Sorcerer’s Handbook

“Happiness Ranking, 9th place: The Happiest Child”

Upon seeing this ranking, the people at the Funeral heaved a sigh of relief—there’s no way they could possibly make another appearance this time, right?

Although there was the possibility of them appearing as the ‘parental generation,’ considering the futures of Ashe and his two friends, it seemed unlikely. One was destined to be a career con artist, another was a wanderer with no interest in the living, and the third had just clawed his way out of hell. Where would any of them find time to have children? Would Ashe have children with a Bewitcher in hell?

“Synopsis: Leia Bukin is the daughter of Anfel Belldate and Igor Bukin. From birth, she was destined to be the heir to the Belldate name, master of Mephila, and the sole inheritor of the Dominance Sect. Moreover, after Archibald brought peace to all the clanspeople of Belldate, Leia completely broke free from the bloodline curse. She grew up showered with affection from her parents, and whenever she went out, followers of the Four Pillars Cult protected her from the shadows. Her life was carefree and…”

Just like the last ranking list, the synopsis text suddenly started to distort, and soon the entire page was blackened, with blood-red ink forming a name everyone was sick of seeing: “Ashe Heath.”

At this point, no one cared about the mutation in the Gospel Ranking. Their eyes were fixed on the con artist with peculiar expressions.

Igor’s face didn’t show any surprise, only a thoughtful look.

At that moment, the left half of his body suddenly ignited with grey flames. Though they didn’t scorch his clothes or skin, the flames quickly spread, attempting to engulf his entire body!

“What’s happening?” This sudden attack put everyone on high alert. Banjeet and Annan immediately started to scout the surroundings, but the con artist, whose face was being burned on one side, remained calm: “No need to panic, Ashe, give me a hand.”

As Igor extended his hand, almost entirely turned into a torch of grey flames, Ashe didn’t hesitate and grabbed it. The grey flames whooshed along Ashe’s arm, eliciting gasps from the others, but Ashe only felt a slight chill. Then the flames returned to Igor, but this time they quickly extinguished, as if nothing had happened at all.

“Yvaren just activated a domination Miracle, trying to distort my perception while I was in shock, making me go back to be Belldate’s son-in-law,” Igor explained. “I have to admit, this miracle is quite creative. The abstract act of ‘distorting perception’ actually manifests as flames, speeding up the process through the phenomenon of burning… Great, I’ve learned it.”

“So, was having me help you a necessary step to resolve it?” Ashe asked. “Do I have some mind-control nullification effect?”

“No, I just wanted to scare you a bit,” Igor replied.

“Wait, if Yvaren is trying to send Aunt Bukin back now, and the ranking list mentioned Aunt Bukin’s daughter…” Lise said, “Does that mean Anfel already has little Leia!?”

“Igor, you scoundrel! You played and ran!” Ashe gasped. “How could you have done it in just a few days… You must have used hypnosis! Teach me!”

“Who was the one who lured me into the car in the first place!?” Igor’s lips twitched. “And I think I understand what’s going on with this ranking list… The young lady should have figured it out too. If you all still end up as clueless artiodactyla after we finish watching the ranking list, I’ll explain it to you.”

“Yeah,” Annan nodded in agreement, “This Gospel Ranking will be unexpected for everyone.”

Since the two smartest people in the group had spoken, everyone continued to watch the ranking.

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The screen had switched to video footage, showing little Leia’s happy life from birth. She was lovingly cared for by her mother, allowed to grow freely in the Belldate manor. Occasionally, her father would take her out to witness magnificent landscapes and experience the hardships of the world, which nurtured her kind heart and compassion for the weak. Born into wealth, she naturally developed a disciplined character, possessed an insightful understanding of human nature, and excelled in empathy. Aside from a bit of stubbornness and mischief, Leia almost perfectly embodied the best qualities of both her parents.

It’s enough to make anyone envy-Igor, do you and your friends have any plans for more children? Can I make a reservation to be born into this family?

“Eight-year-old Leia was playing in the garden when the scene suddenly flickered, and Ashe appeared behind her out of nowhere.”

