Chapter 64: Moonreflection Spring

Chapter 64: Moonreflection Spring

Bran lit a campfire not far from Moonreflection Spring. Recently, Huahua spent less and less time nestled in his embrace and began to expand her patrol area around him.

The water gushing from Moonreflection Spring formed a small lake covering two to three hundred square meters. This was a watering spot for various beasts near the grassland and also a place where grazing herds came to drink. All kinds of fierce beasts here were in a relatively peaceful state. It seemed they all came here just to rest and take a break, rarely engaging in hunting. Predators carefully kept their distance from each other, avoiding unnecessary fights.

At this moment, Bran was studying the map on his lap, considering his travel route. He needed to find ways to improve himself as much as possible on his way to the Wasteland. He marked valuable locations on the map, trying to find the most straightforward path. As Bran and the black cat Huahua re-understood and redefined their relationship, Bran’s travel route also began to adjust.

Bran threw some unknown grass leaves into the fire. Under the flames’ heat, a strong, raw, grassy scent was released, dispersing the nearby mosquitoes. This was one of his discoveries. On his journey forward, he noticed that many small animals’ habitats had this plant. The seeds of this plant had hooked barbs that could catch on animals’ fur and spread as the animals moved.

…

A distant horse neigh interrupted Bran’s thoughts. Bran carefully analyzed the information perceived through his Mana Web. Two riders were approaching. Slightly adjusting his sitting posture to stay alert, Bran redirected most of his attention back to the map in front of him.

As the sound of hooves grew closer, two youths gradually became clear in Bran’s perception, so he completely let down his final guard.

The two youths saw Bran from a distance. However, Bran’s appearance was somewhat eerie; several clusters of Starlight rose and fell around him, which made the approaching youths hesitate. But soon, the Northlanders’ intuition and their naturally friendly nature made them sit down by the campfire.

This was tradition, also a habit. When Northlanders met in the wild, no invitation or politeness was needed. If there was food roasting over the fire, one only needed to reach out and take it. Unfortunately, Bran only had a not-so-vigorous campfire in front of him, so the two youths had to take out their own food and chew on it. If Bran hadn’t been focused on marking his map, they would have shared their food with him.

Now the two youths were sitting within the range of Bran’s Mana Web. The floating Starlight occasionally passed by the two youths. After the initial wariness and unease, the youths began to grow curious and exchanged opinions in low whispers. Until Bran raised his head and put away the map, they finally couldn’t help but ask Bran.

“What is this?”

“Mana.”

“You’re lying. Mana is invisible.”

“Hmm, this is what Mana looks like after it condenses,” Bran replied casually.

“Are you a Wizard?”

“Yes.”

One youth sounded somewhat disdainful. “We Northlanders don’t produce Wizards.”

Bran explained indifferently, “But someone will always Awaken. Once you Awaken, you’re a Wizard.”

“Why are you alone here?”

“Trial.”

“How old are you?”

Bran pointed to the Facial Markings on his face, not bothering with this unintentional provocation.

“We’re also going to complete our Trial. Let’s go together. We’ll look after you on the way.”

“No need. I have other things to do.”

The two youths were taken aback and asked, “What else do you need to do? The Trial is the most important thing.”

“Well, I’m a Wizard. Some things are a bit different for me,” Bran felt somewhat speechless with these two curious kids.

The two youths then asked, “Where are you from?”

“Castle.”

“Wow!” the two youths exclaimed.

In the Northlands, mentioning the Castle could only refer to the place where Bran had lived and grown up since childhood.

The two youths grew excited. “We heard that place is full of powerful Warriors. After completing our Trial, we want to join too.”

“Ambitious.”

“We heard the Warriors from the Castle patrol the borders and often have to fight. Is that true?”

“Yeah, pretty much.”

“Have you met people from outside?”

“I have, but there are many bad ones among them, so you have to be careful not to be fooled.”

“Dare to trick us? We’d cut them down.”

Bran sighed. “You can’t just cut down everyone you meet.”

One youth asked, “Have you ever killed anyone?”

The other youth answered first. “Definitely not. How old is he?”

Bran followed his words. “Yes, I haven’t killed anyone.”

However, the youth’s next question deeply upset Bran.

“A Warrior who returned from the Castle said there’s a child in the Castle who’s an Idiot. What was his name again…”

“Bran,” Bran reminded them weakly, feeling the irony that bad news travels fast.

“Right, it’s Bran.”

The other youth added, “That goes against our tradition. Disabled children should be drowned at birth.”

“Yeah, good solution,” Bran said somewhat irritably.

“Do you know him?”

“I do, and quite well. He’s not an Idiot. The person who told you that is blind!” Bran answered with certainty.

“How is that possible? He’s definitely not blind.”

“Bran and I grew up together since we were little, never separated. I can tell you for sure, he’s not an Idiot. So, the one you heard from must be pretty blind!”

Seeing the two youths still wanting to argue, Bran reminded them. “Sleep. The Trial is the most important. Get some more rest. I’ll keep watch tonight.”

“Can you handle it? We should do it.”

“Don’t worry, I’m a Wizard. My ability allows me to stay alert to my surroundings while sleeping. I’ll wake you if there’s danger.” After saying that, Bran ignored them, sat cross-legged, and closed his eyes.

…

In the early morning, the two youths were awakened by the aroma of roasted meat. A snake as thick as an arm had been cut into several pieces and was being roasted over the fire.

“When did you catch it?”

“Last night. It was trying to get close to you when I caught it.”

Then Bran heard the two youths muttering complaints at each other. People are sometimes like this. When they have someone to rely on, they lose necessary vigilance, always assuming the other person will handle things. Entering the Wasteland in such a state would be very dangerous for the two youths.

After breakfast, they bid each other farewell. They neither exchanged names nor inquired much about each other’s backgrounds. This kind of carefree, unguarded attitude was probably unique to the Northlands.