Mage Manual-Chapter 1320 - 963: They’re Not Wrong Either (2)

"Stealing things..." Filly glanced at Ash, murmuring, "Seems quite fitting for me..."

"But..."

She lowered her head, slightly biting her lip, "What if..."

Ash glanced at her, thinking for a moment, then said, "I’ve started suffering from insomnia again recently."

"Again?"

Ash held up three fingers, "During my time at Allstars, I’ve experienced insomnia about three times. The first was when I just arrived at Allstars, feeling that I had implicated Igula and Harvey, constantly worrying about how to bring them back safely, spending every night researching in the study, unable to sleep."

"The second time was when I was infected with Hell’s Poison. Don’t be deceived by the way I preached to Igula; honestly, I was quite scared myself. As soon as I closed my eyes, I’d see the scene of Rajesh being crushed into Ruby Mountain by Hell, and it took me a long time to get used to it."

Filly listened intently, "Used to the threat of Hell’s Poison?"

"No, getting used to sleeping with the image of Rajesh being crushed into Ruby Mountain by Hell." Ash shrugged, "It’s gotten to the point where I feel like yawning whenever I see a patch of red."

"The third bout of insomnia was just recently."

"Why?"

"Because I’m also scared and anxious," Ash chuckled, "Igula often scolds me for recklessly seeking death, but honestly, if not for the heat of the moment, I’d find it hard to suppress my survival instincts. I can face unforeseen judgments of fate fearlessly, but this gradual stepping onto an unpredictable stage wears away at my courage bit by bit."

"This past month has been like being cut by a blunt knife. I wasn’t afraid at first, but slowly I became fearful, reaching a peak these past few days—I even started hoping the Angel Hunt would start soon, anything to end the heart-pounding anxiety of every day."

"I am neither brave nor selfless. I also weigh pros and cons and shift responsibilities. Lying in bed, I can’t help but think: why me?"

"It would be nice if someone else suddenly came to save Allstars, if another method could be found, if... I’ve even thought, if only Harvey and Igula were the ones obtaining the Heavenly Kingdom of Souls, as long as I’m not the one responsible."

"I have so many people I want to meet, so many things I want to do, why should I gamble my life for a world that’s foreign to me?" Ash glanced at Filly, "Those ’what ifs’ you thought of, I’ve considered them all during my insomnia."

"I’m afraid of failing the Sword Maiden, failing the Witch, failing the hardships I’ve endured," he murmured, "What if I can’t save Allstars and end up being targeted by the Divine Lords, all my efforts in vain—that would be truly pitiful."

"Sometimes I think that compared to Igula’s psychological counseling, I need Harvey’s end-of-life care even more."

Filly felt a bit down upon hearing this, but also a bit relieved. She asked, "Since it’s like this, why do you still want to go through with the plan?"

Ash gave a broad smile.

"I’m afraid of not handling my relationship with the Sword Witch well, but I still wish to reunite with them immediately," he said, "I’m afraid of the plan failing, yet I still want to save everyone’s fate."

"Fear is only natural; even Vishi clings to life, let alone me. But beyond fear, I feel more fortunate."

Filly blinked her teary eyes, "Hmm?"

"The last time I faced fate, I was caught off guard and suffered a complete defeat." Ash reached out to wipe the tears from Filly’s face, "But this time I am ready and fully equipped. I don’t want to fail twice over the same issue. The dream is irreparable, but I can ensure the mirror doesn’t shatter."

"I’m grateful that this time I finally have a way to rewrite an unsatisfying ending."

At that moment, the long-stalled cable car finally began to move slowly, and the sound of fireworks erupted outside. Sadly, they were obscured by the mountains, rendering the view of the fireworks invisible.

"So no matter how scared I am, I will fight to the end before everything settles."

Filly stared blankly at him. Ash spoke casually, neither forceful nor fierce, yet it was precisely this that allowed her to sense Ash’s determination—a courage more transcendent than recklessness, like a struggling animal knowingly mounting the chopping block.

"...It’s too late to go back and see the fireworks," she said softly, "What a pity."

"Yeah." Ash noticed Filly still looked downcast and laughed, "Speaking of which, why do you feel responsible for this? It was my decision, Vishi’s suggestion, so if anyone should get blamed, it’s Vishi first."

"Because..." Filly fiddled with her fingers, "I felt it was my duty to stop you..."

Ash teased, "You wouldn’t think the main reason I’m trying to save Allstars is because of you, right?"

Filly blushed to the roots of her ears, lowering her head, too embarrassed to speak.

She genuinely did think so, but upon Ash’s revelation, she realized her own naivety—they’d only known each other for less than half a year, and Ash, being a top-tier powerhouse, surely acted out of his own volition, not for her?

Besides, could she really have such an influence on Ash to impact his decisions? She’s not the Sword Witch!

Chattering away to Ash only to end up crying, getting comforted by him, and then having her vanity exposed... If they weren’t trapped in the cable car, Filly would have wanted to find a hole to crawl into on the spot.

Yet Ash, oblivious to her feelings, chuckled, "Igula and Vishi think the same way. After all, saving Allstars is something only you and I care passionately about. They both think I’m resolute because of you. These bastards have such logical arguments that I can’t even refute them, because..."

The cable car suddenly ascended, taking them over layer upon layer of mountain peaks, and a splendid fireworks show burst into view. The stark white light of Joy World’s SHA had dimmed, allowing the dazzling brilliance of the fireworks to illuminate everything, cloaking the cable car in a brilliant glow.

"...They’re not wrong either."

Filly suddenly stopped her tears, dumbly staring at Ash, but Ash kept his gaze straigh ahead, admiring the fireworks as if he’d never seen anything so beautiful in his life.

But it wasn’t clear whether it was the red glow of the fireworks or an illusion, Filly saw a faint blush appear on his face, his eyelashes trembling adorably.

"Lucky, caught the fireworks from the best spot."

Ash nonchalantly continued the conversation, "I remember there’s supposed to be a fireworks wish-making segment here? Then I wish our plan goes smoothly, the Divine Lords’ plans completely fail, Allstars will be fine, and I can get away with it!"

Filly looked at the night sky filled with dazzling fireworks, clasping her hands and closing her eyes to make a wish. Ash glanced at her, said nothing, but Filly voluntarily revealed, "Do you know what I wished for?"

Ash blinked, "Does it have me in it?"

"Yes."

"...Will it be easy to fulfill?"

Filly thought for a moment, sniffled, "Not hard."

Ash felt a bit nervous, "What’s your wish?"

Filly pulled out a tissue to wipe her face, leaving Ash in limbo for quite a while before she smiled gently, "I wish to see sunlight, walking the streets with you."

Ash was slightly taken aback, seeing Filly look at him with her lips tightly pursed, the blush on her face seemingly intensified by the fireworks.