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A short while later, Levana and Claudette reached the Witch Mother’s room, which was found within one among many small caves running along the walls of the pocket realm.

Although it didn’t look impressive outside, the interior was clean and polished without a speck of dust. Apart from the ordinary sandalwood furniture in the room, the cave walls were coated in a layer of thin and smooth ice.

It was very suitable for human dwelling, albeit being a little cold.

However, the room’s low temperature was just how the Witch Mother, who founded the Black Witch Society, enjoyed it.

Shortly after the Witch Mother took her seat by the round stone marble table, she heated the teapot with magic before she poured herself some tea.

She offered some to Levana and Claudette, but they politely refused it. Thus, they quickly moved on to the main topic.

“Tell me what happened during your missions,” the Witch Mother demanded. “I want to hear the detail.”

“Yes, My Queen,” Claudette obeyed.

She quickly recounted everything to the Witch Mother. She did not leave out a single detail from when they arrived in Misty Leaf Town to when they left the Thousand Fog Mountains.

“I see. Understand the situation now,” the Witch Mother uttered after listening to everything.

“It was unfortunate that you ran into a person gifted with a soul-attribute ocular talent and had your identities exposed. We could have used such a person to help us find more sisters.”

“My sincerest apologies, My Queen. I didn’t think that far,” Claudette apologized.

However, the Witch Mother shook her head.

“I am not condemning your actions. On the contrary, you made the best choice anyone could have thought of during that moment. Even so, your plan isn’t foolproof,” the Witch Mother mentioned.

“What you did only direct suspicions toward the Great House of Caelestis; it doesn’t completely erase the possibility of Fallen Witches appearing in Misty Leaf Town. Furthermore, you also expose your spatial ability to the people.”

“Thus, if anyone saw through your scheme, the entire Black Rose Kingdom would soon know that a spatial-attribute High Witch exists among the Fallen Witches,” the Witch Mother added.

“Forgive me for being incompetent, My Queen,” Claudette lowered her head, prompting Levana to do the same.

“No need to devalue yourself. Everyone knows best what you are capable of,” the Witch Mother calmly assured her before mentioning, “I’m only telling you this to let you know that time is limited.”

“If you wish to complete the missions in that region, you need to act swiftly. Given what happened there, security around the region will tighten once the news spreads,” the Witch Mother stated.

“Yes, My Queen. I am aware of that.” Claudette nodded and said, “However, we know what we are dealing with now. Thus, Levana and I are prepared to ask for help from Opalina and a few more High Witches to increase the chance of completing our missions there.”

“We should be able to succeed in capturing a dragon, or at the very least, some samples if we have five High Witches and Opalina on the team,” Levana mentioned.

“Talk to the new member about it. I’m sure she’ll be interested in joining you two on the mission,” the Witch Mother permitted them to re-enter the Thousand Fog Mountains again to complete their objective.

However, she reminded them, “But remember; the mission is important, but not as important as your lives. If your lives are threatened, abandon your missions and quickly return. Especially you, Claudette.”

“The lives of potential new members all depend on your Spatial Magic and my Foresight. Without your ability, we wouldn’t have what we have today,” the Witch Mother stressed.

“I understand, My Queen. I’ll take extra precautions on the mission to not lose my life,” Claudette promised.

The Witch Mother nodded with approval.

“Alright. That’s all I wanted to say. May the fortunes of Evangeline bless you on your mission.”

“Thank you, My Queen.”

…

Shortly after Levana and Claudette left the Witch Mother’s cave room, they immediately went to find Opalina, Elvira, and another two High Witches to assist them on their missions.

…

…

…

Meanwhile, Vaan’s group continued to follow the water stream through the middle regions with a Volcan Wolf accompanying them.

With the strength of their party, the beasts and other wildlife they encountered along the way did not pose a threat or problem.

Vaan equipped himself with the gunblades to deal with the pests hindering their journey. He easily drilled holes in his foes and recalled the bullets with Earth Manipulation.

While Astoria was fascinated with his weapon, she understood its general mechanic and how it could produce so much power.

Ultimately, the bullet power was mainly determined by Vaan’s Earth Magic.

Nevertheless, Astoria was more interested in seeing Topaz.

“Won’t let Tia out to play, Teacher Raphna?” Astoria suggested.

“Alright,” Vaan quickly agreed after he contemplated.

In any case, everyone in the party already knew or at least heard about him being the Spirit Contractor of an Earth Spirit.

“Kyuuu!”

The little fairy flew out of Vaan’s chest and circled a few laps around the group with joy and curiosity in regard to the unfamiliar and new scenery.

Awroo!

The Volcan Wolf barked when Topaz drew too close to study it, and it startled her into retreating back to Vaan’s head.

Shortly after feeling safe on Vaan’s head, Topaz glared back at the Volcan Wolf with a sulky expression.

Nevertheless, Astoria and Hester couldn’t help but find her very adorable.

However, Vaan quickly interrupted their thoughts when they were passing through the ninth mountain to reach the seventh mountain.

“The air around here feels different,” Vaan mentioned before shifting his gaze to where the top of the ninth mountain should be, which was hidden by the fog. “There’s a burnt smell coming down from there.”

“Could it have been caused by a dragon or one of the two Fallen Witches? Should we ascend this mountain and investigate it?” Astoria suggested.

“Can we take a break before we do?” Hester requested before mentioning, “We’ve been traveling for three days straight.”