Bizarre Survival: I Can Devour Thousands of Talents

Chapter 208, Section 207: Kidnapped? Burned to ashes! Final words!

"you also……"

Aksia watched Ling Xiao close the door, hesitated for a moment, said two words, and then pursed her lips.

"What about me?"

Ling Xiao turned around and walked to the desk to sit down.

Aksia had a bellyful of questions she wanted to get to, but seeing Xiao's calm face, she couldn't say anything.

She stared blankly as this stranger sat in the seat where the teacher had sat for many years, and opened the ancient book that the teacher had read countless times.

In her mind's eye, their figures seemed to overlap for a fleeting moment.

Aksia was filled with regret.

I regret that I wasn't interested in these books in the past.

I especially regret that I was so engrossed in exploring the mysteries of ice magic that the information went in one ear and out the other, and I didn't remember a single useful detail.

Before my teacher got this old, he used to talk enthusiastically to me when I was a child.

There is a lot of information about these ancient books.

But he realized that Aksia wasn't interested in listening.

Sartre then refrained from making unreasonable demands.

They steered the conversation solely toward magic, the only thing the little girl was interested in.

And now... Aksia is filled with regret.

She realized it too.

I definitely heard some very important information at that time!

However, due to certain forces and his own lack of attention, what Sartre had painstakingly figured out was buried in the dust of history.

Judging from his performance just now, Sartre himself may not have realized the special nature of the "heartless man".

If Owl hadn't suddenly brought up the origins of the "false man," Sartre probably would never have connected the two until his death.

And after that?

His apprentice had no interest in these ancient books, and Angelina, who was slightly more interested among the younger generation, would most likely take over Pastor Sansa's role in the future...

Wouldn't all of this history then simply disappear...?

"You...you've also realized that the lack of historical information is strange! Right?"

Aksia reached out and pressed down on the turning page of the book, her gaze meeting Ling Xiao's intense eyes as he looked up.

Although she ended with a question, it was full of certainty.

"Something strange must be supernatural, and something unusual must be a sign of evil."

Ling Xiao said softly, "I'm more used to thinking about problems by following the 'what is it, why is it, how to do it' approach."

"Putting aside some minor, insignificant effects, I believe that your town of Alan should not theoretically forget that history."

Although the secrets hidden within may be terrifying, it is precisely because of this that future generations should remember them. Only in this way can we ensure that we do not forget the suffering endured by our ancestors and serve as a spur to the entire community.

He picked up Aksia's finger and paused on the page.

"These are the best evidence that our predecessors wanted future generations to remember history. Books made from such fine materials have survived for so long without being lost."

"What...what does this prove?"

A hint of confusion flickered in Aksia's icy blue eyes.

"This shows that the magicians of Aran Town have been doing their best to preserve them, as well as the historical truths preserved within them."

"But if it's really that important,"

Aksia frowned. "Then why don't the mayor and Professor Sartre promote it? Wouldn't it be the best way to remember history to spread it to everyone?"

"Because they don't remember."

Ling Xiao said softly, "You just witnessed the change in Master Sartre after he uttered that title."

"Angelina, who was standing nearby, didn't participate at all; if you had to say, she just heard it. And what happened?"

Aksia stared intently at him. "But I wasn't affected, and...you, you're alright too!"

"Yes, but why?"

Ling Xiao was like a patient and persuasive teacher, not revealing the answer directly, but slowly guiding Aksia to think about the truth.

Why...?

The girl fell into deep thought.

I'm also from Yalan Town...

Teacher Sartre and Pastor Sansa raised him...

I've played with Angelina and other friends since I was little...

Although Xiao came from the north, his hometown of Qingshan Town should be the same as Yalan Town...

Aksia keenly sensed something, but the ensuing contradictions led her thoughts into an even more incredible mystery.

If it was because the name "Lost Souls" was revealed that both Professor Sartre and Angelina experienced the terrifying anomaly of "rapid aging."

The others in Nayaran Town will probably do the same.

Aksia's thoughts wandered:

If the pseudo-people... no, those "heartless people" knew this, they wouldn't need to bother attacking Aran Town; they could simply send someone to shout a message between the two armies.

At that time, everyone from the town mayor and teachers to ordinary soldiers will be "aged" beyond recognition.

If we keep shouting, we might even be able to let Aran Town destroy itself without bloodshed...

Aksia also had some guesses as to why the "curse" of the "lost soul" didn't work on her.

