Qin Si looked worriedly at Aelia's red eyes, trembling as she draped a cloak over her. Every movement Aelia made felt heavy and slow, as if weighed down by lead. The room was filled with a suffocating atmosphere, reminiscent of an impending storm; the crackling fire in the fireplace seemed to accompany the brewing tempest.
Luna hid behind the heavy curtains, her small figure almost merging with the shadows. Her eyes sparkled like stars in the night sky, fixed intently on Aelia, her heart swirling with complex emotions. She knew that this storm was born from her actions, yet it also represented an opportunity for the decaying Magic Castle to be reborn.
Taking a deep breath, Luna clenched her tiny fists, her gaze resolute. Aelia had set off. The sound of hoofbeats shattered the tranquility of the Glorious Demon Fortress's night, breaking apart Aelia's dreams woven over many years. The cold wind cut against her face like a knife, slicing through her already battered heart.
Leonard's study was brightly lit; he was whispering conspiratorially with someone, a hint of barely concealed satisfaction on his face. Suddenly, the door was flung open, and Aelia stood at the threshold like an Ice Sculpture, Han Qi pressing forward.
"You... what are you doing here?" Leonard's voice held a trace of panic, his eyes darting away from Aelia's piercing gaze.
"I came to ask you," Aelia's voice was as cold as that from the depths of hell, "who is that woman?"
Leonard's complexion shifted dramatically; he forced himself to appear calm. "What are you talking about? I don't understand."
"Don't understand?" Aelia scoffed, slamming a letter onto Leonard's face. "Read it yourself!"
The letter contained words that laid bare Leonard's betrayal; each word felt like a sharp knife stabbing into Aelia's heart. Leonard’s face turned from pale to red, then to green with anger, finally erupting in a furious roar: "How dare you investigate me!"
"Investigate you?" Aelia's voice brimmed with sorrow and rage. "After years of marriage, I still know less about you than an outsider!"
The atmosphere in the study was tense, as if a monumental battle could erupt at any moment. Luna watched from the shadows, silently calculating her next move.
In the days that followed, the atmosphere in the Glorious Demon Fortress grew increasingly strange. Aelia became taciturn, isolating herself in her room and refusing to see anyone. Leonard grew more irritable and volatile; the servants in Magic Castle treaded carefully, fearful of inciting his wrath.
Luna understood that now was not yet the time to act. She needed to wait for the right moment to change everything completely.
Finally, the opportunity arrived.
Luna found her elder brother, who had been tormented by the Magic Backlash for many years.
The room was filled with a strong medicinal scent; his face was pale, his eyes dull, and he exuded an aura of despair.
“Brother,” Luna's voice was clear and firm, “I know how to help you lift the curse of the Magic Backlash.”
Her brother lifted his head.
Luna walked over to him and handed him a small vial: “Trust me, brother. This is a potion I specially concocted for you. Drink it, and you will return to your former self.”
He hesitated for a moment but ultimately took the vial and drank it in one gulp.
A miracle happened.
A warm energy flowed through his body; he felt strength returning, and the pain of the Magic Backlash faded away.
“I... I feel so much better!” He stood up excitedly, hope rekindled in his eyes. “Luna, thank you!”
Luna smiled slightly and turned to leave.
Next, she sought out her second brother, who had fallen into the Magic Dilemma due to betrayal by a close friend.
“Second Brother,” Luna said straightforwardly, “I know who set you up.”
A flicker of pain crossed Second Brother's eyes. “Who?”
Luna revealed a name to him.
“Is it him?” Second Brother's tone was filled with shock and disbelief. “Why would he do this?”
Luna explained the whole situation to Second Brother, who finally understood that he had been misled all along.
With Luna's help, Second Brother successfully escaped the Magic Dilemma and regained his former confidence.
Watching Second Brother's eyes shine with renewed vigor filled Luna with a sense of accomplishment.
As night deepened, Luna stood by the window, gazing at the twinkling stars in the distance, a mysterious smile playing on her lips.
“Next,” she murmured softly to herself, “it’s time for Brother San…”
Luna's next target was Brother San, who had been blinded by the allure of Magical Talent and wasted his gifts.
When she found Brother San, he was lying on the grass in the Magic Castle Garden, idly playing with a glowing orb, an expression of weariness on his face that belied his age.
“Brother San,” Luna approached and sat beside him, her voice bright, “what do you think Magical Talent means?”
Brother San glanced at her lazily and replied in a nonchalant tone: “It means I can gain immense power effortlessly; it means I can become the most dazzling figure in all of Magic Castle and even in the entire magical realm.”
Luna shook her head seriously: “Brother San, you are mistaken. Magical Talent is just a key; it can help you open the door to the magical world more quickly, but what truly determines how far you can go is your effort and perseverance. If you only rely on talent without diligent practice, then talent will ultimately become your Demon Binding Shackles.”
Brother San was taken aback; he had never heard such a statement before. All along, he had been praised by those around him, who claimed he was a once-in-a-century genius who didn't need to put in any effort. Over time, he truly believed this and became arrogant and complacent, losing his drive to improve.
"But..." Brother San hesitated, "I've wasted so many years. Is it too late to start practicing again now?"
Luna smiled slightly, "And I believe in you, Brother San. You can definitely do it!"
Her words struck his heart like a bolt of lightning. He suddenly sat up straight, determination filling his eyes. "Luna, you're right! I can't continue to fall into decline! I will start practicing again; I want to prove myself!"
