Chapter 364: Misha's Determination
Several months ago, Old John's remains were burned to ashes by soldiers.
At that moment, the hatred and anger in Misha's heart surged like a flood, breaking the last vestiges of peace within her.
It felt as though a raging fire ignited inside her, wrapping around her body and leaving her curled up in a corner, unable to move.
In that very moment, she discovered she had the ability to create and control flames, as if this talent had always been within her, waiting for Old John's death to awaken it.
"Snap."
Misha opened her palm, and a flickering flame burned in her hand.
The flame was hot and bright, as if it was the embodiment of her inner self.
"If I unleash this power, maybe it will catch Lord Langpu's attention."
"Perhaps it could even earn me the recognition of His Majesty... and then, I could personally avenge Old John."
Her brown eyes reflected the firelight, though it was unclear if it was the flame's glow or the reaction of her shifting emotions.
Misha slowly raised her hand.
"Boom!"
With a crackling sound, a dragon-shaped flame shot from her palm, soaring into the sky.
The fire exploded in midair, scattering sparks in all directions.
"What's that?"
"A spell!"
"It's so hot! Get away from here!"
The air shimmered with heat, and the crowd around her descended into chaos, frantically fleeing.
"An enemy attack!"
"Protect Lord Langpu!"
"Damn it! Who dares disrupt the army?"
Armed guards pushed through the panicked crowd, searching for the source of the spell, only to find an eight- or nine-year-old girl.
"You don't need to look anymore. It was me."
Misha stood her ground and faced the guards openly, spreading her hands to reveal the flames dancing in her palms.
"It's that girl!"
"It's her!"
"She cast that spell! Seize her!"
The captain of the guards raised his spear and shouted, determined not to fail his duty in front of Chief Minister Langpu.
The guards surrounded Misha, closing in cautiously, ready to apprehend the mysterious spellcaster.
Suddenly, Langpu's voice rang out.
"Stop."
"Don't be so tense. How could mere flames harm me?"
"Y-Yes, my lord."
The guard captain lowered his head nervously, stepping back.
Langpu descended slowly from the air, his staff tapping the ground lightly as he gazed down at the girl surrounded by his soldiers.
He observed her carefully.
She appeared to be about eight or nine years old, small and frail, with smooth skin marred by a bit of dirt, but showing no signs of draconic transformation.
Though trembling from nervousness, her eyes remained steadfast and defiant as she stared back at him, unbroken by the intimidating situation.
Based on his calculations, the spell she had cast was at a third-circle level—suggesting she might have been born with the innate talent of a fifth-level sorcerer!
Langpu's eyes narrowed slightly, a glimmer of interest lighting up his face.
"A natural sorcerer, hmm?"
"To possess this level of spellcasting without a blessing... how rare."
"She could become a powerful asset to the Kingdom."
With this thought, Langpu stepped closer, wearing what he believed to be a particularly kind smile. He spoke gently, "Child, don't be afraid. I am Langpu, the Chief Minister of the Kingdom."
"Do you have something to say?"
But as Misha looked up at Langpu, the massive ogre's towering frame cast a shadow over her. His grotesque smile, long curved tusks, and the faint scent of blood were overwhelming.
Yet, fueled by sheer determination, she refused to back down, even as her body shook uncontrollably.
Finally, Misha timidly spoke, "L-Lord Langpu."
"I... I..."
She hesitated briefly before gritting her teeth and making her decision: "I want to see His Majesty!"
"Oh?"
"Lord Langpu, I want to see His Majesty."
Misha repeated her request, her voice soft but firm.
Langpu shook his head slowly and tapped the ground with his staff, partially turning away. "There are countless people who wish to meet His Majesty. Some seek wealth, others power, or strength. Some... merely wish to behold his majestic presence."
He turned back toward her, lowering his voice.
"And you—what is your reason?"
"I... I..."
Misha faltered briefly, but her tone grew resolute as she replied, "I want to avenge my grandfather. He died in the Magur Incident."
Langpu responded indifferently, "Your wish has already been fulfilled. Two months ago, Marshal Dolo led the Kingdom's army to annihilate the Northern coalition. The Kingdom has avenged him for you."
Misha shook her head vigorously, gritting her teeth as she declared:
"No, it's not over yet. That wretched Leo Bosque orchestrated the incident. He used demonic power to escape and hasn't been brought to justice."
"I want to kill him myself."
Tears welled in Misha's eyes, and a spark of fire flashed within her pupils.
"Interesting."
Langpu's expression shifted into a faint smile as he casually gestured to his guards.
"Stand down. She's just a brave child. There's no need to treat her with such caution."
"Yes, my lord."
"Understood."
The guards respectfully withdrew.
Langpu crouched down slowly, his massive form like a mountain of flesh. Even in a crouched position, he loomed far taller than the girl.
Peering into her brown eyes, he asked softly, "Child, tell me your name."
"Misha. My name is Misha."
"My grandfather John gave me this name."
Misha mustered all her courage, raising her head to meet the ogre's gaze. Her voice no longer trembled.
Langpu straightened up, smiling as he said:
"Very well, Misha."
"Come. I will take you to the palace. I believe His Majesty would be quite interested to meet you."
With a wave of his staff, the ogre archmage lifted both himself and Misha into the air, suspending them above the crowd.
"Ah!"
Misha let out a surprised yelp but quickly suppressed her excitement, occasionally glancing curiously at the ground below.
It all felt like a dream.
The satyrs resumed their triumphant drumming, playing a rousing military march. The guards re-formed their ranks, once again surrounding Langpu as they advanced.
The victory ceremony continued, and the crowd buzzed with envy, wishing they could trade places with the girl standing beside the ogre.
"Who is she? How does she deserve to stand by Lord Langpu?"
"What a lucky little thing."
"So enviable."
"Indeed. To gain the favor of the Chief Minister, another big figure is bound to rise."