Academic gathering with a lich-Chapter 244 - 231 Rewards

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It was deeper in the dense forest, where the heavy mist already completely obscured one’s vision. Elegantly dressed women emerged from the mist, opening their eyes to behold the array of curiously shaped tents in front of them, with ladies of various heights and builds displaying peculiar merchandise—on counters, on carpets, or in their palms.

A few loud hawking cries, clusters of figures engaged in conversation before the tents, and eyes brimming with timidity and curiosity—this was the Witches’ Gathering.

Before leaving, Nacia had marked the areas designated for the Witch of Death’s kin to stay. This was necessary to prevent friction with other groups and to avoid tarnishing the image of the hostess of the meeting, the Vengeance Witch.

Lily did not urge the witches to hastily join in.

"Sisters, ensure your tasks are clear—promote us, recruit newcomers, and procure materials. Those without specific tasks can remain at our base or assist others. We are a collective; if you have any needs, inform me or Istara. Those who wish to venture out should apply with Istara and travel in groups of at least two."

"Finally, draw our symbol. First Tier sisters, go and check everyone’s marks."

Each person began drawing two arcs on the back of their own hands using a special magic potion. The liquid spread on the skin, forming a symbol resembling both a full moon and clasped hands—the mark of the Witch of Death.

Mory looked at the pattern on the back of her hand and pouted in complaint.

"Why does it have to be on the back of the hand? It won’t fade for weeks, and it looks so ugly."

"To display your identity," Lady Lily approached the three young witches, inspecting their marks personally, starting with Mory’s. She took Mory’s palm and gently caressed the back of her hand. "Although the Witches’ Gathering is fun, it’s still very dangerous for young witches. Never underestimate others’ malice. Some witch clans can be quite nasty. This is for your protection; your kin stand by you, Mory."

Lady Lily took Rola’s hand next, but her words were still aimed at Mory.

"That’s the usual purpose. As for you, my dear, it is to ensure that if you, little scatterbrain, wander into someone else’s territory, they will respectfully return you rather than absorb you or... other things. Although I believe my sisters are well aware of their identities, Mory, your precedents are too numerous."

"So you’re planning to have Fergenie keep an eye on me?" In truth, Mory was no longer so averse to Fergenie’s company, and before Lady Lily could come up with anything worse, Mory fought for her freedom.

Lady Lily took Fergenie’s hand next.

"Actually, dear, upon reflection, I’ve decided that simply praising your contributions is not truly fair. Therefore, I have resolved to reward the three of you. Stretch out your hands, children."

The three young witches extended their hands before Lily. Her palm seemed ethereal and translucent, ghost-like as it hovered over their marks. The unsightly, dark brown symbol turned into a gleaming silver, and the clumsy shape refined into simple, elegant lines, shifting from distaste to delight.

"This is my mark, children. As your reward for this Witches’ Gathering, you may play as long as you like. I grant you the freedom to roam without any set rules or restrictions. If necessary, you don’t even have to return to camp at night, so long as you have a place to stay."

"Hooray!" Mory jumped around joyfully.

Fergenie examined the pattern on her hand and then turned her gaze back to the composed Lily.

"Lady Lily, is this a blessing? Your blessing?"

Lily embraced Fergenie, stroking her head.

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"Yes, my protection. Only that has enough weight to warn those people, allowing you all to play freely. If someone else takes you away, she doesn’t need to bring you back; I will personally come to fetch you and shred them incidentally."

"Miss Lily, we’ve only opened a door to an ordinary Witches’ Gathering. There are only ten protections from the witch, but now you’ve given us three, which is too precious. What we’ve done is far from deserving of these."

The calm on Lily’s face turned serious as her eyes closed and then opened once again with a strange gleam.

"No, children, this is not an ordinary Witches’ Gathering. Sesela’s actions, their plans, and the location of this dense forest—I have a bad premonition. We absolutely cannot miss this gathering; its importance may be heavier than we can imagine."

"Is it very dangerous, Miss Lily?"

Lily realized her doubts had affected them and she put her smile back on.

"That’s why I need to come and confirm. Don’t worry, children; at least for now, there is nothing that can stop your activities. You can leave the group at any time now."

Without waiting for the young witches’ reactions, Lily turned and went back to the group.

"I hope it’s just a woman’s intuition."

The three little witches watched the gradually receding group and took their first steps toward the Witches’ Gathering.

Walking along the road, Fergenie hung her head low, "What exactly is the danger Miss Lily mentioned?"

Rola shook her head, and Mory didn’t forget to reply while browsing the shopfronts.

"I don’t know, and even if I did, there’s nothing a First Tier Witch like Fergenie could do. After all, that’s Miss Lily; nothing can perplex her, so your worry is unnecessary."

Mory’s words turned out to be surprisingly sensible.

They aimlessly wandered the storefronts with Mory, watching other witches fiddle with their goods, and eventually observed a price-haggling war.

"I can’t understand why they would argue over an Oliou for an hour? They could totally use the time to find better things, and then it wouldn’t just be an Oliou they’d gain."

"Because of fun. Humans have a certain need for social interaction, and as witches transformed from humans, we more or less retain such habits." Fergenie looked at the map in her hands, confirming their location. A large map was placed at the entrance of the gathering, which also offered a rub-off service. "Speaking of Gold Coins, how much money did you prepare? The Witches’ Gathering won’t let us take what we want as the Witches’ Association does. You haven’t forgotten the common knowledge that shopping requires payment, have you?"

Rola took out her belt, looking at the mark embroidered on the inside, and hesitantly said to Fergenie in a soft voice, "I only brought five thousand Oliou, will that be enough?"

Mory was stunned for a moment before starting to rummage through her pockets, spreading open her hand, "Ten."

Fergenie stared at Mory until she sheepishly stuffed the ten Gold Coins back into her pocket.

"That’s enough, I brought a hundred thousand. I can lend you some. I also brought some magical materials and food, as I’m not sure if other witches have abandoned the habit of bartering with goods."