Chapter 22

Chapter 22: Rose-Tinted Rumors

Funis was at the Ninth Sequence of the Witch Path.

The Ninth Sequence was the starting point for all Paths. At this stage, the potion had only just begun to alter a Transcendent’s physical nature, allowing their blood vessels and bones to start accepting transcendent substances, laying the groundwork for future ascension.

In other words, a Transcendent at the Ninth Sequence did not display any transcendent traits. Their physical capabilities were not significantly different, and overall, they remained largely indistinguishable from ordinary people.

But at the Eighth Sequence, the potions for each Path began to bear names—this marked the dwelling of new traits and changes.

Those who successfully ascended by taking the potion began to exhibit the corresponding Path’s transcendent traits, and their fundamental physical qualities were enhanced to varying degrees. From this point on, a Transcendent truly stepped into the realm of the transcendent.

And the debt collector of the Blackwater River District, “Ironfinger” Wez, was a “Warden” at the Eighth Sequence of the Generosity Path.

The Generosity Path culminated in the Archangel Michael.

He was the sword of God. The red dragon Satan fell under His radiant bravery. Behind Him stood the legions of Heaven’s warriors, and He was their leader.

The Generosity Path granted those who walked it the most direct and powerful physical capabilities. They were destined fighters, and in terms of frontal combat strength, they were undoubtedly the strongest among the Fourteen Paths.

Even when equally ranked, Transcendents of the Generosity Path often had an advantage over those of other Paths.

Such was the advantage of the Generosity Path—simple and brutal.

The Generosity Court of the Kabbalah Church held all the potion formulas of this Path. Under its command, the Knights of Mercy once swept across the continent beyond the ocean, with many kingdoms trembling and submitting under the glory and might of the Archangel Michael.

Whether in Path or Sequence, Funis was at an absolute disadvantage compared to Wez.

In theory, she had no chance of winning.

“If he’s only a Warden, then he’s not entirely unmanageable,” Funis pondered for a while, then said, “I have a chance to beat him. And it’s not a small one.”

But that was merely a theoretical win rate, assuming Transcendents were limited to knowledge within their own Sequences.

Funis was not truly a beginner at the Ninth Sequence—she had once reached the Fourth Sequence of the Temperance Path and had encountered classes more formidable and incomprehensible than a Warden.

“I only said he’s difficult to deal with. I’ve always had faith in you,” Chescia said, organizing the copper boards in her hand and handing them to Funis. “Get up, little cake. Clean up the clothes on the floor, get dressed, and let’s head downstairs to find Sandina. Have her prepare breakfast for us.”

Funis took the stack of copper boards detailing Wez’s personal information. “As you wish, Miss Witch.”

“Oh right, Moira, she—” Funis suddenly recalled the dream image. She hesitated, then fell silent. “Sorry… it’s nothing…”

Chescia was tending her long hair in front of the mirror. She glanced at Funis behind her but said nothing.

Funis had soaked the entire bed last night. Under Chescia’s coaxing and threats, she stood before Sandina and apologized. Sandina couldn’t stop smiling at the bashful and blushing girl.

“You’re ganging up to mock me,” Funis pouted.

“No, Sandina just finds you adorable. She never mocks innocent juniors—especially ones as pretty as you.” Chescia gracefully sliced her steak with a fork and knife.

There was no one else in the inn’s dining room at this hour. Four or five tables sat empty, and only Funis and Chescia sat face-to-face in a corner.

Breakfast was medium-rare steak and fried eggs, along with a cup of hot milk.

On Chescia’s extra instructions, Sandina had doubled the sugar in Funis’s milk. The girl only licked the rim of the cup lightly before her puffed cheeks naturally deflated—appeasing her truly only required a dessert. Cake, chocolate, sweet milk—anything would do.

“Still mad, little cake?” Chescia tilted her head, watching the silver-haired girl sip her milk in tiny sips.

“I was never angry, Miss Witch.” Funis spoke solemnly, though she was still reluctant to put down the cup. “I’m merely a little displeased—within reasonable protest.”

“Mhm, reasonable protest~ quite proper diction for a lady.” The witch lightly pushed her plate toward Funis. Her steak had already been sliced. “For a girl about to head to the battlefield, maintaining a good mindset is crucial. Don’t dwell on unhappy things.”

“I know, Miss Witch. Thank you.” Funis sighed.

She swapped her plate with Chescia’s, accepting the witch’s care and goodwill.

With her head bowed, Funis gracefully used her dining knife to cut the steak into smaller pieces and sprinkled a layer of pepper evenly before savoring it with a blissful expression.

“When you ascend successfully, I plan to give you a reward. I think you’ll like it.” Chescia watched the girl with her chin propped up, pleased. “And it’s about time you formally showed your face to the Society’s sisters. You’ll be the strongest among them—their protector. They ought to get to know you properly.”

“Uh…” Funis looked troubled. “Must I?”

“Didn’t you just promise to thank the sisters before? That stack of intel under your skirt was compiled by them working overtime.” Chescia shrugged. “A celebration banquet on the Golden Rose—just to celebrate a witch’s successful ascension. You’ll be the star, and you can greet the sisters who once cared for you. They’ll come to like you.”

The Golden Rose was the steam-powered flying vessel and the hiding place of the Black Rose Society in Graycloud Fortress. Some of the witches who followed Chescia lived and worked there.

“Mm…” Funis replied rather reluctantly.

“Besides, some gossipy sisters, after hearing of your existence, started spinning wild tales every day—” Chescia deliberately stretched her tone. “They said I forcibly brought you onto the airship because you were too pretty, and I monopolized you alone, not even letting them meet you~ They even said I locked you in my room and forced you to be my little lover. So every time someone passed the door late at night, they’d hear a girl moaning like a cuckoo…”

The more Funis listened, the redder her face grew.

Because most of those so-called rumors were, in fact, true.

“Don’t you want to come forward and clear the rumors? Or maybe you think it’s not so bad?” Chescia grinned mischievously.

“Miss Witch, please stop those strange rumors from spreading. You’re one of the protagonists in the story too!” Funis covered her face.

“I don’t think it’s bad. If you do, then you can break them yourself. Fair enough.” Chescia was still resting her chin in her hand.

“I’ll show up at the banquet… and introduce myself to them… after I get the Sword Rust secretion and successfully ascend to the Eighth Sequence…” Funis averted her gaze and murmured.

“Good girl, my little cake.” The witch stroked the soft silver strands by the girl’s cheek.

She smiled gently.