My Living Shadow System Devours To Make Me Stronger Chapter 1022 - 1024: Valcara’s Prophecy

Within Lysithara, time flowed undisturbed. Mugu remained, completing his third year of solitary existence. Nemoriel’s infrequent, unobtrusive visits were his only company. Valcara observed his persistent training from a discreet distance each day. After six months of this silent watch, Mugu finally approached Valcara, requesting to become her student. Her initial refusal was met with further requests. When she refused a second time, Mugu shifted his approach, relying not on words but on unwavering effort, discipline, and tangible results. Through a succession of trials, his persistent endeavors rendered further refusal futile. Ultimately, Valcara relented. By this juncture, Mugu had already achieved the Second Class Advancement. His development as a scholar, a magic wielder, and a combatant was evident and undeniable. Yet, his conspicuous progress carried inherent risks. Standing out in Lysithara was not without its drawbacks; attention inevitably attracted scrutiny, which in turn fostered envy. Mugu’s reclusive nature did little to assuage the watchful eyes that began to focus on him. Another year elapsed, marking four years since his displacement from his village and his departure from Abellona. Under Valcara’s tutelage, Mugu delved into structured magical arts and sophisticated rune craft. For reasons inexplicable to others, he displayed a remarkable aptitude for rune magic, a discipline almost exclusively practiced within Lysithara. His exceptional talent became impossible to overlook, drawing the attention of the sages one by one. Though they did not formally adopt him, each sage imparted fragments of their wisdom to him in their distinct ways. Consequently, Mugu evolved into a rare entity – a disciple to them all. However, Mugu was not the sole individual undergoing transformation. As Damon witnessed the passage of time through Mugu’s experiences, a subtle alteration occurred within him. The sharp edges of his resentment gradually softened, replaced by a more placid, expansive, and distinctly human sentiment. In contrast to Damon, Mugu began to open himself to the people around him, making a conscious effort that yielded positive results. His underlying rationale was straightforward: one cannot alter the world while confined within a limited perspective. This realization dawned upon him as an epiphany. Mugu possessed the potential to become a sage. As his proficiency increased, he started to seek out the deeper enigmas of Lysithara – its forgotten king, its origins, and the vestiges of ancient magic. Discoveries, however, were scarce. Lysithara’s ethos prioritized innovation over the preservation of the past. Nevertheless, time has a way of forging connections, and Mugu’s bond with Valcara naturally deepened. Concurrently, his affection for the city blossomed. Lysithara transformed from a mere means to acquire strength into a place he truly called home. The inhabitants were benevolent, and the sages mingled freely with the populace, often found walking the streets and readily answering questions. When they encountered gaps in their knowledge, they acknowledged it and pursued learning. Mugu found this admirable; he aspired to emulate them, to become a sage himself. On his sixth year in Lysithara, Mugu attained the Third Class Advancement, a progression pace that bordered on the miraculous. To commemorate this achievement and perhaps to showcase her protégé, Valcara arranged a modest gathering, inviting Mugu’s friends, peers, along with several Ascendants and prominent individuals. The intention was for a low-key affair, but Mugu's expanding circle of acquaintances necessitated relocating the celebration to a grand banquet hall. The evening resonated with joyous laughter, abundant food, and lively conversation. Nemoriel's comedic impersonations elicited peals of amusement from the attendees. Mugu himself laughed heartily, clutching his stomach, momentarily experiencing profound happiness. The realization of his own contentment struck him abruptly, extinguishing the laughter in his throat. His expression clouded over. By the conclusion of the festivities, Mugu found himself alone atop a building, gazing at the twin moons adorning the night sky. He bit his lower lip, questioning the validity of his joy. 'How could I be happy?' 'How dare I find happiness when Abellona suffers? When her plight stems from my own inadequacy?' The thought infiltrated his mind like a venomous agent. "What troubles you, Mugu? Did something occur?" Valcara’s voice reached him; he hadn't perceived her approach. She was simply present. "No. Nothing is wrong," he responded with forced calm. Valcara softly exhaled and gave a slight shake of her head. "Your deception is transparent. Something is indeed amiss. You may confide in me." Mugu emitted a low chuckle, a faint smile gracing his lips. "Nothing escapes your notice, does it, esteemed teacher?" he remarked, placing an arm around her waist as she sat beside him. "Naturally not. What kind of mentor would I be if I failed to perceive something so evident?" She settled beside him, her posture relaxed, her demeanor gentle. Mugu’s gaze drifted back to the moons. "It concerns Abellona," he whispered, his voice barely audible. Upon hearing the name, her fingers momentarily trembled, though she maintained a composed expression. Abellona was the girl Mugu cherished, the very reason for his presence in Lysithara. Valcara was aware of this, as well as his unwavering dedication to her. "Hmm. I understand," she murmured, her heart aching internally.

