Luna's little brows furrowed like a tiny bun, her pink lips slightly pouting, resembling ripe cherries.
Damn it, this Magic Dilemma was far trickier than she had imagined!
Her small hands clenched tightly, her knuckles turning pale.
She felt a strange Magic Fluctuation permeating the air around her, like an invisible net binding her tightly.
This sensation made her very uncomfortable, as if she were wearing a damp sweater—itchy and stifling!
"Ugh..." Luna irritably ran her fingers through her silky golden hair, mumbling in a baby voice, "Why is this so troublesome..."
Her little mind raced as she desperately recalled the knowledge and experiences of the Former Great Mage.
Those complex Ancient Spells and obscure Magic Runes flashed through her mind like a revolving lantern.
She struggled to piece together these fragmented bits of information, trying to find the key to breaking free from this predicament.
As time ticked away, beads of sweat formed on Luna's forehead.
Her small face turned crimson, as if she were about to cry at any moment.
The air around her grew increasingly oppressive, making it hard for her to breathe.
No, she couldn't give up!
She still needed to protect her family and change their Destiny!
Suddenly, Luna's eyes lit up as if she had thought of something.
With a swift motion of her small hand, she began to chant, a series of clear and melodious Spells flowing from her lips, echoing in the air like Yin Ling.
As the spell was chanted, a dazzling light burst forth from her hand, slicing through the surrounding darkness like a sharp sword.
With a soft pop, the invisible magic net shattered instantly, vanishing without a trace.
The air around them became fresh, as if the rain had just passed and the sky was clear again.
Luna let out a long sigh of relief, her tense little face finally relaxing into a radiant smile.
Her small hands waved in the air like a joyful little bird, her eyes sparkling like stars shining in the night sky.
"Yay! I did it!" Luna exclaimed joyfully, jumping up with glee. Her clear laughter echoed in the air, as pleasant as the sound of wind chimes.
She pulled out a handful of magic candies from her pocket. These candies were made by her own hands—colorful, crystal-clear, and exuding an enticing sweet aroma.
She shared the candies with those around her, ensuring everyone received one, even her usually serious older brother showed a rare smile.
"So sweet!" he said, licking the candy in his hand and genuinely marveling at its taste.
The aftereffects of the magical backlash often left him in physical pain, but this small candy brought him a moment of sweet comfort.
Bouncing back to the Magic Castle, Luna sensed something unusual.
A strange magical fluctuation permeated the air—faint yet unsettling.
It felt like… like a giant python lurking beneath the calm surface of a lake, waiting for the right moment to strike, sending chills down her spine.
"Brother, brother!" Luna called in her baby voice, tugging at his hem and looking up at him with wide eyes. "I feel like there's something strange in the Magic Castle. Can you help me check it out?"
Her brother looked at Luna's serious little face, and a warm current surged within him.
Although his magic had greatly diminished due to backlash, he was still willing to sacrifice everything for his sister.
"Of course, my little princess. Don't worry, big brother will definitely protect you," he said, straightening his back, his voice filled with confidence. Luna's praise and reliance reignited his passion for magic and restored his lost self-assurance.
Luna smiled sweetly. "Big brother is the best!" she exclaimed without holding back her admiration.
He gently ruffled Luna's hair and began to carefully sense the surrounding Magical Fluctuation. His brow gradually furrowed. "This magic... feels unfamiliar..." he murmured, a hint of confusion and unease creeping into his tone.
Luna's small hand tightly gripped the hem of his garment, an ominous premonition rising in her heart. Suddenly, a deafening roar echoed from deep within the Magic Castle, followed by a dazzling light shooting into the sky, illuminating the entire night.
"What... what is this?!" Big brother's expression changed dramatically as he shouted in terror.
Luna's small hand felt soft yet gripped his hem like a vice, her azure eyes filled with worry.
"Big brother, you must be careful!" she urged in her baby voice, though there was an undeniable firmness in her tone.
He smiled helplessly and tousled Luna's silky golden hair, his voice sweet and indulgent like honey.
"Got it, my little princess. You be good and go back to the Magic Castle; big brother will be back soon." He bent down and gently placed a kiss on her forehead, the sensation as soft as a feather brushing over water—gentle and warm.
Only then did Luna release her grip and run back to the Magic Castle, glancing back three times. Her small figure appeared especially fragile under the moonlight but exuded an inexplicable resilience.
After watching Luna leave, the smile on big brother's face gradually faded, replaced by a serious expression.
He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and carefully sensed the strange Magical Fluctuation permeating the air.
This power... was unfamiliar and dangerous, like a beast lurking in the shadows, ready to reveal its fangs at any moment.
He tightened his grip on the staff in hand, his fingertips turning slightly pale as he steeled himself. No matter what happened, he would protect his family—especially his beloved sister Luna.
Luna returned to the Magic Castle and pushed open the door to the hall, her heart tightening at the sight before her.
Mother Aelia and Brother San lay motionless on the floor, their faces frighteningly pale.
A sharp, metallic smell filled the air, so strong it made her stomach churn.
