Chapter 86: The Branch of Irminsul

After listening to Victor’s explanation, Joan couldn’t help but recall the three fairy tales her grandfather used to tell her as a child.

The first story was about a boy named Peter whose sailing boat was caught in a storm and drifted to an island inhabited by fairies. Peter Pan lived on the fairy island for many years, and when he finally returned home, he found that his old companions had grown up, while he remained a youth...

The second story featured a girl named Alice, who passed through a magical mirror into a strange world where talking rabbits and boot-wearing cats existed. After many adventures, Alice returned home only to discover it had all been a dream...

The last tale told of a girl named Dorothy whose house, along with her little dog, was swept away by a typhoon to a mysterious world. There she encountered powerful witches, a lion gifted with wisdom by the “Enlightenment Spell” but deprived of courage, as well as a scarecrow and an iron golem brought to life by the “Construct Intelligence Spell”...

Joan had always thought her grandfather’s stories were merely fairy tales meant to entertain children. But after hearing Victor’s account—and considering that her grandfather had once been a well-traveled, knowledgeable adventurer—perhaps those tales weren’t entirely invented. The fairy island of Peter Pan, Alice’s wonderland, and Dorothy’s strange journey might very well refer to the “Fairy Wilds” or some other mysterious plane like it.

When Joan left the “Fountain of Wisdom,” Mimir warned her not to reveal anything about the fountain, the mythical archmage, or Mimir himself to anyone. He even cast a protective spell upon Joan, helping her conceal her mythic powers. If anyone used “Advanced Introspection” to probe Joan, they would see only her wizard class levels, unable to detect that she possessed the level of “Mythic Archmage” in addition to her ordinary wizard class.

Although Joan already considered the Conti family her closest kin, she was bound by her oath to Mimir and thus had to keep these secrets from them. Fortunately, Joan was always of a quiet and reserved temperament, and thanks to the “Fairy Wilds’” plane law that caused outsiders to lose part of their memories upon leaving, she was unable to describe all the details of her adventure there. The Conti family understood and did not press her further.

The next morning, Joan rose before dawn as usual to prepare her spells. Afterward, she got out of bed to wash up when suddenly there was a knock at the door.

Joan quickly wiped her face and opened the door to find Conti standing outside, hands hidden behind her back, dark circles under her eyes—a sign she hadn’t rested well the night before.

“I stayed up late sewing something for you. Try it on and see if it fits.” Conti presented what she’d been hiding: a black eye patch.

Joan took the eye patch and felt it; the silk was as smooth and cool as a young girl’s skin. He turned it over and over in his hands, unsure whether to feel grateful or embarrassed. He’d only ever seen such things in storybooks, usually as the essential accessory for a fearsome pirate captain. Never had he imagined he would one day wear one himself.

“Don’t you like it?” Conti’s eyes showed a hint of disappointment.

Joan hurriedly shook his head and, not wanting to let her down, put the eye patch on right away.

Conti was amused by his clumsy efforts and stepped forward to help him adjust its position, testing the elasticity of the ox tendon strap until she was satisfied with the fit.

“Honestly, it looks pretty impressive!”

Joan took the small bronze mirror she handed him and looked at his reflection—a face both familiar and strange. The black eye patch, worn diagonally across his face, covered his blind right eye and made his once fair and handsome features less boyish, adding a touch of coldness.

“The eye patch is only a temporary accessory. Once I learn ‘Regeneration,’ I’ll cast the spell to heal your blind eye.” Conti tried to comfort Joan, but she felt her nose sting as soon as she spoke.

Of course, Conti knew that “Regeneration”—which could restore damaged organs—was a ninth-level nature spell, and most druids never lived to see such power. She didn’t dare imagine when she’d be able to fulfill her promise to Joan. Even if she managed to learn it in her lifetime, it would be decades from now, by which time both she and Joan would be old and gray, nearing the end of their lives. Would it even matter then if his right eye were restored?

“Thank you, Conti...” Joan hesitated for a moment, then finally spoke: “I’ve lived in Powhatan Village for so long... It’s time for me to go home.”

Tears welled up in Conti’s eyes, but she forced a smile and gently replied, “Yes, if you don’t hurry back, you’ll miss enrolling at Leyden Academy. When do you plan to leave?”

“If possible, I’d like to go today.” Joan lowered his head, feeling as though he owed Conti something.

“How much do you still need for tuition?”

“It’s enough now! The money from selling the tree, plus the scholarship... it’s enough.”

In truth, it would only cover a year’s tuition. As for what to do next year, Joan didn’t want to worry about it yet. With a year’s buffer, he was confident he’d find a way to gather the funds for the following term.

“Before you leave, be sure to say goodbye to my parents. And also, you need to visit Old White; it has something to say to you.”

Joan, an orphan with no siblings, was long accustomed to living alone. Yet Conti’s gentle reminder made him feel a strange warmth. If he’d ever had an older sister, she would surely have been just like Conti.

Thinking this, Joan shouldered his already packed bag and silently followed Conti out the door. Neither spoke as they crossed the ash grove, heavy with their thoughts, until they reached Irminsul, standing quietly in the clearing.

“Old White, I’ve brought Joan,” Conti called up to the tree canopy, then turned to leave the clearing so Joan could speak with Old White alone.

The trunk manifested an ancient face, smiling kindly at the young wizard.

“Hoo-hoo... Little one, congratulations on passing the ordeal and receiving your well-earned reward.”

“Thank you, Old White. I’m going home now. Is there anything you want to say to me?” Joan asked directly.

“Hoo-hoo... Leaving so soon? I must admit, I’m reluctant to see you go.” The ancient tree sighed, slowly lowering a branch. With a crack, the branch broke off on its own, dropping a leafy, emerald-green shoot about a foot long at Joan’s feet.

Joan picked up the branch and immediately sensed the abundant natural divine power contained within its verdant core.