“‘Leia, nice to meet you,’ Ashe said, ‘I’m Ashe Heath…’”

“‘I know, Uncle Ashe!’ Leia looked up and said, ‘Aunt Yvaren and Mom talk about you all the time! Are you here to see Dad?’”

“‘No, Leia, I’m here to see you,’ Ashe squatted down in front of Leia, ‘I’m here to take you away.’”

“Leia tilted her head and extended her hands towards Ashe, ‘Okay, where are we going to play?’”

“‘You make it look so normal; you’re making me feel unimportant,’ Ashe laughed.”

“‘Because Uncle Harvey and Aunt Annan often take me out to play like this,’ Leia said, wrinkling her nose and pouting. ‘Aunt Annan takes me to fun places all around Gospel, and Uncle Harvey likes to show me his latest necromancy inventions…’”

“‘How do you like it?’ Ashe asked with a smile, ‘I’ve heard that Igor often takes you out too. Which one do you think is the most fun?’”

“‘They’re all really fun!’ Leia said cheerfully. ‘Dad also takes me out sometimes, but he does it more to teach me how to control situations with people—ordinary folks, the wealthy, humans, elves, men, women, the strong, the weak… He doesn’t want me to exploit others, but Bukin’s daughter needs to know the world’s operating rules. And even though my last name isn’t Belldate, I still have to grasp the principle of “Increase what they desire, gift what they need.”‘”

“‘And Aunt Annan has friends everywhere. When I follow her, I get to meet many interesting people and see lots of beautiful places. Uncle Harvey, although he only takes me to different graveyards, always shows me new things each time. It seems like he’s constantly making progress in necromancy. Just recently, he managed to create his first Blood Corpse King… All my uncles and aunts are awesome.’”

“‘Really? But I think you’re more amazing than all of them,’ Ashe said. ‘Harvey’s Necromancy Sect is indeed impressive, but even we can’t appreciate the allure of death like he does. Igor’s mental domination has reached perfection, but we all find it hard to accept his cold and indifferent attitude. And as for Annan, don’t even get me started; I don’t like traveling and can’t understand the joy of wandering around.’”

“‘Only you possess eyes that can appreciate all the beauty,’ Ashe smiled. ‘It must be the blessings of the Belldate ancestors that brought forth such a perfect child like you. The truly fortunate ones should be Igor and Anfel.’”

“‘Then why don’t you and Aunt Annan have a baby too?’ Leia said playfully.”

“‘That’s why I can’t let Gospel spoil you,’ Ashe’s smile faded, ‘I’m here to take you away.’”

“‘Where to? To Uncle Ashe’s hometown?’”

“‘There’s no need to go anywhere. When I say take you away, I don’t mean physically,’ Ashe explained. ‘Leia, do you know you’re recognized as the Happiest Child in Gospel?’”

“‘I know,’ Leia nodded. ‘I also know that I genuinely am the happiest child…’”

“‘No, you’re not truly happy. Your current happiness is merely a shackle added by Gospel,’ Ashe said. ‘Have you ever wondered why you’re so perfect? You’re confident but not arrogant, intelligent yet humble, high-born yet compassionate towards the weak… As a child, almost no one has ever been disappointed in you.’”

“‘Isn’t that a good thing!’”

“‘Of course it is, but if we place you in a more competitive environment, like the homeland of Igor and me, what do you think would happen?’ Ashe spread his hands. ‘You would still not disappoint anyone; you’d quickly become an admirable and successful figure envied by many.’”

“‘Gospel claims that your happiness comes from your family, your environment, and luck. But in truth, your happiness comes from within. You learn whatever you’re taught—humility, compassion, appreciation, reflection… But what if they taught you different things?’”

“Leia stared blankly at Ashe, as if she couldn’t fully comprehend what he was saying.”

“‘Why does Gospel want you to be the Happiest Child?’ Ashe said. ‘Because it doesn’t dare weave a future where you’re unhappy. By simply tapping into your talents, you can grow to a level that threatens Gospel.’”

“‘Sanctuary is just the beginning for you. Even a legend would only be a brief stop, and being an angel isn’t even your final destination.’”

