Chapter 140: Wizard

Chapter 140: Wizard

While the Anya Kingdom was still arguing about the first batch of personnel to be sent to Northland City, the delegations from the countries of Sangye and Qiuling had already bypassed Anya and arrived at Northland City.

As neighboring countries and allies of Anya, in the war against the Demon Clan, both countries understood the principle that if one falls, the other is in danger, so they fully supported Anya. As the conflict with the Demon Clan gradually calmed down, Anya, lacking an external threat, began to grow arrogant and conceited. Green, one of Anya’s three neighboring countries, now existed in name only. The way Anya handled the Green Royal Family also served as a warning to these two countries.

The war dragged down the Anya Kingdom, but it also shaped it. Tempered by war, its army became more skilled in battle. However, the army that had been sustained during the war with the aid of allies now faced the crisis of being disbanded. The Anya Kingdom alone could not support an army of such size.

With the plan to annex the Green Kingdom falling through, the only targets left for Anya were them. Now, the countries of Sangye and Qiuling had formed a covenant to jointly resist Anya.

Bran’s appearance made the countries of Sangye and Qiuling notice this potential ally. After watching enough of the Anya People’s follies, they also gathered some intelligence. The Northlanders, this tribe hidden in the northeastern corner of the Continent, possessed the power to decide the situation. So they each sent delegations to travel together to Northland City.

The two delegations had a clear goal—to form a mutual assistance covenant with the Northlands. For this, they made a lot of preparations, but they were not sufficient. The outside world knew too little about the Northlands; their likes, habits, all were hidden in the Mist. After coercing and bribing the Nobles of Green, they discovered that even the Green Kingdom knew very little about the Northlands. It wasn’t until they spent a great deal of money that they obtained some useful information from Scholars.

…

In this season unsuitable for long journeys, their arrival expressed a certain sincerity. However, was this really Northland City? The delegation members were somewhat surprised; it differed too much from the description in the intelligence.

Many unfinished houses were abandoned in the wilderness. Some old stone materials were piled around them. Even when they looked as far as they could, they did not see the shadow of Northland City.

Someone couldn’t help but ask the Knight who came to greet them, “How much further until we reach Northland City?”

“This is it.”

This short and clear answer stunned everyone. Then came words that surprised them even more. “Northland City is currently expanding, so there aren’t enough houses. We hope you can understand.”

The head of the Sangye Kingdom delegation—Sashan, said, “We can set up our own tents, but could you arrange suitable accommodation for our few Highnesses?”

This reasonable request, meant as a test, met no obstacles. After leading the delegation to the camp, the important figures from the two countries were taken to the City Manor. This made them breathe a sigh of relief. As long as it wasn’t deliberate trouble-making, some difficulties could be overcome.

Seeing the current state of Northland City, they no longer held any expectations for the conditions of the City Manor. However, as the City Manor gradually drew near, they understood the meaning of magnificence. Against the backdrop of the surrounding dilapidation, this contrast created a strong impact, leaving them somewhat dazed.

Passing through that huge main gate, they realized the worlds inside and outside the gate were completely different. Even those accustomed to the luxury of Royal Palaces were awed by everything before their eyes. This made them somewhat flustered; the pride and contempt that had just risen vanished without a trace.

…

Just after arranging the so-called Highnesses from the two countries, Zoya moved close to Bran. She asked with curiosity, “What is this about?”

“They want to form a covenant.”

“I’m asking about that Princess and Prince.” Zoya emphasized the word ‘Princess.’

“You noticed she’s a Wizard? Good eyes!” Bran sincerely praised and gave a thumbs up.

Zoya blinked and continued asking, “Is she planning to learn from you?”

“Don’t know. For something like this, you should ask her directly, not me.” Bran smiled. “I just realized, you should find a female companion and go befriend her.”

Seeing Bran’s indifferent attitude, Zoya’s mood inexplicably improved. She explained, “We can’t be friends; the status difference is too great. Especially now, with the Green Royal Family gone, they would look down on Nobles like us.”

Bran laughed loudly, “They will only try to curry favor with you, and with everyone in the manor. Go ahead, you can invite our guests to tour this place.”

…

Zoya actually guessed right. After resting for a day, the people from the Sangye Kingdom came with generous gifts, requesting Bran to teach their Princess—Xialuo.

This made the observing Qiuling Kingdom green with envy. Their Royal Family was unlucky and couldn’t find a suitable candidate. But soon this envy turned into schadenfreude, because Bran flatly refused the request.

Sashan thought Bran didn’t understand the implication and cautiously hinted, “We hope she can serve you. You can ask for…”

An invisible hand gripped his throat, cutting off his subsequent words. Bran’s voice followed, “You should be glad she is still only your Princess, and not a Wizard of Northland City.

This is Northland City, the City of Wizards! In this city, you dare to offer a Wizard in a trade!?”

Having said this, Bran sneered and released his grip.

Sashan’s face flushed red as he struggled to calm his breathing. “I did not mean to offend you, nor to offend Wizards. We only wanted to express our sincerity for the covenant.”

Composing himself, Sashan continued, “I beg for your forgiveness and hope she can still study here as a Wizard.”

“This city does not refuse the entry of Wizards, nor does it refuse Wizards seeking knowledge, as long as they abide by the laws here and harbor no ill will towards this city.” Bran sighed and turned his head towards Xialuo, who had remained silent all along. “But, are you really ready? Do you truly want to study here as a Wizard?”

Xialuo bowed and replied, “I am ready.”

Bran frowned and slightly raised his voice, “Think carefully—, then answer. No one is asking you to sacrifice now, no one is asking you to prioritize the greater good. If you believe it is your ability, your identity as a Wizard, that has landed you in this situation today, then you should still go back. Staying here would also be a waste of time.”

Xialuo seemed disbelieving and asked in return, “Why?”

“When abilities are born from within us, they are originally a response to us. Our fears, our hopes, eventually transform into our abilities, become our reliance, allowing us to transform into Wizards.

Now, you actually see it as a calamity. How long has it been since your ability responded to you?”

Bran sighed. He had seen too many similar cases in the Northlands. In pursuit of physical strength, they forgot the abilities of a Wizard.