Sorcerer’s Handbook

“Adra, why did you have to drag me here? I’m in a hurry to get home and catch up on my shows. I still haven’t seen the finale of ‘Sorcerer 100%’ from last night—”

“Because the Eastern Army won by a slight margin, it ended with a solo female lead, and the pair lived happily ever after.”

“Adra, I haven’t watched it yet!”

“Well, now you don’t have to, unless you’re part of the Eastern Army like me.”

“I’m with the Northeast Alliance…”

Adra raised an eyebrow. ‘Sorcerer 100%’ featured four main female characters, with the Audience divided into East, South, West, and North, each corresponding to a different character archetype: the caring confidante, the childhood sweetheart, the love at first sight, and the energetic playmate. In the finale voting, the Eastern Army’s solo victory, the Western Army’s solo victory, and a free-for-all among all four were the top contenders, with the vote counts closely contested. Thus, no one could predict the winner until the last day, right before the finale was broadcast.

But the choice of the Northeast Alliance was utterly absurd, an option so niche it couldn’t get more obscure. Typically, female Audience members would choose a solo victory ending, right?

Only male Audience members would opt for a finale with multiple female leads, but even then, if they chose multiples, they’d usually want all of them, not just two…

Noticing Adra’s gaze, Freya became defiant: “Though I know there’s little hope, I can’t help it. I’m just that kind of romantic!”

“I only like these two; I’m not against the others, but I won’t force myself to like them too!”

During their casual conversation, the taxi came to a smooth stop at the curb. The Human driver in the front seat pulled the universal hand from the console, its slender steel-chain fingers extracting a freshly printed receipt from the fare machine. Adra immediately took it, scanning the receipt with a Chip to complete the payment.

“Have a wonderful evening.”

As they stepped out, Adra noticed Freya looking thoughtfully at the departing taxi. Curious, she asked, “What’s up? Don’t tell me you’re interested in that driver? If so, why didn’t you ask for his Curtain account—”

“It’s not that,” Freya shook her head, “I’m just curious why he would buy a car that requires a universal hand to operate, instead of one with a steering wheel… Could it be that the former is a bit cheaper?”

“You don’t understand because you never took classes in the Mechanical Faction.” Adra laughed. “Driving with a universal hand can be more responsive, and it’s easier to control the vehicle in case of emergencies. Now, basically all low-end cars have switched to universal control panels. Taxis, excavators, construction vehicles, and other Occupational vehicles have completely eliminated steering wheels. All operators must use the universal hand.”

“Steering wheels are now basically exclusive to luxury cars, but the rich don’t drive themselves; they hire drivers to handle the steering wheel…”

“So, does the driver need to have normal hands to reflect the luxury aspect?”

Adra looked at Freya with surprise. “To come up with such an insightful comment, you’ve entered the realm of upper-class thinking. I only learned these bits of knowledge while chatting at the casino… But cheer up, we’ve arrived at your favorite place!”

Freya turned around and saw a six-story building bathed in enchanting purple and red Lighting. The name of the establishment, “Mimosa,” was crafted in Illusions that flickered in and out of the night sky. The entrance was bustling with people coming and going, and taxis were constantly dropping off and picking up customers, indicating the popularity of the venue.

“… The highest-end leisure center in Kaimon City? Spending once here is enough to cover four times the expense elsewhere…”

“That’s right!” Adra said, hooking her arm with Freya’s as they entered. “Don’t worry about the money; I’ve won quite a bit recently. This treat is on me; you just need to enjoy yourself! Consider it a celebration for finally getting rid of that enchanting jerk!”

“Aren’t you the one who doesn’t like coming to places like this?”

“Once in a while is fine, especially if it’s to keep you company. I can’t stand to see you with that resentful look all the time.”

Freya touched her own cheek. “Is it that obvious?”

“Anyway, the best way to forget a man is not to delete him, but to replace him with more men! Come on, this place definitely won’t disappoint you!”

