Steampunk: Sixth Era Epic-Chapter 1001: A Predestined Extraordinary Story

"Wish..."

Despite actively striving and taking action for the Deity’s three trials, Violet Marshall seemed a bit disinterested at this final moment, having finally completed the trials and arrived at the last step.

"Yes, aren’t you pursuing eternal beauty?"

Shard urged, as his time was truly running short.

Miss Violet looked at Shard and then slightly shook her head:

"Looking back now, this wish really feels pointless. Shard, go ask about what you want to know, like why you’ve appeared here."

The tone suddenly became much colder, and Shard blinked in surprise.

There were indeed many things he wanted to know, like the secrets of the Sixth Era’s time, who the fourth Chosen One was, or exactly when the apocalypse would occur. But the wish given by the Deity could absolutely not be asked by him; the Tree Father’s trial was very clear, it was to "help mortals visit the Deity and learn the secret of eternal beauty," not "help mortals complete the three trials of the Deity."

"Please don’t joke about it."

Shard said softly, as Miss Violet wanted to say something more, but the half-conscious Miss Teresa tugged at her sleeve again. The Witch Empress’s golden eyes stubbornly looked at Shard, and Shard pursed his lips, hearing a voice whisper in his ear:

[Once again deceive the witch.]

He ignored "her" disparagement, gazing at Miss Violet, neither of them speaking. Thus, the ruler of Wydon reluctantly nodded.

She let Shard support Miss Teresa, then walked forward, bowed slightly, and said softly:

"Deity, I pursue eternal beauty and long to obtain that everlasting charm."

Whenever a wish involves "eternal," Circle Sorcerers are quite wary of the consequences, as it often implies traps related to the soul. But wishing upon a Benevolent God does not require such consideration; if the wish cannot be fulfilled, the Deity will inform the mortal.

This time, The Undefined Sage nodded with a playful smile:

"You have passed the three trials; you are worthy of this wisdom."

He raised his hand and tapped Miss Violet’s forehead; Shard and Miss Teresa could only see the Witch Empress’s back, unable to see her expression. But both could see the golden steps, level upon level, extending upwards from above her head in the void.

The peculiar golden light danced on the steps; she remained at the Thirteenth Rank, but seemed somehow different than before. The Deity bestowed wisdom upon a mortal that should not be possessed, and wisdom itself is power.

The golden steps vanished in the air, and the Grand Witch staggered back two steps, supported by Shard.

She shuddered slightly, turned to look at Shard, and raised her right hand to touch her face:

"Sir, how do I look now?"

Her dark gold eyes once again gazed at Shard.

Shard instinctively held his breath; he actually did not feel much change in her appearance, as Miss Violet Marshall had been stunningly beautiful from the start.

"Very beautiful."

He described her in a rather simple manner; the Deity’s power did not further enhance her already extraordinary charm. The Deity seemed to grant her the knowledge and strength to maintain this charm eternally.

The witch’s lips curled into a smile; she wanted to say something else but saw the water mist on the lake surface surging, the flowing mist beginning to envelop Shard.

He also noticed this; though his face still held a smile, there was a sense of regret:

"My task is complete; I think I should leave now."

"You..."

"Keep this sword well; I’m surprised to learn it has this function... Hmm?"

He tried to pull out the Silver Sword embedded in the ground to hand to the witches, but found it would not come loose.

"I have bestowed more power upon this sword; you need to reacquire its recognition."

The Deity lightly reminded, witnessing this scene.

Miss Violet reached out, grasping Shard’s left hand holding the sword. Miss Teresa struggled to open her eyes, looking toward Shard as he was about to leave, placing her hand atop his holding the sword.

Together, the three slowly exerted pressure, and as the runes on the sword glimmered, they pulled the Night Watchman from the soft soil beneath.

At this moment, the mist surrounding Shard grew denser, he really was about to leave:

"Miss Violet, may you remain youthful forever."

He said with a smile.

"Miss Teresa, may you successfully graduate and become a successful Grand Witch. You truly have talent; you just lack a bit of confidence."

He said to Miss Teresa, who struggled to open her eyes to look at him, the contact with Night Watchman improving her condition:

"Mr. Hamilton... Goodbye."

"It’s a pity you’re not our treasure of this era."

Miss Violet took a deep breath, removed the golden ring from her right index finger, and placed it in Shard’s hand.

The ring’s band was quite thick, its face was gold, and the design on the ring face was a complex symbol resembling a curved cross. This was a Signet Ring; besides the ornamental function of the ring itself, it also served as a seal. For the Witch Empress ruling the Wydon Region, the value of the Signet Ring she carried was immeasurable, no matter the era.

"A gift, keep it as a memento."

She looked into Shard’s eyes as she spoke, and while Shard held the ring, unsure of what to say, the lady, who initially seemed somewhat melancholic, suddenly smiled brightly. The dazzling smile left Shard momentarily stunned:

"As a reward."

Taking advantage of Shard’s stupefaction, Miss Violet extended her hand to touch Shard’s cheek, then abruptly pulled him into her embrace, closing her eyes and kissing him.

The water mist transformed into thick, white fog enveloping the two so close, the dense mist seemed intangible, yet forced Miss Teresa to retreat continuously.

