radicalducati Chapter 279 Superfluous Words
Chapter 279 Superfluous Words
Chapter 279 Superfluous Words
Yesterday, smoke rose again in the Ghost Forest.
Lola and Lolotti were thus trapped in the house for the entire day, only able to leave in the evening.
However, being able to sit idly in one place and daydream is actually a form of entertainment for Lola.
Thick white smoke would envelop the entire forest, as if a mysterious force had transported the area to some fantastical space.
Lola faced the window, watching the wispy smoke drift by. Although everything outside was white, Lola could tell that it wasn't still, and she could even see through the outline of each wisp.
Lola sat on the cabinet with her feet dangling in the air, kicking her little feet out alternately, her heels hitting the cabinet door with a rhythmic "thump, thump" sound.
She didn't think about anything until the thick smoke quickly dissipated, and Loloti called to her, asking her to go with her to the Mother Tree to read.
Lola didn't return to her lodgings until late at night.
Lola has gained a deeper understanding of her current role as an "assistant".
Its main function is to run errands for its employees and fetch all sorts of things.
Occasionally, I need to drive long distances to take Lolo to a very far place.
Loloti would occasionally share his insights on wizards and even the entire supernatural system with Lola.
Lolo recently mentioned that he believes the current supernatural system is incomplete.
Modern witchcraft rarely touches upon the essence of power, which is why ancient power is always revered and possesses a more refined energy.
Loloti said that perhaps the older the period, the closer people are to their essence.
Lola thus learned that another responsibility of her assistant was to learn to think about Lola's questions and try to answer them based on her own understanding.
Lola has been reading a lot of books lately, so she can usually offer some insights into the things Lolotti mentions.
These views were either agreed upon by Loloti or refuted by him.
Laura didn't care whether what she said was right or wrong.
Lola was simply thinking that if another woman who was good at reading had answered Lola's question, she would have used her knowledge and wisdom to come up with the most perfect answer.
Right now, Lolotti is asking Lola another question:
"Little Lola, can you tell me the differences in power between different eras?"
Laura couldn't answer this; she couldn't even distinguish which period a certain power originated from.
She never showed off, so she shook her little head.
Lolo smiled, the wrinkles on his face seeming to be much deeper than they were a month ago.
He seems to be seventy-six, or perhaps seventy-seven?
Lola couldn't quite remember, but she could sense that he was becoming increasingly forgetful. The day before yesterday, he even called her by the wrong name: Lola Horphy. Who was Horphy?
Although Lola was puzzled, she didn't ask any questions. She didn't care who the stranger was, but simply reminded Lola to mention her own name—Lola, Lola Booker.
But this is not actually her real name.
Her real name is Tuscarola, but no one has called her by that name for a long time.
Maybe no one will call her that anymore, but that's the essence of Lola.
Despite this, Lolotti is never forgetful or confused when thinking about problems:
"The seeds of the modern supernatural system were born in the pre-human era. Therefore, the difference in power between the faith era and the pre-human era lies only in the fact that the branches of the faith era are more refined."
"The powers of the legendary era were imbued with a sense of 'conservatism,' and very few truly novel abilities were born during this period."
Hearing this, Lola sensed something was amiss and retorted:
"The Calamity Witch was a person from the legendary era."
Lolotti seemed quite pleased with Lola's argument, and he smiled.
"Grellella is undoubtedly an innovator; many of her studies remain insightful and novel even today."
but.
"However, there are many sources that indicate that Grelarara was a historian before becoming a professional wizard. This means that her underlying mindset may still be 'conservative'."
"That's not evidence," Laura retorted.
"We are all remnants; only by moving forward can we not waste this stroke of luck," this famous quote from Greta Thunberg perfectly encapsulates her acceptance of the old order.
"So what?" Lola was not convinced.
"This suggests that her motivation may still be 'conservative'."
Laura said, "Maybe?"
Loloti remained silent for a long time. Clearly, he did not have sufficient evidence to prove that the Calamity Witch was also a conservative.
He finally shrugged and said, "Even if Greta is indeed a representative of innovation, it doesn't affect the overall atmosphere of corruption."
Lola fell silent; she had no grounds to refute Lolotti's conclusion.
Lolo paused for a moment, seemingly waiting for Lola to give her opinion.
After confirming that Lola was likely about to speak, Lolotti continued:
"As for the mythological period, not much information has been passed down; only a portion of the power from the end of the mythological period has survived."