The first floor of the establishment featured a bathing hall with ten entrances, categorized by different genders and races to streamline the flow of guests. Upon entry, patrons would change clothes, receive an item in the form of a hand tag, and then they could bathe. For those interested, there were options like hot springs, saunas, scrubs, and massages. The second floor housed the Rest Hall, complete with a buffet, tabletop game rooms, card rooms, bamboo mat rooms, and even a casino. Thus, the first two floors were typically abuzz with noise and excitement, a place where even those without particular desires could relax and unwind.

After having their fill, Adra and Freya arrived at the elevator hall on the second floor. The attendant there to greet them was a beauty whose gender was indiscernible, dressed in a tight uniform which accentuated their curvaceous backside and flat chest, their skin was smooth, and their pupils were a surprising shade of pink with heart shapes. The attendant’s voice was distinctly androgynous, “May I ask which floor you would like to visit?”

“Which floor is the Mud Café?” Adra inquired.

“Is this your first time here? In Crystal Fate, there’s no distinction like Mud Café or Tea Cafe,” the attendant replied with a slight smile, more seductive than Freya could ever imagine, “The third floor is Crystal Fate, offering custom service rooms suitable for individual guests or small groups of three or fewer. Guests are welcome to take their time selecting their preferences and enjoy services in the absolute soundproof privacy of these rooms. If there are any special requests, including but not limited to costumes, items, or even bio-modification, Crystal Fate will strive to accommodate.”

“The fourth floor is the Encounter Hall, which naturally sets the stage for various common scenarios such as a Nursery, Classroom, City Hall, office, street, forest, library, elevator, Restroom, Treatment room, and so on. All staff members are dressed according to the respective scenes, each wearing a Bracelet on their left hand. Guests can either change into costumes to partake in role-playing or directly enjoy the services offered. The only downside is the lack of privacy and soundproofing, which requires guests to be a bit more open-minded.”

“The fifth floor caters to those with particular tastes, which are quite unique. Since it seems you’ve just finished eating, I won’t go into detail to avoid upsetting your digestion.” The attendant then presented a piece of paper, covering most of it and only revealing the first line, “The mildest service offered here is this one.”

Freya was relatively unfazed, as she often browsed through Curtains for entertainment and thus had a stronger psychological tolerance. Adra, on the other hand, turned pale and felt nauseous on the spot.

The attendant swiftly pocketed the paper and gently pressed on Adra’s nape, tenderly kissing her lips. Adra relaxed almost immediately, and as the attendant drew back their hand, they smiled, “Feeling better now?”

“Much.” Adra, touching her lips, seemed slightly dazed. “So sweet…”

With a smile, the attendant continued, “The sixth floor is the Rest area for staff, off-limits to guests. Which floor would you like to go to?”

Adra looked at Freya, who after a moment’s thought said, “The third floor.”

“Alright,” the attendant pressed the button for them and noticing Adra’s glances, winked, “My badge number is 115, I’m currently available for requests. I’m quite popular though, so if you want to request me, you should do it quickly~”

Even the usually stoic Adra, known for her calm demeanor in the casino, blushed. Reaching the third floor with Freya, they were promptly led to an available room by a staff member and handed a palm-sized Knowledge Screen for selecting services based on their preferences.

“Any particular Race you’re interested in?”

“Um…”

“Any preferences in attire? Prison garb? Hunter outfit?”

“Um…”

Adra, noting Freya’s lack of enthusiasm, asked curiously, “Why do you seem so disinterested? You’re not living up to the Bewitcher name.”

“But I just don’t have any desires…”

The attendant offered helpfully, “If you can’t decide on a Mud Worker that suits your fancy, how about we let some of the ready Mud Workers come by for you to take a look? Maybe you’ll find one that catches your eye. Do you have any general requirements?”

Adra nudged Freya with her elbow, “What does that dog of a man you’re with look like?”