For some reason, her spirit had barely returned to normal at this moment, but she could only stare wide-eyed as her aunt kissed Shard, followed by the white mist veiling her sight.

The swirling white mist was as dense as a cocoon, taking a full half-minute to start thinning, and another half-minute to completely dissolve.

In the disappearing thick mist, only the silhouette of the Grand Witch remained. She touched her lips in a state of longing and loss, then shook her head slightly:

"His kissing technique is really awful. Are all the witches around him vegetarians or into platonic love?"

Miss Teresa was at a loss for words.

Composing herself, Miss Violet bowed to the deity who observed the previous scene:

"Thank you for your generosity, but I wonder, will we have another chance to meet Shard Hamilton?"

"That question is for you to seek the answer for yourselves."

The deity remained so gentle, seemingly unsurprised by Shard’s departure.

There was a reason he didn’t vanish after granting the wish:

"The answer given by the one who just left for the third trial contained the exact location of the Cherub - Kirubel, which exceeds the minimum requirement. Originally, he should have received an extra gift, but it seems now the gift can only be given to you. You can choose the last blessing yourself."

Miss Violet looked at her distant niece, who shook her head slightly while gripping the sword hilt:

"This wish has nothing to do with me."

The Witch Empress, surprisingly, felt herself devoid of desires, despite still having many longings and ideas. Knowing the deity wouldn’t answer any questions related to Shard Hamilton, she showed no interest in the opportunity for divine blessing:

"Thank you for your generosity. We have no needs. We will keep everything about Lost Lake a secret. Wise like water, may water protect us."

The deity nodded with a smile:

"No wish? That’s fine."

Miss Violet didn’t quite understand the deity’s meaning, but soon realized she seemed to be holding something.

Releasing her right hand, which had unknowingly clenched, she then saw a teardrop-shaped blue crystal appear in her hand:

"This is..."

"Your Highness!"

A familiar call reached her ears, and looking up, she found herself outside the tower. This statement wasn’t entirely accurate, as the Obsidian Tower had vanished.

Eight witches stood on Lost Lake’s Heart Island, with the deity’s departure allowing the mist to gradually encroach upon the safe clearing. The Head Maid with brown hair immediately ordered the maids to cast spells to protect the area, while she handed restorative magic potions for spiritual power and stamina to the two returning ladies.

Miss Violet waved off the holy water, tightly grasping the blue crystal in her palm, and looked at Miss Teresa:

"Schultz, how do you feel now?"

The latter carefully swallowed the liquid, absorbing its strength:

"Still a bit dizzy and temporarily unable to discern directions. However, the illusions and tinnitus have lessened."

She set down the bottle, hesitated, and asked:

"Aunt, you and..."

"It felt pretty good."

Miss Violet smiled, looking very pleased at the disappointment on Miss Teresa’s face:

"I told you, if you want something, you have to fight for it yourself. Schultz, you still don’t understand this principle."

She gazed at the island shrouded in thin mist:

"This adventure turned out to be quite unexpected; who would’ve thought such things truly existed. It seems, after returning, I need to visit Saint Byrons. I don’t believe there’s no data or records there. That strange rumor originally spread from Saint Byrons."

Miss Teresa understood what Miss Violet meant, nodding silently, then added:

"This adventure was indeed unexpected. Even if I lose part of my memory after leaving, it should be enough to complete my graduation thesis."

She handed the [Night Watchman] to the maids for safekeeping.

"After you complete the graduation process, come to Wydon and help me. Although you’ve graduated from the Academy, you still need a teacher; are you willing to be my apprentice?"

Miss Violet said, giving Miss Teresa no chance to refute:

"For a long time, I’ll be focused on writing, recording the knowledge granted by the deity."

She paused and added:

"As for this miraculous crystal, I think I know how to handle it. Help me with the matters in Wydon for now. Over the years, I thought my limit was the Thirteenth Rank, but now, with a new goal, I realize my potential far exceeds this."

"A new goal, you want to..."

Miss Teresa asked, somewhat unbelieving, while the Witch Empress displayed a stunning smile, pulling her personal maid closer, stuffing the blue crystal into her chest as the Head Maid grumbled in protest. She sighed deeply:

"Stopping at the Thirteenth Rank was thought to be enough, but now I see that even at Thirteenth Rank, there are still unattainable things. In that case, how do you know it’s impossible without trying? During the kiss with him, I discovered a wonderful echo. The space-time echo is shaking with power, truly intriguing... Let’s leave for now."

She took the [Night Watchman], waved it in front of her, and a crack opened in the mist-filled space. Beyond the crack, silk and gold adorned temporary tents, witches in beautiful dresses managing the camp, and numerous peculiarly colored Chocobos awaited the Empress’s return in the main camp of the Shattered Isles.

Miss Violet crossed through the crack wielding her sword, while Miss Teresa, surrounded by six maids, also lifted her skirt and passed through the crack.

She was amazed by the power Miss Violet displayed. Such places like Lost Lake, even a Thirteenth Rank Witch couldn’t easily open a path to leave.

"But, won’t you need the luggage by the shore?"

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