Enter the law enforcement department again

The words "out of jail" were bitten out heavily, and the air fell into silence. Yu Yu looked into her beautiful emerald-green eyes and promptly raised both hands in surrender. "I'm guilty, I was wrong, hear me out!"

The Wind Singer finally stepped down from the window, light and graceful, sitting on the chair by Yu Yu's bed.

Lithe, silent, and very close.

So close that Yu Yu felt she could reach out and strangle her neck. The Wind Singer's voice turned cold. "Speak."

"I thought about it for ages before I figured it out," she said, staring at Yu Yu. "How could you have the ability to save me from the Duchess and the magic circle?"

"You were clearly conspiring with them to fool me!"

Her emerald-green eyes were icy. "I need an explanation."

Yu Yu fell into thought. "Have you heard of the Warrior's Oath?"

After a moment, the Wind Singer looked skeptical. "The Warrior's Oath? And… with me?"

She was visibly puzzled. Was she that close with Yu Yu?

Why would they have an oath?

Seeing her expression, Yu Yu spread her hands. "Thanks to the seniors' cooperation, I was able to get that skill."

The Wind Singer's emerald-green eyes locked onto Yu Yu. "Fine, I'll accept that the magic circle favors you, but that's no excuse for tricking me."

Yu Yu put on a guilty face. "I was wrong, really."

The air was silent for two seconds before the Wind Singer said, "Fortunately, I suffered no real loss—just a fight with the Duchess."

Yu Yu: "The staff?"

The Wind Singer's face was cold. "That thing is useless to me. No one needs it except the magic circle, and I don't want to give it to them."

Yu Yu thought to herself, You could still use it to lure players.

She pondered further. So the so-called 'Path of the Gale,' the invitation, the Warrior's Oath—the Wind Singer herself didn't feel anything from them?

Without dwelling on it, Yu Yu gossiped, "Did the Duchess really come for you?"

The Wind Singer sat properly in the chair. "Yes, she was slightly more competent than I expected—just slightly."

Yu Yu mused, "You couldn't beat her?"

The Wind Singer fell silent. "…If she transformed into her true form, I naturally couldn't."

Yu Yu: "And if she didn't?"

The Wind Singer: "She's richer than me."

Yu Yu: "…Got it."

Lost but still talking tough, huh?

The Wind Singer, the most stubborn woman in Silver Moon.

Or perhaps, female elf.

The Wind Singer pursed her lips, forcefully changing the subject. "I can let this slide, but you must agree to one condition."

Yu Yu was genuinely curious now. "What condition?"

The Wind Singer finally grew serious. "When you reach mid-tier, come with me to a secret realm. I need a spellcaster's help."

She looked at Yu Yu earnestly. "You seem close to mid-tier already. I've heard you have a spell called mass sleep. I need that spell's assistance. The staff can be your reward."

Yu Yu agreed readily. "Sure, just mass sleep? I can do that now."

The Wind Singer: "?"

Yu Yu waved her staff. "My current Spirit is just enough for third-ring spells, thanks to your staff."

Her chain lightning was usable too.

With the staff equipped, her Spirit was 16, and with the necklace's 30-point cap, she could cast third-ring spells.

The Wind Singer looked at her. "Pardon me for asking, but is your Spirit very high?"

She seemed to know a bit about spellcasters.

Yu Yu blinked. "All thanks to equipment."

The Wind Singer caught on, her gaze shifting away. "The sooner, the better. Are you ready?"

As soon as she spoke, Yu Yu's task panel popped up.

[Heart of the Ancient Wood] (Reward: Unknown, Companion: Wind Singer)

Yu Yu thought for a moment. "Have you eaten?"

The Wind Singer shook her head honestly. "Not yet."

She remembered Yu Yu's chicken soup—especially fragrant.

Yu Yu casually handed her a bowl of instant noodles. "Hot water's over there. Make it yourself. I'm going to buy spells."

With that, Yu Yu sent a night raven to Senior Meng: [Taking leave, the victim showed up QAQ]

Meng's reply came quickly, telling her to do as she pleased but not to neglect her studies—she'd be checking. Yu Yu calculated the time and decided she needed to push herself.

"Senior! I'm back!"

Since the lint roller incident, Yu Yu had been extra well-behaved these past few days, sticking to studying with Meng and avoiding Senior Sister's face. But… it had been several days. It should be fine now.

