Chapter 17: If It’s Not a Fate I Like, I’ll Reject It Directly
Having learned his lesson, Faust no longer dared to hold even the slightest excess confidence.
Although the “Cinderella” script had only lasted a few days, if Faust had not reacted quickly, he would probably still be locked in that basement right now, being “lovingly tormented” on “Love-Faith TV.”
Brother, please don’t come again. If there’s another DLC, I really won’t be able to take it.
【Additional? You could say that. The scripts written by fate are never absolute; they always leave room for variation. Many characters step onto the stage and then exit. But the destiny of a witch will persist until the end of her life…】
What kind of “once a witch, always a witch” logic is that?
Faust was just about to complain, but suddenly realized that it was indeed the case.
No matter what kind of fairy tale it was, it always ended with “And they lived happily ever after.”
For a story, that was enough to conclude everything. But in reality, using a single sentence to summarize decades—or even a century—was far too reductive.
Wait… could it be…
Faust’s pupils suddenly contracted as he looked at the light golden-haired girl swaying gently, seemingly in a very good mood, and asked, “Vivianna, those techniques you displayed earlier… what exactly were they?”
He had been so focused on the script of fate before that he had temporarily overlooked them.
Setting aside their ability to distort minds and reality, the unicorn carriage she rode to the banquet, her ability to traverse the spiritual void, and the way she could bind him in place with a mere gesture—all of it was utterly inconceivable.
“I don’t know.”
Vivianna shook her head and said frankly, “Only when I wear the mask do I possess those incredible mysteries. I have no idea where they come from. Perhaps they are something opened up along my path.”
Alright, alright, so we’re not even pretending anymore, huh?
Before, she had talked about a second personality, and now she had switched to calling it a mask!
Faust dared not voice his complaints. After all, Vivianna was a “witch.” He could only bow to the great “witch”—whatever you want, go ahead!
This was the true weight of a top-tier destiny!
However, his frustration quickly faded at her next words: “After that, it seems I can also attempt to learn those techniques along my own path.”
Mysticism itself was something indescribable—no one could truly uncover its principles. While sorcerers might still have the motivation to research it, Vivianna was not one. Thus, she was not particularly enthusiastic about it and merely mentioned it in passing.
She had never been interested in mysticism to begin with. The only reason she sought power was to complete Faust’s tasks.
But to Faust, those words meant something entirely different. The Prince of Qingxi immediately grew solemn.
What did this mean? Did it mean that Cinderella’s abilities were not temporary?
In almost an instant, Faust arrived at a terrifying conclusion.
“Vivianna…”
Taking a deep breath, the prince looked at his childhood friend with utmost seriousness.
“Yes?”
The light golden-haired girl opened her eyes and looked at him.
“I plan to speak with Father now and request to relinquish my position as crown prince.”
“There’s really no need to rush so much.”
Vivianna’s beautiful eyes widened slightly. She already believed in Faust’s determination—there was no need to supervise him in fulfilling his promise.
But Faust was resolute. He stood up immediately and headed toward the king’s bedchamber.
As he walked, his pace quickened, his fists clenched tightly, his entire body trembling with excitement.
The destiny of a “witch” was lifelong!
He had originally thought that the so-called “Witch Banquet” would end once the process was completed, and that seemed to be the case.
But the final step of that “process” was where things became truly significant.
In most fairy tale scripts, the ending was always the formulaic “they lived happily ever after,” which was practically meaningless.
For example, if Faust were to truly abandon his ambitions and remain in Qingxi with Vivianna, spending his life with her, then under the arrangement of fate, they would likely be able to live out their days peacefully.
“Mephistopheles, I have a question…”
Faust licked his lips and voiced his doubt.
Under normal circumstances, Vivianna’s story would end here. But what if a powerful external force interfered, preventing the two of them from achieving their “happily ever after”? What would happen then?
【Faust… you’ve figured it out. Yes, fate will ensure the completion of the “Witch Banquet” and grant the witch enough power to complete the script. If things proceed smoothly, the power she gains at the end will be insignificant. But if the path is fraught with hardship… fate will continue to increase its investment】
The spirit’s voice carried a hint of approval, affirming Faust’s reasoning.
The Prince of Qingxi was overjoyed. “If that’s the case, then I know exactly what to do.”
【How bold. No one in the past has ever dared to do such a thing. Once it spirals out of control, what awaits is a catastrophe beyond redemption!】
The spirit’s warning did not frighten Faust in the slightest. Or rather, Mephistopheles had never truly intended to warn him.
Faust smiled. “Stop pretending, Mephistopheles. I’m not a fool. Weren’t you deliberately guiding me to think this way? Fine—I’ll do exactly as you wish.”
After those words, Mephistopheles fell silent. Only after a long while did it speak again, its tone low and faint:
【Faust, are you planning to defy fate—even after witnessing what it truly is?】
“I have no fixed intention to obey or oppose fate. I’ll judge based on the situation. If it’s a fate I’m satisfied with, I’ll gladly accept it. But if it’s an ending I cannot accept, I won’t hesitate to gamble everything!”
Faust’s view of fate was surprisingly simple. He had never felt that he was being toyed with by it, nor had he ever been obsessed with breaking free from its constraints.
If fate were to give him a dreamlike life he longed for, then what was wrong with immersing himself in that illusion?
The problem was that the life the wheel of fate offered did not seem ideal.
Even if it was already a wonderful ending by ordinary standards—it was not the fate he desired.
If it’s not the fate I want, I reject it outright!
【Heh… hahaha… Faust, you truly are adorable. In that case, proceed as you wish. That will also help me achieve my goal…】
As expected, Mephistopheles’ objective required defying fate. No wonder it had been subtly guiding him all along.
Faust nodded. “No need to say more. Our contract is there, after all. So, Mephistopheles—what exactly is your goal?”
Perhaps feeling that it had already been honest enough with the Prince of Qingxi, the spirit remained silent for a moment before finally speaking calmly in his mind:
【There are many things I wish to do. But first, what I need is— a Fallen Dragon】
A Fallen Dragon!
Hearing that term—one capable of silencing crying children and plunging entire kingdoms into ruin—Faust’s mind blanked for a moment.
Damn, that scared the life out of me!
He truly hadn’t expected it… no, he should have expected it!
Other than a Fallen Dragon, what else could be beyond the reach of a being like the spirit?
Yes, that was it. Only this made sense.
Just as Faust was hesitating over whether to ask Mephistopheles about the reason behind the Fallen Dragon, he had already arrived at the doors of the king’s bedchamber.