Chapter 385 - Death

"Are we going already, Master?" Aleshia asked.

"Yes. Let's go before it gets dark," Lawrend replied.

They left Kenova in the inn and headed outside. They rode another long carriage and headed to the south gate of the city.

Half an hour later, they arrived at the Turtlelake Forest. Lawrend blew his flute, and Clova appeared from the skies.

"Human, where are we going next?" Clova asked.

"For now, let's go to the Turtle Lake," Lawrend replied.

This lake was located at the very center of the Turtlelake Forest. It was also the reason why the forest was named so.

The lake was shaped like a Turtle on the map, so the name stuck after that.

"Hm? What are you going to do there?" Clova asked.

She assumed that they would head to another city next.

"I have to do something first," Lawrend replied.

Since this lake was deep in the forest, there would almost be no people in it. It was the perfect place for him to drain his mana without worrying about making a commotion.

"Okay." Clova nodded her head.

She carried them on her back and flew south for a few seconds before she landed on the shore of the lake.

"The water is very clear and nice," Lawrend said as he looked at his clear reflection on the lake.

They stood beside the lakeshore and admired the scenery around them.

"It's almost dark. Let's set up camp first," Lawrend said.

As you know, he was very knowledgeable about survival skills. He propped up several makeshift tents using large leaves and long branches.

Once that was done, the sky had already darkened. The crickets around them started making noises, and bats started flying everywhere.

"Okay. Everyone, pay attention to me. If I show any weird signs, tell each other and plan a course of action," Lawrend said as he looked at all of his maids.

"Yes, Master," Aleshia replied.

Everyone immediately became worried when they heard that he was about to start.

They circled around him as he sat on the ground cross-legged.

"Elena, you know what to do, right?" Lawrend turned to her.

"Yes, Master," Elena replied.

She had already done this before, so she was more prepared. Elena kneeled in front of Lawrend and pulled him to a kiss.

"!"

Lawrend was startled. He didn't expect her to kiss him.

Suddenly, he felt his lightning mana leave his body and flow to his lips before being swallowed by Elena.

Lawrend recovered his calm and closed his eyes. He helped her absorb his mana by controlling his lightning mana and pushing it out of his lips.

Elena happily absorbed his mana. It was delicious and nourishing for her. She wanted to use them, but she knew that she would have to return them to him later.

That's why she simply stored his Diving Lightning Mana inside his body.

Everyone watched with bated breath as Lawrend's strength slowly declined. He became a True Mage again after a dozen minutes.

After several more minutes, he became a Beginner Mage.

Then a few seconds after that, Lawrend became a normal person without any mana strength.

Suddenly, Lawrend felt a sharp pain course through his whole body. The last bits of mana that were required by his body to operate started leaving his body.

Sharp, needle-like pain started appearing all over his body. It was like he was getting crappy acupuncture.

Lawrend's face distorted in pain, and he endured the urge to scream. Slowly, Lawrend lost the sense of time.

The pain was the only thing in his mind.

Slowly but surely, Lawrend felt his body grow light. His soul was starting to leave his body.

Lawrend recognized this phenomenon. He had already encountered this before. He focused his mind and opened his mouth.

"O' Ifrit, give my hand… warmth… in this… winter…"

Lawrend struggled to chant as he used all of the energy he could muster. His maids frowned and became worried about him.

They grabbed each other's hands and supported each other mentally.

"This is a mistake. This is a mistake. Why did I agree??" Aleshia repeated as she continued to watch.

It was horrifying for her. She could feel Lawrend's life flickering. One strong blow and he would die.

"Glowing… Fire… Hand!" Lawrend shouted with the last bit of energy he had.

Alas, his soul floated out of his body at that moment. There was no mana inside his body for his soul to attach to.

'Shit. Did I mess up?' Lawrend thought to himself.

He could feel his reason starting to fade and disappear into nothing. He looked at his maids one last time and sighed.

'At least, I have descendants…'

Lawrend gave up. It wasn't because he didn't want to resist, but he was totally powerless.

His mind never even thought about fighting back as he felt the vastness of the universe around him. He was like a tiny leaf riding a turbulent ocean current.

"Stupid."

To his surprise, Lawrend heard a familiar voice. He turned his head and saw Ramiela staring at him despondently.

"Are you really giving up like that? After making me weird… You can't die yet!" Ramiela shouted.

As a full-fledged angel, she was capable of seeing and communicating with the souls of the deceased.

'Ramiela…'

Lawrend felt sad seeing her expression. He heard her words, but his soul was too feeble to do what she said.

At least, that's what is going through his mind. He didn't know that this was an effect of losing every mana you have.

The world around him was full of mana. Every creature, every air they breathe, every object, and everything that the eye could see contained mana

Because of his lack of mana, his soul was intimidated by the world around him. Giving rise to an ingrained sense of inferiority.

"Lawrend Horiel! Are you a pussy?!" Ramiela insulted.

Lawrend's maids already noticed Ramiela's weird actions.

"Ramiela! Why are you insulting our Master!" Aezel shouted angrily.

"I-If you live, I will show you what I look like in that maid uniform!" Ramiela shouted and ignored Aezel.