And these powers are even difficult to replicate.
"It's as if modern people want to learn those powers, but they lack some kind of 'foundation'."
"What foundation?" Laura asked.
"Who knows," Lolo said, pursing his lips. "Maybe it's talent. Although wizards despise the theory of bloodlines, it may be because extraordinary bloodlines are diluted by ordinary people that they can no longer regain those powers."
"However, since we've brought this up—I'm suddenly reminded of another quote from Greta Thunberg: 'There's always a secret behind every coincidence.'"
Lola tilted her head to one side to show her confusion.
"The extinction of mythical creatures, the shifts in supernatural styles, and the change of regimes all occurred within a very short period of time."
hiss-....
Lolo touched his bald chin.
Does this suggest that there are some unknown secrets involved?
But Laura argued, "That's far-fetched. It's precisely because of these changes that later generations designated that period as a turning point in history."
Lolo nodded. "You're right, little Lola, but what if I'm right? And what caused all this?"
Laura fell into thought.
Thinking doesn't require speaking, so Lola doesn't dislike thinking.
Laura said, "If, as you say, there is a secret, then the more important question is why it hasn't been recorded in history books."
Upon hearing this, Lolotti had a look of sudden enlightenment on his face:
"Yeah! What could it be—?"
Seeing the old man deep in thought again, Lola also began to ponder.
There are too many possibilities; it's impossible to guess. Ultimately, there are no clues or evidence whatsoever.
So whatever answer they come up with now is worthless, but:
"If it wasn't recorded, it's because people at the time didn't discover the cause of this phenomenon. So, perhaps it means that the world in the mythological era suffered from a chronic disease that was difficult to detect."
"chronic?"
Upon hearing this, Lolotti frowned and looked away, then smiled, revealing his broken teeth.
"An interesting point! But what kind of chronic disease?"
Upon hearing this question, the two began to think again.
This time, Lola didn't expect anything, but Lolotti was the same, and remained silent for a long time.
Lola suddenly realized that their conversation had gone too far off track, almost completely deviating from the original topic.
Such situations were almost the norm in discussions with Lolot.
Loloti enjoys exploring all sorts of questions; his innate thirst for knowledge makes him interested in any unknown mystery.
Although Lola saw through these things, she did not pick up Lolotti's bad habits.
If Lolo asked Lola to think with him, Lola would do so; she didn't dislike thinking.
However, I also don't like it.
What Lola likes is to simply stand there and daydream without having to think about anything.
After a long while, Lolotti gave up thinking and said to Lola:
"It seems we can't find the answer, but little Lola, I knew I was right about you. You're got the makings of a scholar; you always come up with novel ideas."
scholar?
Lola didn't think she had that ability; Anne was the real scholar.
If Lolotti truly saw a scholar's talent in Lola, it must have been influenced by Anne.
Yes! That must be it!
Lolo stood up: "Alright, let's go, little Lola, help me with my things, it's time to go to the library."
However, Lola did not get up, but instead said to Lolotti:
I don't want to go today.
Lolo frowned: "Why?"
"I'd like to take a day off today," Laura replied.
She had originally planned to use her monthly leave yesterday, but because of the smoke, she was stuck in the house and didn't mention it.
That's why Lola has been delaying until today.
Lolo frowned and said earnestly:
"I certainly don't object to you wanting to rest, little Laura, but I must remind you, this land is not peaceful right now."
Lola nodded; she knew what Lolotti meant.
Suddenly, a new force emerged to the east of the Southern Community, seizing a large area of land in both the Southern and Eastern Communities and establishing a new regime called the Central Community.
The war was frozen by the cold wind for a long time, and now that the campfire has been rekindled, the barbs on its flames must be even sharper and scorching.
Lolo sighed and continued to persuade, "The day before yesterday, the president of the Phantom Society met with me. You were sitting in the living room outside. He told me that the people in the Central Community, after a month of peace, suddenly launched another attack and seized a square in the Southern Community."
"Do you understand what this means? The Central Community is expanding westward, and war is approaching the Ghost Forest!"
Laura understood and nodded.
However, Lolotti did not give up easily; he continued:
"There's one more thing. During the smoke yesterday, the Phantom Society captured five wizards and confirmed they were from the Central Community. Although they all quickly committed suicide, it's enough to show that the Central Community's clutches have already infiltrated the forest!"
