The night enveloped the Glorious Demon Fortress like a vast expanse of black silk, gently shrouding it in darkness.
The clamor within the castle gradually faded, replaced by an unsettling silence.
In the Cradle, Luna appeared to have drifted into a sweet slumber, yet her bright eyes, reminiscent of stars in the night sky, sparkled with a glimmer of wisdom amidst the shadows.
Her small hands were tightly clenched, knuckles turning white, revealing her inner tension.
"Ah, this is just the beginning..." Luna murmured to herself, her tone carrying a maturity and resolve that belied her age.
The Original Plot raced through her mind, the impending disasters looming over her like oppressive clouds, making it hard for her to breathe.
Her elder brother's Magic Backlash, her Second Brother's friend's betrayal, Brother San's magical Talent Misguidance… each crisis hung over their family like a sharp blade.
Luna took a deep breath, her tiny brow furrowed; she needed to find a way out of this predicament quickly.
Meanwhile, in another room at the Magic Castle, Aelia was lost in sweet memories.
She held a silver necklace box intricately carved with delicate patterns, inside which lay a small Image—a photograph of her and Leonard from their youth.
Her slender fingers gently traced Leonard's face on the Image, a blissful smile gracing her lips.
She recalled the moment they first met, remembered Leonard kneeling before her to profess his vows of love, and thought of all the storms they had weathered together… all of it unfolded before her like beautiful paintings.
Unbeknownst to her, a storm was brewing that would soon shatter this beautiful Leonard's Last Night.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow on Luna's small face.
Aelia pushed the door open and, upon seeing her daughter's adorable appearance, a gentle smile spread across her face.
"My little darling, did you sleep well?" She leaned down and softly kissed Luna's forehead.
Luna opened her eyes and, upon seeing her mother, revealed an innocent smile.
As Aelia played with Luna, the little girl seemingly unintentionally began to reveal some details from the original story about Leonard and Leonard's Concubine.
"Mommy, that... shiny... necklace..." Luna said in a baby voice, her words coming out in a hesitant yet perfectly timed manner that caught Aelia's attention.
"The necklace? What necklace?" Aelia asked, puzzled.
Luna blinked her big eyes as if trying to recall, "Um... pretty... sister... wearing it..."
A flicker of doubt crossed Aelia's mind, but she dismissed it as just the innocent imagination of a child.
However, as Luna continued to share more fragmented details—such as the style of the necklace and where it had appeared—Aelia's expression gradually turned pale.
These details began to overlap with fragments from her own memories, stirring a sense of inexplicable unease within her.
A chilling premonition spread through her heart.
She nearly stumbled as she walked to the door and called for Qin Si.
“Aelia,” Qin Si said hesitantly, “you need to know… about Lord… has he been acting strangely lately?”
Aelia's voice trembled, like a frightened little bird.
After a moment of hesitation, Qin Si finally revealed everything she knew to Aelia.
She spoke of Leonard's recent odd behaviors and the shadowy figure of Leonard's Concubine lurking in the background.
Each word felt like a sharp knife, piercing Aelia's heart.
When Qin Si finished her last sentence, Aelia slumped into her chair, the light in her eyes extinguished in an instant, replaced by endless pain and despair.
She felt as if her world was collapsing; once beautiful memories had turned into mocking blades, ruthlessly stabbing at her heart.
“No… it can’t be…” she murmured, her voice so faint it was almost inaudible.
Qin Si watched Aelia with a heavy heart, unsure of how to comfort her.
The room was suffused with a choking sadness, as if the very air had solidified.
Luna lay in the Cradle, observing everything unfold.
“Mom…” she called softly, a hint of worry creeping into her voice.
Aelia did not respond; she remained lost in the depths of her overwhelming grief.
Luna’s small hands clenched tightly once more, her gaze turning resolute and determined.
"I... will definitely protect this home..." she whispered, her voice young yet filled with strength.
Meanwhile, in another corner of the Magic Castle, the eldest brother gripped the bed sheets tightly, his knuckles turning white from the strain. The night deepened, like an endless expanse of black velvet, quietly enveloping the entire Glorious Demon Fortress.
In a dimly lit room within the castle, a faint herbal scent lingered in the air, a remedy used for years to alleviate the eldest brother's suffering.
The eldest brother, named Elvin, was propped up against the headboard. His once handsome features now appeared exceptionally haggard and devoid of color.
His eyes, which had once brimmed with wisdom and strength, were now dull and lifeless, resembling a bottomless pool reflecting his confusion and helplessness about the future.
The Magic Backlash was like a merciless curse, gnawing at his body and spirit day and night, leaving him in agony.
He slowly raised his right hand, a hand that had once wielded powerful magic but was now marred by ugly scars, with meridians twisted and magic turbulence raging within.
