Chapter 364

Chapter 364: Candy and Poison

Though the Bountiful Witch’s golden apple was incredibly powerful, according to Lolan Hill’s estimation, its rating should be at the Crystal Level, corresponding to Sequence 8, the pinnacle of extraordinary potions. If not for Lagtis infusing Coris’ residual magic and her own entire magical power into it, it would not have become the Epic-level toxic apple.

The difficulty in using such a special and powerful raw material to make a potion was also terrifying. Even as a Witch with noble status and a clear perception of the powers within, Lolan Hill struggled to refine it, failing several times before resorting to cheating by taking the Lucky Starlight potion, barely managing to succeed. (Lucky Starlight (Legendary Coral Level): A vial of blue-green liquid contains intermittently visible seven-colored starlight, making one lucky for the next day.)

The refined original solution was a dazzling blend of gold and red, directly resulting in a unprecedented Perfect Epic-level potion. At that moment, the young lady felt that what she held in her hands was not a potion, but rather a nuclear bomb; any misstep could cause the magic within to explode, destroying all of Emanas.

Fortunately, Ceti was there to protect her, allowing her to feel somewhat reassured and continue with the process.

She first extracted three drops, using her innate ability to purify and enhance them, continuously improving the toxicity within, gradually dissolving and transforming the concept of physical harm, finally fixing it on intangible anomalies, continuously diluting and adding sugar crystals. In the end, she obtained 600 potions.

This was how the [Condensed Crimson Sugar Frost] (Rare Pearl Level) came to be. If she had diluted the original solution entirely to make it, she might have been able to produce 3000 potions of [Condensed Crimson Sugar Frost], but currently, the materials of the Luminescent Flowers were insufficient. It was no wonder that they were the crystallized magic of past witches—so pure and powerful.

In the forest valley, when these members dressed in green uniforms fed their opponents candy after they fell asleep, Lolan Hill looked up towards the southern sky.

Soon, this worry became a reality.

Boom—

It was as if a ten-thousand-jin beast was trampling the earth. Violent tremors came from below, followed by the rapid approach of a huge sound—the sound of trees breaking, the earth being trampled, armor clashing.

Towering trees kept falling in the distance. The sound of wings flapping and chaotic air currents reached them. Suddenly, members wearing blood-red wings appeared in the sky. As magic gathered, the sky seemed to condense like lead clouds, presenting a dark red color that was oppressive and thick.

Then, toxic flames rained down from the sky, and smoke and fire began to rise in the forest, spreading outwards in all directions.

Almost all members of the ‘Black Veil’ arrived.

Noble knights clad in bright red armor, wielding silver lances, charged forward with the impact of a dark red vortex. Solid trees were twisted and broken, collapsing to the ground, then crushed and shattered.

The dark red flames ignited afterward.

Thus, they carved out a broad avenue through the dense forest.

Lolan Hill restrained the crowd beside her, asking them to wait quietly until the figure appeared on the other side of the mountain valley in the forest.

About a hundred Blood Knights led the way ahead. Their leader was incredibly robust, riding a black earth dragon covered in scales. The white vapor exhaled from its nostrils seemed tangible, carrying the scent of sulfur and heat.

After clearing the path through the valley, they came face to face with over four hundred members standing neatly in formation. Each wore uniforms adorned with the black lotus emblem; one side dressed in crimson, the other in light green, holding swords as they stood guard around a central floral throne and the most striking young lady.

She stood there, dressed in a complex gown that gradually changed from white to red, her face pure and her gaze gentle, like a princess from a myth.

At this point, these Blood Knights no longer advanced but widened the path and then stood on both sides, lifting their long lances and crossing them in the air.

As the lances separated, Osuna, dressed in a black robe, slowly emerged from the woods, followed by a group of members wearing black hoods and robes.

After the previous failure, she had matured significantly. Not only was she more composed mentally, but her knowledge and experience had also grown richer due to the past glimpsed in her dreams.

