CHAPTER 48: 48 THE OTHER SIDE OF BEING ALOOF IS...

In the deepest part of darkness, where outsiders have no way of knowing, exists such a space.

Inside, it is filled with stitched monsters, twisted limbs, and grotesque flesh.

In this space, which can only be described as fallen, corrupted, and eerie, two figures who totally mismatch their surroundings stroll leisurely.

If someone could witness this scene, they would surely feel a sense of unreality.

The white-haired boy, with a gentle smile, appears to be wrapped in a layer of hazy light like a white veil, and no profane object can approach his body.

The decaying mist automatically parts to his sides before him, and the filthy black blood instinctively avoids his soles, returning to its original state once he passes.

And the Dark Elf gives yet another feeling.

Clearly the instigator of all this, but her very existence stands in stark contrast to this place.

This feeling is very strange.

Extreme purity.

Even an otherworldly detachment.

Those creations are unable to leave any trace on her.

Without any precaution, she passes straight through the mist, barefoot, stepping into the corpse chunks, into the blood pools—spotless.

The corrosive mist cannot damage her skin, just like ordinary fog.

Her bare feet step directly on the putrid flesh mixed with broken bones, yet her tender soles bear no trace of blood or mingled flesh.

Rising from the mud without stain, refreshing and clear yet not mesmerizing.

Like a white lotus... or rather, a black lotus.

Right.

It’s like a lotus born from the deformed flesh.

Even though they find themselves in a scene that can only be described as a hell on earth, the two present appear very calm.

They chat with composure, ignoring everything around them.

"You are different from most humans I’ve met."

"Most humans view me as an evil Demon, even the Mages, after knowing the nature of my research, regard me as an extreme lunatic."

Svanni leads the way, speaking with a sigh: "No, not only humans, everyone I’ve met is unlike you."

"Even among the dark beings in the Dark Territory, most consider me as a terrifying existence."

"Even in my own family, that bunch who usually takes pleasure in tormenting others, cannot comprehend my thoughts, only seeing my research as a ritual to please the Evil God."

Snort!

The Dark Elf Grand Mage let out a disdainful snort: "That notion is so ridiculously stupid that I don’t even bother to explain it to them."

"No matter who, even those who superficially feign agreement with me, fundamentally fail to understand my research."

"I bought all these materials with money; even if I don’t buy them, someone else would, and they also organize adventurers to hunt them down, so why am I singled out as evil?"

"Just because I am a Dark Elf?"

Svanni’s expression turned slightly cold, letting out a soft snort:

"I understand."

"My methods and thinking are destined not to be accepted and understood by many, and I don’t care about their opinions."

"I don’t need their recognition."

"I don’t need it!"

Perhaps it was because she hadn’t communicated with others in so long, or maybe Herbert’s attitude struck a chord with Svanni.

This Shadow Grand Mage, who consistently showed resistance to communication, surprisingly became talkative, talking to herself for a long time.

Meanwhile, Herbert played the role of a good listener, quietly listening to her speak and occasionally giving responses to encourage her to continue sharing.

"Mm-hmm, I understand you, the road of seeking knowledge is always lonely."

"Not being understood is the fate of a genius."

"As long as it’s clear in your heart, why seek others’ approval?"

Yeah, just pour on the chicken soup.

Herbert realized that this Grand Mage wasn’t as cool and indifferent as she appeared on the surface.

Does Svanni really "not care about others’ evaluations" as she says?

The answer is, of course, no.

If she truly didn’t care, Svanni wouldn’t repeatedly mention it.

Humans are like this.

The more one cares about something in their heart, the more they pretend to be indifferent on the surface.

This way, even if they never achieve it, they can still nonchalantly say—"I actually never cared about that."

In Svanni’s heart, there was a flame of immense passion for research, but it was long suppressed and opposed by others.

The consistent experience over the years led her to become somewhat withdrawn, hiding her flame, unwilling to share or discuss it with others.

And Herbert’s appearance, along with his coincidentally understanding attitude, happened to give Svanni an outlet for her feelings.

Like adding dry wood to a dying bonfire, and then pouring a whole bucket of gasoline for good measure.

The flames roared, bursting forth!

Became uncontrollable.

Herbert looked at Svanni’s profile, nodding quietly.

Although her demeanor was equally cool, her expressions were more varied than that of her incarnation, revealing subtle changes in her emotions.

A cool lotus?

This is clearly a blazing fire wrapped in paper.

"Before this, no one ever recognized my research like you did upon first meeting..."

After speaking for a long time, Svanni’s excited emotions gradually returned to calm, and she stopped, turning her head to look at the boy beside her.

"..."

She seemed to realize what she had just done, remaining silent for a long time before continuing to speak: "Lord Herbert, thank you for listening to me so much."

"Hmm? Oh, it’s nothing."

Herbert chuckled softly, shaking his head, sincerely saying: "Lord Svanni, you really don’t need to thank me; I myself am quite interested in your past."

Even disregarding the aspect of trying to win over Svanni, Herbert himself was full of curiosity about this Dark Elf.

He truly wanted to know what kind of experiences led her to embark on such an extreme path of flesh and blood.

If some believe that flesh is weak and can only transcend through mechanical ascension, then Svanni would be their extreme opponent.

She firmly believed that the flesh, if continuously broken through, can eventually exceed its original limits, reaching a level comparable to a Divine Spirit.

Yes.

In Herbert’s view, this Fallen Elf, Forbidden Scholar, Shadow Grand Mage, wasn’t that complicated.

Don’t complicate it.

Essentially, isn’t she just a master of Body Refining...

A Grand Mage with an invincible body of Vajra, who also knows a bit of martial arts, isn’t that reasonable?

Reasonable.

Totally reasonable!

And after this lengthy conversation, Herbert felt that his relationship with Svanni had successfully shifted from "hostile" to "above neutral, but not yet friendly."

"By the way, Lord Svanni, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you."

Thus, when the time was about right, Herbert proactively made his request:

"Regarding their intention to help you escape prison, would you be willing to agree to it?"

?

Svanni: Huh?