Strongest Necromancer System Chapter 729: Is This What It Means to Be a Sage?

What would become of me if Jason were to pass away at this very second?

In truth, the realization Gina required had transcended this simple query. It wasn't the only mystery weighing on her mind; she had been interrogating her own identity and the person she aspired to become. At times, she would devote entire hours to reviewing the memories of her life, searching for the essence of her true self—a solitary journey she knew she had to navigate alone. Yet, for reasons unknown, she sensed a profound significance in this initial question. It felt as if unraveling this riddle would grant her the key to every other dilemma she had faced. Gina released a long, steady breath as the air surrounding her grew heavy. Her magic began to circulate through her frame in a rhythmic, rapid flow, causing her nerves to hum with raw power. She had never experienced such a sensation during her meditations; she realized this moment was singular, and she fought to preserve the feeling.

Gina recalled the moments when Jason stood on the precipice of death. A surge of raw emotion welled up from her heart as those images surfaced, and her pulse quickened as she relived the terror. The aftermath of his battle with Evon and the time he was bitten by Gillian were the two occasions Jason had come closest to the end. In both instances, she realized she had been prepared to sacrifice everything to save him. She would have gladly surrendered her life to the Grim Reaper if it secured his return. But did that define her as a person who was willing to perish the moment Jason drew his last breath?

Gina exhaled slowly, feeling the energies within her swell as the answer began to crystallize, only for a strange, ethereal voice to echo within her psyche.

’Keep going, young one~ You aren’t there just yet~’

Although she frowned at the intrusion, she chose to heed it, plunging back into the depths of her consciousness to continue her contemplation. She struggled to determine if her conclusion was true. Sacrificing oneself to save a loved one seemed, on the surface, a counterproductive endeavor. It was an act of profound selflessness, proving that she valued his life far above her own. If Farlow had explicitly asked her, 'Would you die if it meant Jason would live?' she knew her answer would undeniably be 'yes.'

There was no uncertainty in her soul: Jason was infinitely more important than herself. The only reason she held back from reckless self-sacrifice was the knowledge that Jason had already endured agony to save her, and she would not force him to suffer that burden again. Furthermore, she knew Jason’s strength was capable of resolving most threats. Should he ever face a situation where her intervention could grant him even a moment more of life, she would cast herself into the fray without hesitation.

’But is that truly how a Sage is meant to exist?’

Her brow furrowed at the thought, prompting her to reflect on the teachings Farlow had provided since she began her training. He had emphasized that to reach unity with nature, a Sage must possess a deep understanding of their own core and find total harmony within their consciousness. One must detach from worldly bonds and refuse to let their existence be dictated by attachments to others. That was the essence of true Sagehood, and Farlow had maintained that until she achieved this, she could not claim the title.

’And who does that old man think he is~? Keep going child~ Just keep going~’

The mysterious voice returned, and Gina felt her consciousness drift into a serene calm as her thoughts inevitably returned to Jason. She recalled their shared history—growing up together, their school days, his work at the restaurant, and her time in the guild. She thought of the movies they watched and the comfort he provided when she needed a shoulder to lean on. How could she divorce her life from his? If she were a vehicle, Jason was the fuel driving her engine. Was it even possible to sever oneself from one's own heart? She concluded it was not; every facet of her existence was woven into him. Regardless of Farlow’s definition, her own version of Sagehood was a life centered entirely around Jason. If he passed, her reason for existence would vanish with him.

Woosh~!

The winds surrounding Gina surged in violence. Though she remained lost in meditation, the external world grew chaotic as the mana surrounding her peaked. A small, violent cyclone began to form, visible to everyone in Arandelle as it spiraled into the heavens, growing larger by the second. From the royal palace, alert guards spotted the swirling anomaly and rushed to report the disturbance to Farlow immediately.

Deep within the Garden, Gina felt a blanket of profound peace. It was as if the world had dissolved, leaving her with nothing but the rhythm of her own heart as she found her answer. The concept of 'Gina' held no meaning without the existence of 'Jason.' She realized that while Farlow might reject her conclusion, she no longer concerned herself with the opinions of others.

’That was a perfect answer, young child~’

A cool voice resonated through the air, and she gasped as a finger tapped her forehead. Her body felt as though it were being dragged by an invisible tether; she floated upward, her garments fluttering about her. As she opened her eyes, she gasped in shock—looking down, she saw her own body still seated in the lotus position on the ground behind her. Her spirit had been detached from her physical form, and time itself seemed to freeze as she witnessed brilliant, luminous spheres manifesting all around her.