The rain came fast and went fast.
The group set off the day after the rain stopped, and the ship that took them to Graycastle was none other than the 'Pretty Lady'.
Leaning against the ship's rail, Sylvie pulled a beef jerky from her cloth bag and shook it overhead.
"Ou—ou—" A massive seagull descended from the sky with a shrill cry. The gust of wind from its wings made her squint, and she took a bite of the dried meat in her hand. By the time she looked up, the seagull had already returned to the front of the sailboat, continuing to guide the way across the vast sea.
This is what Maixi asked her to do, since she couldn't pull out the dried meat to eat on her own when she turned into a bird.
Though her appearance was indistinguishable from an ordinary seagull (except for her size), Sylvie could perceive the surging Magic Power and true form within her. Upon closer inspection, she could observe the Magic Power converging from all directions, then dissolving into faint specks of light before vanishing completely.
"Did you hear she can not only transform into various birds but also gain corresponding abilities?" someone marveled from behind her. "As far as I know, seagulls never get lost at sea—they can even sense storms coming ahead." "Indeed, Captain," Sylvie replied without turning, her keen eyes clearly identifying the visitor. "Otherwise, we wouldn't have dared to take the risk of choosing a new route, bypassing the Endless Cape and landing southwest of Graycastle." Her powers allowed her to observe the flow and changes of Magic Power, granting her a flawless, all-seeing vision that never missed a detail—no obstacle could obstruct her gaze. She could even spot sailors dozing below the deck or schools of fish gliding beneath the ship's hull.
"Is there a harbor there too?" Captain Jack spat out a puff of smoke. "I recall explorers reaching the western edge of the Endless Cape, but beyond cliffs and shoals, there's nothing." "Nothing's better," Sylvie remarked nonchalantly. "That way we can return the same way." "Wouldn't that be a waste?" The captain shook his pipe. "I'm actually looking forward to discovering something extraordinary on this new route." Commissioned by Lady Tilly, the voyage aimed to foster connections and mutual aid among other Witch communities. The ship carried five chosen renowned Witches, along with Ash and Moril—though they remained aboard to ensure the journey's safety. Moril's Magic Power servants could shield the vessel from storms, while Ash's magic would ensure any pirates targeting it would vanish without a trace.
She also had another duty: to help Lord Tilly uncover the true identity of Roland Wimbledon.
Before setting out, Tilly had given her a detailed briefing on the mission's objectives, outlining potential outcomes and countermeasures. In essence, the goal was to negotiate with the leader of the Gongshu Society to retrieve Roland's true form. But to be honest, Sylvie always felt this task was far from easy. If the Gongshu Society refused, that was one thing—but what if they tried to prevent the leak by trapping her and the other four?
Gazing through the cabin wall at Lian, Evelyn, and the Magic Power servants frolicking joyfully, she couldn't help but sigh.
I hope the witches in the Hope Association are as warm and friendly as Maxi said.
...
After nearly a week at sea, Silvia finally saw the gray coastline.
"We're almost there," Honey called out from the ship's side, while the neatly lined-up seagulls, fish eagles, and gulls beside her all began to chatter in unison.
"Finally, it's the baby..." Candleface plopped down on the gunwale, his face gaunt. "I feel like I'm about to collapse." "It's just temporary, baby. Once you're ashore, you'll bounce back in no time," Jack the One-Eyed grinned through his binoculars. "I've sailed for years and never seen anyone die from the rocking." "What about Maxie?" Honey asked.
"She's already flown ahead to Border Town to contact the Witch of the Guild," Ash replied. "I believe they'll send someone to pick you up soon." "Ash, you're not joining us?" "Tilly needs my help more," Ash smiled. "Don't worry—the Witch of the Guild will treat you like sisters... If anything comes up, just ask Wendy. She'll be the first to help." As for Wendy, Sylvie silently memorized the name.
"By the way," Ash patted his forehead, "you must remember to keep your distance from Lord Roland Wimbledon. Never let him be alone." "Why? Isn't he Lord Tilly's brother?" Evelyn asked, puzzled.
"He really is," Ash said earnestly, "but that doesn't stop him from fondling the Witch's bottom!" Everyone gasped in unison.
The sailboat finally anchored about half a mile from the shoal, as no detailed nautical charts existed here, and no one knew the depth of the waters near the shoal. The landing was simple—no landing boat needed to be released. Moril had her servants wrap the five of them in a bundle, and she herself floated across the sea.
This shallow stretch of sand is clearly an extension of the mountain range, gradually eroded by the sea into a soft beach. Nearby, towering mountains stand as a natural barrier between Graycastle's inland and the coast. The ridges stretch endlessly, rising higher toward the west, and at the horizon, they merge into a massive peak reminiscent of the Desolate Mountains.
After waiting for nearly an hour, Sylvie noticed a strange black shadow approaching.
Its massive size rivals that of the Qiaomeiren, and its rounded silhouette clearly doesn't resemble a natural formation. Logically, such a colossal object should be extremely heavy, yet its movement appears remarkably smooth, as if floating in midair. Through the mountains and forests, she couldn't see it clearly, but the object was steadily climbing and would soon cross the ridge.
After a short while, it revealed its true form from behind the cover.
"Good heavens, what is that?" Lian stared in disbelief at the sky, asking in astonishment.
"Ash Sister, have you seen this thing?" Evelyn tugged at her arm.
"No..." Ash looked surprised too. "This is the first time I've seen this thing." "So this is how the Genshu-kai will welcome us," Sylvie mused.
A colossal spherical object floated in midair, its base suspended by a vine-woven basket. Maixi and another Witch flanked the basket, soaring through the air. The basket's base was adorned with a long yellow canvas, its surface bearing a colossal inscription.
"Border Town welcomes you."