Chapter 336: Chapter 181: Let Us Illuminate a New Sun
"Maybe it’s because they saw my talent and potential."
"Those elders in the Council, even before I came of age, relentlessly imbued me with ideals and beliefs."
"They described to me how beautiful and magnificent the Bright World, the Western Continent, beyond the Lost Island, truly is."
"They said that it is our true homeland, a place we are immensely attached to."
"To leave the Lost Island and return to that bright world, they were willing to risk everything like moths to a flame."
Hathaway smiled gently.
"And in fact, that’s exactly what those elders in the Council did."
"They spent their entire lives searching for the future of the Elf Clan, willing to let countless people fall into madness, turning into frenzied beasts."
The Golden Elf bent slightly, scooping a handful of grey-white sand from under her feet.
A few small shrimps and crabs frantically scurried out from the sand, landing on the beach.
Then they were knocked askew by the crashing waves, but as soon as they regained balance, they continued crawling diligently.
The Great Cataclysm brought devastating disasters to the supernatural races like the ancient dragons, giants, and elves who stood at the pinnacle of the Glorious Era, but it had little impact on other life forms.
The humans, a race that was not very prominent during the Glorious Era, rose precisely because of the Cataclysm.
Yet these little shrimps and crabs could not even comprehend the true meaning of the Cataclysm... They just lived on the beach, following the instincts of life.
Whether it was the First Era or the Fourth Epoch, regardless of how many times the sovereigns of the world changed, be it ancient dragons, deities, or humans.
Hathaway silently watched those small shrimps and crabs scrambling across her palm until they disappeared into the sea and could no longer be seen, her eyes finally coming to life again.
"Thinking back now, those elders in the Council were indeed cunning."
"Heavily polluted by the Cataclysm, knowing that their lives were limited, they harshly imprinted those beliefs and the future of the Elf Clan onto me and left without a care."
"Without considering what would happen if I decided to give up and slack off."
Shiayar spoke: "Actually, if you don’t want to, you can stop at any time now."
"Those were expectations and directions imposed on you by others, and if you’re unwilling, no one has the right to force you."
"How should I put it..."
The Golden Elf girl thought for a moment before speaking again.
"When those elders left me one after another, leaving only me behind, I did have thoughts of giving up."
"Who asked those old folks to place such a heavy responsibility and mission on me, being willful shouldn’t be a big deal either, right?"
"But later on, upon reflection, on this Lost Island shrouded by the Curtain of Eternal Night—"
"To me, besides continuing the study of those predecessors, inheriting their ideals, and walking down this path, there seemed to be nothing else I could do."
"Whether I admit it or not, exploring the Astral Realm, seeking magic power, finding a way for the Elf Clan to leave the Lost Island—"
"All of it has become the entire meaning of my life."
"Without these pursuits, the existence of Hathaway Zerkin, the Golden Elf, would become meaningless."
Her gaze shifted from the dark sea back to the boy beside her.
"Of course, that’s who I was before, but not who I am now."
"Since my encounter with Teacher Shaar after the Dimensional Void."
"Though I hesitate to admit it, the current Hathaway Zerkin has indeed found a new meaning of existence."
"Arcane Arts, magic, and the truth nestled deep within the cosmos—"
"These are things I am willing to strive for and pursue."
"Moreover, I wish to truly become your student, Teacher Shaar, not just in words but to always stay by your side."
"And also to become the irreplaceable first member of the Wizards’ Tower you wish to establish."
Hathaway turned slightly, smiling gently.
The weak glow of torches and minerals reflected in her eyes, as if capturing an entire brilliant Sea of Stars.
"Only, this might take a very long time."
"To teach magic within the Elf Clan, for every clan member to learn arcane arts... this process might take a very long time."
Her voice paused slightly, even the light in her eyes dimming a bit.
There were words Hathaway dared not speak.
This process might take a very long time.
So long that Shiayar might entirely lose patience with her.
Leave the Lost Island, seeking new disciples, new wizard companions.
Even though she had only spent a few months with Shiayar in the Astral Realm, the Golden Elf already understood clearly the kind of power this mysterious human harbored.
Whatever he desires to accomplish, he would undoubtedly achieve, unaltered by anyone’s will.
Hathaway knew well she was not irreplaceable to Shiayar.
If he wishes, he could always find new companions, new disciples, even without her assistance, he could still establish a Wizards’ Tower as he envisioned.
Yet, suddenly.
That clear voice sounded beside her ear.
"Patience won’t run out, nor will there be a second disciple to replace you."
"After all, in my heart, Master is the only one."
Hathaway’s gentle golden eyes suddenly widened.
Though puzzled by the ambiguous term "Master," the Golden Elf understood it referred to herself.
And with the innate talent of an advanced elf guiding her.
The words spoken were not false comforts.
But rather, an assured reality.
To Teacher Shiayar...
Am I the irreplaceable only one?
Hathaway felt as if struck by a heavy hammer, a slight warmth rippling through her heart, bringing indescribable joy.
"Also, I wish to hear your true thoughts."
The clear voice resonated once more.
"Not the inherited pretense from those Council elders."
"But rather, your own wishes."
Shiayar’s voice seemed to carry a hint of magic power.
Encouraging Hathaway to gradually forget the heavy burden, to abandon the shackles she imposed on herself.
Then, she revealed her true heart.
"Honestly, I do not possess the strong resolve those elders had."
"Returning to the Western Continent... I have never been there, so there is no longing or pursuit in me."
Her voice carried a slight sense of longing.
"I just... want to make this world brighter, even brighter."
"So I can see the whole expanse of the ocean, not just the tip of the iceberg in darkness."
Then, she heard that gentle voice again.
"In that case."
"Your wish, I have already received."
Shiayar chuckled softly.
"In that case."
"Let us light up a brand new sun."
"Letting a girl, who had not even come of age, bear the fate of the entire Elven Royal Court,"