Mage Manual-Chapter 1440 - 1050: Multiple Choice Question (2)

"But as a control group, Felix and Dedarose are also under our observation. You should have guessed what we’ve observed."

Ash had a vague idea: "Are their personalities changing daily too?"

"Exactly."

Weiser stroked his hair like a compliment, "Apart from Vishi, we, these immature beings, are in the midst of growing. Our personalities are far from set; daily experiences will more or less affect our personalities—especially since we’re on the run. This unusual adventure is bound to have an indelible impact on us."

"I’m not currently talking about the Divine Being, but you all are demigods with soul bodies. If ’personality shift’ can forcibly alter the infiltration of your character, it’s equivalent to a mind Wonder or soul Divine Trace, leaving scars on your soul bodies. Your souls would resist such changes, as demigods aren’t so fragile as to have their personalities rewritten silently."

Ash: "What if our souls don’t resist?"

"If they don’t resist, it means you also accept such change." Weiser shrugged, "Isn’t that the ’personality transformation’ that countless people undergo every day?"

Ash shook his head and burrowed into her embrace, "You just set up a false target of ’personality shift’ first, then found arguments to prove it probably doesn’t exist."

"Ash, have you heard of ’self-fulfilling prophecy’?" Weiser said: "For example, someone predicts they will die in a year, and spends the next year worrying about it, eventually thinking themselves to death on that day."

Ash was startled: "Are you saying ’personality shift’ is the trick of a self-fulfilling prophecy? I tell you there’s a personality shift, and then you really experience it because you’re worried?"

"That possibility isn’t excluded." Weiser said: "But more crucially, if there wasn’t the threat of a personality shift, Ash, wouldn’t you care about our character changes?"

Ash blinked and looked up into Weiser’s eyes: "Yes, regardless of whether this thing exists, I wouldn’t want you to be upset... I understand what you mean."

Weiser’s meaning was simple, whether or not personality shift was real, they shouldn’t pay it too much mind or let it affect decisions and even feelings.

For any psychological issue, fear or vigilance is never the best way; living calmly and positively is the best solution.

"But Death Mad has no reason to lie about this." Ash wondered: "What could she gain?"

"Because whether it’s world destruction or us being replaced, those require time, but before that, you can’t confirm." Weiser said: "But ’personality shift’ is different; it’s an infiltration you might notice anytime. Once you see any sign, you’d certainly be eager to go to Hell. Although I don’t know her purpose, she must want you to go to Hell again."

"If swallowing the World Snake is the bomb, then ’personality shift’ is the visible fuse. When Death Mad spoke of this, it ignited the fuse, making you nervous, Ash."

Ash nodded repeatedly, "That could be possible, then we should..."

"You took Dedarose and Felix with you, wasn’t it to pass information to the Gods of Four Pillars and Supreme Dazzling Star?" Weiser’s voice grew softer; she crossed her arms, making the two soft mounds hidden by the bow concentrate, like a trap making one fall deeper, "They should start acting now, so pause your actions and wait for their news. Shall we plan it carefully?"

Ash was silent for a moment, then suddenly raised his hand to rest around her waist, his head closely against the blue bow on her chest.

"You set up so much just to persuade me not to go to Hell anymore?" Ash whispered: "I didn’t expect the heart of a Divine Being to beat faster too."

Weiser’s face turned pink as she glanced at the wind and snow outside, "You’ve taken enough risks."

"If you’re worried about personality shift, we’ll help monitor everyone’s personality models."

"If you’re worried about us being replaced, then you need to prevent the World Snake from fully digesting Level Six of Hell. Though I believe you will eventually transcend everything, right now you’re like us, just newly entering the demigod rank of Mage... you haven’t even formed the Fifth Void Wings yet."

"Besides, if the world were to be destroyed, wouldn’t those most anxious be the Supreme Dazzling Star and the Four Divine Lord Gods?" Weiser said: "Aren’t you planning to let them be the vanguard? I just hope you aren’t so anxious."

"As for those two friends of yours..."

Weiser sighed softly: "This is a phrase the Sword Witch might want to say, but I’ll say it... They’re very likely already dead."

Ash’s body stiffened.

"I know it’s hard for you to accept this possibility, but you still have us." Weiser said: "It’s a very tough decision, but we all hope you choose us... you just need a little cruelty."

The study fell into silence, followed by Ash’s hoarse voice: "If it’s you who’s forgotten, would you want me to forget you too?"

"Ash," Weiser paid no heed to the sting hidden in his words, her hand glowing silver continued to smooth his hair, "I hope you know... this isn’t just my wish."

Ash felt as though a bucket of cold water was poured over him.

Yes, who would want the person they like to go to extremes for someone they don’t know? Even if they’ve seen his memories, knowing how important a role they played in his life, but ultimately... they don’t care about ’them’.

Even if the Witch didn’t forget Aunt Bojin and Uncle Harvey, if given a choice between Ash and Igula and Harvey, she wouldn’t hesitate to embrace her cruelty—even if she cried, even if she couldn’t sleep from sadness, she would be more decisive than anyone.

As for the Sword Maiden and Silver Lamp, they weren’t even in consideration, and Vishi... only cared about her own life.

They were merely accommodating him; he was always acting alone, forgetting that he’s no longer the death row inmate who just escaped Shattered Lake Prison... He’s now bonded with many people, tied with many strings; he’s no longer qualified to fly away alone.

If he was purely venturing into Hell for Igula and Harvey, if anything happened, Ash might fulfill his righteousness but would also betray their feelings.

Never did Ash expect to face such an old and boring life dilemma—to choose between friendship or love?

What a simple choice; could anyone still choose wrong?

"Perfection only exists in fantasy; Mages chasing perfection are like crying children, knowing what’s impossible but still pinning hopes on tears."

Dazzling Star’s words stung his soul again; back then, she seemed to foresee that a Mage unwilling to abandon anything would finally face a time where they must be cruel.

"...I will consider it."

After saying this, Ash felt like all the strength left his body; Weiser tenderly embraced him, her divine softness soothing his heart: "Thank you, Ash."

"I also have a question." Ash suddenly said.

"What is it?"

"Are you isolating the Sword Maiden?"