The heavy doors of library are closed with a dull sound behind Jackson. As he walked into the quiet hallway and the sound of his footsteps echoed softly against the stone walls. After reading it, his thoughts were still racing.
Seventy years… one hundred… even two hundred with magic…
He clenched his fists. His own life hung by a thread — barely five days left.
His lips pressed into a thin line. If I extract from humans, it would break every law in the Azure Empire. It'd be seen as forbidden magic, maybe even worse than necromancy. The King would condemn me. The Church would brand me a sinner. Execution would be certain.
He stopped and took slow, trembling breaths while leaning against the cool wall.
But… if they never find out…
A dangerous spark flickered in his yellow eyes. The thought was unavoidable but terrifying just like a shadow.
He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply then shook his head. "No. Not yet." His whisper was firm, as if convincing himself. "I'll live for now on plants… small things. I can survive longer that way. I don't have to take a risk... until it's unavoidable."
A small, hopeful smile tugged at his lips, but beneath it was a hint of fear.. Yes… I'll leave that choice for later. For now, focus on plants.
He stood up straight and continued to walk towards the hallway.
Just as he turned the corner suddenly a gentle voice called out:
"Jackson?"
He stopped. His heart skipped when he saw her — Eliana Ravine, She was only fifteen, a year younger than him, with warm eyes that always had a hint of mischief in them and long chestnut hair that shined in the torchlight. She always wore a smile when she spoke to him, she is opposite of other members of the family who regarded him with hatred or apathy.
Jackson tensed, then looked down."Sister?"
Eliana tilted her head as she approached. "What were you doing in the library? I've never seen you come here before."
"I…" He hesitated, his voice small. "Just reading."
"Reading?" She put her hand over her mouth than laughed softly. That is unexpected. "Brother, you are full of surprises."
His cheeks warmed. He rarely spoke much, but with her, silence felt less heavy.
Then, her smile softened. "I wanted to ask you something… about your engagement with Callista Staler."
The moment the name left her lips, Jackson tensed. The humiliation from yesterday's ceremony flashed across his mind — the whispers, the mocking eyes, Callista's beauty shining brighter than anything he could ever match.
Eliana noticed his reaction and stepped closer, her voice gentle. "Do you… like her?"
Jackson froze, his mind went blank and his heart began to race. Only she ever cared enough to ask him that question as if his feelings were really that important.
"I…" His lips moved, the words trembling out. "Well… I… I like her."
Eliana laughed. "You're blushing right. I think you're in love brother."
He quickly looked away due to embarrassment. Even though his face was blushing, he made himself talk again. "Yes, indeed. She is gorgeous, in my opinion."
Curiosity appeared in Eliana's eyes. "You fell in love at first sight with her?"
Jackson's heartbeat arises in his chest and his entire body is tense. His eyes could not meet hers so, he turned his face and looking at the ground. "Yes." He hardly raised his voice above a whisper.
However, a faint hope began to arise inside of him. He inhaled deeply, gave her a shy look and forced a tiny smile.
He whispered, "I think we'll make a good couple if... if everything goes well." Additionally, perhaps. His smile softened and became more naive. "We might even become a family."
Surprised by his sincerity, Eliana blinked. She just stared at him for a moment, this frail, weak boy with yellow eyes who had been laughed at and ignored all his life, yet who still spoke with such a shy dream. She felt something ache in her chest.
Before she could respond, a sharp chime rang in Jackson's head.
[System Notification]
Do you want to see this individual's lifespan and details?
Jackson stiffened. His throat went dry. The System… was offering him information about Eliana.
His heart thudded heavily. Should I? She's my sister… the only one who treats me kindly.
But his hand twitched involuntarily. "…Yes," he whispered silently in his heart.
A glowing panel opened before his eyes, visible only to him:
[Name -: Eliana Ravine.
Age -: 15
Lifespan -: Roughly 100 years
Class -: Mage.
Mana Level -: 2nd Circle Mage.]
Jackson's breath caught. His eyes opened wide but his sister didn't notice — she was still waiting for his reply with a soft smile.
Yet Jackson's attention wasn't on her words anymore. His entire focus was locked on the glowing screen before him, and the staggering truth it revealed.