“‘You are the only one in fifty years whose innate talent alone is enough to threaten the Divine Sovereign.’”

“‘Leia, you are naturally born a force of chaos. Any disaster would serve as nourishment for you. For you, rebelling against fate and overturning paradise is as instinctual as eating and dressing.’”

“‘You became the Happiest Child because Gospel is doing everything it can to suppress you. Igor and Anfel might have noticed your talent, but the alternative path is too long and arduous. So they, too, follow Gospel’s plan, ensuring you live a happy and secure life—they love you.’”

“‘”Increase what they desire, gift what they need” isn’t just the motto of the Dominance Sect but also the operating principle of Gospel. Even the descendants of Belldate, even the greatest Con Artist in history, cannot escape this trap.’”

“‘…Why are you telling me this?’ Leia asked.”

“‘Because I’m going to take you away,’ Ashe stood up and said. ‘And now, I’ve already succeeded.’”

“When Ashe left the garden, Leia sat there in a daze. The scene suddenly turned deep and dark, with a bright path laid out before her. But Leia turned her head to look at another blood-red path in the shadows.”

“She ultimately stepped onto the dark, bloody path. She grew up quickly, sprouting silver wings, then golden wings, and finally rainbow wings… As she became more and more beautiful, the innocence faded from her face, replaced by a profound and daunting presence and resolute eyes.”

“Happiness Ranking, 9th place

: The Happiest Child”

“Synopsis: Leia Bukin, daughter of Anfel Belldate and Igor Bukin, her ranking is invalid due to the influence of Ashe Heath.”

“Reward: Voided.”

“Culprit: Ashe Heath.”

The sheer volume of information left everyone momentarily silent.

“Dad,” Lise looked at Ashe with a touch of annoyance, “you’ve never praised me like that…”

“But I need a reason to praise you,” Ashe replied. “Should I commend you for eating quickly and a lot?”

“But how could you shower a little girl you met just once with so many flattering comments? Are other people’s children really that amazing?!” Lise stomped her foot in frustration.

“Well, then…” Ashe cleared his throat. “Lise, you are naturally born a force of chaos. Any food will turn into nourishment for you. For you, eating and sleeping are as instinctive as breathing…”

“That’s so perfunctory!”

While fending off Lise’s disgruntled attacks, Ashe turned to the Con Artist and said seriously, “Igor, I promise, I would never do that to your daughter—”

“You don’t need to explain,” Igor interrupted. “Just like I won’t explain why the ranking list shows me marrying Anfel and having children. Let’s continue reading.”

“Leia, your daughter Leia, has the talent to become a Divine Sovereign!”

In the Belldate manor, a blue-haired girl was jumping for joy, hugging her sister tightly. “Did you see that? Your child will completely break free from the curse of our bloodline! Don’t worry, Anfel. I’ll make sure Igor comes back to you. Then you can have Leia, and we’ll raise her to become a legend, no, an angel!”

Anfel knew her sister’s happiness was genuine, but there was no doubt she also wanted to use Leia for her own ends.

Although Anfel had shared the ‘Kingdom Coin,’ which could protect one’s will, with her sister, trying to restore her to normalcy, Yvaren’s will was actually not the issue. She had just completely separated her emotions from her reason, so no amount of passion would sway her cold-blooded decisions.

“Yvaren,” Anfel said once her sister had calmed down, “I think you shouldn’t get your hopes up too high—”

“Don’t worry, once I bring Igor back, I have plenty of ways to make him breed: manual stimulation, electric stimulation, all sorts of miracles one after another!” Evaline proudly raised her head, “Even if it doesn’t work, it has to work!”

“I have no doubt about Mr. Igor’s abilities, but the biggest problem now is the future rankings.”

“Hmm?” Yvaren was taken aback, “What’s wrong with the rankings?”

At this moment, the Gospel Book updated. Anfel looked down, and her expression immediately turned very strange, “Take a look and you’ll see.”

Yvaren looked down.

“Happiness Ranking, 8th place: The Happiest Wife”

“Synopsis: Nalber Harvey, wife of Archibald Harvey, is the happiest wife…”