From that moment on, Brother San seemed like a different person. He no longer indulged in leisure but poured all his energy into magical training. He studied magical theory tirelessly and practiced magical techniques meticulously, never giving up even when faced with difficulties.
Luna watched Brother San's transformation with a sense of satisfaction. She knew she had successfully awakened the fighting spirit that had lain dormant within him and changed the course of his life.
Meanwhile, others in the Magic Castle gradually noticed the change as well. Qin Si was the first to discover it. She saw how Luna, despite her young age, could analyze problems so calmly and help her family with such determination, filling her with admiration.
"Luna," Qin Si approached her respectfully, "you are truly remarkable! If you need any assistance, please feel free to ask; I will do my utmost!"
Luna felt warmth in her heart at Qin Si's sincere gaze. She knew that Qin Si was Aelia's most trusted person, and having her support would make many things go more smoothly.
"Sister Qin Si," Luna said kindly as she took her hand, "I do have some matters I need your help with. Could you keep an eye on Leonard's movements and see who he has been associating with lately?"
Qin Si agreed without hesitation, "No problem! Leave it to me!"
With Qin Si's help, Luna became well-informed about Leonard's activities. She discovered that Leonard had recently been secretly colluding with some unscrupulous Mages and seemed to be plotting something.
Luna realized that action needed to be taken quickly; otherwise, the Magic Castle might face an even greater crisis.
At that moment, Lucius also approached Luna. "Luna," Lucius said as he looked at her, "I didn't expect you to have such powerful abilities that could change the entire Magic Castle."
Luna smiled slightly, "Brother Lucius, you're overestimating me. I'm just doing what I can."
Lucius shook his head, his tone serious. "No, you have done far more than that. You have shown me the hope of Magic Castle and revealed my own responsibilities. I want to work with you to safeguard the future of Magic Castle."
Luna felt a surge of joy in her heart. "Alright," she replied eagerly, "let's work hard together!"
With the help of Qin Si and Lucius, Luna felt empowered. She began to methodically handle various affairs within Magic Castle, reorganizing internal order and strengthening defenses, while secretly investigating Leonard's schemes.
As a result of Luna's efforts, the atmosphere in Magic Castle gradually became more positive. People no longer wore frowns but instead began to look forward to the future. Everyone believed that under Luna's leadership, Magic Castle would surely overcome its difficulties and regain its former glory.
However, not everyone was pleased with Luna's actions. Leonard watched as his power and status slipped away, filled with anger and resentment. "Damn Luna!" he roared in his study. "How dare she disrupt my plans! I will never let her off the hook!"
He began plotting against Luna, spreading rumors in the shadows to tarnish her image, and even considered hiring an assassin to eliminate her directly.
But Luna was already prepared. With the assistance of Qin Si and Lucius, she successfully thwarted Leonard's schemes, making his situation even more difficult.
Leonard finally began to regret his choices. He regretted his initial greed and betrayal, lamenting that he had not cherished Aelia's love. He realized he had lost Aelia's trust and his position in Magic Castle.
But it was all too late. He could no longer turn back; he could only watch helplessly as he descended into the abyss.
That night, Leonard sat alone in his study, drowning his sorrows in alcohol. He drank himself into a stupor, mumbling to himself, "I... I was wrong... I was really wrong..."
Suddenly, the door to the study creaked open, and a familiar figure stepped inside.
"Who?" Leonard raised his head groggily, trying to see the person's face but failing to focus.
"Does it matter who I am?" The person smiled lightly, their voice cold and unfamiliar. "What matters is... you must pay for your actions..."
Leonard wanted to say something but found that his throat felt as if it were being constricted by something unseen; he couldn't make a sound.
The figure slowly approached him, drawing a dagger from their cloak that glinted ominously in the moonlight.
The dagger plunged into Leonard's chest, blood staining his clothes. He widened his eyes, wanting to say something, but ultimately fell helplessly to the ground. The man cast a cold glance at him before turning and leaving the study, disappearing into the night.
The next morning, Leonard's body was discovered. The entire Magic Castle was engulfed in shock and panic. Luna stood by the window, gazing at the distant sky, a meaningful smile playing on her lips. "The game... has just begun..."
Standing atop the high tower, Luna felt the magical breeze of the morning caress her hair, which danced gracefully in the air. Sunlight poured into every corner of the Glorious Demon Fortress, bathing the ancient stone walls in a warm golden hue. She squinted her eyes, watching the figures of children playing in the Castle Garden, listening to the sounds of craftsmen at work, and inhaling the aroma of bread and herbs that filled the air, a surge of indescribable accomplishment swelling within her.
Once lifeless and shrouded in gloom, the Magic Castle had gradually come back to life through her efforts. Her elder brother was no longer tormented by Magic Backlash; her second brother had stepped out from the shadow of betrayal by a close friend; Brother San had found his direction in life; even those servants who had once lived in constant fear began to wear smiles on their faces. She knew this was merely a beginning.
The future of Magic Castle still faced countless challenges and uncertainties. Those lurking enemies in the shadows and the scheming plots were like swords hanging overhead, ready to fall at any moment. Luna took a deep breath, her gaze becoming profound and resolute. She turned and walked deeper into the tower, where a massive magical map lay spread out.
She extended her slender fingers, gliding gently across the map until they came to rest on an area shrouded in mist. "What will happen next..." she murmured to herself.
Suddenly, urgent footsteps echoed through the tower as Lucius appeared at the entrance. He looked hurried, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "Luna," he whispered urgently, "there are things I must tell you..."
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