Mage Manual

Chapter 1663 - 1224: Joining the War

"If both Igula and I are trapped in a dire situation, who would you save?"

During their journey across the Kingdom of Allstars, Rose often booked hotels with one presidential suite for each gender, only separating when there were no large suites available. This method of lodging was for safety; many murder cases set in locked rooms begin with people staying apart, although staying together could mean dying together too, there’s a greater sense of assurance gathering together.

Therefore, after Ash, Igula, and Harvey spent a day out and returned to the hotel, they would often gather for a chat after showering. Actually, Igula did need some private space, and the large presidential suite had more than enough room to separate individual spaces for the three of them, but Ash and Harvey always chatted near him, giving Igula the feeling that after a busy day, he still had to walk two dogs when he came home.

What they had to chat about was unknown, especially Harvey, who was silent during the day but his desire to speak soared after the women left in the evening. It was as if he held back many risqué topics just waiting to chat with the two bros, but the problem is Harvey, a necromancer whose sexual function has been ruined by preservatives, would talk about topics barely related to risqué ones; what might not be risqué for most might be risqué for a necromancer.

Some might get excited because of political discussions, so necromancers being thrilled when discussing thirteen dismembering methods isn’t strange, right?

After playing all day and getting caught in the rain, Ash emerged from the bathroom in a bathrobe, rubbing his hair with a towel while taking a can of milk coffee from the fridge. Igula sat at the window in a lazy chair, listening to the rain and reading a book, while Harvey idly sewed his hand back with colored threads—in recent days, he had become obsessed with this art of human tailoring. While sewing, he suddenly asked this odd question.

Ash took a sip of milk coffee, his tone somewhat complicated, "I didn’t expect a guy to ask me this deadly question."

Igula also closed his book, maybe wanting to see what antics Harvey was up to, or maybe ready to use it as a weapon to throw.

"Just say what you think," Harvey said, "I’m just curious if your thought process is the same as mine."

"No one’s thought process in the world is like yours; for humankind, your logic is premature," Ash quipped, seriously contemplating before saying, "Even if both are simultaneously in a bind, there’s bound to be a difference in danger. Even if equally dangerous, I would subconsciously judge who needs help more... I’d prioritize saving the more endangered one."

Harvey nodded, turning to Igula, "What about you? If Ash and I were in danger, who would you save?"

"Neither of you." Igula calmly stated, "It’s impossible for you two to drown in water—the threat would be a formidable enemy. At most, I’d only go all out to attack the enemy instead of worrying about saving either of you. Whether you survive isn’t my concern."

Harvey nodded again, pointing at Ash, "You’re out, turns out Igula is more suitable as a teammate."

"Huh?" Though Ash didn’t care about Harvey’s approval, he asked, leaning against the wall in protest, "Why’s that? Shouldn’t I be better?"

Harvey bit off the thread, examining the black lotus embroidery on his hand, saying, "Against ordinary foes, we wouldn’t be in a bind. If faced with an unbeatable enemy, our only path is to attack with everything and not worry about others’ safety; the sharper you are, the safer others are."

Ash silently finished his milk coffee, crushed the can, and tossed it into a nearby trash bin, then asked, "So if Igula and I are in danger, you won’t save us either?"

"Save you?" Harvey blinked, showing the naive gaze of a necromancer. Ash instantly realized his own foolishness—Harvey has been eyeing their corpses for who knows how long, counting the days until they die, with Harvey being the happiest should they perish!

Igula threw the book, hitting Harvey’s head. Harvey rubbed his skull, mumbling, "It’s not just because I want your corpses."

"Not just..."

"Mainly, I’m a very clean necromancer, ready to die cleanly anytime, neither wanting debt nor indebted to others. I don’t want you to save me, so naturally, I won’t save you," Harvey said, "Besides, there’s a truth that Hagen Dazs left behind..."

*

Ash can never recall the truth from Hagen Dazs—not because Harvey didn’t say it, but because he’d forgotten. Selling half of his soul, Ash lost half of his memory; Vishi and Weiser’s memories were only a small part of it, more so was his past twenty years of memories and the tumultuous waves this past year.

He still remembers important things, but details are hard to recall.

People must forget; the present always replaces the past, and passengers must disembark from life’s train. As long as the seat next to you isn’t empty, it doesn’t matter. Already possessing so many beautiful things, you are set to create countless beautiful futures together, so why ponder lost memories?

Reflecting on it, Ash felt a bit outlandish—he has four lovers now, each more beautiful and troublesome than the last. He could spend a lifetime trying to complete their main storylines, and lately, Ash rarely thought of Igula and Harvey. He’s a devoted person, not thinking of men when with women... these two men’s niches have been entirely replaced by lovers... so why waste life for them?

Yet Ash still came to the fortress to find them. He could find a hundred reasons to convince himself to give up, but just as Igula and Harvey chose not to save anyone, only he instinctively chose to save people; Ash wasn’t ignorant of the correct choice. He simply acted impulsively when he had to, moved without contemplation, and when snapping back to reality, his body was already in motion.

Why contemplate so much? Did you become a mage to constantly worry? You’re here to create miracles!

Ash didn’t know if Igula and Harvey had already perished as cannon fodder, nor did he know if those two bastards were in the fortress, and even if encountered, he couldn’t help them leave Hell at present.

But he still came; if they’re there, find a way to send them to the fifth layer of Hell to continue hiding. If they’re not, take over the fortress and loot resources.

No matter what, Ash refused to remain aloof, scavenging like a ghoul... he intended to be part of this war, even lead it!

He had that qualification.

Having defeated the Six-winged Law Angel, Ash had no rival in Hell.

Ash boldly unfolded his Void Wings, releasing Seven-winged Radiance to the gods of Hell. After the Six-winged Trial, Ash and Sonia’s level 5 Bonds had stabilized completely; even in Hell, Ash could borrow Sonia’s Void Wings... combining their strength, Ash was enough to reign over Hell!