That is my own background.

Although his origins are still unclear, he is clearly not a native of Yalan Town.

Can……

Why is Xiao the same as me?

According to his own description, Qingshan Town and Yalan Town are almost the same, with the only difference being their strength and foundation.

Although Xiao kept saying that he was not the strongest in Qingshan Town, Aksia was not a fool and would not blindly believe him based on a few words.

With his feat of single-handedly defeating and slaughtering the dwarf apes, coupled with his terrifying magical talent, such a person would undoubtedly be the number one among the younger generation in Aran Town...

No! He is most likely the strongest person in Aran Town!

I'm afraid I'll have to completely unseal the icy power within my body to have any hope of fighting it.

Xiao's talent and combat strength, even if not the strongest in their area, are definitely among the top few.

Aksia made this judgment because if Xiao really was just a pathfinder as he said, then the high-end combat power of Qingshan Town would be too terrifying!

How could such a powerful force have to flee south for refuge?

Moreover, she astutely found a linguistic loophole in Xiao's words.

As Xiao had mentioned before, the other people in Qingshan Town were not far from here.

After spending these days together, she believed that Xiao had a clear understanding of the strength of the monsters near the mountains, and... the strength of Aran Town.

So what is he waiting for?

The threat of cold waves from the north is truly unstoppable, so why haven't they shown any intention to approach?

Could it be that they've seen through the deception and are planning to seize the opportunity to attack and annex it...?

A host of questions lingered in her mind, causing a noticeable change in the way Aksia looked at Ling Xiao.

Ling Xiao hadn't expected this girl to be so quick-witted.

It's not hard to tell from the other person's eyes that they seem to regard him as a bad guy who is always ready to "invade".

He originally just wanted to get more information about the "Lost Souls" from Aksia.

Although pressing the advantage might yield more information from Sartre.

But seeing the old man's frail appearance, as if he might collapse and die at any moment, Ling Xiao couldn't bear to ask any more questions.

After all, they had treated me well.

He relentlessly exploited the old man for information, and even if the old man eventually died from the aging effects of being a "soulless person," he would still feel it was his responsibility.

Therefore, Aksia, who was also unaffected and had lived in the mage tower since childhood, became the best choice.

Unexpectedly, this seemingly accidental encounter led the girl to misunderstand, believing herself to be a thief with malicious intentions...

"Who...who are you?!"

As Aksia retreated, an extremely chilling aura emanated from her body.

Behind her, a large number of icy, shimmering lights were poised to strike.

Seeing this, Ling Xiao didn't try to steer the conversation back on track, and simply said helplessly, "I am indeed Xiao, and I do come from the North."

"But you're not a lost soul!"

He nodded, then shook his head.

Ling Xiao sighed, "In fact, I can't even be sure what I am."

Aksia's stern face thawed slightly, but her expression remained wary.

"What is your purpose in coming to Aran Town? Are you here with a curse to kill Teacher Sartre and everyone else?"

Ling Xiao smiled.

"This isn't really a problem. Do you think anyone here could stop me if I really wanted to harm someone?"

"Yes! Me!"

"It seems you've adapted well to your identity; I feel more favorably towards your race..."

"Wh...what?!"

Aksia broke down instantly, asking in astonishment, "What do you mean!? Do you know me, do you know my origins?"

"I have no idea,"

The latest novel is first published here!

Ling Xiao answered frankly, "In fact, I'm more curious about your race than about the history of Alan Town."

Before Aksia could ask further, he explained directly, "After all, that obviously problematic history has become history. Even if it could have a negative impact on Master Sartre and the others, it's not a surprise to me, so we don't need to worry about it for now."

"But you're different."

Ling Xiao pointed to the cold light behind Aksia.

"You are neither a lost soul nor a heartless person. In fact, I do know a little about your race, but only a little."

"What is it!?"

Aksia asked eagerly.

Ling Xiao didn't try to be mysterious and said frankly, "Ice Spirit Clan, you are a lost person with Ice Spirit Clan blood."

Upon hearing this, Aksia, who had been so aggressive, instantly went into a daze.

When you have a lot of cards in your hand, you naturally have to consider how to play them; but when you only have one usable card, it doesn't matter, just go all in whenever you have the chance to play!

This was all the information Ling Xiao could see through the Eye of Secrets, so even if Aksia wanted to know more, it would be impossible for her.

Ling Xiao didn't lie to her either.

