Chapter 601

Chapter 601 Return

Cheep—

With the sound of something breaking through the air in the distance, a flickering firework rose into the sky and exploded with a boom, spreading out like a drumroll.

Star-like sparks scattered and then fell with a crackling noise.

The sound of fireworks was heard sporadically by the riverside on a winter night, bursting and falling one after another.

Occasionally, along the school’s streets, small stalls could be seen where students sold various items, including grilled snacks and old objects.

After the older batch of students graduated, many things they couldn’t take with them were disposed of. Many lower-grade students would come to check out these items and negotiate prices. The campus once again became lively.

Lolan Hill and her companions sat in a pavilion by the riverside, watching the bustling scene far away, while occasional fireworks lit up the night sky.

There was no light in the pavilion, only the occasional flashes of firelight illuminating their faces.

“Night Spirit has fallen asleep,” Lolan Hill gently touched the girl lying slightly restless on her lap and whispered.

“She can still sleep so much,” Lily wanted to tease her but decided against it after watching for a while.

As Alena had said yesterday, it was the last few days; it was better to leave a good impression.

“Where do you all plan to go next?” Alena tilted her head back, her dark brown hair cascading down, looking at the people behind her.

“I have a few more years, haven’t made up my mind yet.” Lily gently poked Night Spirit’s cheek, finding it soft.

“I think I’ll follow in my father’s footsteps and travel around the world,” Alena said, a person who loved adventure and travel.

Letis looked up at the rising fireworks and softly said, “I’ll return home and become a renowned alchemist. Perhaps I’ll also make some beautiful clothes?”

“Not very original, Letis,” Alena complained beside her.

“That’s how most people live, simply.” Letis rolled her eyes at Alena.

“But you’re from a prestigious family, shouldn’t you have more freedom? Ordinary people can’t do certain things, so you should have even more freedom, right?” Alena felt somewhat disappointed.

“In some aspects, my standards might be higher, but you overestimate the power of wealth and status. In reality, everyone feels joy and sorrow alike, regardless.”

“Alright, this argument won’t lead anywhere,” Bumansa stepped in to mediate.

“So, where will you go, Lolan?” Bumansa’s intentions were clear; she planned to return to her hometown and open a pastry shop.

“I need to handle some family matters first, then probably go out for a bit.” Lolan Hill replied.

“You can come find me in the Southern Isles when you do. I’m going to buy a huge ship, spacious and comfortable, with rooms for my friends and loved ones. Then we can travel around, see the sights, eat delicious food, play games, sleep, read, and more during our journey,” Alena imagined excitedly, her eyes gleaming.

“That will cost quite a lot, especially a custom-built large ship,” Letis laughed.

“But such a life is what people aspire to, isn’t it?” Alena sat on the railing of the pavilion, swinging her legs happily.

“There must be something to look forward to and dream about, otherwise life would be too dull.”

Looking at the short-haired girl, Lolan Hill nodded slightly.

“Then we’ll wait for Miss Alena’s ship to rescue us from our troubles.”

“Haha, don’t worry, you’ll definitely see it.”

“I’m the future Great Sage of Magic Sequences, the master of countless demonic beasts, the ruler of the seven seas, the inventor of alchemical creations that swept the world, the great Alena~☆”

“It’s settled then.”

—

With the end of the winter festival, another batch of students graduated from Emanas, some returning to their hometowns, others moving to other major cities, and still others chasing their dreams in some corner of the world.

Lolan Hill brought Keti back to the Maple Leaf Courtyard.

“Come, Keti, put this on.”

Inside the bedroom of the small house, Lolan Hill and Keti were changing the bedding. Now there was an extra bed.

This bed was naturally for Keti.

“Okay, Lolan.” Keti nodded, took one corner of the cover, and pulled it open. Together, they placed the quilt inside.

“That should be enough.” Lolan Hill nodded approvingly at the neatly arranged beds.

It was still early, so Lolan Hill took Keti out of the small house to help her get familiar with the courtyard.

“This is the well, you can draw water from it, but it’s best to boil it before drinking.” Lolan glanced at Keti when mentioning boiling water. For a fire witch, boiling might not be necessary since she was made of fire.

“Next to this is a red maple tree.” As Lolan Hill spoke, she slowly lifted Keti into the air and sat on a thick branch, looking down at the scenery below.

Although the winter temperature was low, the red maple branches emitted a slight warmth. The leaves were releasing heat.

“This tree is the child of flames,” Keti said happily, curiously touching the rough bark.

Recalling the abilities of the red maple tree, it indeed had the ability to turn its leaves into fiery flames, and the temperature was extremely high. Lolan Hill nodded slightly.

They swayed slightly in the air, and Lolan Hill slowly introduced the facilities in the courtyard below: the small garden, the well, the grape arbor, the warehouse storing grains and miscellaneous items, the distant stream, and more.

“It’s getting late, we need to start cooking. What does Keti want to eat today?” Lolan Hill jumped down from the treetop, her body moving through the air as if walking on air.

“Is there fish?” Keti thought for a moment, her eyes filled with anticipation.

“Yes, there is. But we need to go to a faraway river.”

They slowly walked toward the winter river, where a thin layer of ice had formed on the surface.

“Let’s not go fishing today.” Lolan Hill tapped her foot lightly, shaking off the snow and dew, thinking whether to fry the fish or use her magic to lift the water and filter it.

Keti had already squatted by the river, curiously touching the surface with her finger, causing white smoke to rise and bubbles to form in the water.

“No, Keti, don’t boil the river. If you do, we won’t have any fish left to eat,” Lolan Hill crossed her arms and gestured to stop Keti.

“Ah, okay, Lolan.” Keti withdrew her finger, her eyes wide with a hint of sadness, looking at Lolan. It seemed this fire witch still had a lot to learn about common sense.

—

PS: Transitioning the plot, planning the subsequent development. Can’t add more today.