The Rise of the Legendary Puppet Mage!

Chapter 6

The first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the window, casting a soft, golden glow over Xavier’s room. The pale light danced on the wooden floorboards and illuminated the simple furnishings—a modest bed, a small table, and a worn armchair. Xavier lay in bed, his body still weak but gradually recovering from the last night's trauma that he had endured. Evelyn’s healing magic had worked wonders, and her presence at the time of need brought a comforting aura to his soul. The serene silence of the early morning was broken by a soft knock on the door.

“Please enter, the door is open,” Xavier called out, his voice slightly hoarse but filled with a hint of warmth.

Evelyn stepped inside, carrying a tray with breakfast. Her eyes were a blend of concern and relief, as though she were carrying not just food but the weight of Xavier’s well-being. Behind her, Uncle Black followed, his rough, weathered face softened by a rare expression of worry.

“Good morning, Xavier,” Evelyn greeted him gently, her voice too soothing to heal anyone's soul. She set the tray down beside him, and the aroma of fresh bread and herbal tea filled the room, a comforting contrast to the unwanted smell of healing potions.

“How are you feeling, lad?” Uncle Black asked, his gruff voice betraying an unusual tenderness. He pulled the only chair closer to the bed, the old wood creaking under his weight.

Xavier managed a weak smile, the kind that tried to convey more than his current physical state. “Better, thanks to Evelyn. And you, Uncle Black, for always looking out for me.”

Uncle Black took out his wand and checked on Xavier, his movements were precise but gentle. “I see. Eve has done a great job. You're all good, lad.” He nodded with a touch of admiration, his gaze lingering on Xavier with a mixture of fatherly pride and concern.

Evelyn sat beside Xavier, her hand lightly brushing his, a silent gesture of support. “You gave us quite a scare,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “When I saw you collapse, I thought… I thought we might lose you.”

Xavier’s eyes softened, reflecting the depth of his gratitude and regret. “I’m sorry for worrying you. I didn’t mean to push myself so hard. But thanks to you, I’m here now.”

Evelyn’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, a mixture of relief and sorrow. “You mean a lot to us, Xavi. And to me too. Please, take better care of yourself.”

Xavier reached out, his hand squeezing hers gently, a promise of better days to come. “I promise, Eve. I’ll be more careful.”

Uncle Black cleared his throat, trying to lighten the mood with a touch of humor. “Eat before the food turns cold, Xavier. I wouldn’t want my niece to be sad.”

As Xavier started eating, he noticed the thoughtful details in the meal—a generous portion of fresh bread, a steaming bowl of herbal tea, and a portion of dragonfruit jelly that Evelyn had clearly prepared with care. “You made all this, Evelyn? It smells amazing.”

Evelyn blushed slightly, a shy smile playing on her lips. “I wanted to make sure you had something nutritious. It’s the least I could do.”

Uncle Black chuckled, the sound a rare but welcome warmth. “You know, Xavier, Evelyn’s cooking is almost as good as her healing. You’re in for a treat.”

The room filled with warmth as they continued to chat, the earlier tension dissipating into comfortable laughter and conversation. It was a cure that his wounded soul longed for a long time after his mother’s death.

“Evelyn, remember that time we tried to bake a cake, and it ended up as a rock?” Xavier said, a grin tugging at his lips.

Evelyn laughed, the sound like a gentle bell ringing through the room. “Oh, how could I forget? We almost broke the table trying to cut it!”

Uncle Black joined in the laughter, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Sounds like quite the adventure. Just like you, Xavier. Always turning everything into an adventure.”

The little rundown cottage was lively with laughter and conversation, bringing a strange comfort to Xavier’s soul. Surrounded by people who cared deeply for him, he felt a renewed strength and determination to recover. However, the warmth was abruptly interrupted by a loud, impatient knock on the door.

Uncle Black frowned, his expression darkening as he stood up. “Now who could that be at this hour?”

He opened the door to reveal a group of people, led by a striking young woman in a red dress with a haughty expression. It was Bella, Xavier’s fiancée, accompanied by her guards. Behind her stood Valen, his smug grin unmistakable.

“Bella,” Xavier said, his voice full of surprise and confusion. “What brings you here?”

Bella strode in without invitation, her demeanor cold and dismissive. Her eyes swept over the room with an air of disdain. “I came to see if the rumors were true,” she said with an icy edge. “That you’ve got an unknown element and such a tiny mana crystal.” She pointed at the glowing blackish-blue mana stone embedded in Xavier’s chest, her gaze lingering with mockery.

She circled Xavier, her movements deliberate as she examined the freshly bound wound. With a dismissive poke, she sneered. “Too weak to be a proper mage…”

Xavier’s face fell as he tried to explain, his voice strained. “I’m recovering, thanks to Evelyn’s help.”