He attempted to summon the magical energy within him but was met with a sharp pain, as if countless needles were simultaneously piercing his nerves.
He painfully closed his eyes as beads of sweat formed on his forehead.
"Cough cough..."
He couldn't help but cough, his voice hoarse and weak.
He knew that his body was deteriorating day by day. If he couldn't find a solution soon, he feared... he dared not think any further.
“Am I really destined to live like this for the rest of my life?” he murmured, his voice low and filled with despair, like a wounded beast emitting a helpless cry.
He recalled the glory of his past, the youthful vigor he once possessed, and the pride he felt when he was hailed as a Magic Genius.
But now, everything had turned to fleeting memories, leaving only endless pain and regret.
A deep weariness washed over him, as if all his strength had been drained away.
He leaned weakly against the headboard, allowing the darkness to engulf him.
Meanwhile, in another corner of Magic Castle, Second Brother, whose real name was Carl, was curled up in a corner of his study in agony.
The study was cluttered with various Ancient Grimoires and scrolls, yet at that moment, Carl had no desire to peruse them.
He held his head in his hands, his gaze vacant, his face etched with fatigue and anger.
His mental world was undergoing immense torment.
“Why... why did you betray me...” he shouted in pain, his voice hoarse and trembling.
His closest friend, the one he trusted most as his Magic Partner, had deceived him for a rare Magic Scroll, leading him into a trap-laden Magic Circle.
He had escaped with great difficulty but was left mentally scarred, trapped in a Magic Dilemma.
He had once been a bright and vibrant young man, filled with passion and longing for magic.
But now, his heart was filled with doubt and pain, and he felt disillusioned with humanity.
He stood up and walked to the window, gazing out at the pitch-black night sky.
In the night sky, there were no stars, only endless darkness, like a massive net tightly enveloping him.
He felt a deep coldness, as if all hope had been frozen.
He didn’t know what to do or where the future lay.
“Is this my life? Deceived, betrayed, and then plunged into endless darkness…” he murmured, his voice filled with despair.
He leaned weakly against the wall, allowing the darkness to consume him.
In contrast to the pain of his two brothers, Brother San, whose real name was Jerry, was currently lying in his room, leisurely humming a tune.
His room was filled with various magical toys and gaming devices, and a faint sweet scent lingered in the air.
He reclined comfortably in his chair, holding the latest magical gaming console and thoroughly enjoying himself.
He was indifferent to everything happening outside, as if the entire world had nothing to do with him.
“Ha! Magic Backlash? Betrayal by a friend? That’s just a sign of weakness!” he scoffed dismissively.
He considered himself to possess immense Magical Talent and believed he was the most promising one in the family.
He believed that as long as he was willing, he could surpass his elder brother and Second Brother at any time, becoming the pride of the family.
However, he had never truly put in the effort to cultivate.
He was immersed in pleasure, wasting time and squandering his talent.
He was completely unaware that the family was facing a crisis, and he himself was heading towards the abyss of degradation.
He turned over, continuing to play his game, a smug and frivolous smile on his face.
The night was eerily quiet.
Luna, the little girl chosen by Destiny, knew she could no longer sit idly by.
She had to take action to save her family and change their Destiny.
Her small face was filled with determination, her eyes bright and sharp.
She quietly crawled out of her Cradle, her tiny body appearing especially agile in the darkness.
She tiptoed and gently opened the door, slipping outside.
Her target was her elder brother's room.
Using the memories of the Former Great Mage, she found a way to heal from the Magic Backlash.
Although her body was still weak and her magical power limited, she cautiously made her way forward, avoiding the patrolling guards, until she reached her brother's room.
She gently pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The room was shrouded in darkness, illuminated only by the faint moonlight filtering through the window, casting a soft glow on her brother's figure.
She approached the bedside and softly called out, "Brother, wake up."
Elvin slowly opened his eyes and saw Luna standing beside the bed.
He felt a bit surprised, unsure why this Little One was here.
"Luna, what are you doing here?" he asked weakly.
Luna did not answer immediately but spoke earnestly, "Brother, I can help you break the curse of Magic Backlash."
Elvin paused for a moment before letting out a bitter laugh. "Luna, don't joke around. My Magic Backlash is severe; even those Great Mages are at a loss. How could a child like you possibly help me?"
But Luna shook her head and said firmly, "Brother, trust me. I can do it. I... I know some special magic."
Elvin looked at Luna's serious expression, a flicker of doubt crossing his mind.
He knew that this child was very clever and mysterious; perhaps… she really did have a way.
He sighed and said, "Alright, Luna, I want to believe you. But if it doesn't work, please don't force it, okay?"
