Chapter 169: Companionship

Chapter 169: Companionship

Danny was very worried about Bran. She knew Bran was about to face something uncontrollable again. Alone, without even a mount. Beneath Bran’s seemingly indifferent attitude, he was actually always careful. Whenever there was danger, he would step in front, then put on an act, as if everyone else was just a burden.

No one wanted to be a burden, so as time passed, fewer and fewer people could stay by his side.

He refused her company, and his reason was justified. The people in the city were becoming more and more complicated. Someone needed to hold the fort, someone needed to be able to command Huahua and Ancient Tree at critical moments.

Huahua, a creature who enjoyed solitude, finally accepted her. Occasionally, she would condescend to run into her arms and lie there for a while. Ancient Tree’s attitude towards her was also different; at least he wouldn’t swing his big hammer to threaten her.

Bran’s strength was growing stronger and stronger. It seemed he no longer needed her. Some people wanted to take her place, but they did not succeed. Bran needed someone to accompany him, someone to listen to him pour out his heart. And she was the same; she needed someone to accompany her, someone to listen to her pour out her heart.

People did not understand: being strong or not was not the reason they stood together. They were together even when Bran was still weak. This was a matter of fate, unchangeable.

No one was willing to establish a relationship with Bran back then, even just temporary guidance. She did not belong to the Castle, nor did she belong to the Western Territory. So, although she knew of Bran, she did not understand him.

In the eyes of many, she was more like a wild child. Her parents died in the Western Territory, and not even their bones were recovered. A simple routine retaliation, a simple accident; some fought to their death, some escaped back.

Her clan did not lack food and clothing for her, but that was all it was. In the end, she lacked many things that other children had.

Her luck had always been quite good, so her little companions around her seemed somewhat unlucky. That’s how things were; if those around you were always unlucky, then why weren’t you unlucky? Either luck was favoring you, or you were bringing bad luck to others.

Who knew?

The companions around her gradually decreased, but her luck was truly good. She sneaked out of her home, ran into the wilderness, and then met her companions—two wild young White Wolves.

Her talent was good, at least that’s what she thought back then. Otherwise, how could she have been sent to the Castle and received training? Before the Trial, the Madam sought her out, hoping she would become Bran’s Attendant.

Bran, she knew of him not long after entering the Castle. An existence that could not be ignored in the Castle, because back then, he stood at the castle gate every day, showcasing his presence.

She once felt sympathy and pity for him, but these feelings quickly faded. At least he had family, a Sister who would occasionally hold his hand. And what about her?

She completed the Trial with her White Wolf companions, but there was nothing to be happy about, because she became alone again. Her luck had always been good, right?

Sharing life and death, she could tell that Bran’s words back then were insincere, but she still echoed the oath…

She followed her oath, and then Bran began to follow his too. From then on, her luck and Bran’s luck had been quite good. Maybe she had always been able to bring good luck, only lacking that person who would share life and death with her…

Whether protecting or being protected, it was an enjoyment for both her and Bran. What she and Bran needed was just the warmth of being together.

Outsiders would not understand, so they could never stand by Bran’s side.

…

The Scholars were very trustworthy and efficient. After being driven out by Bran, they immediately started building the small Fortress stipulated in the agreement, for defense and vigilance towards Sandstone City, without stopping.

Bran passed through the busy construction site, ignoring the Scholar who hurried over, and headed straight for Sandstone City. This made the Scholars look at each other in surprise. Soon, a night owl flew up, carrying news of Bran to the front.

During this time, the Scholars had done a lot of work. For example, some Wizards were sent to observe and record the environment here; out of self-interest, they prevented outsiders from approaching, successfully curbing the increase in the number of Undead. But their research was still in a difficult situation, with no direction to be found.

Jonah, who received the news, waited in front of Sandstone City. Bran’s appearance made them wary, but also filled with anticipation. Perhaps Bran had a new discovery, which was why he hurried to Sandstone City. Maybe through probing, they could get some hints from his few words.

Faced with the temptation of Immortality, the Scholars lost their usual calmness and seemed eager for quick success. They were slowly changing. It was already hard to sense the unique aura of a Scholar on them.

Impatience—this was what Bran felt when he approached them.

Bran did not like Scholars, but he had to admit they had an indescribable calm temperament, making people feel reliable and peaceful. But what were these before him?

In just a few months, he saw decadence and madness in Jonah, as if facing a madman. He seemed to want to block Bran’s way, but due to his intuition for danger, he adjusted his action in time, turning to follow closely by Bran’s side, then said straightforwardly, “Hello, is there anything I can do for you?”

Bran walked on without a word, taking this already mad person into Sandstone City.

Sandstone City remained the same as before. Lacking human presence, the entire city felt spacious and desolate. Weeds stubbornly poked their heads out from the ruins, but unlike outside, they had a sickly, withered feeling.

There were no birds, no snakes or rats, only some figures, either illusory or solid, busy here, just as they were in life.

Jonah had not yet realized he was in danger. He continued to chatter rudelessly until Bran stopped walking, until a whisper sounded in his ear, “Let’s stop here.”

It seemed that in the final moments of life, one could really erupt with some kind of power. Jonah sobered up!

A certain Scholar-like temperament returned to him. After looking around, he couldn’t help but reveal a bitter smile.

The Dead quietly surrounded this place. A Statue stood tall, with a line of clear text on it: “May the dead gain eternal peace, the creator of the Undead—Wizard Bran.”