Chapter 12: The Ghost's Bargain

The desert night was cool, the sands below basking in the moonlight's glow. Light sat on the balcony of his room, gazing at the vast expanse of the desert and thinking about all the presents he received on his birthday. The stars above seemed to mirror the powerful stars within his newly awakened spiritual universe.

Light knew that this peaceful moment would be short-lived. His journey as a mage had only just begun, and with it came the responsibilities and challenges he had chosen to undertake.

His thoughts were interrupted when he reached into his robe and pulled out a small, ornate device—"Magic Accelerator". The device glimmered under the moonlight, its intricate patterns and runes revealing its unique purpose. Light carefully held it in his hand, the weight of its significance pressing on him.

The "Magic Accelerator" was no ordinary tool. It allowed magicians to align their stars with unparalleled precision, ensuring smooth and almost unbreakable connections between them. For any magician, using such a tool would mean improving their learning efficiency significantly. It could drastically shorten the time required to draw and align the stars, making spellcasting not only faster but also more potent.

Light admired the tool for a moment longer before Anahita's presence interrupted his reverie. His sister-in-law had come to check on him, her eyes curious and slightly amused as she noticed the Magic Accelerator in his hand.

"Light," Anahita greeted, her tone filled with warmth as she approached. Her gaze fell on the device in his hand, and a flicker of surprise crossed her features. "Where did you get that?"

Light looked up at her, a small smile playing on his lips. "It's because of your blessing, Anahita," he replied.

Anahita raised an eyebrow, clearly not understanding. "My blessing?"

Light chuckled softly and nodded. "Yes. You see, I got this from the Zhao Clan."

"The Zhao Clan?" Anahita's eyes widened slightly, a hint of concern lacing her voice. "What deal did you make with them to give you such expensive magic tool?"

The moment the question left her lips, realization struck her. Her eyes narrowed slightly, and she leaned closer to him, her tone turning more serious. "Did you... Did you strike a deal to establish a business relationship between the Zhao Clan and my family in the Middle East?"

Light nodded, confirming her suspicions. "Yes, I did."

Anahita's expression softened, though it still held a mix of surprise and admiration. "But why? I thought I promised to support you in your magic journey."

"You did," Light acknowledged, his gaze steady. "But I knew that your clan might not be as supportive towards me for resources. After all, I'm just your brother-in-law, not a disciple of your clan. You can only provide so much, and even if you did give me some good resources, I knew it wouldn't be sustainable for the long term."

He sighed, looking out into the desert. "I needed a permanent supporter, not just for me, but for my sisters as well. That's why I came up with this idea."

"When did you get this idea?" Anahita asked, her tone softer now.

"About six months ago," Light replied, his voice calm and measured. "Even when you promised to help me on your wedding day, I knew that the elders in your clan might intervene. Despite your power and authority, I didn't want to rely solely on that. I wanted to grow strong on my own, with or without external help."

Anahita's gaze softened further, her heart swelling with pride as she listened to him. Light continued, his voice filled with determination, "I believe that if I rely too much on others, I'll never reach my full potential. My faith in my own abilities would decrease over time. I needed to be independent, to forge my own path."

He looked up at Anahita, his eyes filled with resolve. "It's not that I don't believe in you. I know you hold a significant position in your clan, but I also understand that a renowned clan doesn't operate on emotions. It runs on its own values and rules, especially when it comes to finances."

Anahita smiled, but Light wasn't finished yet. "And then there are my sisters. Their talents and elements are extraordinary, but they require immense resources. I couldn't let that burden fall solely on you. It would have been too much, even for someone with your influence."

Anahita reached out and gently touched Light's cheek, her expression a mix of pride and affection. "You don't have to apologize, Light," she said softly. "I never doubted you for a second. But I must say, I'm impressed. You truly have a mind for strategy, just as Mother-in-law always said."

She leaned in and kissed his cheek, causing Light's face to flush with embarrassment. Anahita laughed softly at his reaction before asking, "So, what else did you get from them?"

Light grinned, knowing that Anahita would appreciate the extent of his negotiations. "Here's the list:"

1. Four spirit-grade stardust magic tools.

2. Four spirit-grade star nebula tools.

3. This Magic Accelerator.

4. Resources to help me reach higher realms.

5. Other resources for basic and intermediate levels.

6. And... a seat in the clan meeting, with the position of an elder.

Anahita blinked in surprise, her jaw dropping slightly. "This much? From the Zhao Clan?"

Light couldn't help but laugh at her reaction. "Yes."

"But how?" she pressed, still processing the magnitude of his achievement.

"Well," Light began, leaning back in his chair with a smirk, "it all started with a simple realization. When I asked my sisters to join the Zhao Clan, I wasn't looking for a traditional magic clan. I was searching for a financial clan."

Anahita tilted her head, intrigued. "A financial clan?"