Luna nodded, her face breaking into a radiant smile. "Don't worry, big brother, I will succeed!"
She walked to the bedside, sat cross-legged, and began to channel the magic within her.
Her hands slowly rose, forming a complex magical seal.
She softly chanted an Ancient Spell, her voice youthful yet filled with mysterious power.
A gentle white light emanated from her hands, illuminating the entire room.
The white light gradually approached Elvin, enveloping him within its glow.
Elvin felt a warm force surge into his body, smoothing out the twisted Meridians and dispelling the darkness within.
His previously pained expression gradually transformed into one of calm.
To his astonishment, he realized that his magical power was slowly returning, and his body felt lighter.
"This... how is this possible..." he murmured in disbelief.
Luna's small face also turned pale as beads of sweat formed on her forehead.
She knew that lifting the curse of Magic Backlash required a tremendous amount of magic power, which was a huge burden for her.
However, she did not give up. Instead, she gritted her teeth and continued to cast her magic.
As time passed, the white light in the room grew stronger, and Elvin's body began to improve.
Finally, when the white light reached its peak, Luna slowly withdrew her hands and ceased her chanting.
She let out a long sigh, a tired yet satisfied smile spreading across her face.
"It worked..." she said weakly.
Elvin stood up excitedly, moving his body and feeling the surge of magic within him.
He could hardly believe that he had truly freed himself from the curse of Magic Backlash!
He looked at Luna with gratitude, his eyes filled with surprise and hope. "Luna, thank you! You are truly my savior!"
Luna shook her head and replied, "Brother, there's no need to thank me. We are family."
Elvin walked over to Luna and gently lifted her into his arms.
"Luna, you are amazing!" he exclaimed. "How did you do it?"
Luna smiled mysteriously and said, "That's a secret..."
Just then, a faint sound suddenly came from the doorway of the room...
A faint sound suddenly came from the doorway, and Luna and Lucius instinctively turned their attention toward it.
As the figure stepped into the moonlight, Luna recognized the visitor as Brother San, Lucius.
He stood at the entrance, his voice trembling slightly. "Luna, did you... do this?"
There was a mix of confusion and shock in his tone. He couldn't believe that such a small frame could possess such immense power, even managing to lift the Magic Backlash that had afflicted their elder brother.
Luna nodded, a weary smile gracing her face. "Yes, Brother San. I... I know some special magic."
Lucius took a few steps closer to Luna, bending down to scrutinize her carefully. Though her face showed signs of fatigue, the determination and wisdom reflected in her eyes left him in awe.
He gently ruffled her hair, a complex emotion flickering in his gaze. "Luna, how do you have such great abilities?"
Luna smiled faintly but did not answer directly. Instead, she said, "Brother San, our family needs us now. We must unite and face the challenges ahead together."
Lucius nodded in agreement. He straightened up and looked at Elvin. "We can't continue to sink like this; we must strive for the future of our family."
Elvin nodded as well, feeling his magical energy gradually returning, which lifted his spirits. "We cannot let our family continue to decline. Luna, you truly are our pride. What we need to do next is rescue our family from this predicament."
Just then, footsteps echoed from outside the room—Qin Si was approaching urgently.
She pushed the door open and said urgently, "Lady of the Fortress... she wants to know everything."
Luna exchanged a glance with Elvin, and Lucius nodded. The three of them stepped out of the room and headed toward the Lady of the Fortress's bedroom.
The night breeze brushed against them, bringing a hint of coolness. Luna held tightly onto her brother's hand, her heart filled with determination and resolve.
Meanwhile, in Aelia's bedroom, Aelia had calmed down from her initial shock.
She sat on the edge of the bed, still gripping the silver box tightly in her hand, but her eyes had lost their previous warmth, replaced by a steely resolve.
Though her heart still ached, she took a deep breath, stood up, and walked to the window to gaze at the night sky.
Moonlight spilled across her face, highlighting her determined features.
"I will not let you roam free any longer."
She turned to face Qin Si, Luna, and Elvin standing at the door. "From today on, we must unite and face everything together."
Luna stepped forward, firmly grasping Aelia's hand, her small face breaking into a determined smile. "Mom, we will protect this home together."
Aelia nodded, tears glistening in her eyes as she resolutely said, "Yes, we will. Luna, you are such a brave child."
Suddenly, a flurry of urgent footsteps and loud conversations echoed from outside the room, signaling that someone was approaching.
Luna and Aelia exchanged a glance, a wave of unease washing over them.
"What’s happening?" Aelia asked nervously.
Qin Si's expression changed as she quickly moved to the door, peering outside.
Her face grew even more serious. "My Lord... he has returned."
Lucius immediately stepped in front of Aelia and Luna, ready to protect them.
Comment 0 Comment Count