Seeing Yu Yu's radiant smile, Felix lifted an eyelid. "What's up?"

"Buying spells!"

Felix casually pulled up a light screen. "Buy away."

Yu Yu looked at her whopping 28,000 points, feeling quite wealthy as she asked, "Senior, how many points for a third-ring spell?"

Felix didn't even lift her eyes. "Five thousand."

"How much?!?"

This time, Felix finally looked up. "Five thousand."

Seeing the rare mockery in her eyes, Yu Yu ground her teeth. "The magic circle's price hikes are ruthless!"

"First-ring spells are 300, second-ring jump to 1,500, and third-ring straight to 5,000?!?"

"Should I be grateful it didn't shoot up to 7,500?"

"You can send a night raven to ID 0007 to complain…" Felix said calmly.

Yu Yu thought she was about to give an address, but froze when she heard, "ID 0007?"

Felix: "Yes, the magic circle's internal suggestion ID. Rumor has it a big shot reviews them."

Seeing Yu Yu's expression, Felix paused. "You're not actually going to send one, are you?"

Yu Yu flashed a brilliant smile. "Of course not! I have no complaints."

Felix was silenced by her. Who knows when you'll suddenly have complaints?

She couldn't help advising, "I suggest you raise concerns to the Grand Archon first, not directly to the Council. That could cause trouble…"

Yu Yu nodded eagerly. "Don't worry, Senior, I will."

Felix: "…" I'm not reassured at all.

After a moment of mental fatigue, Felix gave up thinking about it. "Which one are you buying?"

Yu Yu sighed. "Every time I think I'm rich, the magic circle's prices slap me back to reality."

She didn't hide it, pulling up her panel and comparing it to Senior's screen while calculating. "I can only afford five third-ring spells at most, and that's including the points the Grand Archon rewarded me for getting dragged to the Enforcement Office last time."

"I bought a few enchantment spells, so this is what's left."

Felix glanced at her panel, seeing not just the points but other miscellaneous stuff.

She didn't react, focusing on the points column—28,390.

Looked like a lot.

But compared to third-ring spells, it wasn't much at all.

"Senior, what spells do you think I should buy?"

"Oh, right, I have to get mass sleep. The Wind Singer specified it."

"Wind Singer?"

Yu Yu explained briefly. "I ditched her a few times last time—not cool. It's just a small favor, so I'll help if I can."

Plus, there was a task. Though the reward was unknown. Not sure if the Wind Singer intended it or if Eternal Darkness had gotten smarter.

Felix glanced at her. "A task?"

Yu Yu was stunned. How does even Senior know me so well?

"…Yeah, there is one."

Felix gave a light scoff.

What could Yu Yu do?

If the wolf mocked her, she'd just forgive her!

Yu Yu pressed on. "If it were you, how would you choose?"

Felix glanced at her. "I'd pick all curse spells."

Yu Yu: "…"

Felix: "But you obviously can't."

Yu Yu looked at her resentfully.

Senior's gone bad.

You didn't used to be like this.

Felix thought seriously for a moment. "My suggestions are summon fire elemental, summon earth elemental, summon phantom steed, and human immobilization."

She explained, "For offense, you have chain lightning and a few improved spells from Lady Iriswave. That's enough for now."

"Since Senior Meng says you've chosen summoning and enchantment, you might as well learn more summoning spells."

Yu Yu: "…?" How do you even know that?

Her head was full of questions, but she didn't ask.

"Fire elemental excels at offense, no explanation needed. Earth elemental is great for defense, able to hold off even high-tier warriors for a bit," Felix said, looking at her. "Spellcasters have limited agility. If you're not planning to dive deep into transmutation, your current grease spell is enough for escaping."

"Phantom steed has no combat power, but its upkeep is low, perfect for long-distance getaways."

Yu Yu's lips twitched.

Why is Senior assuming I'll need to escape?

Yu Yu suddenly pondered, "Senior, can you ride horses in Silver Moon?"

"You can."

Yu Yu's face lit up with a radiant smile. "Got it! Thanks, Senior!"

Her commute was sorted!

Felix: "You picked mass sleep, which is decent enough."

"Add human immobilization," Felix said, scrolling through. "That's about it."

"There are other utility spells, but you're out of points."

Yu Yu was easily convinced. "Alright, I'll take these!"

Third-ring spells, 5,000 points each, 20 gold coins.

In a flash, Yu Yu's points dropped to 3,390.

