The Exorcism Festival at the Glorious Demon Fortress unfolded like a vibrant oil painting in the twilight. The air was thick with the sweet aroma of roasted pumpkin and spices, while laughter and cheer danced like jumping notes, dispelling the chill of late autumn.
Luna, dressed in a pumpkin-colored dress adorned with sequins, spun around like an endless whirlwind. One moment she was at the beautifully decorated fireplace, curiously fiddling with the hanging owl magic accessories, and the next she was tugging at Brother San's hem, babbling excitedly as she directed him to adjust the angle of the jack-o'-lanterns. Her golden curls shimmered under the glow of colorful lanterns, casting a charming halo around her. In her azure blue eyes sparkled the innocence of childhood and a fervent anticipation for the festivities.
Aelia stood quietly nearby, her gentle gaze following Luna's every move. With a delicate touch of makeup enhancing her features, she wore a deep purple starry gown that accentuated her noble elegance. When she saw Luna rushing towards her, a tender smile involuntarily graced her lips.
"Mother!" Luna exclaimed, spreading her arms wide as she leapt into Aelia's embrace like a light-hearted bird. In a sweet voice, she cooed, "I love the Exorcism Festival! There’s so much delicious food and beautiful colorful lanterns!"
Aelia gently stroked Luna's soft hair and pressed a kiss on her pink Luna forehead, softly replying, "Is that so? I'm glad you like it. This year's Exorcism Festival will be joyful for our whole family."
Luna looked up earnestly into Aelia's eyes, her small face serious. "Mother, I have something very important to tell you."
Aelia paused in surprise, crouching down to meet Luna's gaze. "What is it? Tell me; Mother is listening."
Luna took Aelia's hand and led her to a relatively secluded corner. Clearing her throat, she spoke with an unusual gravity for someone her age. "Mother, you must believe me; what I’m about to say concerns our family's future."
A flicker of doubt rose in Aelia's heart as she regarded Luna’s serious demeanor. She had no idea what Luna was about to reveal.
"Okay, Mother believes you," Aelia said firmly, squeezing Luna's small hand to encourage her to continue.
Taking a deep breath, Luna began recounting the plot from the 'original book.' With childlike language, she narrated how Leonard had been seduced by beauty, how he secretly supported Leonard's Concubine while undermining Aelia’s power step by step, ultimately leading to the downfall of the Glorious Demon Fortress.
At first, Aelia listened with skepticism; it all sounded like an absurd tale. But as Luna continued to speak, Aelia’s expression grew increasingly grave. Some details Luna shared were things Aelia had sensed vaguely before; others were truths she had been unwilling to accept. Now these details wove together into a terrifying reality that forced her to reassess everything she had always believed.
When Luna described how Leonard sacrificed family interests to support Leonard's Concubine, Aelia’s face turned pale. Her body trembled slightly.
"It can't be... this is impossible..." Aelia murmured to herself as if desperately denying this harsh reality. After decades of love and companionship with Leonard, how could she believe that the man she adored would betray her and their entire family?
Feeling heartbroken for Aelia, Luna embraced her tightly and gently patted her back. "Mother, I know this is hard to accept, but it is the truth. We must find a way to stop all of this from happening."
Aelia felt as though she were trapped in a cold abyss where everything around her seemed false and absurd. Slowly lifting her head, her gaze fell upon Leonard not far away, laughing and chatting with guests; her eyes turned icy and sharp. The love and trust they once shared had transformed into endless disappointment and hatred.
"Leonard..." Aelia whispered his name in her heart, her voice hoarse and trembling. She vowed that no matter the cost, she would protect her family and uphold her dignity!
In a secluded room within the Magic Castle, the eldest brother sat alone, facing the endless darkness. The room was unlit, with only the faint moonlight filtering in from outside, barely illuminating one corner of the space.
