Chapter 207 - Worth Something

Before the creature of shadow could reach the young witch, a brilliant flash of light erupted from Vell's staff, the construct dissolving into black mist. The others froze mid-step, held fast by an unseen force. 

The witches collapsed to their knees as their barriers finally gave way, panting and trembling. 

The green witch glared up at Vell, her eyes red, brimming with tears. "You said you wouldn't help," she said, defiantly. "You said we had to handle it ourselves!" 

Vell stepped forward, his staff dimming but still radiating a faint aura of power. "I said I wouldn't help unless it was necessary. And it's painfully clear that it was." 

He gestured at the frozen constructs, their dark forms dissipating one by one into the air under his spell. "These were illusions, barely stronger than the weakest magic this forest has to offer. If you couldn't handle them, you'd have no chance against what awaited you in Targe." 

The green witch looked away, her shoulders slumped under the weight of his words. Shame was etched into her face, and the others were no better. 

Silently, with heads bowed, they avoided Vell's gaze entirely. 

Vell let out a long sigh, his earlier harshness giving way to a tone that was firm but less biting. His eyes softened slightly as he looked at the witches—disheveled, exhausted, and afraid. "You're not completely without potential," he said. "Your magic lacks power—that's true—but what it really lacks is guidance and discipline. You're throwing energy at problems and hoping something sticks. That's not magic. That's nothing at all." 

The green witch raised her head slowly, her voice bitter but subdued. "We're trying," she said quietly. "We came here because… we thought we could become stronger. That maybe we could make a difference. That we could matter." 

Vell studied her in silence for a long moment. Then, to the surprise of everyone, his stance relaxed, and his tone softened further. 

"And that's the only reason you're still standing." His tone was simple.

His gaze swept over the group, lingering on each of them. "You're stubborn," he continued, "and you're willing to fight—even when you're clearly outmatched. That counts for something. But on the other hand, you're barely stronger than someone who's never cast a spell in their life." 

"What should they do then?" Sonder asked.

Vell let out another sigh, his grip tightening on his staff. He looked back at the witches.

"The answer is simple," he said. "You're not ready. And you won't be ready by the time we reach her." 

He straightened, his staff glowing faintly once more as he gestured toward the shadowed path ahead. "So here's the deal. I'll protect you while we're in this forest. I'll make sure you live long enough to see this through. Take it as a gift." 

The green witch stared at him, her expression wary of this sudden charitable turn. "Why would you do that for us? Just a moment before, it seemed like you would kill us." 

Vell shrugged. "Maybe I'm feeling generous," he said. "Or maybe I'm just curious to see whether you'll grow into something worthwhile."