She also lost 100 gold coins!

Ouch!

The magic circle was such a capitalist!

Felix leisurely enjoyed her pained expression.

Yu Yu wallowed in agony for a while. "Senior, I'll also buy secondary phantom!"

Felix: "?"

Yu Yu: "The Grand Archon used it and said it's amazing."

Felix seemed to recall something, giving her a peculiar look before tapping the screen.

Points -1,500, gold coins -1.

"Done."

Yu Yu bid farewell. "Senior, I'm off. When I'm back from the task, come to my place for dinner, okay?"

Felix didn't commit. "Go."

~

"So far…" Yu Yu followed the Wind Singer across mountains and rivers, traveling half a day and night to reach their destination.

A high-tier warrior's combat prowess was undeniable—Yu Yu hadn't needed to lift a finger the whole way. From her observations, Lynn seemed very familiar with the area, as if she often roamed here.

Yes, Lynn.

The Wind Singer didn't like being called Wind Singer. She said her name was Lynn, so Yu Yu went along and called her Lynn.

"Here it is."

Lynn, in her refined and elegant leather armor, stood tall and gripped her sword, pointing ahead. "You need to help me put those mushrooms to sleep."

They had ventured deep into the forest. Lynn was like a child of the forest, at ease and radiant. Once in the woods, she'd been carrying Yu Yu, only now setting her down. Ahead was a massive tree, its top out of sight, with a cave-like entrance at its base.

The tree hollow was deep, its interior obscured.

Outside the hollow was a cluster of bizarre mushrooms—some as big as houses, others thin as chopsticks, some low like millstones, and clusters of tiny ones in all colors: yellow, white, cyan, green, you name it.

Lynn: "Don't be fooled—they're just mushrooms, but they're terrifying."

"See those red ones?"

Yu Yu followed her gaze to some red, rough-skinned mushrooms about a person's height and twice as wide, their color dull.

Lynn: "If they sense humans nearby, they'll instantly release lava to cover the ground."

Yu Yu: "What?"

Lynn: "Lava."

Yu Yu was dumbfounded.

What kind of mushrooms are these? So ferocious?!

Lynn continued, "See those thin cyan ones?"

Yu Yu looked.

Lynn: "They release poison mist. One hit, and you're dead."

Yu Yu: "…"

So dangerous…

Lynn pointed again. "Those ones discharge electricity, which can mix with the poison mist to form electrified poison fog."

Yu Yu's lips twitched.

How do you know all this?

Have you been hit by every one of them?

Lynn, catching Yu Yu's pitying look, twitched her lips. "…But they're affected by sleep spells."

She pursed her lips, coolly saying, "You need to put them all to sleep."

"They're just mushrooms, no resistance. You can do it, right?"

Yu Yu: "Of course."

"Do they take turns resting or something?"

Lynn's emerald-green eyes seemed to darken, practically screaming "deep-seated grudge" in four words. Yu Yu began chanting. Notably, mass sleep was an area spell, not calculated per target. Yu Yu was no longer the newbie who'd mispronounce incantations. She cast the spell with practiced ease.

Her staff glowed, and an invisible wave spread out. The mushrooms gradually shrank, falling quiet. After a moment, Lynn, carrying a silent Yu Yu, glided low over them. A short distance into the tree hollow, she let out a breath. "Finally made it."

Yu Yu: "What's next?"

"Keep going."

Yu Yu grabbed her belt, pulling her back. The woman's emerald-green eyes flashed with a question mark.

Yu Yu said earnestly, "I'm a fragile spellcaster. You have to protect me."

Lynn: "…I know that."

"Just reminding you in case you forgot."

Lynn: "…Got it, I really got it."

She thought… Yu Yu was really different from other spellcasters…

Those guys were insufferably arrogant, never admitting weakness or asking warriors for protection, let alone grabbing her belt to remind her. Yes, Lynn wasn't annoyed—she felt a proud sense of being needed. No matter how great spellcasters were, they still needed warriors to protect them, right?

Proud face.jpg

Yu Yu finally let go of her belt. Though players dying wasn't a big deal, it was better to avoid it. She worried NPCs might not have that awareness, getting carried away in a fight and forgetting about her, the poor, weak, helpless little spellcaster.

Given Lynn's prejudice against the magic circle, she'd likely never worked with a spellcaster before. No way she'd have that awareness. Yu Yu decided she needed to stay vigilant, ready to pull the rope at any moment. At the end of the path, Yu Yu suddenly received a prompt.

