Tukulu

Her Highness the Witch Lord’s power is truly formidable.

To be able to move freely beyond the world’s edge… what is it like out there?

Ever since Her Highness Su Ran had rescued her in the forest, Isa had devoted everything she had to her without reservation.

For that reason, Isa never once doubted the truth of Her Highness Su Ran’s words.

Her focus, however, was more on Her Highness’s clothes—an elegant and magnificent purple dress. She and Her Highness were actually wearing matching outfits.

Isa’s large eyes blinked, her gaze on Su Ran full of amusement.

‘Does this count as wearing a couple’s outfit with Her Highness?’

At the thought of this possibility, Isa quickly lowered her head, afraid that Su Ran might read the fleeting idea in her mind, and her heart began to pound.

‘How could I have such a thought!’

Covering her mouth with her hand, Isa suddenly thought that, given Her Highness the Witch Lord’s current incarnation, if the scene from her previous dream were reversed, it might not be so bad either.

An impulse rose in Isa’s heart, a desire to pull Her Highness the Witch Lord into her embrace.

Lifting her head again, Isa’s gaze toward Su Ran held a new, inexplicable meaning.

Unlike Isa, Philly and Maimai listened to Su Ran’s words in a complete daze, as they had never heard of such a thing as a world barrier.

However, that didn’t stop them from imagining what Her Highness Su Ran looked like, traversing the void beyond the world.

Through Philly’s account, Maimai had already formed a general understanding of Su Ran’s power.

But now she realized that Philly’s description hadn’t been detailed enough; her own understanding of Su Ran was still far too shallow.

Soon, Maimai also cast a look of reverence toward Su Ran.

Of course, Su Ran herself only noticed the inexplicable new quality in Isa’s gaze; she failed to see the shift from bewilderment to reverence in Philly and Maimai.

Her entire mind was focused on whether her excuse had successfully fooled them.

Not giving them any more time to dwell on it, she remembered her purpose for coming here.

Su Ran stopped descending the stairs and instead sat on the bed in Isa’s room, beginning to question Maimai. “Maimai, when we found you, you were being controlled by the Shadow Witch. Where did you run into her?”

Su Ran wasn’t the only one concerned with this question.

Isa and Philly, who had found seats after hearing her question, also turned to look at Maimai. They, too, wanted to know the answers.

This was not the first time Isa had encountered the Shadow Witch, whether in the village or here at the cabin in the woods.

Isa had met the Shadow Witch in both places, which seemed too much to be a coincidence.

Philly, on the other hand, had never seen this so-called Shadow Witch, but she could never forgive the fact that Maimai’s desire to save her companions had been exploited.

Facing the gazes of the three, Maimai slowly sank into her memories.

“I remember that day, after I delivered Philly’s order to retreat, everyone evacuated safely under Philly’s cover. I told them to return to headquarters first, while I stayed behind, planning to wait for an opportunity.”

Listening to Maimai’s description, Philly fidgeted with her clothes, her feelings a complicated mix.

There was the warmth of not being abandoned by her companions, but also worry over Maimai acting alone.

If they hadn’t found Maimai in the forest, her fate would likely have been to exhaust the last of her spirit and be left in Noda Forest forever.

“Then, as I returned to the forest and was hiding in a deserted corner, a living person just popped out of nowhere.”

Hearing this, Isa learned to answer preemptively, “That’s her witch ability. She can travel through shadows, which is why we call her the Shadow Witch.”

“That’s right. She introduced herself as Shadow, too. Seeing that she was also a witch, I trusted her easily. And after that… ugh, what happened after that… I can’t remember clearly…”

She couldn’t continue.

The aftereffects of being controlled by Shadow had not yet fully healed, and as Maimai tried to recall more, she instinctively pressed a hand to her forehead.

“Alright, Maimai, don’t force yourself to think about it anymore. What you’ve told us is enough.”

For Su Ran, knowing how Shadow had found Maimai was sufficient.

“Your Highness, regarding the Shadow Witch, I have something to report about my own encounters.”

Just as Su Ran was processing the information about the Shadow Witch, Isa spoke up, recounting her experiences in the village and how the Shadow Witch had manipulated the villagers.

“If we find the Shadow Witch, I hope Your Highness will grant me the chance to send her to hell with my own hands.”

As Isa spoke of these things, a rare glint of killing intent appeared in her eyes.

This was the first time Su Ran had heard her speak of it.

According to this account, it meant that everything Isa had suffered also had the Shadow Witch’s manipulation involved.

The reasons to ensure the Shadow Witch’s death had just multiplied.

No one could tolerate someone constantly lurking in the unseen corners, watching them day and night.

Moreover, she couldn’t stay in the Witch Game twenty-four hours a day.

If the Shadow Witch launched a surprise attack when she wasn’t around, the losses would be catastrophic.

But how could she find her?

With the Shadow Witch’s abilities, unless she revealed herself willingly, it would be incredibly difficult for Su Ran to track her down.

The ability to move freely through shadows was a major headache for Su Ran.

Perhaps sensing Su Ran’s thoughts, Philly proactively offered a suggestion at that moment.

“Lady Su Ran, you could come to the headquarters of our Witch’s Society. There, we have a Witch of the Book whose books contain information on many witches. She might be able to help you.”

Besides, the Witch’s Society was most in need of a powerful witch like Lady Su Ran. Introducing everyone to a new companion would be a good thing for both sides.

“A witch companion?”

Isa murmured the words at this suggestion. She realized that besides Philly and Maimai, she had never met any other companions.

She looked to Su Ran, waiting for her decision.

“Philly…”

Hearing Philly’s words, Maimai seemed to want to say something, but she was stopped by a look from Philly.

“This… Where is your headquarters?”

Su Ran had been thinking of other methods, but when she saw the longing for companionship in Isa’s eyes, she realized that people are social creatures. If Isa remained in Noda Forest indefinitely, it might not be a good thing for her.

Thus, she asked Philly about the location of the Witch’s Society headquarters.

On a simple map drawn by Philly, she pointed out the general location of the headquarters to Su Ran.

“This is Tukulu, a chaotic zone on the border of several countries. Mercenaries dominate this region, and our Witch’s Society headquarters is located within it.”

“Can we fly there? You can continue to learn to use the Elven Wings magic crystal.”

Su Ran frowned slightly. Judging by the map, Tukulu was not close to either Noda Forest or Laita City.

According to Philly’s introduction, the society’s headquarters was situated within Tukulu.

Only in such a chaotic borderland between nations could the witches who lived there find a slight chance to breathe.

“It’s best not to. The eastern border adjacent to Tukulu is lined with heavy magi-cannons and a considerable number of Church personnel. If we fly over so openly, we would easily become targets.”

After hearing the Witch Lord’s words, Philly shook her head.

Maimai, beside her, added, “As for the way we entered the Theocracy, by my calculations, our companions should have already rendezvoused and departed by now.”