Chapter 161: Mortal

Chapter 161: Mortal

The refugees from Sandstone City had no affection for Bran. They believed that Bran was the one who destroyed their homes, turning that place into a ghostly realm. Everything Bran did was nothing more than compensation stemming from guilt.

Since it was compensation, then everything they received now was what they deserved. So they could enjoy all this with a clear conscience. And given the current conditions, it could hardly be called enjoyment—simple shelters, crude tools, food that only filled their stomachs, and barren land waiting to be cultivated.

Although Bran had brought in some supplies, when these were distributed evenly to each person, it was just enough to keep hunger at bay. After the initial panic, helplessness, and starvation passed, various thoughts gradually sprouted among these people. Some were grateful, and naturally, some resented him. All sorts of emotions brewed and fermented in their everyday chitchat, slowly changing in flavor.

Their disrespectful words gradually reflected in their actions. So the local people and these outsiders gradually developed disagreements, becoming more and more distinct from one another.

While the locals began to help their Lord share his burdens and solve problems, the outsiders watched the commotion from afar. Among themselves, sarcastic remarks and mocking comments about everything in the distance popped up now and then.

Seeing Bran slowly approach from afar and then gradually move away, these people still spoke without restraint at their own doorsteps. They never imagined that their every word fell clearly into Bran’s ears.

Ordinary people found it hard to understand the world of Wizards. So they relied on daily habits, thinking this distance was far enough, and therefore safe enough.

Bran didn’t need to listen deliberately. Even if he heard, he paid it no mind.

He just hadn’t expected opposition to arise so quickly in the city. In Bran’s imagination, division should have started between Wizards and ordinary people, forming the two most distinct classes. But now it seemed ordinary people were more prone to division. Perhaps they were already used to huddling together for warmth, used to labeling themselves, as that seemed to make them feel safe.

So, the refugees who fled from Sandstone City gradually gathered together. Even though Bran tried to separate them by assigning plots of land, it didn’t stop this trend. Maybe the situation in Sandstone City was special, its people already unruly by nature. But the reactions of these people put Bran on alert.

He wasn’t worried about these ordinary people. He was worried about the Wizards. Although Wizards hadn’t flooded in yet, he needed to plan his strategy in advance. He wanted to scatter these Wizards, blurring their regions, countries, and races. He hoped that as these Wizards grew powerful, they would develop matching ambitions.

…

Pachu, Earl, and others followed closely in Bran’s footsteps. They hoped to gain some useful inspiration through observation.

Pachu noticed Bran frowning and tentatively asked, “Should I go warn them?”

Bran chuckled. “Have we ever forbidden people from talking in private?”

“No.”

“Have they committed any other illegal acts?”

“No.”

“Then what do you plan to warn them about?”

Pachu…

Bran looked at Pachu and continued, “We are Wizards. Don’t pay too much attention to the petty actions of Mortals.”

“Yes.”

“Has your ability evolved again?”

Pachu slightly bowed. “Yes, I can hear farther.”

Bran thought for a moment. “Your ability is closely related to your eyes, so your observation of Mana has always been limited by your own eyes. Initially, all the feedback from Mana also formed specific images through these eyes of yours.”

At Bran’s words, all the Wizards grew quiet.

“When I first gained my ability, my perception was still very weak. I could neither see through obstacles nor hear the whispers of Mana. Although I could see the fluctuations of Mana through my eyes, most of the time, my perception of Mana didn’t come through them.

I relied on the ability born within my body to sense everything around me. It had nothing to do with any of the original sensory organs.

Often it’s like this. Our ability both makes us and hinders us.

You don’t need your eyes to still perceive Mana. It’s just that you’re used to using your eyes to see. Then you continue to break through according to this habit, trying to connect your ears with Mana.

Have you never considered that your perception might have nothing to do with your eyes? That might be a brand new system hidden behind your eyes.

As I evolved, my sight, hearing, and sense of touch gradually coordinated and unified with this new system, but they still remained independent. And through this new system, I also gained a more comprehensive perspective.

Abilities are indeed influenced by the senses. But when an ability breaks from its cocoon, it has already surpassed all existing experience. Sometimes you must abandon your habits because you are no longer a Mortal. Your eyes, ears, nose, and tongue are no longer necessities.”

Since he had already discovered that people’s hearts were hard to fathom, a soft approach wasn’t a good method. Bran decided to instill some sense of privilege in the Wizards. As their power grew, so would their ambitions. When these Wizards returned home, there would surely be quite a commotion.

…

Bran discovered some hidden dangers and began to address them, but Lily had no such worries.

Although the Nags possessed considerable intelligence, they mostly followed instinct. Their response to Lily’s commands was nothing but obedience, and more obedience.

Lily still hadn’t figured out how these insects identified a Monarch. Even newly hatched larvae would fold their wings and prostrate themselves when facing her.

The Insect Swarm had long lived in the Swamp. The terrible road conditions had no effect on them. They advanced swiftly towards their destination in silence.

Although they endured hunger, the command in their minds excited them. Any prey captured there, they could feast on right on the spot.