[Warning! Warning! Entering a different dimension! Warning!]

Lynn's expression remained calm, so Yu Yu relaxed. When light returned to her eyes, they were standing on a giant leaf. The leaf was lush green, its veins vivid. Yu Yu looked down, seeing a clear pool below but no land.

Lynn rolled up her sleeves and tightened her ponytail. "Stay close."

Her three-foot blade hummed with her movements. In a blink, it was wrapped in a layer of cyan wind, its sharp aura flickering. Yu Yu, hands tucked in her sleeves, followed her, climbing from one leaf to another.

And, wow, Lynn could fight.

One slash, one kill.

Her speed was incredible, and she was a master at targeting weak points. As if she'd fought here countless times, she could effortlessly find any monster's weakness and strike it down. Her movements were fluid, light as the wind, her cyan blade singing a long, melodious hum, its sword aura vast.

So beautiful.

So this was how high-tier warriors fought? So stunning?

Yu Yu's instinct to appreciate beauty kicked in, and she watched, mesmerized. Pity the Path of the Gale had been used up by the little Duchess. She was curious about Lynn's Path of the Gale. Would Lynn drop another one later?

Maybe she'd need to go back to jail?

Should she trick Lynn into more jail time later?

[Omitted: countless monsters and some dangerously positioned mushrooms.]

Most were spotted by Lynn, and the few they missed were avoided without incident. After all, Lynn could fly. Yu Yu noted the mushrooms' positions and monsters' weaknesses along the way. As Lynn kept slaughtering, they climbed higher. Yu Yu occasionally glanced at the pool below, realizing they were twenty or thirty layers up.

Lynn: "The next layer will be tricky. Stay in the corner and don't come out."

"I might not be able to watch you while I fight."

Yu Yu: "Got it."

Following her, Yu Yu climbed to the final leaf, realizing they'd reached the top. At the end was a willow tree glowing with faint green light, its thousands of drooping branches shimmering with emerald radiance. One branch shone the brightest, most dazzling of all. Lynn's goal was clearly that tree.

But…

Looking at the shallow pool filled with countless monsters, big and small, Yu Yu fell into thought. Weren't these the same monsters Lynn had been killing?

Just miniaturized. Lynn remained composed, only tying her ponytail higher. As a breeze gathered, her sword sang.

Listen to the wind's song.

Her figure shot forward, so fast Yu Yu couldn't track her landing, only seeing a shadow flickering through the monster horde. This battle seemed extraordinarily tough. Even miniaturized, there were twenty or thirty monsters, each with unique traits, attacking from near and far. Lynn struggled alone. Yu Yu, staring at the small pool they stood in, fell into thought.

Why are you all standing in water for no reason?

You're tempting me!

A low chant began softly from the corner.

At first, no monster noticed.

Until one moment—

Blazing lightning surged, spreading into a web in a blink, leaping and dancing without pause.

[Chain Lightning]

Lynn froze mid-air, her pupils shaking.

This works?

Isn't she just low-tier?

Yu Yu: "What are you staring for? Kill!"

Chain lightning could leap even on flat ground, let alone in water.

Like a tiger with wings. Forget its third-ring damage—the control alone was dazzling. Every single one of the dozens of monsters was paralyzed in place, with lightning repeatedly arcing and lingering, showing no sign of fading.

Yu Yu sighed skyward. "Who told you none of you can fly~"

Now you see why Lynn's flight is a game-changer, huh?

Lynn was lightning-fast. Dozens of immobile targets? Easy pickings.

Seeing her look, Yu Yu asked, "What? You don't like it?"

Lynn: "If I'd known… never mind."

She pulled Yu Yu across the pool. "I tried buying scrolls before, but they were too expensive. And when the magic circle found out it was me, they jacked up my price."

"I couldn't find a wild spellcaster," she said softly. "So I owe you one this time."

Yu Yu gave a polite smile. "You're welcome."

Lynn: "If you're ever in trouble, come find me."

Yu Yu: "Then I won't hold back."

Lynn returned to her usual gentle demeanor, her emerald-green eyes especially striking.

Yu Yu saw her yank down the brightest branch. "What's that?"

"A bow." Lynn flipped her hand, and the deep green branch turned into a verdant green bow.

Yu Yu was shocked. "You can use a bow too?"