"Yes," Light confirmed. "Magic clans are full of powerful mages, but their resources are often limited. Financial clans, on the other hand, have vast wealth but lack powerful mages. I knew that my sisters and I would grow into formidable mages, so why join a magic clan where we would just be another set of powerful mages among many?"

He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing, "By joining a financial clan, we stand out. They will invest more in us because they need us, and in return, we receive more resources—more than we could ever get from a magic clan."

Anahita's eyes sparkled with admiration as she listened. "So, you used your relationship with me to give the Zhao Clan an opportunity to establish business ties with my family in the Middle East?"

Light nodded. "Exactly. It's a win-win situation. Your clan gains access to the Chinese market, and the Zhao Clan gains access to the Middle East. On the surface, it might seem like the Zhao Clan is getting the better end of the deal, but in reality, the Chinese market is far larger and harder to penetrate. They're thrilled with the deal, even though it means giving us all these resources."

Light leaned forward, his tone turning more serious. "These resources are a one-time deal, but their business relationship with your clan will continue to grow. And we've made it clear that we only plan to stay with them for ten years. After that, we leave, and they get to keep the benefits of having had us as members—our achievements will elevate their clan's status, especially in China."

Anahita nodded, fully understanding now. She reached out and touched Light's hand, her eyes filled with a mixture of pride and affection. "You've thought of everything, haven't you?"

Light smiled, a bit sheepish. "I tried."

Anahita's gaze softened as she leaned in and kissed his cheek again. "You really are amazing, Light. Much better than I ever imagined."

Light blushed deeply at her praise, his cheeks turning a bright shade of red. Anahita couldn't help but laugh at his reaction, her entire body shaking with mirth. The sound of her laughter was like music, filling the night air with a sense of warmth and joy.

After a moment, Anahita composed herself and asked, "So, what will they do now that you've awakened the Space Element?"

Light leaned back, contemplating the question. "Hmm... maybe they'll bow before me, worship me as their new deity," he joked.

Anahita rolled her eyes, but there was a smile on her lips. "Oh, please."

Light chuckled. "Well, I'm not an active member of the clan, you know. They call me the 'Evergreen Ghost.'"

Anahita's eyes widened in surprise. "The Evergreen Ghost? What does that mean?"

"It means I'm a partial member—like a ghost in their ranks," Light explained with a smirk. "I'm there, but not really."

Anahita shook her head,"You're amazing, Light. Far better than I ever gave you credit for."

Before Light could respond, Anahita pulled him into a tight embrace, her arms wrapping around him in a warm hug. Caught off guard, Light stiffened for a moment before relaxing into her embrace. The warmth of her body against his and the gentle pressure of her lips as she began to plant a series of kisses on his cheeks left him flustered.

His cheeks flushed with warmth as Anahita continued to shower him with affection, her lips leaving pink marks all over his face. "Sister!" Light protested weakly, trying to pull away, but she only tightened her grip, laughing softly.

When she finally released him, Light's cheeks were decorated with several lip marks, each one a testament to Anahita's playful nature. His face burned with embarrassment as he hastily rubbed at the marks, trying to erase the evidence before anyone else could see.

Anahita burst into laughter, the sound of her amusement filling the corridor. Her whole body shook with mirth, making her look even more alluring and charming. The way her laughter echoed in the empty hall, coupled with the playful glint in her eyes, made her seem even more captivating than usual.

"Light, you're too easy to tease!" she said between laughs, her voice light and carefree.

Light could only manage a sheepish smile, still rubbing at his cheeks. "You really are something else, Sister."

She grinned at him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Goodnight, Light. You should start your journey as a mage tomorrow. Tonight, though, you should rest and enjoy yourself."

Light sighed, glancing around the luxurious room. "And what exactly should I enjoy? Being cooped up in this palace?"

Anahita tapped a finger to her chin, pretending to ponder his question. After a moment, she snapped her fingers as if she had just thought of the perfect idea. "How about... we go on a moonlit horse ride through the desert? It's a full moon tonight, and the desert is beautiful under its light."

Light blinked, surprised by the suggestion. It was an unusual way to spend the night, but the idea intrigued him. "That sounds... interesting."

"Then it's settled!" Anahita declared with enthusiasm. "Let's go!"

Light quickly packed up his magical tools, securing them in a secret magic box that only he could access. Once everything was safely stored away, he followed Anahita out of the palace and into the cool night air.

As they walked towards the stables, Light couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement bubbling up within him. He had never experienced a night like this before—one filled with the promise of adventure and the thrill of the unknown. He glanced at Anahita, who was already ahead of him, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

"So, what exactly are we going to do?" Light asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Anahita looked over her shoulder, a playful smile on her lips. "We're going horse riding! The desert is absolutely breathtaking under the full moon. Trust me, Light, you'll love it."