He sat at a desk, several heavy Magic Tomes spread before him, filled with various obscure Spells and runes. His face was haggard, his eyes bloodshot, and beads of sweat trickled down his forehead. His right hand hung limply at his side, the back of it marred by twisted Black Veins—marks left by a Magic Backlash.
Since that fateful incident, his magical abilities had nearly vanished. The talent he once took pride in had become an inescapable Demon Binding Shackle. He had tried countless methods to alleviate the pain caused by the Magic Backlash, but all had proven futile.
He picked up one of the Magic Tomes and turned to a certain page, his gaze fixed on its contents. It detailed an ancient Forbidden Magic said to reverse the effects of Magic Backlash, but it also came with significant risks.
"Is it worth it?" he asked himself internally. He knew that recklessly attempting this Forbidden Magic could cost him his life. Yet, giving up was not an option he could accept. He could not bear to become a useless person, a disabled individual reliant on others' charity.
The image of Luna emerged in his mind. That lovely Sister always looked at him with hopeful eyes, as if he were still the capable eldest brother he once was. "For Luna, for the family, I must regain my magical abilities!" he clenched his teeth, determination shining in his eyes.
He resolved that no matter the cost, he would attempt this Forbidden Magic. Slowly, he raised his left hand and began to chant an Ancient Spell according to the Grimoire's instructions. The air in the room grew heavy, and the surrounding Magic Elements began to stir restlessly.
Suddenly, there was a gentle knock on the door, followed by a familiar voice: "Eldest Brother, are you asleep? May I come in?" Startled awake, he quickly stopped chanting the Spell and hid the Grimoire behind him, responding in a raspy voice, "Come in."
The door creaked open as Second Brother peeked inside, worry etched on his face. Upon seeing Eldest Brother's worn appearance, he couldn't help but sigh. "Eldest Brother, I have something I want to discuss with you..." Second Brother hesitated before speaking softly.
The Exorcism Festival at Glorious Demon Fortress unfolded like a vividly colored oil painting in the Twilight. The air was thick with the sweet scent of roasted pumpkin and spices; laughter danced like jumping notes, dispelling the chill of late autumn.
Luna wore a pumpkin-colored dress adorned with sequins, spinning around like an endlessly energetic top. She flitted to the meticulously decorated fireplace to curiously fiddle with hanging owl Magic Accessories and then tugged at Brother San's hem while directing him to adjust the angle of a pumpkin lantern.
Her golden curls shimmered under the glow of Colorful Lanterns, casting a charming Halo around her. In her Azure Blue eyes shone childlike innocence and eager anticipation for the holiday.
Aelia felt as though she were trapped in a cold abyss where everything around her seemed false and absurd. She slowly lifted her gaze to Leonard nearby, who was laughing and chatting with guests; her expression turned icy and sharp. The love and trust she once held had transformed into endless disappointment and hatred.
The room remained unlit except for the faint moonlight seeping through from outside, barely illuminating one corner of the space.
The elder brother sat at his desk, several heavy Magic Tomes laid out before him, filled with dense, obscure spells and runes. His face was haggard, and his eyes were bloodshot, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. His right hand hung limply at his side, the back of it marred by twisted black veins, remnants of the Magic Backlash he had suffered.
Since that fateful incident, his magical abilities had nearly vanished. The talent he once took pride in had become a pair of Demon Binding Shackles he could not escape. He had tried countless methods to alleviate the pain caused by the Magic Backlash, but all in vain.
He picked up one of the Magic Tomes and turned to a specific page, his gaze fixed intently on the text. It detailed an ancient form of Forbidden Magic said to reverse the effects of Magic Backlash, though it came with significant risks.
"Is it worth it?" he asked himself internally. He knew that if he recklessly attempted this Forbidden Magic, he might pay with his life. Yet, giving up was not an option he could accept. He could not bear the thought of becoming a useless person, reliant on others' charity.