Lynn gave her a puzzled look. "Of course."

With a flick, the bow turned into a small ornament, hanging from her belt. Very delicate, very beautiful. Yu Yu instinctively grabbed a branch too.

After tugging twice, she said, "It's fake?"

Lynn held back a laugh. "This is a forest secret realm, a gift of the ancient wood. You have to properly clear all the trials to get a reward."

"It's not fake, but you only fought the last stage."

Yu Yu thought about the earlier monsters. If she had to fight them, she'd probably be toast. She couldn't summon a high-tier warrior.

"Are all the branches bows?"

Lynn nodded readily. "All of them."

"If you take them all, will more grow?"

Lynn looked confused. "…What?"

After Yu Yu's enthusiastic explanation, Lynn said, "They need time to regrow. It's a long process."

Yu Yu: "Can I bring my friends to try?"

Lynn: "Of course. The forest treats everyone equally."

The task didn't immediately show as complete, instead giving Yu Yu further instructions.

[Heart of the Ancient Wood] (Touch the trunk, condense the magic circle)

Yu Yu was puzzled. Touching the trunk, she got. But condensing the magic circle? What was that? Did she even know how?

As soon as she thought it, a new skill appeared.

[Magic Circle Emblem]

No rank, no description, nothing.

Yu Yu: "Can I touch the tree?"

"Of course." Lynn's attention had shifted to the monster pile. "…What's that?"

Yu Yu cast [Magic Circle Emblem], pressing it against the trunk.

She could still hear Lynn's puzzled voice, rummaging through the monster pile and pulling out various items.

[Heart of the Ancient Wood (Completed)]

[Obtained 'Dungeon: Heart of the Ancient Wood,' +10,000 experience, 'Dungeon: Heart of the Ancient Wood Invitation']

Lynn came over with a pile of miscellaneous items. A uniquely shaped leaf appeared in Yu Yu's hand.

Lynn glanced at it, smiling. "Interesting. It's a bit like something from my homeland."

Yu Yu gave her a subtle look.

You mean the 'Heart of Nature' invitation?

Lynn held up the pile of items. "What are these? I can't see them."

Her emerald-green eyes sparkled, looking at Yu Yu with heavy implication.

Yu Yu held back a laugh, picking one up to inspect.

[Skill: Spicy Vine Whip (3/3)]

[Skill: Heart of the Phantom Dream (3/3)]

[Skill…]

The loot was all special skills with limited uses.

Considering the harsh life of a wild warrior, Yu Yu listed them off like a menu, then said, "They're useless to me. You can have them."

Lynn's beautiful eyes blinked. "Really?"

Her tone was delighted.

Yu Yu: "Really."

Lynn's voice was like an excited puppy, her emerald-green eyes like a puppy's too.

Sigh, she wanted to pet the puppy again.

No, she needed to find a way to get closer.

Leaving the dungeon, the mushrooms were still asleep. Yu Yu held the invitation, realizing it was a key—unlimited uses, granting access to the dungeon. Hmm, not bad?

She'd let Shu Tu use it first. A bow coveted by a high-tier warrior like Lynn had to be something special, right?

After Shu Tu, she'd pass it to Zi Shu and the others to hone their skills. Yu Yu easily planned it out, then noticed Lynn's movement.

"Careful, someone's here."

Yu Yu looked around, confused, seeing nothing. Lynn had already nimbly scooped her up, leaping onto a tree. She signaled Yu Yu to suppress her presence, blending almost into the air herself. Yu Yu crouched, trying hard to minimize her existence.

Lynn: "…"

Forgot—this was a spellcaster who knew nothing. Didn't her elders teach her how to hide her presence?

Lynn thought for a moment, then gave up on ambushing, grabbing Yu Yu and leaving.

Yu Yu: "…So, we're being chased?"

She rubbed her chin, entering sage mode. Lynn was lightning-fast, streaking through the air, a blur to onlookers. But she was fast, and the pursuers were too.

"Why are they chasing us? Your enemies?"

Lynn glanced at her. "You're really clueless. How do you know nothing?"

Yu Yu said confidently, "I'm an outsider!"

Lynn: "Those are mutants."

"Huh?"

Lynn: "This is northeast Silver Moon, near Broken Blade Cape. Mutants from the mainland often sneak in, and they always attack purebloods."

Yu Yu looked confused. "Why?"

