The various colors shimmering on the surface of the crystal ball indicated Sain's elemental affinities. The bright red hue stood out prominently, signifying Sain's considerable affinity for fire magic. Alongside it were equally significant colors: white for light and black for darkness.
In addition, there were numerous other colors such as light blue for air, green for plants, and blue for water, marking that Sain was capable of learning and mastering magic from these elements as well. However, he likely wouldn't grasp them as quickly as he would fire magic.
During his visits to the public library of the Black Magic Academy, Sain hadn't found any light or dark magic suitable for his limited points. These types of magic appeared to be relatively rare. His girlfriend Lina possessed some knowledge of dark magic, but due to his limited capacity for study in recent years, having primarily focused on fire magic, he hadn't wanted to overreach and delve into the dark element.
Moreover, as a low-level apprentice, Sain's capacity for both mental and magical power restrained his ambition to wield a broader range of spells. Only by achieving intermediate or even higher apprentice status could he genuinely master more spells and explore a wider array of knowledge.
After leaving the public library, Sain returned to the routine of his two-point lifestyle. His injuries gradually improved during this time, especially since Master Mosido had taken the time to cast two regeneration spells on him, significantly accelerating his healing process. As the annual assessments approached, Sain's busy yet fulfilling life began to slow down.
The Black Magic Academy held annual assessments, but not all apprentices participated. Each level—from entry-level to advanced—had its own respective evaluations, and only the top achievers from each category would take part, hoping to stand out and catch the eye of formal wizards.
Over the past ten years, Sain had participated in the assessments six times, with his best ranking coming last year when he placed sixth among low-level apprentices. However, only the top three of each level received awards from the academy. Those finishing lower merely experienced the participation without any reward, often enduring the risk of injury.
Unlike Sain, who had only managed sixth place at best, Lina had broken into the top three twice over her eight years at the academy. If achieving such a rank once could be considered luck, two times would surely indicate genuine skill. Her reputation for "genius" and "madness" stemmed largely from those performances during the assessments.
As the day of the evaluations drew nearer, Sain finally saw Lina again. Ever since she had been taken under Master Ferena's tutelage, she had seldom returned to their little abode. According to Lina, she had been busy assisting Master Ferena with an experiment, and her studies in dark magic heritage had also been pressing, rendering her quite occupied.
After catching up on each other's recent circumstances, the two climbed into bed. Lina, who had been affected by a magical accident that left her in a childlike state, appeared quite petite. Sain did not immediately act but gently held her hand and began to share some stories from his past.
"My name is Sain, but my full name is Sain Grant," he started. "I was born into nobility, though I can't recall exactly what title my father held, as I was too young when we came to the Shadowy Lands."
"I remember my mother had long, silvery hair and sapphire-like eyes, and she always wore a white dress," he continued. "I might have inherited my looks from my father, but regrettably, I can't clearly remember what he looked like—just that he had short golden hair and seemed quite serious…"
Sain recounted the few fragments of memory he had, which seemed to flow with ease. He talked about a vivid green wheat field and memories of running and playing in that field with his mother. More than once, he had awakened from dreams where his gentle, beautiful mother faded away, leaving him staring at the dull black ceiling above.
In contrast to his vague memories of his father, most of Sain's recollections were filled with images of his mother, likely because she had been the one around to nurture him during the majority of his early childhood. His father, being a noble, had likely been quite busy.
While Sain spoke about his childhood memories, Lina leaned against him, quietly listening. It wasn't until he could recall no more fragments of memories that she finally spoke, revealing her own story.
"My name is Lina," she stated plainly. She repeated her name, leaving out any last name, indicating that she must come from humble origins. "In the twenty-seven years I have been in the Shadowy Lands, I've forgotten everything about my early childhood. I only remember it being a desolate little village. Then my mentor took me away and named me Lina."
"My mentor once told me that the village I came from was suffering from famine," she continued. "She wasn't just my teacher—she was my savior."
The mentor Lina referred to was her previous tutor, the dark wizard who had perished in a magical accident. While there wasn't much to elaborate on regarding Lina's childhood or origins, Sain did gain insight into her situation when she arrived in the Shadowy Lands and about her previous mentor.
Eight years prior, when Lina had chosen Sain as her experimental assistant and little servant, it was following the recent death of her mentor. Perhaps it had been difficult for her to adapt to living alone, which compelled her to select someone as pleasant and cute as Sain.
Learning more detailed information about Lina's background erased the last remnants of the distance between them. After listening to Lina's tale, Sain pondered for a while before asking the question that had been on his mind.
"How old are you this year?" Sain inquired.
He didn't see Lina's youthful appearance as an indication of her age. After all, she had mentioned coming to the Shadowy Lands twenty-seven years ago, which would make her at least ten years older than Sain.
Lina cast her gaze downward, pondering something. Perhaps due to her straightforward nature, it took only a moment before she answered, "I'm thirty-two this year."
Lina had been with Sain two years ago, meaning she would have been around thirty at that time. Sain let out a deep breath at hearing her response, not understanding why he felt relieved. Even if Lina had claimed to be forty or fifty, he would have accepted it without hesitation. However, knowing she was merely thirty-two instilled him with a sense of reassurance.
At long last, both of their secrets were laid bare to each other. Though the magical crystal lamp in the room was now extinguished, Sain and Lina, equipped with extraordinary mental acuity, could still see each other clearly.
As Sain gazed at Lina's cold yet delicate face, he instinctively leaned closer to her. Sensing a shift in the atmosphere, Lina's demeanor softened as well, and this "madwoman" in the eyes of outsiders moved closer in response.
"Y-you… be gentle," Lina said, her small hands clasping around Sain's.
And thus, the two spent the night in silence, embracing the warmth of shared secrets.