Amber Sword

"What is this ’Second Judgement Day’ supposed to be?" Brand felt that if he kept talking to these muttering witches, he was going to go half mad sooner or later. But if Barbara was really as she claimed, then the witches were actually quite a decent source of help for him.

Witches and Prophets were the first Mortals in this World to grasp Magic Power. In Ancient Times, Wizards realized Mortal Magic by developing the power hidden in script and speech; their Strength in truth originated from the Twelve Moons above the sky, reflections cast by Dark Magic Power. Thus, in the Mortal World, walking upon the Earth, there were likewise twelve different branches of witches. Roman’s aunt, for example, was an Eternal Witch whose natal constellation was the Magic Moon in the Star Zone of Lyra. And in the Witch Country Bunoson, the strongest branch by far was the Winter Witch of the Witch King’s Throne.

Witches had long been eroded by Dark Magic Power, which was why they turned so eccentric and abnormal. Most of them were evil, cruel and bloodthirsty, though there were a few good, rational Existences among them. Yet without exception, they were staunch followers of Order. No matter how people might differ, they could not deny this point: witches, like Pagans, were Existences fundamentally at odds with everyone else.

This was precisely why Brand would never wallow together with the All Things Return to One, yet could accept the Dark Dragon’s legacy. For the same reason, he didn’t mind Barbara’s help—so long as she didn’t bring him trouble.

He pondered for a moment. "Barbara, you said the Winter Kingdom answers the promise. That Dark Sky from before wasn’t something you completed alone, was it?"

"Master, there are a few sisters traveling with me." Barbara replied.

At once a few equally dried‑up faces surfaced in Brand’s mind. Because they specialized in Dark Magic Power, witches loved to hide away in Barbaric Regions. A small Kingdom like Erune on the civilized frontier was practically Heaven for them. At least, for witches like Barbara, he knew there were more than a few in Erune.

In fact, Roman’s Aunt Jenny was a textbook example. "How strong are they?"

"Roughly the same as me, Master." Brand lifted his head, his sharp gaze fixing on Barbara. "Barbara, you said the Winter Kingdom must answer the Queen of Witches’ promise regarding the Dark Dragon. The Witch Country Bunoson you speak of can’t be just you few, can it?"

"Of course not, they’re only bound by their respective constraints so they can’t come. Master, please don’t doubt our loyalty." Barbara’s face was all deference, yet she was a bit hesitant.

Brand understood completely. He’d long known the twelve branches of witches were scattered across the Earth, and they likely didn’t all agree with one another’s views. Though he carried the Dark Dragon’s legacy, the Dark Dragon’s legacy didn’t necessarily belong to him alone. Barbara had come to him, clearly to make a long‑term investment.

This Old Witch was rather shrewd. But as for a few Silver Rank witches, Brand truly didn’t think much of them; he couldn’t help feeling a bit disappointed. "Barbara, you don’t actually believe that bit of Strength you have can really help me, do you?"

"Of course not," Barbara said quickly. "But Lord, a witch’s Strength has always lain more in wisdom than in Strength itself. Difficulties that Strength cannot solve can be cut through with ease by using wisdom."

For those last two sentences, Brand and Barbara were no longer using Whisper Magic. Count Oting, listening at the side, immediately spoke: "Since that’s the case, Old Witch, what sort of wisdom have you brought us?" His tone was anything but polite, for among the common folk, witches were practically synonymous with plots, cunning, and deceit.

"Lord, we can lead you through this region and evade the Harpies’ surveillance." Barbara answered.

"Really?" Brand’s eyes gleamed slightly as he asked carefully. "You’re saying you can lead us through this region without being discovered by Jogen Digan’s army?"

"Exactly."

"No matter whether we go south or north?" Brand pressed further.

"Mr. Brand, what are you planning?" Princess Griffine beside him shuddered in alarm. She whipped her head around, silver eyes wide as she stared at Brand, as if seeing him anew, her face full of astonishment.

"Y‑yes... exactly." The wrinkles on Barba’s face seemed to deepen by a few lines. She too was pondering something, but she wasn’t lying.

"Barbara, how many people can you guarantee to slip through this blockade line without being discovered?" Brand ignored the others; the line in his mind was growing clearer and clearer.

"No more than twenty people."

"I understand," Brand nodded. "Princess, the Anchor Key you gave me can be used to fix the anchor point for the Eruein First Royal Fleet, correct? How much Magic Power is needed to activate it?"

"Mr. Brand..."

Griffith looked at him and said softly, "It’s too risky..."

...(To be continued. If you like this work, you’re welcome to go to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast recommendation tickets and Monthly Tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)