Lynn: "They worship an evil god who craves pureblood flesh. They've been corrupted by it."

Her voice turned furious. "Is the magic circle even competent? We're only a hundred miles from Silver Moon, and they let so many high-tier mutants in?"

Lynn stopped running, shoving Yu Yu into a cave. "Hide here. I'll lead them away."

Yu Yu grabbed her belt. "No way, this is how teams get wiped."

"I can revive if I die. If you die, you're gone."

Lynn paused, her emerald-green eyes on Yu Yu. "It's not that serious. I'm fast."

Yu Yu: "You're not built for long chases, or you'd still be running with me."

Lynn looked away, embarrassed. "I'm not great at long-distance sprints."

Yu Yu: "Have you seen the magic circle's phantom steed? Is it fast?"

Lynn: "?"

"You know that too?" she exclaimed. "Hurry up and use it!"

She explained, "Phantom steed isn't as fast as me, but it outruns most warriors and can go for a long time."

Yu Yu was already chanting [Summon Phantom Steed].

A violet-black steed appeared, its crimson crystal eyes striking.

Lynn marveled, "Spellcasters are so convenient."

Yu Yu tried climbing on, then cursed, "Why doesn't the phantom steed come with a saddle or stirrups?"

Lynn, unable to watch, lifted her onto it. "Can you ride?"

Yu Yu gave a fake smile. "Guess."

Lynn got it, conjuring a deep cyan rein and tossing it over the horse's head. "Go."

The violet-black steed shot off like lightning, vanishing in a blink.

Yu Yu: "They're still chasing?"

Lynn: "Mutants aren't bright. They're driven by obsession and bloodlust. Rational ones are rare. If you ever go to the Fallen Zone, don't talk to mutants or trust anything they say. They're not human anymore. Trusting them risks corruption by their evil god."

Yu Yu could only nod.

"We can only run?"

"Would asking the magic circle for help work?"

Lynn pondered. "The magic circle is arrogant. They usually don't respond to this kind of thing, and we can't exactly call for help… right?"

Yu Yu: "One question: does the magic circle kill mutants on sight?"

"Always."

Yu Yu got it, casting [Summon Night Raven].

"Night raven, night raven, do you know which senior handles mutant-killing? We're being chased by mutants—go get help!"

Lynn's expression was complex. "…Will they save you?"

A moment later, she muttered, "Maybe they will."

"The magic circle is fiercely protective. Even a spellcaster apprentice's issue gets their attention."

Her tone grew resentful. "The magic circle rules the entire Allen Peninsula. Why can't they treat everyone equally?"

Seeing her angry emerald-green eyes, Yu Yu whispered, "Think positive. Maybe if I climb the ranks, I'll make them treat you fairly."

Gotta treat tool people equally too!

"What did you say?"

Yu Yu said seriously, "Alright, I hear your complaint. When I'm in charge of the magic circle, I'll make them treat you better."

Lynn burst out laughing.

Yu Yu: "?"

I'm comforting you, and you laugh at me?

Lynn: "I'd rather dream of becoming a legend and beating them one by one."

Yu Yu stabbed back, "You can't win."

The Grand Archon calls the Council "Your Graces," plural. A legendary spellcaster? No way Lynn could beat that.

Dream on.

Lynn's smile vanished. "Hmph, forget your dreams too. You, running the magic circle? I'd be a legend by then."

Yu Yu rolled her eyes. "Fine, wait and see. I'll keep targeting you, charging you ten times the price for a bowl of soup."

Lynn laughed at her words.

Yu Yu seized the chance. "Lynn, are you an elf?"

Lynn tempered her smile. "No."

"Huh?" Yu Yu looked confused.

Seeing her expression, Lynn's pale, pointed ears twitched. "I'm a half-elf."

Yu Yu: "What's the difference?"

Lynn paused, looking ahead. "Half-elves aren't recognized by elves and aren't liked by humans."

"Only in Silver Moon does the magic circle, domineering as it is, not discriminate against half-elves…"

Her voice grew low.

No wonder she doesn't want to leave Silver Moon?

Looking at her downcast emerald-green eyes, Yu Yu couldn't help but pat her head comfortingly. "It's okay, I don't discriminate either."

Half-elf hair was nice to touch too!

Flaxen, so soft.

Could she pinch those ears?

Lynn glanced at her, shaking her head to dislodge Yu Yu's hand. "I know that, or you think I'd bother with you?"