After a moment’s thought, Freya described, “Human male, a head taller than me, probably in his twenties. As for looks… not as attractive as me, always lounging around but with a charming smile, handsome in profile…”

“Go with that description, some variation is okay,” Adra suggested.

“Very well, Mimosa will strive to accommodate your needs.”

Soon, ten young and handsome Puppies

1

 stood in line in the room. Some had rugged features with white hair, looking handsome in Hunter uniforms, almost like Gerard working a side job after his shift. Others had dazzling styles, with eyes sparkling like stars, reminiscent of celebrities who stepped right out of a Shadow Drama. There were also those with a mischievously charming smile, exuding a foxy allure, their every move embodying the essence of a ‘lover’.

Even Adra, whose threshold for excitement had been heightened by the gambling, felt her heart flutter. She tugged at Freya’s hand and said, “I think the second one from the left is quite nice, the third one too; the two in the middle look alike, they must be going for a twin style, and there’s also… Freya, which one do you like? Wait, aren’t you the Bewitcher, don’t you want them all?”

“I think… none of them are really to my taste.”

Adra was taken aback and waved her hand in resignation, “Bring in another group.”

“Any you like?”

She shook her head.

“Another group.”

“The third one on the right has to be better than that dog of a man you’re with, right? I’m even tempted!”

She shook her head again.

“Another group.”

Ten minutes later, Adra sighed, “Sister, my dear sister Freya, what do you really want?”

Freya thought for a moment, then looked up and said, “Adra, thank you for your concern, but I’m really not interested. How about…”

“How about what?”

“How about we just cash in instead?”

“Get lost.” Adra kicked her playfully, “I rarely treat you, and you’re making it so difficult.”

Freya laughed, “Since it’s rare that we come here, you should enjoy yourself, Adra. I think I’ll head home to catch up on my dramas.”

“Aren’t you with the Northeast Alliance?”

“Even if it’s not the ending I like, I still want to see it through to the end.”

After saying goodbye to Adra, Freya returned to the first floor to change clothes and left the glitzy palace. Standing on the bustling street, she looked up at the crimson Blood Moon reigning over the earth. Neon lights painted the city with a rich palette of colors. The city, as always, was fixated on Entertainment to the brink of death. The damaged buildings from the 422 Incident had been completely repaired and rebuilt. It seemed as though Fernand Snow’s Blood Moon Tribunal hadn’t brought any change to the city; the Blood Moon had returned to its tranquil state.

The posters plastered on the lampposts advertising for the Combat League seemed to narrate that the wheels of history had already begun to turn.

Freya had intended to take a taxi back to her apartment since it was a bit far, but after thinking it over, she felt some aversion to the idea and instead chose to rent a nearby bicycle. After unlocking it with her Chip, she cycled home.

Passing by the Merle Family convenience store, Freya went in to buy some snacks and liquor. At checkout, the cashier said, “Our Moon Sugar from the Snow White Brand is currently on a buy-three-get-one-free promotion. If you have our membership card, you can get a 50% discount. Would you be interested in buying some to take home?”

Freya glanced at the prominently displayed Snow White Brand Moon Sugar on the counter and shook her head: “I don’t need it.”

After half an hour, Freya finally arrived at her apartment building. Just as she reached the third floor, she smelled the familiar scent of Lala Fatty, a surge of inexplicable excitement prompted her to quicken her pace, only to see a delivery person handing over a Lala Fatty takeout to her neighbor.

She made way for the delivery person to leave and then, with a quiet sigh, Bewitcher took out her keys and opened her door. As soon as she turned on the light, she was fiercely ‘attacked’ by a predatory bird of prey—

“Meow~（=w=）”

“Little String, I’m back.”

Freya quickly poured out some cat food and cleaned the litter box. Watching her Scottish Fold cat feast, she gently stroked its back and asked, “How are you feeling? Does it hurt anywhere?”

Little String looked at her puzzled: “Meow (Do you actually understand what I’m meowing)?”

