X
Join our Discord server and get release updates for every novel you follow.
Join the Server“Why the rush? Come, allow me to introduce you to the core members of the Witch Guild.”
Gern’s lips twitched involuntarily. There were at least a dozen people before him, and if they were to be introduced one by one, it would surely take an eternity.
Snow, naturally aware of this predicament, offered Gern only a brief introduction to the assembled members of the Witch Guild.
Gern confessed that, apart from their appearances, he hadn’t managed to recall a single name. However, one individual had indeed left a profound impression: the President of the Witch Guild, who also served as the Dean of Theoviga Academy.
Her name was Mengxi, renowned as the Dream Witch. Her power was formidable, and her relationship with Snow was notably subtle.
Snow introduced her to Gern with an almost theatrical solemnity. Had it not been for Snow’s unusually girlish attire that day, Gern might have genuinely believed some lovesick admirer had arrived.
The other members of the Witch Guild, however, were long accustomed to such displays. In fact, the Dean herself cast a subtly contemptuous glance at Snow.
It was a look that spoke volumes, much like that of a wife observing her husband after many years of marriage.
“Alright, the meeting will now officially commence.”
Snow cleared her throat, a subtle attempt to mask her embarrassment. Though amusement danced in the eyes of those around her, no one dared to voice it.
Yet, as Snow continued speaking, the previously warm and lively atmosphere in the room began to steadily cool.
“Madam President,” one of the witches began, “we have just received intelligence indicating large-scale armed conflicts recently erupted within the orc tribes situated in the northwestern regions of the continent.”
“During these conflicts, an unforeseen incident took place. Our field agents’ investigations reveal that an uncharted secret realm has manifested there.”
“Through the initial exploration conducted by our students, we’ve ascertained that this secret realm bears a striking resemblance to the one where the Kindling of Reincarnation first emerged.”
“I believe it is absolutely necessary for us to conduct a more thorough investigation. Should we succeed in locating the Kindling of Reincarnation, it would undoubtedly grant us a significant advantage.”
As these words hung in the air, the assembled witches exchanged knowing glances. Then, one of the Miss Witches stepped forward and spoke.
“Madam Vice President,” she began, “I fear none of us can spare the time to undertake this mission. The Kindling for Humanity is nearing completion, and our presence is required here at the Witch Guild to guard against any potential mishaps.”
Her words, without a doubt, struck a crucial chord. Every witch present was a vital member of the Witch Guild.
Acknowledging their inability to depart at such a critical moment, Snow offered an undeniable nod. A faint, knowing smile then graced her lips.
“In truth, I already have someone in mind.”
“Oh?”
Upon hearing this, the assembled witches immediately turned their gazes to Gern, their expressions tinged with suspicion.
“This young man hasn’t even reached the Fourth Rank yet, has he? Is it truly wise to entrust such a perilous mission to him?”
“He has prior experience,” Snow replied calmly. “I believe we can place our trust in him.”
Snow offered them all a gentle, reassuring smile, before continuing her explanation.
“As you are all aware, Gern’s current strength is not yet formidable. Therefore, I have invited you all here today to request your assistance.”
At these words, the witches exchanged amused glances, and the room erupted in a chorus of hearty laughter.
“I knew the Vice President wasn’t cooking up anything good,” one witch jested, tossing a bundle towards Gern. “Here, take these scrolls. Should you encounter a large number of enemies, these will suffice to resolve the situation.”
“Hmm… I don’t have much else to offer you,” another chimed in. “How about these disguise potions? May they prove useful on your journey.”
…
In a short span, Gern’s hands grew numb from clutching so many precious materials. Even after he had exited the room, he still hadn’t quite regained his composure.
Beside him, Snow observed his bewildered expression, a suppressed laugh bubbling to her lips.
“What’s on your mind?”
“Ah,” Gern sighed, “I was merely wondering if bestowing all these invaluable items upon me might be… a tad excessive?”
