Chapter 297

Chapter 297: Commissioned Care

Loran Hill finally descended slowly onto the stone steps of the tower after piercing through the high clouds above Emanas. She walked up and pressed her hand against the gemstone on the stone door, then entered the highest room in the academy.

Candles flickered to life as Loran Hill stepped deeper into the observatory. The Book Witch was still seated on a tall wooden chair, but unlike usual, there were two other people in the large room today.

One was a black-clothed girl lying asleep on the sofa. Her long hair shone like flames, making her impossible to ignore. As she breathed, the light on her hair fluctuated, giving the impression that it had life. When Loran Hill passed by the sofa, she felt warmth and heat sweep over her body, making her feel comfortable even in winter.

The other was a girl standing by the window, dressed in a pink and white frilled princess dress, appearing somewhat cute and lively. However, since she was facing away from the room, Loran Hill couldn’t see her face yet.

“Lo-Loran came quickly,” Night Mistress said softly, though not much effort was needed to say it casually.

“Hmm, I came as soon as I saw the note. What did Dean Night Mistress need to talk to me about?”

“There’s a small matter,” Night Mistress paused slightly before turning her gaze toward the red-haired girl sleeping on the sofa.

Just as Night Mistress took a breath to speak, the girl in the pink and white dress appeared behind her. It seemed sudden, yet her appearance felt natural and fitting.

“Let me explain,” the blonde girl in the pink dress placed her hand gently on Night Mistress’ shoulder. Although they often undermined each other privately, Chris wouldn’t tease this friend of hers in front of outsiders.

“This girl is also a student at the Fortress Academy, but she transferred temporarily. She’s unfamiliar with the school and lacks some basic knowledge, so she needs your help.”

“Me?” Loran Hill tilted her head, feeling surprised.

Even though it was their first meeting, her keen senses kept telling her how dangerous this sleeping red-haired girl was. The magic and power fluctuating with her breathing, even if not unleashed, exuded a terrifying aura.

“Yes,” Chris nodded slightly, continuing to explain.

“Recently, you’ve encountered some abnormalities and troubles. While talent plays a part, it takes time to accumulate strength.”

“During this process, you may encounter dangers. If you’re directly devoured and corroded by the Chaos Phantom, it would be very difficult for you to escape now.”

This was indeed true. The two encounters this semester nearly led to disaster for Loran Hill. The mental erosion and distortion caused by the Chaos Phantom might not be deeply felt by others, but in Loran Hill’s sharp perception, such dizziness and discomfort would be magnified by hundreds of times.

At her current Demon Sequence 4 level, it was hard for her to avoid its influence. She estimated that she would only be able to isolate herself from such mental erosion once she reached Angel Sequence 5. During this period when her strength was still developing, her safety was a major concern.

Her mythological talent made it difficult for anyone to ambush her, and in prepared combat, she could use Trinasha’s hair clip if something unexpected happened. But the Chaos Phantom was different; under its dizziness and erosion, she might not even have time to take out the butterfly hair clip before feeling discomfort and dizziness, unable to trigger the special magic within it.

But what did this have to do with taking care of this red-haired girl?

While Loran Hill was thinking, Chris continued explaining.

“Although this girl is currently asleep, she is undoubtedly a Sequence 9 Witch. With her strength, no one can target you as long as she’s around.”

“But, there will always be times when we have to separate. We can’t stay together forever.”

“I understand,” Loran Hill thought this point should be obvious to the other party.

“That’s why I got you a new mirror,” Chris said with a smile.

“A mirror?”

“Yes, Chris is a Witch who uses magic mirrors,” Night Mistress finally spoke, explaining the identity of the blonde girl in the pink dress.

“The magic mirror I gave you last time was made by her.”

“Chris is also a Witch, and she’s lived for a very long time.”

“Let’s not talk about age, Night Mistress. I’ll always be a young lady,” Chris said with a teasing smile, hugging Night Mistress affectionately, her expression ‘friendly’.

So, these are Witches? They seem to have a good relationship, Loran Hill thought. Indeed, after centuries, all the people in her memories had passed away, leaving only other Witches alive. This kind of emotion was calm yet enduring.

“By the way, this is the time when the most Witches gather in Emanas since the last Witch tea party,” Chris suddenly remarked.

“It’s been another hundred years. The last time everyone gathered was to discuss the truce between the Snow Blossom Alliance and the Verdant Empire. Back then, there were 17 Witches, a grand occasion. Now, there are only six here in Emanas.”

“Six?” Hearing this, Loran Hill became curious. This was the first time she wanted to know more about the other Witches.

Chris nodded and said, “Now, in the observatory, there are four of us. One is a reclusive Gem Witch in the western town, and another Witch, whose identity I’m unsure of, but I have a few suspects.”

“Witches are masters of power, though they control it well, they can still vaguely sense each other.”

“After you reported the situation last time, we and some sages investigated, although we didn’t find the hidden mastermind, I initially suspected it was a Witch, and a highly skilled old opponent.”

“Do Witches also have enmity and hatred?” Loran Hill asked.

“They do. And this hatred is more enduring and deeply ingrained than ordinary people’s,” Night Mistress looked up and said calmly.

“Because ordinary people’s hatred fades over time, either with their own death or the other’s.”

“But Witches are different.”

“The ones who hurt you, who make you hate them, don’t fade away with time. They continue to live, their actions and laughter making it hard for you to start a new life peacefully.”

Although Night Mistress usually appeared like a large porcelain doll, petite and cute, her words carried the weight of history, making them feel heavy and oppressive.

“Alright, let’s not talk about these gloomy things, Night Mistress,” Chris patted her friend’s shoulder gently, lightening the heavy atmosphere with a hint of cheerfulness in her voice.

“Therefore, after the Second Age, Witches generally try to be cautious when dealing with newly acquainted peers, trying not to make enemies. If there are disputes, they discuss them at tea parties rather than resorting to private fights.”

“After all, among those who remain in this world, the ones who can talk and be friends are just a few.”

Chris helped Night Mistress tidy up her disheveled hair, speaking softly. The observatory fell into a brief peace and quiet.

Thank you all for your support and votes. I apologize for not properly thanking you due to rushing to write these chapters.