Shadow's Teacher

At one corner of the vast yet lifeless Midworld, there was a dark valley hidden in the shadow of mountains.

A lone wizard tower stood in the valley; it was surrounded by darkness and the pale light of a cold moon.

Unlike the harsh environment, the inside of the tower was warm and cozy.

On the top floor of the tower, a fireplace burned brightly as several fire-element spirits who just earned intelligence chased around playfully. However, they immediately dived back into the fire when they saw the girl in the black dress outside.

"What, my beauty isn't enough to arouse your inspiration?" She spoke in her "double voice" at a tall male figure who was working at a workbench.

No response.

She moved closer and checked the man's work with her crimson eyes.

The man tilted his head while licking around his mouth with a long, slickery, serpent-like tongue. He had been gazing at his "masterpiece" with his eyes that twinkled in excitement.