He was more interested in the Ice Spirit Clan behind Aksia than in the secrets of the Lost Souls!

That's a mysterious race with a bloodline legacy!

People who have lost their hearts or souls are not truly living beings.

From Ling Xiao's perspective, right now, in the entire town of Yalan, there are probably only two "living people"—himself and Aksia.

Ling Xiao was curious about the historical secrets that led to the title "The Lost Soul" becoming a curse for the lost souls themselves, but he also knew the gravity of the situation.

Sartre showed obvious signs of abnormality.

If we investigate further, we might create unnecessary complications and suffer disastrous consequences.

Aksia's breathing became somewhat disordered.

Her emotions hadn't fluctuated as drastically in all those years.

She had always known that she was different from Angelina and others.

Aksia constantly yearns to uncover the truth about her bloodline and to find her lost clansmen and relatives.

Life in Koyalan Town also gave her emotional entanglements.

This is the warmth and tenderness imprinted in our blood.

On one hand, she wanted to leave Aran Town to find her relatives; on the other hand, as the youngest and most powerful magician, she had to shoulder the responsibility of protecting the town…

Now Ling Xiao has revealed the result that tormented her for so many years.

Aksia felt a sense of relief immediately.

Without needing to verify or confirm, she was certain of the answer after hearing "Ice Spirit Clan".

This is a natural bodily response; it cannot be faked.

Then she came to terms with it...

She's leaving!

But before leaving, she wanted to clear away as many worries as possible for Alan Town!

Then… Ice-blue eyes suddenly turned to the owl not far away.

……

"What? You want to come with me?"

Ling Xiao truly hadn't expected this turn of events.

He really just wanted to gather more information, but after all that talking, things seemed to have gone a bit off track.

Is that right?!

Sartre was old, but not yet senile.

He'd only been here a few days and he already wanted to run away with the "daughter" someone had raised for so many years. Anyone would be furious in that situation!

Before Ling Xiao could say anything, Aksia had already opened the door and rushed out.

Ling Xiao was stunned for a moment, then quickly chased after him outside.

But then they heard Aksia run up to Sat, who was being supported by Angelina, and say firmly, "Teacher! I'm leaving!"

Upon hearing this, Angelina's beautiful eyes widened immediately.

Her pretty face was full of confusion, her small mouth slightly open. She was about to say something, but then she immediately looked down to check on Master Sartre's condition.

In her opinion, Aksia's sudden words had already hurt and confused her best friend, so the blow to Master Sartre must have been even more severe than her own!

Unexpectedly, Sartre simply raised his head with difficulty, his cloudy eyes looking at Aksia's slightly uneasy but very determined little face.

This elderly magic master, though physically old, was not as decrepit as he appeared.

On the contrary, after figuring out certain things, his mental state improved as if he had been "rejuvenated".

But Sartre knew very well that he was really about to die.

Is the price of getting close to a secret to becoming one with it?

Sartre's sagging face twitched.

He actually laughed.

If I hear the Way in the morning, I can die content in the evening!

Sartre, in a state of lucidity, reflects on his life.

He succeeded in protecting the town;

He made efforts to mentor the younger generation;

He worked tirelessly to uncover the long-buried history, and finally, on his deathbed, he broke free of the invisible chains.

If there's one regret, it's that I couldn't help Aksia find her tribe, and I can't see what it would be like if this girl got married in the future.

What if she hasn't found any relatives or elders by then, and is mistreated by the man?

last of the last.

He didn't utter any grand ambitions, but simply instructed Angelina beside him, "Go and fetch Gehrman and Sansa, quickly..."

Then, he walked over shakily, took Ling Xiao and Aksia's hands respectively, and led them back to the study.

I sat down and picked up my pen.

I managed to steady my pen and write down a few short sentences.

Ling Xiao stood to the side, but didn't peek over, because he had something else on his mind.

He could sense that Sartre's life force was rapidly fading.

Even after suffering an attack of "aging," this magic master's remaining lifespan shouldn't be consumed so quickly.

Then there's only one reason.

This old man was truly burning the last of his life to write something extremely important.

Such efforts couldn't even last a few minutes.

Sartre burned out before the people he was waiting for arrived.

The magic master left only two final words before the tearful Aksia.

"Now that you've cried today, it's time to live with a smile from now on..."

"Tell Sansa that it was actually me who spied on her while she was bathing back then..."

(End of this chapter)