In terms of magical talent, the Demon Race and the Human Race possess distinct differences.
The former has a unique magic power that can be passed down through their bloodline, known as Bloodline Magic.
In addition to attribute magic awakened later in life, they are born with this Bloodline Magic.
Examples include the Blood Magic of the Vampires, the charm ability of the Succubus Race, and even Gabriela’s Gluttony Magic.
Although individual differences occasionally result in varied effects, this inherent trait is a significant advantage compared to humans.
However, the Demon Race cannot use Holy Magic, which seems to be a blessing reserved for the Gods.
Historically, there have been plenty of ambitious individuals who attempted to use the bloodlines of Demons and humans to create a Half-Demon.
They hoped to produce someone who could inherit that unique Bloodline Magic while also mastering the Holy Magic that is considered the power of the Gods.
Yet, all those attempts ended in failure.
No one had ever witnessed the birth of such a Half-Demon.
“Currently, I can use three types of attribute magic: water, earth, and fire. They say I stole the power of the Demons, but I never received anything from my parents,” Aurora said.
Qiaolin had already picked up on the hidden meaning in the girl’s words.
Born in the Demon King’s Castle, she was ostracized by the Demon Race because of her human blood.
However, because of her kind nature, she couldn’t bring herself to resent them. She simply wanted a sense of belonging.
“Have you ever thought about leaving the Demon Race and heading to human territory? Though their attitude toward Demons is much the same, you likely wouldn’t be discovered,” Qiaolin suggested.
“Of course I thought about it, but after I turned 100, I let that idea go.”
A helpless, bitter smile appeared on the corner of Aurora’s mouth.
“My lifespan is much longer than a human’s. I cannot imagine watching the people around me grow old and die while I remain eternally young. Master Qiaolin, can you understand what I mean?”
Qiaolin froze for a moment. He clearly hadn’t considered this issue. For a long time, he hadn’t considered himself human.
After being granted infinite life by the god Odin, he had traveled the continent continuously.
His only fear was being discovered — how could a human possibly live from 300 years ago until now?
Furthermore, the people he formed bonds with now were all from long-lived races, so Qiaolin had never given the matter much thought.
“Sorry, I didn’t think of that.”
“That’s why when I see people wandering the wilderness or the forests, I want to gather them together. Whether they are displaced refugees, slaves, or even people exiled from their own countries and driven out by their own kin… I can always find a bit of common ground with them. Thus, Lin City was born…”
As the two walked out of the main hall, they were greeted by Celtic Square, located in the center of Lin City. A fountain surged, creating a rainbow under the sunlight.
Aurora stretched out her hand as if showing it off to Qiaolin. She smiled and said, “This is a gathering place for humans, but of course, Demons are welcome too. It is a place where a mixed-blood like me won’t face discrimination. This is my home.”
“Home, huh?”
Qiaolin murmured to himself, then smiled slightly.
“After being alone for so many years, don’t you want to know about your parents?”
“I’ve looked into it. There is an eighty percent chance they died in that Holy War. The Hero kills the Demons, the Demon King kills the humans… I have nothing to resent.”
Aurora’s gaze was one of relief.
Perhaps she had long since grown accustomed to her life.
This was a home she had created with her own hands.
Looking at the smiles on the faces of the humans and mixed-bloods living here, the young woman felt a heartfelt joy.
“Heh, you’ve told me so much. It seems I’ll have to take tomorrow’s challenge seriously?”
Qiaolin chuckled. He was well aware of Aurora’s little scheme.
She undoubtedly hoped to evoke his sympathy, though Qiaolin was actually susceptible to that right now.
“I really can’t hide anything from Master Qiaolin. But that’s only one reason. I hope that after this matter is over, you can be my teacher. Is that possible?”
“Huh?!”
Qiaolin’s eyes widened. Rather than hoping he would put in more effort in tomorrow’s match, it would be more accurate to say that Aurora’s true goal was this final sentence.
During his time in Lin City, the skills and knowledge Qiaolin displayed had caused Aurora to admire and respect him quite a bit.
But at the thought that he would soon leave this place to return to the Demon King’s side, becoming a stranger once more, Aurora felt a strange sense of loss for some reason.
Even if the request might be seen as shameless, Aurora was determined to express her thoughts!
“So that was your goal. I really underestimated you.”
“After all, what student would keep secrets from their teacher? Hehe.”
“Hold on, I haven’t agreed to take you as my apprentice yet,” Qiaolin said, raising his palm.
“I see…”
A look of disappointment appeared in Aurora’s eyes. Perhaps it was because she had brought it up too suddenly.
“To be my student, my standards are very high. You have to be at least at the Five-Crown level. You’re still a little bit away.”
Qiaolin smiled and pinched his thumb and forefinger together to show a small gap. Seeing this gesture, Aurora suddenly realized his meaning.
She knew her own rank better than anyone. Aurora had been stuck at Four-Crown for a long time, and she was already more than halfway toward reaching Five-Crown.
Qiaolin saw through her strength.
The cultivation speed of three-attribute magic was three times faster than that of an average person.
Unfortunately, Aurora was busy governing Lin City all year round and had very little time to truly train her magic power.
In the coming days, she only needed to push herself a bit harder to break through.
In other words, Qiaolin had agreed.
“Thank you, Teacher Qiaolin! I will reach your requirements very soon!”
Aurora clenched her small fists, her face determined.
“Hehe, then I’ll look forward to that day.”
***
That night, on a hill outside Lin City.
A figure wrapped in a black robe moved slowly through the mountains.
After approaching the beautiful silhouette standing on the hill, he pulled back his hood, revealing a young face.
He was none other than the Chief of Staff of the Black Fang Legion, Wiggins.
“Everything is proceeding according to Master Caesar’s plan, Miss Loki.”
“You’ve done well. I’ll say a few good words for you in front of my teacher.”
The corners of Loki’s mouth curved up, as perfect as the silver crescent moon hanging in the sky.
“I don’t care what good words you say to Master Caesar. When exactly can I be transferred back to the Demon King’s Castle? I’m about to vomit from facing those barbarians from Balta every day! Do you know how I’ve lived these past ten years?”
“It has only been ten years. What does that count for to people like us? Master Caesar hopes to use war to make humanity recognize the Demon Race again. You have a part in such a grand undertaking.”
Wiggins curled his lip and then spoke.
“So, what’s the next step?”
“As always, follow the steps,” Loki said indifferently.
“Hmph, I know that without you telling me. Anyway, with you participating in that ridiculous Three Flag Challenge, there’s no way they can win. At that time, I’ll order the soldiers to attack the city, and the Demon Race can use that as an excuse to crusade against the Balta Kingdom.”
“True, but you’re only half right.”
“What?”
“I cannot participate in tomorrow’s competition.”
Upon hearing this, Wiggins’s expression shifted.
“Are you joking? If you don’t participate, how can Lin City possibly compete with the people from the Black Fang Legion on its own? That Vampire brat can at most tie with Mord. Even if he wins, who will fight the remaining two matches?”
“Don’t worry. I don’t think he will lose.”
Loki looked up, the bright moonlight spilling into her purple eyes.
Her gaze shifted, possessing a heart-stopping beauty.