Lux and Crystal went to the park on the way out from their academy. For a moment, Crystal's pink short hair fluttering in the wind reminded Lux like he had met her before.
They arrived at the park and both of them sat down by the bench. The sun was setting down and nobody seemed to be there at the park at that time. The cool breeze and the beautiful sunset really calmed Lux's mind and filled his whole being with energy.
"So, what did you want to talk about ?"
"Umm, Firstly with the introductions. I'm Crystal Adley. Currently a level 12 beginner mage."
"Ahh, Yes. I'm Lux. Well it seems like there is nobody in our whole class right now he doesn't know about me. So, well I'm quite famous right ?"
"Ah, Yes. Lux umm, I am currently facing a certain problem right now. I don't know whom I should really tell these things to but you seem quite knowledgeable so, I really think that you will be able to help me."
Lux listened to Crystal's explanation carefully. He had a lot of free time right now, so he decided to find out what kind of problem Crystal was facing and help her if he could.
"Well I might not be able to help you. But, anyways you can tell me about your problem. I will try to help to the utmost of my abilities."
After hearing Lux say that, a certain type of fire lit up in Crystal's eyes. It was more like a flame of motivation.
"So, I'm currently stuck at level 12. Nothing I do really helps me to break through to level 13. And also, my mana has been very restless recently. And also, when I try to cultivate, my soul realm rejects me from entering."
"Hmm. What is your major affinity ?"
"Umm, its death."
"Interesting. Has there been any more kinds of other issues that have been bothering you ? Like losing consciousness all of a sudden, outburst of mana. Anything like that ?"
"Well, there has been another issue that has been recently bothering me. But, I don't really know if that is related to this."
The looks in Crystal's recently fired up eyes cools down again like water being poured in the burning fire. She hesitates for a while thinking about what she should do.
"Well if it's something you don't want to talk about then it's all right."
When Lux tells her that, she brings up the courage once again and decides to tell Lux about her problems.
"No, it's not that I don't want to talk about them. It's just that the issue is a little bit embarrassing. Anyways I will tell you about the issue. Some black marks have been appearing in various parts of my body right now. And I thought that it was nothing major to worry about but, the parts which have those black marks feels like burning in hot flames. I also feel like they are spreading rapidly."
After Lux hears Crystal's last issue, he realizes the reason for Crystal's hairstyle, and fashion. He had only thought that Crystal had a bad taste in fashion but, he could clearly see now that she was wearing all those extra clothing and making her hairstyle in such a way as to hide those black marks.
According to Lux's knowledge, this type of incident is usually caused by people having death affinity when they make a mistake while casting a difficult spell. In Crystal's case it seemed to be a spell known as "Negative Mana".
It is a type of spell which, when cast, makes the person absorb the negative mana present in nature. When the negative mana collides with the mana of a person in their body, the mana becomes restless and starts fighting with the negative mana coming from nature.
The black marks are the side effects of the negative mana being infused in the outer parts of the body. When it reaches a certain stage, this mana inside a person's body starts removing the negative mana infused in the outer body and thus it starts burning.
From there, it's just a matter of which mana wins. If the mana in the person's body becomes able to fight with the negative mana then, the black spots are removed and also the person's mana capacity will increase drastically almost making them 3-4 times stronger than before. While, If the negative mana wins then, it will take over the body of a person and they will die eventually.
In the case of Crystal, the negative mana seemed to be winning so, until they have some kind of treatment, Crystal's chances of survival are very low.
"So, you used Negative Mana ?"
"Huh?!?! How do you know about that ??"
"That symptoms that you told me about matches with the effects of the spell Negative Mana. It is a very complex spell that requires a lot of concentration before it can be cast. You tried doing it too early and now are facing the consequences."
"HUH?? So what should I do now ? AM I going to die??"
"Firstly, Let me ask why did you use such a spell ? Did you not know about its effects and consequences ? And whom were you trying to curse really ?"
Crystal gives off an aura of sadness more like desperation and starts with her explanation.
