Chapter 242: Life

Chapter 242: Life

The actions of the Wizards from Northland City were growing larger. Quelling the disaster had become an excuse. Seizing this opportunity, they reached their hands into every corner. More and more Nobles were being accused of failing disaster relief properly.

Letters of all kinds flew like snowflakes toward Northland City. The Nobles lamented their wrongdoings and expressed their remorse. After Danny’s screening, a rather unusual letter was brought before Bran.

This letter expressed concern for Northland City’s actions. Although the Anya People had abducted many Royal Family members, there was still Royal Family Bloodline left in Green. And they, as Knights, still remembered their oath.

Only remembered?

Bran cast his gaze into the distance. Blackstone City, this border Fortress, actually wanted to bargain. As a place where heavy troops were amassed, it had always been aloof. Even though the constant turmoil in the country had some influence there, the impact was very limited. All sides still focused on winning over and placating Blackstone City.

The Wizards of Northland City acted too forcefully, which displeased the long-favored Blackstone City. Rumor had it that they could not suppress those blinded by greed, and they indeed had some backing. Although the White-robed Ones traveled everywhere, they temporarily avoided this place for now. This made Blackstone City much more arrogant.

The White-robed Ones currently had no plan nor the strength to confront a large army head-on. But dealing with Blackstone City was not urgent. Once the entire Kingdom was under control, Blackstone City would be in the bag. As the situation changed, the White-robed Ones believed these people would soon make the right choice. They never expected that Blackstone City would take the initiative to send a letter full of warning.

Bran did not know what these people’s oath amounted to. When the Royal Family was abducted, they must have passed through Blackstone City. If these people truly remembered their oath, they would not have let the Anya People leave peacefully. If these people truly remembered their oath, they should have found the Royal Family’s Bloodline long ago and supported it.

Concern? Bran decided to pay serious attention to Blackstone City. Soon, the overwhelmed dignitaries in the Royal Capital saw this letter from Blackstone City. Without a single word, Northland City merely forwarded an exceedingly ordinary letter.

The time to show loyalty had arrived! This unique opportunity drove the powerful figures in the Royal Capital wild.

Bran ignored the shifting winds and clouds outside, focusing instead on teaching his Sister.

“You’ve been doing very well lately.”

Xirui obviously did not see through Bran’s insincerity. Puffing out her chest proudly, she modestly said, “Hmm, not good enough yet.”

Then her demeanor changed, her face turning cheeky. “Since I’ve been so good, is there a reward?”

Bran instinctively asked, “What do you want?”

“Give me your Mist!”

“No.” Bran reached out and tapped his Sister’s head. “I haven’t settled last time’s account with you yet. Don’t get any ideas about it in the future.”

“Lend it to me for a few days.”

“No.”

“Meanie! Well then, give me that Water Pearl.”

“No.”

“You have no use for it anyway. Might as well give it to me. I’m lacking a handy weapon.”

“That’s not a weapon. It’s a Key, a cornerstone.” Seeing curiosity appear on his Sister’s face, Bran continued, “I didn’t realize before, but they are actually very dangerous. They are Keys to the Sea of Magic. If they accidentally pull you in, you’ll soon be assimilated or even swallowed by the Mana.”

“Then why are you fine?”

“Different Keys lead us to different Tributaries in the Sea of Magic, a Tributary most compatible with us. Even so, we still need its protection to remain safe.”

“You’re lying! Before, you never used a Key.”

“Heh, my ability turned me into a Key, but it couldn’t make me an unharmed cornerstone. So there, I got eroded.” Bran pointed to his head. “There’s a constant sound of tides here now. I’ve become part of it.”

Looking at his clearly nervous Sister, Bran smiled. “But it’s okay. There’s still a chance to break free. And it’s not entirely bad. It lets me easily touch the Sea of Magic and understand the nature of a Key.

As our abilities grow, we gradually merge into the Sea of Magic. Out of an instinct for protection, we nurture new Fruits, which can also be called Keys. Their forms are ever-changing, their natures completely different, but their functions are basically the same.

Sister’s wings, my Mist—they are like that. They are Keys, bridges connecting to the Sea of Magic, products of the initial Evolution of our abilities. Part of the ability belongs to the Sea of Magic, another part is rooted in consciousness. The Fruit nurtured from the ability is the same, but its function is even stronger, providing us a foothold in the Sea of Magic.

But this protection is only effective for ourselves. If you are pulled into a completely unfamiliar Tributary, you will drown in it.

Now, do you still want them?”

This made Xirui shudder. She quickly shook her head. But she still had a little bit of lingering unwillingness. “What about you? If you accidentally enter another Tributary?”

“It depends. If I have the Mist with me, it’s no big problem. I can leave at any time. If I have to endure it directly, the outcome isn’t so certain.” As he spoke, Bran couldn’t help but remember the first time he saw the Sea of Magic. If everyone hadn’t woken him, if the Mist hadn’t wrapped around him and pulled him out…

Bran shook his head. “Don’t think about that. Sooner or later, you will also condense your own Key. That will be the most suitable for you.”

Xirui nodded heavily. “Hmm, I will work hard.”

Bran left some things unsaid. Hard work alone wasn’t enough. The Fruit not only needed to be nourished by Mana but also probably required a large amount of life Sacrifice. How many people had he and his Sister killed? The Monster encountered on the Lonely Island that condensed that Water Pearl must have devoured countless lives in the sea.

For Xirui, keep this secret for now.