She acknowledged that her feelings for him were inappropriate. Loving Mugu, she knew, was a path destined for suffering. Fate's grip was already tight around her, and like most oracles, she had a grim understanding of certain truths.

What is observable cannot be prevented.

It was a decree from the Goddess of Doom herself.

All unfortunate destinies fell under her purview.

Despite this, Valcara found herself yearning for a deity who permitted choices in destiny. Perhaps then, circumstances might have been different.

"Do I truly possess the right to seek happiness? To reside in this sanctuary, this haven, surrounded by such virtuous souls while Abellona languishes in torment? I cannot. It is impossible," Mugu murmured, his words tumbling out.

Valcara gently bit her lower lip.

"There is nothing inherently wrong with finding happiness. Why should you be denied it? If you are steeped in sorrow, what benefit does it bring? Do not afflict yourself for matters beyond your influence."

She extended her hand towards the luminous moon.

"You cannot alter the world's treatment of you, but you can dictate your response to it. That much is within your command. You cannot physically grasp the moon within your hands."

Mugu observed her hand reaching towards the heavens.

"Perhaps your words hold truth. Had I not witnessed a dragon of colossal proportions, had I not studied here and learned of distant realms, I might accept that some feats are unattainable. Yet, what is deemed impossible is often merely what no one has yet endeavored to change."

He slowly clenched his fist.

"How can I ascertain impossibility if I do not even attempt to seize the moon with my own hands?"

Valcara perceived the resolute expression that settled upon his features.

His decision had been made.

Mugu closed his eyes.

"I shall depart Lysithara the moment I achieve Fourth Class Advancement. Then, I will return and carve a path back to her."

Just as Valcara prepared to respond, a subtle sensation brushed against her awareness. A faint whisper. She sharply turned her head, but no one was present.

Upon looking back at Mugu, a premonition overwhelmed her.

She gasped and seized his hand.

"I implore you not to leave. Remain here in Lysithara."

Mugu regretfully shook his head.

"Forgive me, Valcara. My departure is necessary."

Her countenance paled dramatically. Her hands began to tremble.

"I do not wish for you to go. If you depart, the Mugu I know will be lost forever. What you seek will not be what you discover."

She pressed her forehead against his.

"Within your future, I perceive only a chasm of both light and shadow. Should you return, an abyss of darkness awaits you."

Mugu's eyes widened in realization.

Valcara was an oracle; her pronouncements were never idle.

"So be it. If I am destined to fall, then fall I shall. As you yourself stated, I cannot change how the world treats me, only my reaction to it. This is my chosen reaction."

Valcara lowered her head, tears welling in her eyes.

Despite achieving Seventh Class Advancement, she felt utterly powerless.

She could not alter the world's treatment of her.

Only her own reaction.

That was her guiding principle.

She was not like Valerie, who perceived existence as a blend of joy and sorrow. Nor was she like Vathren, whose principles were forged by leadership.

She was simply Valcara.

Therefore, she selected her response.

She leaned forward and bestowed a kiss upon Mugu.

The embrace lasted precisely seven seconds.

As she drew back, Mugu appeared visibly astonished, a rare display of emotion from him.

Valcara offered a gentle smile.

"I love you," she confessed.

Without a moment's hesitation, Mugu responded, "I love Abellona."

His gaze held no trace of uncertainty.

And it was precisely this unwavering devotion that captivated her.

Valcara possessed a beauty that transcended words. She was wise, formidable, affluent, kind, and steadfast. Everything a man could desire in a partner, and infinitely more.

Yet, Mugu's heart belonged to only one individual.

Not even the divine beings could alter this fundamental truth.

She exhaled slowly.

Then, she spoke, "If you depart, from grace you shall fall."

This was not a threat; Mugu understood she would never inflict harm upon him. It was a foretelling.

"Then I shall be prepared."