Seeing Lolotti's worried expression, Lola knew that if she didn't explain things clearly, he would probably keep nagging her.
She breathed a sigh of relief, because she had to explain herself:
"I won't go east, and I won't do anything dangerous. If I see strangers, I'll just avoid them."
Loloti then reassured her, "Then, remember to be careful."
Lola nodded, and then parted ways with Lolotti.
After leaving her lodgings, Lola headed towards the mushroom patch.
On the way, Lola suddenly felt that there had been a subtle change in the relationship between her and Lolotti.
Or rather, Lolotti's concern for Lola exceeded the limits that a superior should have for a subordinate.
Perhaps he considered Lola his own apprentice.
But what kind of feelings are normal between a master and his apprentice? Lola didn't know.
She couldn't even tell if they were really master and apprentice.
Unbeknownst to her, Lola had already arrived at the Mushroom Village.
She had promised Aaron that she would go back to the library once a month.
It's been a month since I last went back to the library.
But she doesn't really want to go back lately, so if she does go back, she'll see the navigator's son.
Lola noticed that every time she could feel Cathy growing taller, her own growth was much slower—
For some reason, Lola always felt a pang of sadness.
She didn't like the feeling, so she didn't want to go back.
But she had already agreed, and despite her reluctance, she had to do it.
However, before returning to the library, she planned to go to another place first.
Lola stood on the Eternal Anchor Point, activated her power, and entered the Realm of Dawn.
After passing through the purple space, we arrived at the far end of the world.
Laura climbed out of the cave; this was Herald City.
Actually, with Anne gone, there was no need for Lola to come here at all.
However, she always came without being able to resist.
Clinging to a sliver of hope, perhaps Annie has returned this time?
But all she received in return was repeated disappointment.
As a result, her expectations have almost completely vanished.
It's been half a year since Annie left. That's a long time.
But when will she come back? What if something happens to her?
Whenever she came here, Lola would always overthink these questions and become inexplicably worried.
Even though it's already spring, the vegetation around Emblem City is still sparse.
I heard there's a desert nearby, maybe that's why.
Lola entered the city and came to the pile of rubble.
She successfully found the bolete-like rock that she had modified.
After confirming that no one was around, Lola began to construct a magic circle.
Purple crystals floated in the air; she had used magic.
Lola no longer dared to hope.
Otherwise, only a sad disappointment would well up in her heart.
The inside of this stone is definitely empty.
However-·
A piece of paper floated down from the rosy sky. Lola paused for two seconds before reaching out to pick it up and read the words on it.
She stood up, turned around, and walked towards the direction of the Herald Academy.
For some reason, her feet unconsciously quickened, and she gradually started running.
She swung her arms, but carefully held the note in her hand.
It says:
"I'm back, Lola! Come see me right away!"
Lola felt that Anne's writing was too verbose, and the last sentence was just nonsense, so there was no need to write it at all.
Of course! Lola thought to herself, how could I not come to see you right away!
She quickly arrived at the gate of the Herald Academy and paid the gatekeeper to help her find someone.
She even considered giving him all her money, hoping he would bring Annie to her as soon as possible.
I don't know how much time has passed, oh my god, why does time seem to drag on so long!
Finally, she saw a familiar face standing in front of Lola.
"Hehe," the other person revealed neat, white teeth, "Lola, I'm back!"
Laura didn't think about anything, but her body instinctively lunged forward.
She hugged the waist of the beautiful girl in front of her and buried her face in the girl's chest, which she envied.
"Don't do that, Lola, you're hugging me too tightly, it hurts a little."
It's not tight! The slight pain is your own fault; why were you gone for so long?
Then she felt a pair of small hands gently placed on her back.
After a long while, one of the hands was placed on her head:
"Alright, my clingy little sister, I still have so much to say to you, but if this continues, we won't be able to talk anymore."
Hearing this, Lola finally let go.
She took a step back and stared at the other person.
Laura wanted to complain, but what she ultimately said was:
"Annie, welcome back."
"Yes," Annie said with a big smile, "you're finally back!"
Suddenly, Lola saw Anne freeze abruptly, looking at her with a confused expression.
Lola was very confused and tilted her head to ask:
"What's wrong?"
"Could it be... Lola, you've grown taller?"
Lola swore she had never felt like laughing so much.
She grinned and puffed out her small chest:
"Hmm! You've grown more than a finger's width taller!"