Chapter 97: Risk

Chapter 97: Risk

Bran truly did not know what he was considered to be. He had thought that after the Trial, he would gain people’s recognition and a corresponding position. But people accepted the changes he brought, whether good or bad, yet they did not give him a proper identity.

All the children who completed the Trial would undergo centralized training for a period of time. But Bran was still alone. No one told him what the next step should be or which team he should belong to.

People only sought his help when they needed it. Because more and more people were accepting Bran’s help, they began trying to find a suitable honorific. Initially, someone first called him the Great Wizard, and then this title gradually spread. After gaining the title of Great Wizard, Bran was completely isolated. Clearly, the Northlanders also understood that someone like Bran should be protected, not sent out to fight and kill. But this behavior made Bran very annoyed.

Recently, Bran sat under the tree every day, communicating spiritually with this Ancient Tree. Through continuous exchange and study, Bran’s body was also gradually changing. Star clusters began to appear on his torso and limbs. The Mana Starlight transformed from the Wizards in the Delegation was completely absorbed by him, becoming nourishment for the star clusters within his body.

When Bran withdrew from the Spiritual World, Whisper appeared before him at just the right time and asked, “How do you feel?”

“Good, my power has increased a lot.”

“You’ve been a bit down lately.”

“It’s nothing, I just feel a bit lonely.”

“They are actually quite good to you.”

Bran gave a bitter smile. “I know, they just used the wrong way.”

…

Some words and actions of Vincent in recent days caught people’s attention, and soon they understood the reason.

Vincent was a very decisive person. The next day, he clearly stated that the Fairies were also masters of the Western Territory. Both sides were equal companions, and he would respect the Fairies’ opinions and cooperate with their relocation. This attitude quickly gained the Fairies’ recognition and goodwill. Now, a Warrior was already heading to the Western Territory with Mana crystals and an Old Fairy.

This change reminded everyone, and people began to reflect on their own inappropriate behavior. When people calmed down from the initial fervor, handling matters became less hasty. When both sides planned for their descendants as masters, the arguments in the Castle became fewer and fewer, and the atmosphere became more and more harmonious.

People already knew that Vincent got the reminder from Bran. So many began to regret that they should have brought Bran in during the initial discussions; things would have gone more smoothly. They shouldn’t have ignored his presence because of his age. But now it was somewhat too late. Bran hid in the Mountain Villa all day and simply wouldn’t come out. He didn’t even attend the daily dinner he used to go to without fail. From his sisters, they learned that Bran was communicating with that Ancient Tree every moment now.

In the Castle, children had gradually formed partnerships with Little Fairies. Now, whether Northlanders or Fairies, everyone was observing. After being separated for too long, no one could guide them now. While gaining benefits, they would also inevitably bear some risks. So people thought of Bran again, hoping Bran could provide some help.

…

In the evening, the Duke came to the Mountain Villa. Just as he entered the Courtyard, he saw Bran sitting cross-legged under the tree. At that moment, his son was like the Ancient Tree, mottled and solid. Following the Duke’s gaze, Bran also opened his eyes. Those eyes had countless stars shining within them. When the Duke looked closely, Bran’s eyes returned to normal.

The Duke exclaimed, “Your eyes!?”

“It’s nothing, a result of Mana circulation. Is something the matter?”

“I was passing by to see you. Haven’t seen you for many days.”

Bran let out a light laugh. “There’s something you need me to solve, right?”

The Duke’s old face flushed a bit red. “Some children in the Castle have already become partners with Fairies.”

“Hmm.”

“We hope you can provide some suggestions.”

Bran sighed. “I can’t provide suggestions.”

“Why? Are you angry?”

“I am a bit angry, but it has nothing to do with the suggestions. My situation is special. I am a Wizard. Many of my suggestions only work for Wizards. For those children, I don’t have any reliable advice.”

The Duke frowned slightly. “You let your sister and younger sister get involved. How can you have no way?”

“At least it’s less risky than going to the Wasteland. Mana will find its own way out, so there shouldn’t be big problems. But small problems can only be discovered and solved one by one. Before problems are found, everyone can only rely on more observation.”

“You should at least share some of your experience, right?”

“I haven’t hidden anything. I’ve already said everything I should. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have kicked me out like that. Now, after so many days, you suddenly come to me like this, not even bringing those children before me.” Bran spread his hands. “Recently, the only subject I can observe is my younger sister. Her situation is similar to the children in the Castle, and currently, there are no problems. So, what suggestion do you want me to give you? As for my elder sister, there’s no need to worry at all. She keeps a very close eye on me. She asks and reads my daily discoveries and records carefully. As long as I don’t have problems, it’s unlikely she will either.

My younger sister can be sent to guide those children, and then feedback the issues through her. This can also help her make more friends, not be like me, unloved by grandmother or uncle.”

Bran’s complaints made the Duke somewhat awkward. He replied, “Let’s do as you suggest first. Also, give me a copy of your recent findings.”

“Ask Sister for it. I’m very busy.” Bran pointed to the Ancient Tree beside him. “It’s too complex. I don’t want to waste time handling other matters lately. Spring is coming soon. I want to communicate with it more before I leave.

Oh, by the way. You should have started training the Wizards according to the recorded method, right?”

“Yes.”

“How is the effect?”

“Quite good in the early stage.”

“Remember to keep it secret. Don’t let outsiders get it. Back then, those people came to capture me for these secrets, which shows it’s still quite valuable.”

“Don’t worry. A secret the Northlands wants to keep, outsiders won’t know.”

Just as Bran thought the conversation was over, the Duke hesitated and spoke up, “Stay in the Castle. I’ll hand those Wizards over to you for training. How about that?”

Bran shook his head. “Give them to Sister. She is more suitable than I am. Moreover, she is more talented than I am.”

“You know, people in the Castle don’t want you to leave.”

Bran sneered. “Is that so?”

The Duke sighed. “Now, none of us want you to leave.”

“You want me to endlessly make all kinds of handy weapons and armor for you. You want me to build Mana environments for everyone everywhere. You want me to stay and train the Northlands’ Wizards. You want me to stay and guide these children. What else do you hope for?

How much weapons and armor can one person alone make? Northlanders shouldn’t forget their own fundamentals. I am only a supplement. For Mana environments, the Fairies can complete them. For Wizards, my sister can train them. For the children, my younger sister can take care of them.

Actually, I am just a person who is dispensable.”

“If you insist on leaving, we won’t send extra people with you.”

Bran looked at his father and said, “You also know, I actually prefer being alone.”

The Duke’s face darkened. “What if we insist on stopping you?”

As the Duke’s words fell, he felt isolated. The entire Mountain Villa seemed to grow infinitely tall. An immense pressure pressed down on him, making it difficult to breathe. Then, the Duke saw Black Cat Huahua appear beside Bran, and Danny also stepped over to stand with them.

He heard Bran say, “At least, I still have them.”