Mage Manual

Chapter 1721: Chapter 1272: Sonia’s Two Hours (Part 2)

"Your approval isn’t worth much; it’s them who think I can be the leader now!"

Sonia happily stood with her hands on her hips like a little cat, chuckling, "You should step down, it’s now the era of Sonia Sevi!"

Ash could understand why Sonia was so happy. While Diya’s support might have stemmed from friendship, the support from Weiser and Vishi could only be due to recognition of her abilities. One was the once world-ending Silver Lamp, the other a demigod who had caused centuries of trouble. Compared to a lover’s support, the recognition from these two outstanding female mages greatly boosted Sonia’s confidence.

Though it didn’t show usually, facing Weiser and Vishi, Sonia’s inner Village Girl’s feeling of inferiority would surface. After all, compared to their wild feats, Sonia’s involvement in the shattering of the Starry Sky seemed insignificant. Despite Ash always saying they’d reach their heights even without him, only Sonia felt that she was completely unaccomplished before meeting him, not even a mage... She often worried that Weiser and Vishi looked down on her, viewing her as merely a lucky Village Girl favored by Ash.

They’d still be themselves without Ash, but Sonia wouldn’t be the Sword Maiden without him.

That’s why Sonia was so delighted, having earned Weiser and Vishi’s acknowledgment through her own strength, erasing her last bit of self-doubt. She’s such a vain creature, needing external validation to be assured of her excellence.

I can stand beside Ash not because of his favoritism, but because I’m also the best mage!

"While I’m not around, you’re the backbone of the team, captain of the strongest mage group," Ash said, "No matter what happens, keep the team intact, don’t let Diya feel lonely, don’t let Weiser lose her dreams, don’t let Vishi run amok... Understand?"

"Why are you suddenly so serious?" Sonia asked warily.

"Because now you’re willing to care for them like teammates, and maybe in the future, you’ll treat them like sisters," Ash replied earnestly, "I want to slowly erode your heart, subtly transform you into the master of a harem!"

"Dream on!"

"So, can you promise me?" Ash extended his fist, "When I’m not here, you’re the captain."

Sonia bumped fists with him, "Once I’m the captain, I won’t give it back to you. Have you decided on your future role?"

"I’ll focus on companionship."

"Hmph." Sonia sipped her drink, her mouth curled into a smile, lively and full of expression, "Someday, I’ll lead them in a revolt against you."

"Put Ash beneath us!"

"Count me in."

"I second that."

The operators all echoed in response to the uprising, then suddenly, the sound of a camera shutter clicked beside them. Everyone turned to see Freyja holding up a Polaroid camera.

Today, Meiwa had been the photographer, taking many photos, but none compared to this one.

Amidst the parade of colorful floats, Ash and his four brides were captured in the shot. As it was a candid shot, everyone looked natural and relaxed, with Vishi’s wicked charm, Weiser’s pure tranquility, Diya’s lively cuteness, and Sonia’s captivating grace all perfectly fixed on the photo. Their bridal attire harmonized with the light, like dreamlike brides from a fairy tale kingdom.

Everyone thought it was well-shot, except Felix, who had a different view: "It’s a pity Ash is standing at the back; it would be better composition if he were in the middle. Why not take another shot?"

But Ash shook his head, staring at the photo with a soft smile, "No, this is fine; it should be this way."

"Time to head back."

...

...

Returning to the hotel by floating car, Ash lay flat on the bed without even taking off his clothes, feeling lazy.

The room was very quiet, as if separated from them, his world was so quiet, so large, so empty.

But it was only during solitary moments that he could ponder what he might have missed. With them, his heart was always swayed by their emotions.

The secret of the Origin’s advancement had been revealed to the Sword Maiden.

The team now had a new core established.

All resources were fully allocated.

The only issue was Dazzling Star. But Dazzling Star targeted him, not them. As long as he vanished, Dazzling Star naturally wouldn’t target these four genius mages.

The real conflict of interest was with the four Divine Lords, as the Seven Heavens had only six seats. If Sonia, Diya, and Vishi aimed to advance as Divine Lords, they must inevitably wage war against the four Divine Lords. Ash couldn’t do much about this, only believe that these new era challengers could overthrow the remnants of the old era.

So... everything was arranged.

No attachment, no regrets.

Ash breathed a sigh of relief. Just as he was about to get up, Sword Maiden and the others burst in, startling him: "Didn’t I lock the door?"

"We all have your room card," Diya said matter-of-factly, "How could you still have the illusion of having private space?"

Everyone nodded; Felix blinked shyly, also holding a card.

Ash, no longer surprised, asked, "Aren’t you going for a bath and changing into sleepwear? Why come to my side?"

They exchanged glances, Weiser elegantly spun once, her bridal gown’s hem trailing like a blooming white rose. With enchanting eyes, she asked, "Do you want us to change?"

Ash paused, then realizing there was a major battle ahead, stood up and said, "Then I’ll take a shower first..."

"Wait."

Sonia sat on the bed, glancing at the clock in the room: "It’s 9:45 PM now."

"From now until midnight, this is my exclusive time." She looked at Diya and the others with an uncompromising tone, "No one is allowed to come in before midnight."

"Then from 12 to 1 o’clock, Diya can come in."

"From 1 to 2 o’clock, Weiser can come in."

"From 2 to 3 o’clock, Vishi can come in."

"Understood?"

Everyone was stunned, Diya puzzled, asked with a confused look: "At this point, you still care about this, and why do you get two hours—?"

Suddenly, Weiser covered Diya’s mouth and, along with Vishi, carried her away, while Dedarose also dragged the eagerly waiting Felix, kindly wishing, "Wish you a wonderful night."

As the door closed, the room suddenly became extremely quiet, as if even the sound of a pin dropping on the carpet could be heard.

Ash’s heart pounded, blood seemed to reverse flow, feeling a bit overwhelmed but still managed to stand up and say, "I’ll go shower first—"

"Come back."

Sonia softly called out, her face blushing like it was about to drip blood, yet she insistently stared at him, with a bewitching charm flowing through her brows. Ash felt his body truly anchored by her gaze, unable to take another step forward.

"Didn’t you ask me earlier what I’ve been daydreaming about all day today?"

She patted the spot next to her and gently said, "Come here, I’ll tell you now."