment when Vivian had risked her life protecting her against the 【Bloodred Archduke】,
the first dumplings from another world, the first New Year’s gift, the first bouquet after a performance—
Even though Janna’s initial reasons for approaching Vivian weren’t pure, after more than two years together, even her coldest heart had been softened by her friend’s unconditional trust and sincerity.
On the path of Wizards pursuing immortality, loneliness was inevitable.
But before that loneliness came, Janna still hoped to have true companionship in her life.
That way, at least in the future, she would carry warm memories to hold onto, something to remember.