Chapter 223 (1/2)

Chapter 223: A Magician’s Wisdom

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio  Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

The three ghouls seemed to be bursting with unbridled fury and pride when they first appeared. However, they were defeated in an instant and were now flinching around helplessly on the ground.

If they hadn’t witnessed the scene with their own eyes, no one would have believed it. Hence, when this Magician clad in a grey robe emerged from the back of a tree, the scouts who were lucky enough to survive involuntarily walked towards him. Their hearts were filled with deep gratitude and admiration.

In the Dark Forest where danger and despair lurked in every corner, there was nothing more reassuring than the support of a powerful Magician.

Both the scout captain and the vice-captain did not survive the assault. The remaining scouts were all around Level-4 in strength, and as the daughter of a duke and the strongest scout alive, Annie hence assumed the position of temporary captain.

Link was still wearing his hood at this moment, causing Annie to not recognize him. She merely felt that this figure was somewhat familiar, though she could not point out exactly why. She walked forward and bowed respectfully, saying, “I’m Annie Abel. Dear Magician, thank you very much for your help.”

She was also extremely grateful to this Magician. However, she was still devastated as the three young guards who were protecting her did not make it through the assault. This made her extremely guilty and depressed.

“I’m late. Sorry for the delay,” the Magician replied in a low voice. Annie’s eyes brightened upon hearing this voice. It was familiar as well.

She recollected herself and carefully observed the man standing in front of her. The more she looked at him, a figure started forming in her mind.

A faint voice started appearing in her head—could it be? No way!

He was now a Master Magician and the lord of a territory. There were even rumors that he would be one of the candidates for the next Dean of the East Cove Higher Magic Academy. How could such a prominent figure come and fight on the frontlines of the war against the Dark Elves? Even if he really wished to assist in the war, he should be positioned within the fortress as a defensive triumph card.

In the next moment, Link took off his hood and revealed his true identity. As he stared at Annie’s astonished face, he introduced, “Princess Annie, I am Magician Mirose. I will be assisting you in the search for the Dawn Swordsman.”

As he spoke, he winked at Annie to signal that he did not wish to reveal his status.

It really is him!

Annie was just about to shout his name when she saw his signal. She then swallowed her words and said, “Oh, it’s Mr. Mirose. I am extremely honored to be able to fight alongside you.”

The familiar voice and face instantly dispelled half of the heaviness in Annie’s heart.

He actually came. The person who pulled Gladstone out from the clutches of the Dark Elves—the person who saved her life twice in a row had really arrived. At this moment, Annie felt as if her soul had found an anchor.

This feeling was as though a person drowning in a river and getting swept by raging currents suddenly found a solid tree branch to grab hold of, dispelling all feelings of panic and despair.

Link, on the other hand, did not feel these emotional fluctuations. Annie was simply a good friend in his memory. Furthermore, they had not met for over half a year and had grown apart.

After greeting them, he then turned to the scouts beside him and said, “Although these three ghouls are already seriously injured, they are still alive; don’t kill them. Send them back to the Ice Peak. We are going to study them and find their weaknesses.”

Upon hearing those words, Annie immediately selected ten scouts and said, “All of you and this group, bring these hideous creatures back.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” The scout quickly used ropes to secure the ghouls together, and before long, they were prepared to return to the fortress.

Link walked over and took out a scroll and three bottles containing a thick silver liquid. He then walked up to a scout and said, “The bottles contain Sacred Silver while the scroll is enchanted with the Blessing of Light. If you meet any ghouls along the way, activate the scroll and smear the Sacred Silver onto your weapons. This should be enough to scare them away.”

The scouts valued Link’s advice greatly and carefully took over the precious Sacred Silver and scroll.

After that, Link turned to Annie and said, “Ten scouts might not be enough for a safe return trip. We need at least 15. Your Highness, you should return as well.”

There were 21 scouts who survived the onslaught. If 15 of them were to return, there would be six left for the mission. Coupled with Link’s power, this should be enough to rescue Kanorse. Furthermore, as they were infiltrating the enemy’s base, a larger group might not be beneficial.

“I will not go back!” Annie shook her head firmly, “‘Your Highness’ does not exist during a mission. We are all simply scouts from MI3.”

Link fell silent for a moment. Since the other party was not willing, there was no forcing it. He nodded. “That’s fine as well.”

After which, he then randomly selected five scouts and said, “You guys go back as well. Remember that the ghouls have some sort of mutual connection between them. They should already know that their comrades are gravely injured and will be on your heels. I will try to delay them for half an hour. In this time, you guys will have to rush back to the fortress at top speed. No stopping along the way! Is that understood?”

“Yes, sir!” The scouts replied in unison.

At that moment, Link’s word was their command. He had a lot more power than Princess Annie as he had just displayed his unparalleled power against the ghouls. He was the absolute most powerful being in the Dark Forest.

This offensive power was what soldiers on the field looked up to!

“Alright, get going!” Link pointed in the direction of the Ice Peak Fortress.

The 15 scouts then carried the three gravely injured ghouls and rushed straight towards the Ice Peak Fortress.

Link stared at the remaining six scouts and said, “We have to do something to buy them some time.”

“Please give your orders!”

Annie spoke with a respectful voice as well. She realized that the young man in front of her was no longer the shy reserved person she knew in the past. He was still as powerful and calm as ever, though he seemed a lot more dependable and firm now.

The other scouts stared at Link with admiration, waiting for his orders.