The image of Luna emerged in his mind. That lovely sister always looked at him with hopeful eyes as if he were still the capable elder brother she admired. "For Luna, for the family, I must regain my magical abilities!" The elder brother clenched his teeth, determination shining in his eyes.
He resolved that no matter the cost, he would attempt this Forbidden Magic. Slowly raising his left hand, he began to chant the Ancient Spell according to the Grimoire's instructions. The air in the room grew heavy, and the surrounding Magic Elements began to stir restlessly.
"Elder brother, I have something to discuss with you..." Second Brother hesitated before speaking softly. The elder brother nodded, gesturing for him to enter.
Second Brother closed the door and sat down in the chair opposite him, taking a deep breath. "Elder brother, do you know? I was deceived by my most trusted friend." His voice was filled with regret and urgency, as if each word struck violently against his heart. He picked up a glass of wine from the table and drank it in one gulp, trying to calm the turmoil within.
The elder brother listened quietly, a hint of sympathy in his gaze. He understood Second Brother's feelings; after all, being betrayed by someone you trust most is one of the most painful experiences.
"He tricked me into joining a dangerous magical organization, and I nearly lost my life," Second Brother's voice was low and trembling, each word steeped in remorse. "Now I'm trapped in a Magic Dilemma and can no longer wield my former magic. Every time I think back on it, I feel endless anger and despair."
The elder brother grasped Second Brother's hand tightly with his own marred by black veins, conveying warmth and resolve. "We have endured too much suffering together, but as long as we do not give up, there will be a way out." Though his voice was weary, it still carried unwavering conviction. "Luna and Aelia are working hard for us; we cannot let them down."
Second Brother lifted his head, a spark of hope flickering in his eyes.
Meanwhile, Brother San sat in his study holding an Ancient Grimoire in hand. He had long been aware that he had wasted time on training due to misunderstandings about Magical Talent; now he was determined not to let himself slip any further.
"I can't go on like this; I must reclaim my path to magic," Brother San declared with newfound determination and resolve. His fingertips gently traced the yellowed pages as if each line whispered promises of hope for the future.
The study's window was half-open, allowing a gentle breeze to flow in, carrying with it a faint scent of flowers and distant laughter. Brother San took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and felt the surrounding Magic Elements. He sensed their fluctuations and their vitality.
He began to adjust his breathing, focusing his mind as he slowly guided these Magic Elements into his body. "From now on, I will begin my training anew. No matter the cost, I will protect my family and safeguard Luna," Brother San's voice was deep and powerful, as if making the most resolute vow to himself.
His eyes slowly opened, shining with an unprecedented determination and resolve. He stood up and walked to the window, gazing at the starlight in the night sky, his conviction growing stronger within him.
In the hall of the Magic Castle, Aelia sat on a sofa with a glass of freshly poured Blood Wine on the table. Qin Si stood beside her, softly saying, "Madam, you know that no matter what happens, I will always be by your side."
Aelia smiled faintly and took Qin Si's hand. "With you here, I feel at ease."
A hint of determination and loyalty shone in Qin Si's eyes. "Madam, we must respond quickly to what Luna mentioned. Leonard's betrayal not only concerns your reputation but also the future of our family."
Aelia nodded; although Luna's words were hard to believe, the details compelled her to accept them. "I must protect my family and my children."
Qin Si nodded in agreement and said softly, "I will help you gather more evidence and keep an eye on Leonard's movements. Madam, you are not fighting alone; we will all support you."
Aelia tightly grasped Qin Si's hand, feeling a warmth in her heart. She knew that no matter what lay ahead, she would not be alone.
Luna stood in a corner of the hall, watching the celebrating guests while her heart was filled with worry. She knew that although everyone was celebrating the festival, a crisis was quietly approaching the family.
She looked at Aelia and Qin Si's backs and silently resolved to help her mother and family through this crisis.
Suddenly, a familiar voice sounded beside her: "Luna, there you are. I have something I want to discuss with you."
