NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 19. Are You Depressed?
“Aleya, what’s wrong?!”
After pouring a wealth of knowledge into the eager Parker and watching him dive into his studies, Aino glanced aside and was startled by what she saw. Aleya was leaning against a tree, hugging her knees, practically radiating negative energy—her demeanor screaming “I’m depressed” without words.
Aino quickly called out to her, unwilling to let her linger in such a state. After all, Aleya was a stubborn soul who had devoted her entire life to revenge. If she sank too deep into despair, who knew what reckless choice she might make? Fortunately, their time together had warmed their once-distant relationship. Surprisingly, Aleya—the infamous witch—was rather innocent, even childlike at times.
Now, responding to Aino’s concern, Aleya fidgeted, head bowed, struggling to voice her thoughts. “I have no power, no hope. My life is ruined again… I just feel so awful inside…” Her words stumbled out haltingly, each one painstakingly chosen as she tried to express her turmoil.
Though her explanation was fragmented, Aino grasped it instantly. She had long anticipated this struggle for Aleya. Lacking magic in this world was akin to being penniless in her original one—anyone would feel regret and pain. Without magic, there was no strength, leaving every moment steeped in uncertainty, humility, and hardship. One might be attacked and killed by some unknown entity on the street, bullied by peers for weakness, or stand helpless as a loved one suffered.
“Without magic, you are indeed useless,” Aino said, meeting Aleya’s eyes with earnestness. “But I truly don’t care if you’re useless. I already consider you my friend. I want you to be happy, to walk this path with me.”
This was Aino’s heartfelt truth. Perhaps it was Aleya’s aura or her striking presence, but from their first meeting, Aino had been drawn to her. I want to share a story with her, she had thought— to know her, grow closer, and weave their lives together. Sometimes, a being’s subjective whims defy all logic.
“You want to walk with me…” Aleya murmured, her voice softening. No longer defined solely by revenge, but a life with her own identity.
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“Magic is based on four fundamental elements—fire, water, wind, and earth. Each element has its unique frequency and vibration pattern. A mage adjusts their mana and mental focus to resonate with these frequencies, triggering the corresponding magical effect. One’s own mana is the catalyst for casting spells. In battle, you must manage it wisely—even a powerful mage, once depleted, is no different from an ordinary person.”
The forest harbored no creatures bold enough to challenge Aino’s group. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting a safe, serene ambiance. Parker sat across from Aino, listening intently to her lecture, nodding or responding as needed. He was an exemplary student—attentive and courteous—sparing Aino the awkwardness she’d felt teaching others in her past life. Bluntly put, he kept the conversation flowing, offering the emotional validation she craved.
“Try to sense the mana,” Aino instructed. “Once you can control even a little, we’ll move to the next step.” She had spoken more in this session than in the past month combined. Now, it was Parker’s turn to comprehend independently. If he could tap into and manipulate mana, he’d have the foundation to practice magic, starting with basic spells to refine his control.
Some prodigies are born with innate mana sensitivity, stumbling upon their power in daily life and mastering it unconsciously. But Parker was ordinary, relying on Aino’s detailed guidance to understand and sense mana through method and practice. As a dragon, Aino wielded mana instinctively, her racial spells second nature. Every dragon was a dual pinnacle of physical and magical might, like a galactic battleship—capable of brute force or precise, devastating strikes from afar.
Yet this world never lacked dragon slayers. When a dragon “strayed,” wreaking havoc, self-organized bands would hunt it down. The Black Dragon King Tananorn, felled by the human hero Estheria—known as the Dragon Slayer—was a prime example.
Parker closed his eyes, attempting repeatedly, while Aleya stood quietly beside him, occasionally offering pointers. Aino had admitted that, as a non-human, her teaching might not perfectly suit humans; she could only outline broad principles. Aleya, once a skilled human mage, was better equipped to guide Parker.
“Thank you so much, Miss Aleya. You’re my teacher too. I’ll never forget your kindness,” Parker said. Many concepts baffling to him eluded Aino’s understanding—why couldn’t he grasp them?—but Aleya’s experience clarified them effortlessly. She smiled faintly, lowering her head in embarrassment. Aino nodded approvingly. “I couldn’t teach him without you, Aleya. You’re his teacher too. We need to collaborate to guide him.”
Aleya puffed out her chest, feigning pride. “Hmph, this witch can’t cast spells anymore, but you’d better learn well, kid. If you master my signature spells, it’ll fulfill my wish. I had no one to teach me back then—I figured it all out bit by bit. You’re getting a steal!”
As she straightened, Parker, who’d been watching, blushed and averted his gaze. “Yes, yes, I’ll always remember your kindness, Miss Aleya. Once I learn your magic, I’ll…” He lavished her with praise and gratitude, leaving Aleya trying to act aloof but unable to hide her smile, her face flushing.
The trio wandered the forest’s edge aimlessly, avoiding a direct route to any town. In the woods, this journey felt more joyful than city life.
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