Chapter 243: Memories

Chapter 243: Memories

After sending his little sister Xirui on her way, Bran let out a long sigh. He felt caught in a whirlpool of troubles. His sister needed guidance, the amnesiac Zoya needed looking after, and even Huahua seemed lethargic recently.

Bran held Huahua and sat down under the Ancient Tree. He silently watched Zoya whispering to a White Wolf nearby. Zoya still remembered everything between them, but it brought no help. These fragmented memories were like heavy obstacles, trapping Zoya in a Labyrinth with no exit.

Bran had no solution for this.

He had tried telling Zoya about her past. But any mention of it made her turn a deaf ear and a blind eye. Reminiscing about the past with Zoya was extremely painful. They recalled their meeting and how they got to know each other, but her memories were always flawed. She didn’t remember why she met Bran. She didn’t remember her brother being there too at Bran Manor.

The interactions among the three of them in her memories felt awkward and unreal because that one missing person was gone. They seemed neither real nor reliable. So Zoya started to doubt and began trying to find clues. She asked Bran questions he couldn’t answer – “Who am I? Where do I come from?”

Bran had said Mana would find a way. But instead, Mana led Zoya into a Labyrinth with no end.

“You are Zoya of the Northlands.” This answer eventually made Bran feel parched. It was the only answer that brought joy to Zoya’s face. Yet, it was precisely this answer that kept her trapped in the Labyrinth.

Bran was tired. He didn’t want to repeat that answer that pleased Zoya. He began telling her stories of Wizards instead, trying to encourage her to seek the truth through Mana. “Someday you will understand Mana. Then you will understand what they’ve done to you. Then you will know your own choices, your desires, and your – betrayal.”

Zoya finally noticed Bran’s gaze. She lifted her head and gave him a radiant smile. Then she got up and walked over to him.

“I saw you talking to Xirui earlier, so I didn’t disturb you.”

“What is it?”

“I want to go out scouting too. And since you sent Earl to the Royal Capital, maybe I can go there and help him a bit.”

“That place isn’t right for you. If you truly wish to travel, go to the Wizard Territory first. Coincidentally, the Ancient Tree wants to see the sea. Once you pass the Wizard Territory, continue east along the Eternal River to reach the coast.”

“What about you?” The Ancient Tree interjected.

“Huahua hasn’t been very lively recently. I need to stay with her.”

“Then I won’t go either. I’ll stay with her too.”

Zoya knocked hard on the Ancient Tree. “Didn’t you want to go with me?”

“No, I just care more about Huahua.”

Bran quickly stopped them. “You can go with Xirui. Treat it as a small Trial. Bring Feiyu and this year’s new White Wolf pups too.”

“What needs to be done in the Wizard Territory?”

“Clear out any threatening creatures along the way, and bring people to survey the Wizard Territory.”

“Alright.”

Bran finally understood. Causing havoc was truly the forte of the White-robed Ones. At Northland City, they had been bustling about, yet little progress was made on building their Settlement. But shortly after they were sent out, they had already carried out suppression and purges quite effectively.

Busy directing work at the White Robes’ Settlement, Baz suddenly heard Bran’s voice in his ear. By now, he was used to this. He quickly replied.

“I hear your followers and disciples have been recalled.”

Baz jumped in fear and hurried to explain: “We already reported this to the City Lord.”

“I’m not blaming you. I hadn’t considered it well enough before. Pick two reliable people to accompany Zoya to the Wizard Territory. Make a plan for the place.”

After the call ended, Baz exhaled deeply. His recent busyness hadn’t been in vain. Bran had finally seen his usefulness. Living with the White-robed Ones for some time, he realized they were simply a group of butchers. Their studies on Mana and developing abilities revolved mostly around killing. They were pack of executioners. As for construction, they were utterly useless.

But this was good. Very good for him.

As long as Bran recognized that his role was indispensable, then Immortality was practically guaranteed. So, he decided to showcase his abilities as much as possible.

Baz would not want himself turned into some flawed creation. Research by the Scholar in Sandstone City hadn’t stopped. Over time, those test subjects gradually lost their minds, eventually turning into absolute Monsters. The thought of those Monsters always sent a chill down his spine.

Actually, this time, the White-robed Ones were also pouring out en masse to showcase themselves.

Their clumsy performance in construction must have disappointed Bran greatly. Baz could tell Bran was trying to steer the White-robed Ones down a different path. He wanted this group to pay more attention to the essence of their power. He hoped they could apply their power to broader fields, like production and creation, not just killing. But these people, accustomed to killing, were changing far too slowly.

Clearly, the White-robed Ones recognized this too. Seizing this chance, they let Bran see their strengths.

While Northland City was making their move, Eileen stepped onto the East Coast again. As her feet touched the shore, her heart, which had been constantly suspended, finally settled.

She was only part of the first group. More of her clanspeople would arrive one after another. With only a few rickety boats in this short, harsh winter, it was uncertain how many could be ferried.

She hadn’t expected to return so soon. She had planned to hide away from this Continent, to be far from that man and that beautiful Manor. She wanted the barrier of the sea to help her gradually forget.

She now knew everything happening here. It all felt like a farce. The struggles of some only hastened their demise.

Northland City had finally acted, and this land had fallen into his hands. This made the situation awkward for the Dragon Riders who had left the Archipelago and lost the protection of the sea.

Eileen’s own situation was awkward too. She needed to return to Northland City. She needed to figure out Bran’s stance. She needed to clarify the relationship between Northland City and the Dragon Riders. This made her realize her abrupt return had indeed been a very impulsive act.

Returning this time, in what identity would she face him? A friend? An acquaintance? Or merely as an envoy?

She had many things she wanted to ask Bran. What on earth was that Monster in the sea? Why did it come just as he left?

Back on the Archipelago, the lookout had seen a figure flash past. But it moved too fast; he couldn’t be sure it was Bran. Yet, who else could run over the sea like that at that time?

If it really was him, shouldn’t he have given the Dragon Riders an explanation? He left just like that, leaving the Dragon Riders to bear all the consequences.

Eileen knew grievances had already taken root deep within her heart. Reconciliation was difficult. When with Bran, he always acted as if nothing had happened. But Eileen was absolutely certain Bran was glad to see the Dragon Riders suffer. Yet, this scoundrel had placed her in danger too.

She wanted to ask: Did Bran know how many casualties his actions caused? Did he know she had been on the Archipelago then?