Chapter 212: Coming and Going

Chapter 212: Coming and Going

Bran watched Jenny act foolishly in front of him, putting aside all pride and dignity for the sake of staying alive. She knew how to flatter and get close without a hint of awkwardness—she was truly a talent. Though her behavior seemed erratic, she was definitely a sharp person, perfect for delivering messages. Also, seeing Lui’s troubled expression, Bran felt a bit soft-hearted.

Bran knew what was happening in the city, but because he was so far away, everything felt unreal. Sitting atop the mountain, looking down at all living beings, he couldn’t empathize with them.

Yet when faced up close with someone he didn’t dislike, he couldn’t help but feel different emotions.

So, Andong got the reply he wanted, but it only made him more frustrated. Bran simply liked the environment here, saying it was a place where he could sleep well. Once he had slept enough, he would naturally leave.

Sleep? Why not sleep until you die! Andong cursed again in his heart.

If it were just that, it might have been acceptable. What truly drove him mad was Bran’s later instruction: the mana environment here was special and would be very helpful for some power ful Wizards. So in the near future, other Wizards would appear here.

At the same time, Bran reminded Andong that because of the differences in a Wizard’s initial awakening, the effects they caused would also vary. Bran’s influence was relatively neutral; what other Wizards might bring would depend on fate.

Finally, he thanked Andong for all the help he had given.

Thanks? Andong only felt deep malice and heartless mockery.

Is he planning to seize my city by force? No! I can’t let him do that. This place is the source of the Hell Knights’ power. Losing it means losing everything.

…

Lui and Jenny appeared on the mountaintop again. When they first heard Bran’s message, they couldn’t believe it. Was it really just about sleeping? But they had to believe it. Later, the blatant occupation made them realize Bran had no reason to lie.

Last time, they went down the mountain in low spirits, and then made more people feel the same as them. They completed their task perfectly, only to receive endless sighs in return.

Even the usually optimistic Jenny fell silent. She hated Wizard Bran and began to hate the Northlanders too! Bran was pushing them to the brink.

With despair, they spoke to the empty mountaintop, “We will not leave this place. This is the decision of all our people.”

“How brave.” The annoying voice sounded in their ears again. “I think you misunderstood some things. I am not interested in whether you stay or leave, and I will not interfere with your choice. I do not want to occupy this city either, nor do I want to worry about a group of unrelated people.

You merely misunderstood my friendly reminder.

You cannot stop other Wizards from coming. In a few years, the Wizards from Anya will also return from their studies. Since you live here, you must always be on guard and prepared.

So, save your words for the Wizards who will appear here later.”

Bran’s reply made them seem a bit embarrassed. Lui asked awkwardly, “Can you give us some advice?”

“This is your city. How to interact with Wizards and how to avoid risks are not for outsiders to decide.”

“What about your city? How does Northland City handle it?” Lui was unwilling to give up.

“Hah, not a single Wizard dares to cause trouble in my city.”

“But after you left, how does your city maintain order now?”

“I have many powerful companions, some well-known, others hidden in the shadows. I share knowledge and power with my companions, and we have always moved forward together. I have never been alone; they have always been by my side, protecting me.”

Lui and Jenny were deeply stirred by this news. The resentment in Jenny’s heart was replaced by envy. She whispered to herself, “I wish I could be your companion too!”

“Go back. Tell Andong not to disturb me anymore.”

Andong sat quietly in the Royal Palace, not wanting to move at all. The new news made everyone breathe a sigh of relief. The immediate crisis seemed to have passed.

But a new shadow loomed overhead, drawing closer and closer, gradually making it hard to breathe. The Wizards would arrive soon. Bran seemed unreasonable, yet he still left some room. Would other Wizards do the same?

Bran had no interest in worldly power or money. What about other Wizards?

Suddenly, he felt suspicious about the Wizards Anya had sent to study in Northland City. What would those people become when they returned? How should he deal with them?

Wizards! Andong started cursing again. He hated Bran, but he hated Wizards even more. How wonderful it would be if there were no Wizards! He could still sit safely on the Throne, looking down at all living beings. But now, he could only follow the masses, gazing up at those Wizards.

The sun rose and set until one day, someone noticed that no more gray smoke rose from the mountaintop. Cheers that reached the sky engulfed the entire city. People laughed, shouted, hugged each other, and some even cried with joy…

But Jenny could not feel happy. Over those few days, she had matured a lot. Amid the people’s celebration, she and Lui left the city together, heading toward Northland City. They wanted to see that City of Wizards, to see if it was truly as Wizard Bran said, a place with many powerful companions.

They were going to find their own path.