A sharp *thump*!
Without a shred of warning, Snow delivered a swift knock to Gern’s head. The considerable force made him see stars, and in that dizzying moment, Snow’s voice resonated in his ear.
“You are currently the paramount focus of our research,” she stated firmly. “No mishaps can be tolerated.”
“For this expedition to the secret realm, you must exercise the utmost caution. Even if you fail to retrieve the Kindling, your safety remains the highest priority. Do you understand?”
Gern clutched his throbbing head, a few tears welling in the corners of his eyes.
“Alright, I… *hiss*… I understand,” he managed to say through gritted teeth.
“Good. Now, go.”
****
Upon returning to his dormitory, Gern swiftly packed his belongings, then left a small note. He had no desire to confront Lilia face-to-face.
If he were to inform her directly of his impending departure, Lilia, with her determined personality, would undoubtedly insist on accompanying him.
While he and Lilia had endured numerous misunderstandings in the past, times had changed. He genuinely harbored no desire for Lilia to face such dangers.
Thus, for this particular endeavor, it was far better that he went alone.
Gern departed his dormitory, utterly oblivious that a small shadow was trailing him from behind.
The dark-haired youth ventured alone into the small grove adjacent to the academy. His brows furrowed slightly as he detected a familiar presence nearby.
“Who’s there!”
Gern’s eyes narrowed sharply, and in an instant, a fiery longsword materialized in his grasp, its tip aimed directly behind him.
This longsword, a gift from Lilia, had been in his possession for quite some time. Yet, this was the very first instance he had openly brandished it.
However, there was not a soul behind him.
‘Odd,’ he mused. ‘I distinctly felt something trailing me.’
Just then, Gern suddenly felt something pressing against his back—soft, yet remarkably elastic, like two large, yielding spheres.
‘Spheres?’
Gern swiftly twisted his head, his gaze falling upon a profile of breathtaking beauty.
Ash-white hair cascaded down, framing crimson eyes. These distinct features required no further explanation.
Aivia clung entirely to Gern, gently biting his neck and sucking with an almost greedy fervor.
A subtle joy blossomed within her. The restriction Snow had imposed was confined solely to the grounds of Theoviga Academy; once she ventured beyond its borders, she would be free to act as before.
A thought suddenly struck her: she didn’t quite want to return. Hanging onto Gern like this seemed rather delightful.
Gern squirmed, attempting to dislodge Aivia from his back, but she clung to him with the tenacity of a stubborn plaster. He found himself utterly helpless.
“Aivia, I have important matters to attend to, you…”
“Gern,” Aivia murmured, “delicious…”
Gern was speechless.
To utter such a phrase directly to his face—was that not somewhat impolite?
Gern clenched his fists, poised to strike behind him, when he suddenly felt Aivia detach from his back.
He turned, his gaze locking with Aivia’s striking eyes.
“Student Gern, is there something amiss? Can I be of assistance?”
It was evident that Aivia intended to offer him some form of compensation. After all, having consumed so much of Gern’s blood, offering nothing in return would have been rather impolite.
However, Gern shook his head, stating his refusal with unwavering resolve.
“No,” he insisted. “This matter is exceptionally perilous. I only dare to undertake it because I possess numerous life-saving artifacts.”
“Is that truly the case…”
Aivia nodded, a touch of disappointment clouding her features.
“Very well, then I wish you good fortune.”
“Mm…”
****
After Gern’s departure, Aivia’s crimson eyes darted about, a glint of cunning flashing within their depths. She then soared away, following the direction Gern had vanished.
****
The following morning, Lilia arrived beneath Gern’s dormitory building as was her custom. She called out from outside, and receiving no reply, she proceeded into the building.
The moment she pushed open Gern’s bedroom door, her gaze landed on the small note resting upon his table.
…
Loving this chapter? You'll be hooked on I Want To Bite You! Click to explore more!
Read : I Want To Bite You