Realizing she may have revealed too much of her intellect, Bewitcher absentmindedly ruffled the cat’s head and went to take a shower. For some reason, these past few days she had the urge to dress after showering, which she had resisted until now, but today her mood seemed particularly off, so she just went with it.

When she emerged from the bathroom in her underwear, Freya had the feeling that her life was about to change dramatically.

She turned on the Knowledge Screen and went to a video site to watch the finale of “Sorcerer 100%.” Naturally, a 30-second advertisement was the first thing to appear. However, after playing for 10 seconds, it was followed by a 20-second announcement from the Sin Hunter’s Hall:

“The extremely vicious criminal ‘Ghoul’ Langna Chios is still at large. The offender possesses combat abilities ranging from Two Wings to Tri-wings. Citizens are urged to contact the headquarters of Sin Hunter’s Hall immediately upon receiving any information. A reward of 50 Gold Coins for his capture dead or alive, and 5 Silver Coins for information leading to his capture.”

“Con Artist Igor Bukin, Necrophiliac Archibald Harvey, and Demon Saint Ashe Heath have self-exiled from the Blood Moon Kingdom; the bounty has been revoked.”

“He really left Blood Moon, huh…”

Freya lay sprawled on the table, watching “Sorcerer 100%” on the Knowledge Screen, suddenly feeling a bit listless and even beginning to tire of this happiness that existed only on the screen.

She turned off the page and just lay there, staring into space, until Little String came over to push her head and affectionately rubbed against her cheek, with a look of ‘I’m really worried about you, master’.

After a moment, Freya rubbed her moist eyes, hugged Little String tightly, and felt rejuvenated!

Nearly suffocated, Little String struggled to escape from her embrace and hid in a corner, licking his paws as if he’d just survived a disaster. Freya didn’t pay him any more attention and energetically opened “New Folder” – “Used Countless Times”!

Goodbye is goodbye, the next one will be better behaved!

Let’s check out something nice to rejuvenate!

First part, second part, third part, fourth part…

Half an hour later, still unable to find the right Casting Materials in the entire folder, Freya pondered for a moment, then opened her Chip and chose “Gallery”.

The Chip could take pictures directly; the camera equipment was naturally her own eyes, essentially capturing and saving what she saw directly onto the Chip. However, because such photos took up a lot of space, and the storage on the Chip was very limited, only the most precious photos were worth saving.

Freya had once thought about taking a picture of the Cult Leader, but the latter was surprisingly vigilant and did not match his appearance. Every time Freya tried to take a photo, Ashe would immediately turn his head, avoiding Bewitcher’s gaze several times in a row, even while sleeping.

Until one night, on a whim, Freya pounced on Ashe in the middle of the night and pinned him down. Taking advantage of the fact that Ashe had no room to evade, she sneakily snapped a side profile of him. Although the night raid was ultimately unsuccessful, she had captured a precious close-up of ‘Kaimon’s most vicious criminal in a century’.

At that time, the room was dark except for the faint glow of Blood Moon light streaming through the window, casting a mix of panic and shyness on his face. Gazing at the photo, Bewitcher couldn’t help but open the newly purchased alcoholic drink and started chugging it down.

Minutes later, the chair was soaked with the spilled drink.

Freya moved to another soft chair, and accidentally, the faux leather got wet with the drink.

Then, lying on the bed, another accident happened, and the sheets got wet with the drink.

But after three rounds of drinks, Freya was finally a bit drunk and tired. She grabbed a tissue, wiped the spill carelessly, and closed her eyes contentedly to sleep.

After a while, Little String jumped onto the bed and nudged Bewitcher, checking if she was dead. Freya opened her eyes and scratched Little String’s chin. Looking at the photo on the Holographic Screen, she sighed helplessly and a faint smile appeared on her lips.

“I’ve used you up, but I still want to see you.”

“I might really miss you.”

Footnote:

1. Puppies(小奶狗):

   Derived from a categorization used by Japanese girls for boys. It originally refers to unweaned puppies, but now it is a collective term for young, clingy, cute, and sunny boys.

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