"Umm, Well I knew about the difficulty of the spell from the start. You see, my family once used to be one of the 8 noble families of Wyvern. Right now, it is in the state of downfall and I being a descendent from the main family have very high expectations from my parents. I have to fulfill them. Wait no, I must fulfill them. I am their only hope and the only person they can expect after all.
So, I used this spell on myself knowing about the consequences. But, I didn't know that failing to fight against the negative mana would cause one's death. So, I didn't know what to do and came to you for help so that I could get some tips. But, you really exceeded my expectations. This spell is certainly not known by those of beginner ranks and you also know about its consequences and effects more than me. I am really surprised."
"Well this is no time to get surprised. So, does your family really know about this matter ?"
"Ehh!? No, I haven't told them about it yet. I don't want them to worry about me. That is basically why I came to ask for your help. So, do you know any way to help me ?"
"Well, You could say I know about it. But, what would I gain by helping you ??"
The looks in Lux's eyes changed like a glare to Crystal. Crystal thought about it for some time and came to a conclusion. 'Lux is from a mid-class family, so he shouldn't have any kind of device for cultivation.'
"Hmm, How about I provide you with top tier cultivation devices. I know that you really need it. You seem to possess great knowledge too. But, without the help of cultivation devices, you would always be all bark and no bite. So, how about my deal ?"
Crystal gives out a little devilish smile thinking that she figured Lux out completely. 'You must think that you are a genius with that knowledge. But, I have seen all kinds of men and have already figured out what type you are. After all you must need cultivation devices for gaining levels right, Haha'
"Well for right now I have a cultivation device that will easily help me to breakthrough up to the intermediate rank so no thanks for that offer."
Hearing Lux's reply, Crystal becomes shocked.
'My prediction got wrong. No, he shouldn't have cultivation devices. After all they are really expensive and can only be bought by noble and rich families. He also said that is enough to help him reach intermediate level huh? He must be lying to get more bargains.'
"Ok then what do you really want ? State your price."
"Well I'm not in need of anything major, how about you join my group then. I will help with your treatment and also help you train if you join my group. You seem to have great potential and I plan to reach legend rank or even break through to god rank with that group."
When Lux told about reaching Legendary or God rank with his group, Crystal couldn't help but laugh.
"HAhaha!!!! Are you serious about this??"
Lux couldn't understand why she was laughing.
'Oh well people take their whole lifetime to reach even the master rank. So, it must have come as a surprise to her. Well can't blame her.'
"Yes, I'm serious right now.", Lux answers Crystal with a serious expression.
Still laughing, Crystal asks Lux , "And when do you train with your group then ?"
"Well we have our secret training spot and we surely train at nighttime. Wanna check out today after I treat you?"
Crystal felt a little suspicious hearing Lux train at night and at a secret spot. She wanted to get the treatment and also wanted to check out this secret spot that Lux was talking about.
"Well then treat me and show me this training of yours."
"Ok, so that means that you are joining the group right ?"
"Well you could say in a way. If its not worth my time then I will leave the group right away don't forget that."
"Ok then its decided. A new member in the group. Treating your wounds can also be done at that place so, come meet me at this park at around 9:30 at night. Also come with light clothing."
"What?!?!? Don't you dare do something strange. What are you even thinking about?!??!"
"Ahhhh!! It is easier to look at the black spots that way. Also I can't lie but I also wanna see your beautiful getup someway. Hehe"
Crystal blushes when she hears Lux tease her like that.
"Idiot!!!! Ok then if you are going to treat me then I will arrive at exactly at the appointed time. Don't you dare make me wait then."
"Yep the same goes to you too. Then see you later."
Lux goes towards his home after making his farewell with Crystal. Crystal also goes towards her home.
"Hmmm, what a strange man. He even dares and embarrasses me like that. Just you wait Lux I will surely pay you back for embarrassing me. Haaaaa"
Crystal walks home while blushing thinking about Lux teasing her and getting mad at the same time.