Lanqi Has Always Played on the Edge

"…" Lanqi looked at Zestira, the words he had just organized catching in his throat once more. *Young lady, you have a massive misunderstanding of Talia.* Lanqi could barely resist the urge to tell her so. In truth, Zestira was already very much like Talia: both were combat-oriented fighters, and aside from having completely different types of specialty magic, their innate magic was similar, as were their tone of voice and demeanor. Without needing to try particularly hard, by simply developing naturally, she would likely grow into a demon just like Talia in the future. Yet Lanqi had always felt something was slightly off. Zestira seemed constantly determined to change herself… "Specializing like that is indeed an option, but that path is usually the domain of wicked demons who manipulate minds. Dragon demons who excel in martial might rarely choose it," Lanqi told Zestira diplomatically. This strayed far too far from her idol. Lanqi felt that whether he helped or didn't, it was a dilemma; he couldn't quite tell anymore what Zestira was actually trying to become. "…" However, Zestira had a very stubborn temperament. Once she confirmed from Lanqi's answer that such a specialization was possible, her mind was made up, the resolve written plain across her face. "Well, give it your best, then," Lanqi said with a sense of resignation. He always respected his students' choices; his only worry was that in the future, when Zestira realized her choice went completely against her expectations, she might regret it. "Specializing this way is actually comparatively simple. Just study mental magic diligently and keep using your innate talent to earnestly sense others' emotions. I don't know how long it will take to fully evolve, but after all, fully developed demon talents can sometimes rival the bloodline powers of the Blood Clan. If converted into spell cards, they'd be epic-grade. They don't come easily, so don't be impatient, and don't get discouraged by slow progress." Lanqi explained everything to Zestira. "Understood." Zestira listened humbly and nodded. Yet she thought to herself: perhaps the progress of innate magic wasn't quite as difficult as her teacher made it out to be? "Thank you, Teacher. I feel that with your guidance, I'm one step closer to my goal." "…" Hearing Zestira's reply, Lanqi thought about it more and more, and still felt something wasn't right. Why did Zestira think Talia excelled at acting and smiling, and that her innate magic was the type that manipulated emotions and toyed with minds? Lanqi's slightly furrowed brow suddenly relaxed a bit. "Wait, Zestira, let me ask you first: what is the Talia in your imagination like?" Lanqi made a gesture to catch her attention. Hearing the question, Zestira's eyes brightened slightly. She was very interested in this topic. "She is magnificent, rational, and captivating—the ultimate embodiment of evil, malice, and madness among the demon race, whose danger to the world even eclipsed her talents, yet she could master her own heart and desires! Rather than solving problems with brute force, she excels at breaking through the enemy's mind, inflicting the cruelest curses and torment upon them!" Zestira was unusually enthusiastic, even clenching her fist as she spoke. However, she quickly realized she had gotten a bit carried away and cleared her throat twice. "Unfortunately, no likeness of her true face remains today. Only those great demons who lived for centuries and saw her back then could recognize her," she sighed. According to the various books she had read chronicling the fates of the last surviving great demons, aside from those whose whereabouts were unknown and those imprisoned in imperial dungeons, the only ancient demon capable of confirming Talia's identity was probably the Ice Snow Witch of Asethelan. Regrettably, the Kingdom of Asethelan and the Protos Empire were now on the brink of war, and the borders were sealed off. It was impossible to meet the Ice Snow Witch and ask her about Talia. Lanqi's expression was filled with bewilderment and existential doubt. Only now did he realize a grave issue— The Talia that Zestira idolized was entirely a product of her own imagination! And for this seemingly fictional Talia, there actually existed in the world someone who met every single criterion and looked identical to her! If this was the image of Talia held by future generations on the Northern Continent, didn't that mean the Talia played by the Poet of Great Love aligned far better with demon youths' artistic conception of her? On the contrary, the real Talia—that old fogey—had already been rendered obsolete by the times! "Zestira, let me ask you: do you think the Talia in your imagination has leadership charisma?" After pondering and sorting out the situation, Lanqi asked seriously. "She is the chosen Demon King!" Zestira became slightly excited again, which was rare for her. "So that's how it is… So that's how it is!" Lanqi smacked his fist into his palm, his eyes gradually brightening as realization struck. In truth, if one wanted to lead the demon race, the very first step was to craft a cohesive, magnetic image of a leader for the legitimate demon princess. Lanqi finally understood why his dream of rebuilding Purgatory Corridor Academy had been stuck, unable to even get off the ground, paralyzed at step one. As it turned out, all he had to do was streamline Talia out of the picture! She was the most unnecessary element of the starting phase! Once he finished shaping a new post-Holy War image of Talia for the Northern Continent a century later, he would stop right at the step of founding the school, letting the demon race become a faction within the Kingdom of Asethelan devoted to love and peace. When the time came, even if Talia found out and rushed back to the Northern Continent in person, only to discover that this image had already been embraced by the demons, she would be left with only two choices to answer the expectations of her demon subjects: Either accept this new persona, doing her best to play the maiden-like, mischievous, ever-smiling Poet of Great Love to wrest back control from Lanqi… Or go back to the Southern Continent to continue her retirement. Lanqi was certain Talia would choose the latter. He simply could not imagine how a centuries-old demon crone who never smiled could put on the airs of a young maiden. Unless her mindset underwent a change beyond words. If she truly chose to impersonate the Poet of Great Love, bearing humiliation to accomplish the great cause of restoring her kingdom, Lanqi wouldn't dare imagine what kind of retribution he would face once she succeeded. Still, such a thing was impossible. "…" Zestira glanced at Lanqi, then continued walking with him along the road beside the Endless Library, passing beneath the Starry Sky Theater toward Protos Royal Magic Academy. For some reason, she felt that Lanqi had probably been contemplating thoughts no different from suicide just now. Yet he didn't seem to realize it at all, and was even thoroughly enjoying himself. Lanqi's mind was occasionally abnormally active, as Zestira had already noticed. Staying by his side was beneficial to the evolution of her innate magic. However, Zestira didn't want to tell him. Otherwise, he probably wouldn't let his whimsical thoughts run wild so naturally and frequently. She would tell her teacher once her innate magic reached mastery. Besides, it wouldn't hurt him to find out a little later. Zestira thought with absolute conviction.