"Also, touching someone's head is rude. Don't think I don't know just because I'm not human."

Yu Yu thought for a moment. "Okay, where I'm from, head-pats mean friendliness."

"Wanna try?"

Lynn had no free hands. "I'll remember that."

Just then, she suddenly reined in the horse.

A black-robed figure strolled forward, hands behind their back. "Interesting. So chatty while fleeing. Am I interrupting?"

Yu Yu turned, confirming with a glance: an unfamiliar spellcaster.

"Senior, mutants are chasing us!"

The high-tier spellcaster: "I see. Isn't that little warrior next to you pretty capable?"

Yu Yu: "She has to protect me! If I get killed, wouldn't that be a huge loss?"

The high-tier spellcaster gave her an odd look, saying grumpily, "Move."

Lynn instantly leapt off the horse, pulling Yu Yu behind her.

Yu Yu looked around, shocked. "Just one person?"

No way, the magic circle sent just one person?

That's ridiculous!

Lynn coughed, signaling her to shut up. Provoking the magic circle could wait until the fight was over. What if she left now?

Yu Yu immediately clamped her mouth shut. The high-tier spellcaster seemed to be chanting, too busy to bother with them. Soon, the mutants drew closer. Seeing the black-robed figure in the air, they instinctively halted, their wariness evident in their movements.

The high-tier spellcaster scoffed. "Thinking of running now? Too late."

The mutants seemed gripped by an invisible hand, and the ground began to sink. In seconds, it turned into a muddy swamp.

At that moment, the sky changed. A massive purple magic circle appeared overhead, thunder gathering within. The forest trembled, the thunderous array spanning a kilometer, the ground now a mire, the mutants trapped and unable to move.

Yu Yu's face lit up with awe. "So cool!"

This is a high-tier spellcaster?

Flipping hands to reshape the world, wiping out mutants in a snap.

Lynn said sourly, "That's because mutants are brainless. Normal people wouldn't stand there and take it."

The high-tier spellcaster turned back. "Want me to toss you in to try?"

Lynn instantly shut up.

Yu Yu raised her hand. "Senior, that was amazing! What's that move called?"

Seeing her face, the high-tier spellcaster slowly adjusted her hood. "We've met."

Yu Yu looked blank.

Who are you?

The high-tier spellcaster: "Forget it. Go to the Enforcement Office for your punishment."

Yu Yu was struck as if by lightning. "I broke the law?"

The high-tier spellcaster said deliberately, "You contacted a purification mage via night raven without permission—and that mage was me."

Yu Yu: "G-G-G… Grand Executor?"

The high-tier spellcaster snorted. "Acting Grand Executor of the Purification Department."

Yu Yu was on the verge of tears. "H-How heavy's the punishment?"

The high-tier spellcaster looked at her for a moment before saying leisurely, "Just a zap or two. Not heavy."

But your expression doesn't look "not heavy" at all!

As they spoke, the mutants chasing Lynn had turned to charcoal, while the thunder overhead raged on.

Overkill much?

Lynn comforted, "Want me to take it for you?"

The high-tier spellcaster glanced at her. "You? Straight to the gallows."

Lynn couldn't hold it in. "Magic circle scum! Can't you have a shred of grace?!"

The Grand Executor seemed to know Lynn's reputation, chuckling, "Nope."

Lynn's mentality collapsed. Yu Yu could tell this was likely a high-tier spellcaster from Silver Moon, possibly one of the figures on stage back then. Embarrassingly, despite Silver Moon's many big shots, Yu Yu knew very few.

Yu Yu: "I'll go take my punishment."

The high-tier spellcaster nodded. "I'll notify the Enforcement Office."

With that, she vanished in a flash.

Lynn: "See? That's the magic circle's true face!"

Yu Yu: "Yup, yup, true face, true face. Let's hurry back before it gets dark."

Lynn swallowed her anger. "Horse."

Yu Yu summoned the phantom steed. Parting with Lynn, Yu Yu couldn't shake a bad feeling. She timidly went to Senior's place, knocking. "Knock, knock, knock."

The door opened instantly.

"Senior," Yu Yu said with a pitiful face, "Is the Enforcement Office's punishment harsh?"

Felix was stunned. "Why are you going to the Enforcement Office again?"

You've been in Silver Moon for how long, and you're already causing trouble?

Are you planning to make the Enforcement Office your permanent home?!