She had to admit that Lolan Hill was a formidable opponent and possibly even a witch. Although not strongly felt, the strange power she wielded made Osuna finally sense the difference.

“Again, Lolan,” she said as she stood steadily, and two people behind her placed a black flowered throne for her to sit upon.

“Yes, Osuna.”

Though her side had only half the number of people, Lolan Hill was neither afraid nor worried, responding calmly. This was their first formal exchange; previously, they had gathered information about each other through intermediaries and observation.

The flying figures in the sky slowly descended and stood behind Osuna. The small forest valley clearly divided into two camps. One side was a uniform black-robed group, solemn and oppressive, while the other side was a confident and open group in red and green uniforms.

“Why did you stop me? Is it because of jealousy?”

Although Osuna could not match Lolan Hill in appearance, she truly could not think of a reason for the other’s actions. The academy was currently in turmoil, but it hadn’t reached a critical state yet. If Lolan Hill were to withdraw, Osuna would not do much to her.

“Because I saw something that endangered everyone, I couldn’t just ignore it,” the young lady replied quietly and openly.

“Do you want to be a hero, even though you’re a girl? I don’t understand.”

“Besides, I don’t think this is harmful to everyone. Look, aren’t they all much stronger than before?” Osuna raised her black lace sleeve.

Xiù, pointing to the crowd beside her, slowly said,

“Although you don’t believe it, I know that this is not the path to happiness, and not all power is worth pursuing.”

“The direction is wrong; even if you walk faster, you won’t reach the end, and this kind of power deviates from the original intention.” Lolan Hill replied quietly.

“Original intention? All living beings have the right to choose their own paths. Why do you deny others’ thoughts with just one phrase about the original intention? You’re not me, how would you know my original intention?” Ausuna pointed at Lolan Hill.

“But you’re not them either. Imposing your ideas and concepts on others, twisting them to such an extent, do you know what their original intentions are?” The young lady’s eyelashes trembled slightly, and she closed her eyes slightly.

“I truly don’t understand what everyone is pursuing, but they have gained great power and more freedom of choice through this. Isn’t this also in line with their original intentions?” Ausuna slowly lowered her hand, expressing her thoughts. She was no longer as naive as before.

“I don’t deny your thoughts. However, such immense power is not a good thing. Even you cannot fully control it. Its beauty is merely temporary, akin to drinking poison to quench thirst. And you are seduced by its beautiful exterior. Unfortunately, this is not sweet candy, but poison that leads one into the abyss,” Lolan Hill slowly explained the essence of this power.

“I will not stop because of words,” stated the purple-haired black dress girl.

“Therefore, I will stand up and stop your thoughts.” Lolan Hill opened her eyes, looking at this girl who had become obsessed.

“But you still can’t defeat me now,” Ausuna stated, as the current members and numbers of ‘Black Veil’ were still overwhelmingly advantageous.

“Mm.” Lolan Hill simply responded. Currently, she was limited by the number of Glowing Flowers and could not refine an antidote to cure everyone’s infection.

“Therefore, let’s temporarily cease hostilities. I think even those beside you hope that our Fortress Academy can seize this rare opportunity in many years to win the championship in the inter-academy competition,” for some reason, Ausuna couldn’t bring herself to hate this girl in front of her. Continuing the fight now would only benefit other academies.

“This isn’t just about our honor; it also concerns the future of many students after graduation. This is their only chance in their academic career.”

“If you can guarantee that you won’t recruit more people into your ranks, I will agree to the ceasefire agreement.” Lolan Hill thought, this was indeed the best outcome for now. Controlling the current situation, once she had more potions, she could better resolve the current predicament in the academy.

“I can only guarantee during the competition and within our academy that ‘Black Veil’ will not hold any new member initiation ceremonies,” Ausuna raised her black lace sleeve.

“Agreed.” Lolan Hill slowly closed her eyes.

Afterwards, the black-robed members slowly dispersed, and the valley in the forest returned to tranquility.

(End of Chapter)