Wizard Bloodline

"

"It was yours all along."

The woman named Soraya was even more agreeable than Ronan had imagined. After taking the entire metal box, her attitude towards Ronan softened visibly.

Sitting on the high-backed chair, she opened the letter and began to read it intently. The young girl in the painting beside her leaned over the frame, quietly observing.

Ronan could sense the fluctuations in spiritual energy and free energy particles within the room, which mirrored the woman's emotional waves as she read the letter.

He stood quietly, waiting.

Gradually, sobbing sounds filled the room, coming from the innocent, romantic girl in the painting.

The sobs grew louder, eventually turning into full-blown crying. The beautiful girl in the painting sat amongst the irises, crying openly like a child.

Fine ice crystals began to drift in the light, falling from the eyes of the woman reading the letter outside the painting.

Ronan felt a tinge of sadness creeping into his heart, influenced by the overwhelming spiritual energy.

Finally, everything settled down.

The woman emerged from the letter's contents, appearing to age ten years in an instant.

"What is Harrowin to you?" she asked Ronan hoarsely.

Ronan had read the letter, more than once, and knew that Harrowin was the true owner of the metal box.

"I don't know."

Ronan replied honestly, "Perhaps my mentor's mentor, or even further back."

Soraya sighed softly, murmuring, "Time and fate, two forces no one in this world can resist. What's your name?"

"Linus."

"Linus Lanstet."

Soraya gazed at him warmly, her eyes filled with the gentle affection of an elder towards a direct relative.

"You've condensed [Frozen Ground], so you're of the Lanstet family. The bloodline of the Iceflame Iris continues in you."

"Uh..."

Ronan didn't know how to respond. Soraya merely reflected, "Truly powerful wizards and families pass their bloodlines through runes; their wills become immortal in their power. Bloodlines mean far more than you perceive... You'll understand in time. This place is but a corner of the southernmost Upper Ring Continent. When you have the chance to visit the central Upper Ring or the continents below, you'll truly grasp the vastness of this world."

"Upper Ring Continent... southernmost... central continent... Bloodlines passed through runes."

Ronan stood in awe. The hints dropped by Soraya were like a storm, shaking him to his core. It felt as if a corner of a vast world was slowly unveiled before him.

"What should I call you?"

Ronan took a deep breath, striving to calm his emotions as he respectfully addressed Soraya.

"You may call me Aunt," Soraya kindly suggested, her demeanor no longer bearing the terrifying presence of a third-level wizard. "Let's not get caught up in titles; after all... the Lanstet family might just be the two of us now."

"Aunt Soraya."

Ronan softly called her, feeling a complex mix of emotions.

Had he known that delivering the letter would lead to such straightforward and favorable outcomes, he wouldn't have needed to disguise himself as "Linus" upon entering White Stone Castle. Being himself would likely have yielded similar results.

For this meeting, Ronan had rehearsed countless scenarios in his mind, considering every possibility. Becoming "Linus" was a precaution.

"I sensed traces of metal-element magic on you. Are you dual-specialized with metal-element magic?"

Soraya, like a true elder, beckoned Ronan over, "Come here, Linus. Let me take a good look at you."

"Yes, after advancing to first-level wizard, I joined the Silver Ring..."

Ronan responded softly, approaching Soraya. He could feel the genuine and intense concern and affection emanating from her.

It wasn't mere words; she truly saw Ronan as her only blood relative in this world.

And all this was simply because Ronan had condensed [Frozen Ground]. Ronan found it incredible.

The answer likely lay in Soraya's earlier explanation of "bloodline."

"No wonder."

Soraya gently held Ronan's hand, examining him closely, a smile on her lips.

Beside her, the young girl in the painting beamed at Ronan, her smile radiant.

"I've heard of that wizarding force. In this remote place, their strength and foundation are respectable. They originated from the central region, well-known, but since splitting off, they've abandoned their roots, switching from the powerful universal element to the niche metal element."

Soraya shook her head, seeming to understand many things clearly, displaying insights Ronan hadn't seen in anyone else.

To Ronan, she felt like a noblewoman stranded in a remote place.

"What about before joining the Ring?"

Soraya inquired further.

Ronan lowered his gaze, answering "truthfully" as Linus, "The teacher who passed on to me died early. I've spent most of my time wandering alone."

"My poor Linus."

Soraya softly exclaimed, reaching out to gently embrace him.

Ronan was caught off guard, initially stiff, but he gradually relaxed.

He began stepping into the role of "Linus," though he was mostly recounting his own experiences.

The fact that the metal box's legacy had been interrupted for generations provided perfect cover; he didn't need to lie. All secrets of the Lanstet family were locked within the box, unknown until opened.

Soraya kept asking him various questions, and Ronan answered them all, sensing her growing affection and closeness towards him.

Time slipped by, and once Soraya fully accepted Ronan as her "kin," she stopped asking questions, looking at him with a face full of love, "Do you plan to stay with me, or continue with the Ring?"

"A month from now, an ancient secret realm will open. I intend to participate as a Ring member; I don't want to miss this opportunity. After the trial, I'll come see you, Aunt..."

Ronan replied obediently.

Soraya seemed pleased with his response, nodding, "Growing up without anyone's protection during your apprenticeship is beneficial for you. You embody the Lanstet family's true bloodline qualities of resilience and courage. Only the harshest cold and winds can nurture a truly radiant flower. If you want the Iceflame Iris to bloom again in the North, you should endure more trials alone."

"However..."

Soraya paused, her tone shifting, "Trials are one thing, but don't let yourself be easily bullied outside."

Ronan paused upon hearing this, then watched as Soraya took out several rune stones.

"You're about to advance to second-level, aren't you? Perfect timing; the [Frozen Ground] rune can be upgraded for the first time."

