Sorcerer's Handbook-Chapter 672: Conversation

“Why do you make it sound like you’re a bad woman who toys with people and then won’t let go?”

Vesser’s choice of topic was surprisingly effective in alleviating Ash’s soul-sapping pain. His curiosity was piqued, and he sniffed the air with interest. “Why can’t you become lovers?”

“Because…” Vesser pondered for a moment, “the gap between our realities and the conflict of our careers.”

“Wow.” Ash was so intrigued that he managed to sit up straight, gazing into Vesser’s eyes. “Is it that you’re from two different worlds, and you’re driven by your career ambitions, making it impossible to be with them?”

At that moment, Ash recalled the melodramatic TV shows he used to watch with his mother: the wealthy Young Lady falls for a poor boy, but reality keeps them apart. The Young Lady pursues her dreams abroad while the poor boy remains at home, striving for success. Years later, they reunite, unable to blush with joy, only to meet with tears in their eyes…

Vesser could tell Ash had misunderstood, but she needed him to misunderstand. It was the only way their rare one-on-one conversation could continue.

Moreover, for some reason, she and the Observer could now chat like bystanders, discussing the tales of Silver Lantern and Ash, which eased her tense heart. “Something like that.”

Ash asked, “Is the gap between realities insurmountable?”

“I tried,” Vesser shook her head, speaking softly. “We are different people. I’m not the kind of girl who treats life gently, as he prefers.”

“Everyone starts off gentle,” Ash remarked. “What about your careers? Can’t you strive together?”

“No, my dream is a phantom that others can’t comprehend,” Vesser explained. “I could make him understand, but I know he’s not the type to accept such a dream, so there’s no need to force him to chase after fleeting illusions with me.”

“So complicated,” Ash murmured. “I thought my situation was already messy enough, but it seems you’re even more entangled.”

“I always thought that the more powerful the sorcerer, the harder it is to fall in love. After all, Truth and power are far more alluring than mere romance.”

“You’re right,” Vesser nodded. “Generally, sorcerers above the Sanctuary level have no room for love. Even if they have multiple partners, it’s merely an outlet for lust; if they pursue others or have tangled relationships, it’s likely driven by interests and a desire for conquest.”

However, ‘multiple partners’ and ‘tangled relationships’… Vesser couldn’t help but glance at Ash, who widened his eyes sensitively. “Why are you looking at me?”

Vesser stifled a laugh. “Don’t misunderstand. I know your relationship with the sword Princess and the Witch isn’t just about lust, interests, and conquest.”

“Not just that?”

Ash felt a bit embarrassed, but he knew he was at fault, so he quickly changed the subject. “How did you come to like them? Was it a fateful encounter before reaching Sanctuary?”

“No,” Vesser shook her head. “I used to think I wouldn’t like anyone. When we first met, we were adversaries. Initially, I was just curious about him…”

“A textbook example,” Ash remarked, “Curiosity leads to closeness, and before you know it, you’re caught in the web. Especially since you’ve never liked anyone before, you’re more susceptible… Unlike me, who has no secrets and can be read like an open book. Even Con Artists trust me completely.”

Vesser gazed at Ash, who raised his eyebrows, refusing to back down as he stared right back. After five seconds, it was Vesser who first conceded, averting her gaze and admitting, “You’re right.”

“But I don’t think you’re the type to give up just because of obstacles,” Ash probed with curiosity. “You may seem gentle and soft-spoken, but deep down, you’re resolute and stubborn. If you truly want something, no matter how many hurdles stand in your way, you’d find a way to overcome them.”

“Not all obstacles can be removed,” Vesser lowered her eyes, “For instance, he already has someone he likes.”

“What?” Ash perked up at the topic, “Then… use underhanded tactics to win him over? With your pure and adorable charm, he’d surely falter, doubt himself, and then you could fan the flames-“

Vesser shook her head, smiling wryly, “I’ve already tried underhanded tactics, so I know I can’t win.”

“You’ve tried already?” Ash regarded her with newfound respect, “And he still didn’t cave? He’s no ordinary person; you need to go all out!”

“Exactly, because I’ve tried, I know I have no chance,” Vesser explained, “I’ve seen how he looks at the person he likes, and I’m certain he doesn’t feel that way about me.”

“At most, he just… pities me.”

At this point, Ash refrained from speaking recklessly, instead squeezing Vesser’s hand gently.

However, Vesser smiled brightly, her tone light, “Don’t worry about me. I’ve moved on. His appearance was a huge surprise, and now I’m just back on track, nothing’s changed. Normally, I wouldn’t discuss this with you, but seeing the sweet reliance between you two tonight made me a bit envious.”

Ash replied awkwardly, “I’ll be more mindful in the future-when teaming up in the Virtual Realm, we’ll maintain a normal teammate relationship, ensuring it won’t affect combat or exploration, nor team dynamics-“

“Relax, I’m not criticizing you,” Vesser shrugged, “I just wanted to say, even without romance, I’m doing just fine. Not just sorcerers, most people don’t have love; at most, they feel attraction due to looks, voice, income, or family background. But all that love is self-serving. They love the vanity of being loved, the sense of existence when tormented, or the tragic longing of unrequited love. In the end, they love the emotions they’ve imagined, not actual love.”

“Escaping this tedious hormone trap should be something you congratulate me for.”

Ash was nearly ready to applaud, nodding repeatedly, “No wonder you’re a Truth sorcerer, such profound insight!”

“But…”

He looked at Vesser earnestly, “You said you don’t mind getting drenched, so why are you using this long speech as an umbrella?”

Vesser paused, then pressed her lips together and murmured softly, “The sword Princess has learned all your flaws.”

“I’ve picked up her nitpicking habits too,” Ash shrugged. “Vesser, you know I’m no expert in relationships, haven’t really been in love…”

Vesser couldn’t hold back and burst into laughter.

Unfazed, Ash continued, “So I won’t tell you to move on, or spout clichés like ‘you’re so beautiful, you’ll find someone better.’ Liking someone is liking them, not getting them is not getting them. It’s not like creating a Virtual Divinity where you can find a spirit substitute… Some things, like the soul’s divinity, require specific spirits and certain Rituals to achieve the desired outcome.”

Vesser felt a stir within and glanced at the nightmare from the corner of her eye, speaking calmly, “I know.” fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

“Good that you know.” Ash nodded slightly. “In the end, feelings are a matter between two people-“

Vesser interjected, “Or maybe three.”

“You’re relentless, aren’t you!” Ash’s mouth twitched, continuing on his own, “So I can’t encourage or advise you, can’t even console you. The only thing I can do is what you’re doing now.”

“If you’re tired, just sleep, even if it’s crying yourself to sleep. If you’re in pain, share it with us; we’ll always be waiting in the Virtual Realm.” Ash tightened his grip on her hand, gazing into her eyes. “Companions might not always share the same ideals, but they can always support each other.”

Vesser was stunned for a moment, her lips quivering as if she might cry, but eventually, she smiled. “Alright.”

Ash paused, weakly adding, “But when the sword Princess and the Witch are around, you might want to go to them…”

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