Chapter 196: The Backyard

Chapter 196: The Backyard

While Bran was still enjoying the view from the Exquisite Tower, Northland City was already bustling with activity. After Bran left, Pachu was worried about losing guidance, but he did not expect the Ancient Tree to take on the heavy responsibility.

Although the Ancient Tree kept his promise and did not reveal the knowledge he gained from Bran, he also had many experiences he could share and talk about.

Regarding understanding nature, the Ancient Tree had an advantage others could hardly match. During his mental connection with Bran, he learned to observe the world from a new perspective. He found that his boring daily memories became interesting and colorful. Those ordinary flowers, plants, mosquitoes, and insects, after being sorted and organized, became what Bran called knowledge.

He would not tell these things for free. In exchange, the Wizards also had to share some of their own experiences.

The Ancient Tree was famous in Northland City for being confusing, so when he called the Wizards together, Pachu and the others reluctantly gathered around. But soon, their dismissive attitude turned into delight as if they had found a treasure. These White Robes, including Pachu, initially found their way forward by observing and recording natural phenomena. Now, the Ancient Tree placed all this right in front of them.

They finally understood why the Grand Sorcerer Bran was used to sitting under the Ancient Tree.

If possible, they also wanted to stay by the Ancient Tree’s side, even at the risk of their lives.

Spiderwebs were the subject of recent study for the Wizards. The Ancient Tree mentioned that his sensing method mimicked the form of a spiderweb. Unlike Bran’s initial spherical web and later energy field, he was more accustomed to imitating the biological forms in nature.

The Wizards of Northland City began to materialize Mana and gave this materialized thing a vivid name—Magical Patterns.

When expanding their perception abilities, they finally had a physical image for reference. Pachu and the others therefore found a new direction.

Shajia mingled among the Wizards. Since she told her past to the Ancient Tree, the knot in her heart began to loosen. When she heard the Ancient Tree was exchanging experiences with people, she followed along out of curiosity.

After several interactions, a brand new World appeared before Shajia’s eyes. Only then did she realize how foolish she was to reject Earl’s invitation back then.

…

Compared to the happy Wizards, the Northlanders in the City Manor appeared gloomy at this time. Danny sat at the head, with Zack and Mary leading men and women sitting around on both sides.

The topic of discussion was simple—recruiting more clansmen.

Danny clapped her hands to draw everyone’s attention. “Bran is a carefree person. As long as you are happy, he doesn’t bother with you.

But this city can’t always have so few people; we need to increase our numbers. So whether you trick them or snatch them, get our clansmen to Northland City for me.”

Mary brazenly said, “How about we wait until Bran returns?”

“Shut up! Who can’t see through your little schemes? Are you all blinded? When Bran was here, some things were inconvenient for me to say. Now I have to make things clear in advance.

Bran cannot stay here forever. With him here, he can protect you. But what will you do when he leaves one day?”

Mary shamelessly raised her paw, shouting, “I will go with you!”

Zack and others also expressed their support.

Looking at everyone, Danny gritted her teeth and squeezed out two words, “Shut up!”

After everyone quieted down obediently again, she continued, “Back then, Bran asked who wanted to take over Northland City, and you all refused.”

Mary muttered softly, “You refused too.”

This earned her an angry glare from Danny. “I made a vow with Bran—to share life and death!”

“I can also make a vow,” Mary continued to mumble softly, resulting in a solid slap on her forehead.

“You all want an easy life, so Bran arranged everything for you. He asked the Fairy to take charge of this city, and you only need to idle around and wait to die.”

Mary interrupted Danny again, “I want to go with you, to see the outside world with my own eyes. Since Bran built the map room, I go to look at it every day, imagining what it’s like out there.”

This statement received unanimous agreement, with people around nodding their heads simultaneously.

Danny sighed. This sentiment had probably been there for quite some time. So she changed her tone and said, “Even if you want to leave, this city still needs to be held by our clansmen. In the current situation, which of you can leave?”

Zack slapped his thigh. “Right! I’ll go back to the clan and bring a few people here.”

But Mary started to worry. “Can they take good care of this city?”

Danny shook her head helplessly. “You all saw that Bran has had no news for several days in a row. On one hand, he has matters to deal with; on the other hand, he wants to see what accidents might occur when he’s not here. Bran does not expect you to take good care of this city. He will solve potential problems in advance.”

Danny said somewhat irritably, “You don’t want to take over, and you’re worried the clansmen can’t handle it. So who has a better solution? If we don’t have enough clansmen, none of you will be able to leave when the time comes. You’ll rot here for your whole lives!”

She softened her tone. “Bran only hopes our clansmen can stand here and understand the World through this place. He will do his best to arrange everything, and the true ruler of this city is the Fairy. So don’t think too much; first, bring the clansmen here.

Also, whoever recruits the clansmen will be responsible for teaching them. Don’t frown! Only after arranging successors will you have a chance to leave.”

…

The meeting ended, and Danny walked out. Outside, there were two existences that gave her a headache—Zoya and Eileen. They were imitating her every move for some unknown reason. And the clansmen also found amusement in this, giving the two girls great convenience.

Zoya had a great talent for imitation. She was now a miniature version of Danny, and even her appearance was slowly changing. Who knows if Bran would still recognize her when he returned. Eileen was far less skilled; her movements seemed stiff and awkward.

Because Bran was not here, Danny took the main seat. The position of deputy hostess became the target of their competition. Eventually, the two reached an agreement—they would take turns.

Danny didn’t want to deal with such girlish thoughts, but she had to. Some things Bran would not consider, so she had to think of them in advance and make arrangements.

After the threat from the Western Territory was resolved, the attitude of the Northlands would determine the situation on this Continent. According to Bran, this place was already their backyard. And changes in the Continent’s situation would also determine Zoya and Eileen’s status in the city. Danny did not want them to be harmed because of this.

…

The land exit had been blocked by the Northlands. The next step was for Bran to verify whether there was a sea route leading to the outside world. Verification was not difficult; he just needed to go to the coast to see if goods from the Alien Races had appeared. Who controlled these goods, and how many there were.

Bran never trusted the Scholars. Given the Scholars’ attitude, they would not be bound by this Continent. Recording and exploring required financial support, and wealth must have its sources. Especially when talking about this Continent with Sean, Sean’s attitude was enough to explain many problems. The Scholars’ understanding of the World did not stop at this Continent.

Thinking about parts of the plan Bran mentioned, Danny hoped he would not impulsively go to the coast by himself. If the Northlands took new measures regarding the outside world, this place would bear the brunt first. With Bran not here, these people alone could not make any decisions.