Bella’s lip curled in a sneer. “Help? More like charity. I can’t believe I was engaged to someone so… useless. This isn’t the future I wanted.”

Evelyn’s eyes widened, her concern converted into fierce defensiveness. “Bella, that’s not fair. He’s been through a lot—”

“Stay out of this,” Bella snapped, her gaze icy and unyielding. “This is between Xavier and me.”

Xavier’s fists clenched at his sides, his struggle to maintain composure evident. “What are you trying to say, Bella? I am sure you aren’t here to ridicule me and my friend.”

“Dang. You are right, but I have no prize except the truth. Do you want your prize?” Bella’s sarcastic voice ranged within the room.

Xavier didn’t show any emotions; he just looked at the lady who was engaged to him even before their birth. “Please, I am listening,” Xavier replied slowly.

“I’m saying I want an annulment,” Bella declared, her voice as cold as ice and resolute. “I can’t be tied to an invalid. I deserve better.”

Before Xavier could respond, Valen stepped forward, his arm wrapping around Bella’s waist possessively. His eyes gleamed with malice as he added, “You heard her, Raymond. She’s moving on to someone more worthy.”

Xavier’s eyes blazed with anger, his voice trembling with restrained fury. “Valen, you have no right to interfere.”

Valen smirked, his eyes glittering with cruel satisfaction. “Oh, but I do. Bella has chosen me. You’re not fit to marry her.”

Xavier’s voice was laced with desperation. “Bella, please. Our mothers arranged this engagement. Let’s honor their wishes. Don’t do this.”

Bella’s expression hardened, her resolve unyielding. “It’s over, Xavier. It was all in the past. I deserve better.” She moved closer to Valen, her hand entwining with his.

Evelyn’s heart ached, seeing Xavier’s distress. She tried to offer comfort to her childhood friend. “Xavier, don’t let them get to you. They just don’t know your worth.”

Bella rolled her eyes, her disdain unmasked. “Oh, look at this little healer, playing the role of the devoted friend. Pathetic, just like her dearest friend.” Her gaze flicked to the glowing mark on Evelyn’s face with undisguised disgust. “TSK, TSK. Cursed lady and useless guy, what a match!”

Valen turned his attention to Evelyn, his eyes flickering with a lecherous glint. “You know, Evelyn, if you ever get tired of playing nurse, you can always come to our guild. I’m sure I could find a use for your… talents.”

He reached out, trying to touch Evelyn. “Your body… worth a lot more than you can imagine.”

Evelyn’s face flushed with anger and humiliation. She slapped Valen’s hand away, her voice quivering with fury. “You’re disgusting, Valen. Just look at your face in the mirror. You’ll know eventually.”

Valen’s face turned crimson with embarrassment, his earlier confidence replaced by a burning rage. “Aha, that’s why you shouldn’t give someone more attention than they deserve.”

Xavier’s anger boiled over, his face wore a mask of determination and outrage. “Valen, don’t insult Evelyn. She has more courage than you ever will.”

Xavier tried to move towards Valen, but Valen’s bodyguard, a 3-star mage, swiftly bound him with a magi-rope before he could reach his opponent. The mage’s movements were precise and practiced, the rope glowing with an ominous grey light.

Valen’s smug grin faltered, replaced by a cold, calculating gaze. “Watch your mouth, Xavier. You’re in no position to make threats.”

Evelyn’s eyes darted around, trying to find a solution. She murmured, “We need to resolve this peacefully. There must be a way to make everyone understand.”

However, she found no immediate way to stop this injustice. She was stopped by another guard mage when she tried to reach Xavier to unbind him. Uncle Black protected Evelyn by creating a shield between her and the other guards.

But Valen was amused at their struggle, his cruelty surfacing. “Peacefully? Oh, Evelyn, you’re so naive. Some things can’t be resolved with just words. Sometimes, power speaks louder.”

Evelyn’s eyes blazed with defiance, her healing magic crackling around her like a shield. “Power doesn’t make you right, Valen. It just makes you a bully.”

Valen chuckled darkly, his fingers tightening around Bella’s waist. “Call me whatever you want, but remember, Evelyn, in this world, strength is everything. And Xavier here is too weak.”

Xavier’s heart ached not just from the physical pain, but from the betrayal and humiliation he felt. His thoughts swirled with anger and determination as he struggled against the binding rope. “This isn’t over, Valen. You’ll see. I will get stronger. I will protect those I care about.”

Valen smirked, his eyes filled with cruel amusement. “Oh, I look forward to it, Raymond. Let’s see if you can survive long enough to prove it.”