Luna turned around to see Lucius standing behind her. "Brother San, what is it?" she asked gently, feeling a twinge of nervousness.
Lucius smiled slightly and said slowly, "Luna, I know about what you discussed with Mother earlier. I think we should find a way to break this deadlock as soon as possible. Do you have any ideas?"
Luna looked into Lucius's determined eyes and felt a warmth in her heart. She knew that Lucius had confidence in the family's future, and she too must help them through this crisis.
"Let's go to the study; I'll share some thoughts with you," Luna said as she took Lucius's hand gently. Their figures gradually disappeared into the crowd, as if heralding that new hope was about to be born.
Not far from the Magic Castle, Leonard stood alone beneath an ancient oak tree, tightly gripping a wine glass in hand as if trying to conceal his inner unease. "Aelia knows..." he murmured softly, his voice tinged with anxiety and panic.
His gaze wandered restlessly as if searching for a corner where he could hide. He knew he had to find a way quickly to cover up this truth; otherwise, the future of the family would become even more perilous.
The clamor of the Exorcism Festival bubbled like a boiling potion of magic, bubbling up with colorful bubbles.
The Glorious Demon Fortress was adorned with festive decorations, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of Honey Cake and Cedar Fragrance, mingled with the aroma of unknown magical herbs. It was not particularly pleasant, yet oddly comforting.
It felt as if, even if the world were to end, the Glorious Demon Fortress would still stand tall, exuding its unique, strange, and captivating aura.
Luna, once a Great Mage, now wore a delicate pink dress, her chubby little hands clutching a gingerbread man larger than her face, nibbling on it with delight. Her big, shiny eyes did not reflect the innocence typical of an ordinary baby; instead, they sparkled with wisdom as she secretly observed everything within the Magic Castle.
Aelia, the Lady of the Fortress, appeared somewhat distracted today. She forced herself to engage with the guests who had come to congratulate her, but her smile looked more like a mask of indifference, even more sorrowful than tears. Ever since she learned that her husband Leonard had taken a concubine and even fathered an illegitimate child, she felt as though her world had been violently torn apart by an invisible hand, revealing a gaping wound within.
“Madam, Luna wishes to see you,” Qin Si whispered in her ear.
Aelia took a deep breath and managed to squeeze out a smile. “Bring her over.”
Luna was brought before Aelia, extending her tiny hand covered in gingerbread crumbs to gently touch Aelia's face. This seemingly childish gesture warmed Aelia's heart.
“Xiao Luna, what mischief are you up to this time?” Aelia couldn't help but ask, her tone tinged with helplessness yet laced with anticipation. Since this Little One had arrived at the Magic Castle, despite bringing chaos and trouble, she had miraculously allowed Aelia to glimpse a sliver of hope amid despair.
Luna blinked her big eyes and said in a baby voice, “Mama, there are so many people today; let’s… whisper…”
Aelia's heart stirred; could this Little One be thinking…? She dismissed those around them and took Luna to a secluded balcony.
“Go ahead, you little clever one.”
Luna whispered a few words into Aelia's ear, and Aelia's expression shifted from shock to hesitation before finally settling into determination.
“Alright, we’ll do it your way! Let’s go for it!”
Meanwhile, on another side of the Magic Castle, the eldest brother faced his own troubles. His Magic Backlash was worsening as he silently sat in his wheelchair, gazing out at the bustling scene outside. The Second Brother felt betrayed by his former friend; his magical cultivation had stagnated as he clenched his fists in frustration. Brother San remained engrossed in what he called his “Magical Talent,” oblivious to the dangers that were closing in.
Leonard, the Lord of the Glorious Demon Fortress, was currently enjoying himself among guests without realizing that a storm was brewing—one that would soon sweep through the entire Magic Castle and pull him down from his lofty throne.
Behind the festivities of the Exorcism Festival lay countless undercurrents; what kind of waves would they stir? Everything was just beginning...
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