Luna's heart sank as a wave of coldness surged from her feet to the top of her head, as if she had fallen into an ice cavern.
She cautiously approached Brother San, trembling as she reached out to check for his breath.
Fortunately, he was still breathing.
At that moment, Brother San's eyelids fluttered slightly. Luna's heart raced, and she quickly darted into a corner, holding her breath and daring not to move.
Brother San suddenly opened his eyes wide. Struggling to rise, he scanned the room and his face turned ghostly white upon seeing Mother on the ground.
"Mother! Mother!" he shouted hoarsely, his voice filled with urgency and fear.
He stumbled over to Mother, lifting her up while repeatedly calling her name.
Thankfully, Aelia slowly began to regain consciousness, though her face remained pale and her expression weak.
Seeing that Mother was alright, Brother San's tense nerves finally relaxed. He slumped onto the floor, gasping for air as if he had been drained of all strength.
"What... what happened?" Aelia asked weakly, her voice trembling severely.
Just then, hurried footsteps echoed in the hallway. Second Brother burst in, crying out, "Brother San! Brother San! Are you alright? I... I heard something happened to you..." He rushed over and hugged Brother San tightly, crying like a child, his tears and snot smearing Brother San's face.
Brother San pushed Second Brother away with an exasperated smile. "I'm fine; why are you crying? What made you think something happened to me?"
"Second Brother" said with a sob, "I... I saw a red light in the sky... I think... I think it might be you... you..." The more he spoke, the more absurd his thoughts became, eventually leading him to wildly speculate that "Brother San" had broken through the magical realm, causing an extraordinary phenomenon.
"Brother San" was left speechless, unable to comprehend the leap in logic.
He reached out and ruffled "Second Brother's" hair, helplessly saying, "You really have an overactive imagination..."
At the same time, "Lucius" also sensed something unusual about the "Magic Castle."
A vague sense of unease settled in his heart, especially when he thought of Luna; he felt increasingly anxious.
He dashed into Luna's room, only to find it empty.
His heart sank as a wave of foreboding washed over him.
Meanwhile, "Qin Si" stood behind Luna, her gaze complex as she observed her.
She keenly sensed a strange magical aura emanating from Luna, an aura that was eerily identical to the "Magical Fluctuation" that had just spread throughout the "Magic Castle."
"Luna..." "Qin Si" called softly, her tone laced with a hint of probing. "Where... where did you go just now?"
Luna turned around and met "Qin Si's" scrutinizing gaze, her heart tightening.
She could feel that "Qin Si" seemed to have noticed something.
As "Qin Si" looked at Luna's flickering eyes, her suspicions grew stronger.
Slowly extending her hand, she gently stroked Luna's silky golden hair, her voice as gentle as a spring breeze. "Luna... are you hiding something from me...?"
Luna's heart raced faster and faster, as if it were about to leap out of her chest.
“I…” She opened her mouth but didn’t know what to say.
Qin Si’s gaze deepened, as if she were trying to see through Luna’s heart.
“Luna…” Her voice was low and hoarse, almost seductive. “Tell me… who exactly are you…”
Luna’s breath quickened; she felt like a little deer caught in the sights of a hunter, with nowhere to escape.
“I…” she stammered, “I…”
Suddenly, a loud crash echoed from outside the Magic Castle, followed by violent tremors that shook the ground, as if something were about to break through the earth… “What’s happening?!” Lucius’s voice came from outside, filled with terror…
Luna shrank into the shadows, her heart pounding like a drum.
Qin Si’s probing gaze pressed down on her like an invisible hand gripping her throat, making it hard for her to breathe.
Her mind raced as she desperately thought of a way to respond.
“I… I just… went to play in the garden…” she stuttered, her voice barely above a whisper. Even she found her lie absurdly weak.
Damn it!
How could she have forgotten Qin Si’s sharpness!
This woman was nothing short of a genius!
Luna silently cursed in her heart. If it weren’t for this damned Magic Dilemma, she wouldn’t be… She stole a glance at Qin Si and saw her still fixated on her, making her feel even more anxious.
And what about this strange Magical Fluctuation… what on earth was going on?
Luna felt that her little secret was about to be exposed, like a balloon ready to burst at any moment.
That old man Leonard… what has he done?!
Just thinking about Leonard made Luna grit her teeth, her small fists clenched tightly, her nails nearly digging into her skin.
She had a strong premonition that this sudden change was definitely related to Leonard!
What would the Magic Castle become?
Luna's heart sank as a wave of intense unease washed over her, like a surging tide threatening to drown her.
She looked up at the window and saw the night sky filled with dark clouds, lightning flashing and thunder rumbling, as if heralding an even greater storm about to descend.
"Luna," Qin Si's voice broke through Luna's thoughts again. "You don't look well. Are you feeling alright?" As she spoke, she reached out to touch Luna's forehead. "You seem a bit hot..."
Luna shivered suddenly and grabbed Qin Si's hand, speaking urgently, "Qin Si, you need to listen to me..."
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