"Here are the runes for [Tundra Frozen Ground]. After advancing to second-level, you just need to make some optimizations to the original [Frozen Ground]."

"[Tundra Frozen Ground] will significantly enhance the domain's cold, and make ice spikes grow within it. Anyone within the domain will suffer not only from the cold but also from ice spike attacks."

"Ordinary second-level ice spells should be easy for you to obtain. Here are some second-level ice spells unique to the Lanstet family, more powerful than typical spells."

"This contains the [Iceflame] rune, another core rune legacy of the 'Iceflame Iris' Lanstet family, besides [Frozen Ground]. Get familiar with it, and when a new rune slot is available in your soul, you can condense it."

"The [Iceflame] rune allows your cold to form fire, similar to the [Frostburn] rune on your bracelet, but much more powerful. It produces a freezing flame capable of freezing everything."

Ronan's heart swelled with immense joy.

Finding Soraya felt like discovering the complete legacy of the Iceflame Iris lineage. He had been concerned about the future of ice spell legacies, but now... everything was resolved.

"I also have some unused second-level magical tools; keep them safe."

Soraya continued, taking out various ice-element second-level magical tools from her spatial ring, including rings, pendants, staffs, and even a complete set of equipment with shoulder plates, chest armor, and belts.

Initially, Ronan was thrilled, but gradually, he felt overwhelmed.

"Too much, Aunt Soraya, I... I might not need all these."

Soraya didn't stop, placing item after item before Ronan like a magical tool merchant.

"Too much? Not at all; I even think it's too little. Linus, you'll never know what kind of opponent you might face. Every additional piece of equipment increases your chances of victory."

Soraya laid out dozens of second-level magical tools before Ronan, finally placing the "Aerylith Ice Ring Necklace" back around his neck.

She tucked the necklace under Ronan's collar, smoothing out the folds, speaking softly, "Linus, you're the only hope for the Lanstet family's resurgence. Before that, nothing can happen to you. Remember..."

Soraya looked directly into Ronan's eyes, their pupils reflecting each other's blue hue.

Her tone suddenly became firm and cold, "Your enemies are in the far North, on the eternal frozen plateau. They're called 'Frost Leaders,' born with ice control, possessing the coldest and most powerful blood. You're far from ready to face them."

"Wearing the ice ring, even if you don't seek them, they'll find you one day."

Ronan's eyes flickered, nodding slowly at Soraya.

Soraya smiled with satisfaction, patting his shoulder affectionately.

Ronan sighed inwardly. He knew the benefits wouldn't come easily. Perhaps when he chose [Frozen Ground] as his first soul rune, his fate became entwined with the Iceflame Iris Lanstet family.

Ronan quietly accepted all Soraya offered, and she asked, "When do you plan to advance?"

Ronan replied, "My Ring mentor guided me to White Stone Castle to find a suitable 'talent' for transplantation, preparing for the ancient secret realm opening in a month and a half. That's why I came to Cold Stone Manor. I didn't know you were here."

"'Talent transplantation' is indeed a good means to temporarily boost your combat power. What magical beast did you choose for transplantation?"

Ronan was about to answer, but Soraya waved her hand, quickly saying, "Never mind, previous choices are irrelevant. If it's for boosting power, choose the best. Second-level beast bloodlines are insufficient."

In the dim light, Ronan saw Soraya's eyes flickering, speaking softly, "Recently, White Stone Castle's major wizard families plan to hunt a third-level Frost-scaled Python with awakened ancient Ice Crystal Serpent bloodline. I'll get you some of this third-level python's essence blood."

"A Frost-scaled Python with ancient Ice Crystal Serpent bloodline... only that suits a Lanstet genius."

Third-level Frost-scaled Python... ancient Ice Crystal Serpent bloodline...

Ronan opened his mouth, wanting to speak but unsure what to say.

He had thought Kosti's care was exceptional, akin to "motherly" love.

But compared to Soraya, he now realized what true "motherly" love was.

This overwhelming "motherly" love...

Ronan felt the weight on his shoulders growing heavier and heavier.

"Let's go; it's too stuffy here."

Soraya stood from the high-backed chair, casually beckoning Ronan.

She was tall and slender, only slightly shorter than Ronan when standing, making her appear older than she was.

However, as Soraya stood, a new vitality seemed to radiate from her, her skin glowing faintly, exuding a youthful aura.

For a moment, Ronan saw her and the girl in the painting overlap, indistinguishable.

"I've almost forgotten how many years it's been since I left this room, since..."

Soraya glanced around the studio, her eyes reflecting nostalgia.

The girl in the painting smiled, waving from the frame as if bidding farewell.

"Let's go."

Soraya turned, stepping out of the studio.

Ronan followed Soraya, his eyes flickering, softly asking, "Aunt Soraya, why did you come to White Stone Castle?"

"So long ago, I can't remember."

Soraya paused at Ronan's question, "I think... it was for a man."

"Without a second thought, I severed all ties with my family, traveled thousands of miles from the North. Carlos, who left you [Frozen Ground], was my brother, the one who helped me escape."

"When young, hearts are easily captured by unexpected things, unknowingly following them."

"Perhaps it was fate's plan. After fleeting joy fades, looking back, I realize how much time has passed."

Soraya's voice was calm, yet it stirred waves in Ronan's heart.

He pressed his lips, imagining the story.

Ronan glanced back, seeing the girl in the painting watching them leave, standing in the iris-filled meadow until the darkness swallowed her.

"Creak—"

The studio door closed, sealing Soraya's memories within.

They stood in the softly lit corridor, a slight chill passing through.

Ronan remembered something, asking Soraya, "Lady Reeve mentioned that Cold Stone Manor mastered true bloodline transplantation?"