Chapter 257: Wizard Territory (Part 2)

Chapter 257: Wizard Territory (Part 2)

As the journey continued, Harvey and Sander gradually lost their vigor. Scholars’ training was usually comprehensive. Many old scholars grew weak and frail from years of desk work. But these two were different; they were young and strong.

They were not unfamiliar with the Wizard Territory. While planning and rebuilding the residence for the White-robed Ones, they had already begun preparations. As their teacher said, Wizards were not good at construction. Sooner or later, many tasks would have to be handed over to more specialized people like them.

He also said many things were beginning to change. The Wizards had decided to rule the world with power, and they had to prepare early. The Wizards would become the new Monarchs, and they had the chance to become their right-hand men.

Show your value, then pledge allegiance to or accept invitations from these Wizards. Wizards focus on exploring power and Mana, while we can help them rule this World and stand behind them at the peak of power.

With these plans in mind, they naturally worked with extra care. Many of their plans and arrangements were no longer limited to a single time or place. It was from that time on that they started paying attention to the Wizard Territory.

Because of their understanding, the two clearly underestimated this trip. Although the Wizard Territory was remote, a few days of hard travel would be enough for a round trip. However, the girl before them obviously had other plans.

They were young but not reckless. Having grown up in the City of Wisdom and dealing daily with people skilled in schemes and calculations, they had long developed a cautious nature.

Power being held in the hands of two immature girls made them even more worried. Their undeveloped bodies had not yet fostered enough reason to control their words and actions.

After a small, probing interaction, they chose to follow in silence.

As they moved forward, they noticed the girl was tracking traces of beasts. At first, they thought it was just a whim. But as more and more beasts were hunted, they gradually realized this was not a passing fancy; it was a purposeful hunt.

They carefully kept their distance, closely observing the girl’s movements, trying to figure out the truth.

The two girls had very different hunting styles: Xirui displayed absolute power. After chilling winds and flying snow, the prey would fall dead in the woods. Zoya was more like a ghost; the prey seemed to ignore her, letting her walk right up to them and take their lives.

But apart from hunting, they did not find anything valuable. It seemed the girls’ purpose was simply to reap these lives.

The thought of reaping lives made them shiver. The relationship between the Great Wizard and The Dead was no longer a secret, though the details remained unknown to outsiders.

Was going to the Wizard Territory just a pretense?

This discovery made them feel both nervous and excited. Even as ordinary people, they were immensely curious about the Great Wizard’s secrets.

But the excitement only lasted a few days. As they traveled, their physical strength began to fail, and weariness slowly filled their bodies. They could only focus on taking care of themselves, hoping not to collapse in this icy, snowy land.

They shouldn’t have been this weak.

But their leader, Zoya, did not consider the difference between them. Her pace varied, often speeding up or slowing down while following the beasts’ tracks. When their energy was high initially, they could barely keep up. But as their stamina kept draining, they gradually became exhausted.

In Harvey and Sander’s eyes, Zoya and Xirui moved too fast, and the environment barely affected them. Most importantly, they never seemed to tire. Their need for food was not high either; they could even go for days without eating.

The two girls did not consider their feelings and instead left them behind without a care. Fortunately, the beasts that fell along the way served as both markers and food.

Harvey and Sander suffered greatly, but they also began to adapt. Afterwards, they continuously figured out Zoya’s movement patterns. They gave up following directly and instead chose shortcuts, waiting for them further down the road.

Traveling with Wizards was a rare experience. They saw the Wizards’ power and their cold detachment. But there was no point complaining. They had learned this principle in the City of Wisdom: why should others accommodate you?

Their efforts were recognized. During their first wait on the road ahead when they reunited with Zoya and Xirui, Zoya actually nodded to them.

After several times, a silent understanding gradually formed between both sides. Harvey and Sander either traveled alongside or took shortcuts ahead. They also began trying to hunt the beasts along the way. During the hunt, they gradually came to enjoy the feeling of reaping the prey. Their catches were few, but the two never tired of it.

Time passed quickly in this state. Before they knew it, they finally arrived at the Wizard Territory.

The White-robed Ones had a good eye. Although the Wizard Territory was remote, its terrain was excellent. With proper management, it would be easy to establish a foothold initially.

The Wizard Territory was situated slightly high, the entire Territory resting on a vast, long, gentle slope. Even the severe cold could not seal off the water gushing from a nearby mountain spring.

Harvey and Sander climbed to the top of the slope and looked down at everything below. They would stay here for a few days to conduct some simple surveys. After setting a return date with them, Zoya took Xirui and continued onward, past the Wizard Territory.