The stable was already prepared for them, and two magnificent horses were waiting, their coats gleaming in the moonlight. Anahita mounted her horse gracefully, looking every bit like a desert queen. Light followed suit, and soon, they were galloping across the sands, the wind whipping through their hair.

The desert was alive with the glow of the full moon, casting a silvery light over the dunes. The soft thud of the horses' hooves against the sand and the rhythmic sound of their breathing created a soothing symphony that filled the night air. The vast expanse of the desert stretched out before them, a seemingly endless sea of sand that glittered like diamonds under the moonlight.

For a while, they rode in silence, the peacefulness of the night allowing Light to clear his mind. The stress and responsibilities of the day seemed to melt away, leaving only the simple joy of the moment. The cool desert breeze caressed his skin, and he felt a sense of freedom he hadn't experienced in a long time.

They passed by towering canyons, their darkened walls casting long shadows in the moonlight. The terrain shifted as they rode, from open dunes to rugged cliffs and finally to the coast where the sea met the desert. The salty tang of the ocean filled the air, a stark contrast to the dry scent of the desert.

As they neared the sea, Light glanced at Anahita. "It's getting late. Shouldn't we head back?"

Anahita nodded, slowing her horse to a trot. "That's exactly what we're going to do, but I want to show you something first."

They continued to ride along the coastline until Anahita guided them up a narrow path that led to a cliff overlooking the ocean. At the top of the cliff stood a beautiful house, its windows facing the sea, illuminated by the soft glow of the moon.

"Is this... your home?" Light asked, admiring the serene beauty of the place.

Anahita nodded, a fond smile on her lips. "It's my private spot for relaxation and enjoying the coastal environment. You could call it my holiday home."

They dismounted their horses and approached the house. As they stepped inside, Light was struck by the sheer luxury of the interior. The house was exquisitely decorated, with plush furniture, intricate tapestries, and large windows that offered breathtaking views of the ocean.

Anahita led him through the house and up to the rooftop, where a cozy seating area had been set up. The night sky stretched out above them, a vast expanse of stars twinkling against the inky darkness. The sound of the waves crashing against the cliffs below created a soothing background melody.

As they settled into the comfortable chairs on the rooftop, Light couldn't help but feel a deep sense of peace. The troubles of the world seemed distant here, as if they were in their own little haven, far removed from the chaos and responsibilities that awaited him.

After a few moments of comfortable silence, Light turned to Anahita with a thoughtful expression. "I think I know what to ask for as my gift."

Anahita raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "Oh? And what might that be?"

Light hesitated for a moment before speaking, "What I'm going to ask for is worth a fortune, but as the heir of the richest clan in the world, I think you can manage it."

Anahita burst into laughter, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "So, my beloved brother-in-law is first an unscrupulous businessman instead of being a prestigious mage?"

Light chuckled, shaking his head. "Not quite, but I do know how to recognize an opportunity when I see one."

"Alright then, out with it," Anahita urged, still smiling. "What is it that you want?"

Light leaned back in his chair, a serious expression on his face. "I want a magic cultivation tool of the highest realm. I'm sure you already guessed I would ask for something big."

Anahita's smile faltered slightly as she considered his request. "I did suspect you might ask for something along those lines, but... your gift is even grander than I anticipated. It will take some time to find such a treasure, but I'll make sure you get it."

Light nodded, satisfied with her response. "Thank you, Sister. I know I'm asking for a lot, but it's important for my growth as a mage."

Anahita waved off his gratitude with a dismissive hand. "You don't need to thank me, Light. You're family, and family takes care of each other. Just promise me one thing."

"What's that?" Light asked, curious.

"Promise me you'll use that tool to become the greatest mage the world has ever seen," Anahita said, her tone half-serious, half-teasing.

Light grinned, a confident gleam in his eyes. "You have my word."

The two of them sat in companionable silence for a while, enjoying the cool night air and the sound of the waves below. The moon was high in the sky now, casting a soft glow over the world around them.

After a while, Anahita broke the silence. "So, where would you like to sleep tonight? On the rooftop under the stars, or in your room?"

Light considered her question for a moment before answering, "The rooftop sounds perfect. The air is cool and refreshing, and it's peaceful up here."

Anahita smiled, pleased with his choice. "Good. It really is the best place to rest."

She patted her lap, inviting Light to lie down. "Come here, little brother. Rest your head."

Light hesitated for a moment before accepting her offer. He lay down, resting his head on Anahita's lap. Her fingers gently combed through his hair, the soothing motion lulling him into a state of relaxation.

The last thing Light remembered before drifting off to sleep was the sound of the waves and the warmth of Anahita's gentle touch. As the world outside faded, he found solace in the knowledge that this night would be the calm before the storm—a night to remember, forever etched in the sands of time.