Return to the Turning Point of Fate!

Ailin had no reason to refuse Vilgefortz's offer.

With the contract binding them, there was no need to worry about Vilgefortz suddenly plotting or betraying him. Having one more sorcerer—and one who commanded the Source—would only help when rescuing Henn Gedimidis.

The reason Ailin had returned to Kaer Morhen without calling on Philippa Eilhart was that Philippa Eilhart was now completely immersed in her personal political ambitions.

Even Tissaia de Vries could no longer keep an eye on Philippa Eilhart, the apprentice she had once been so proud of.

Could he really expect Philippa Eilhart to devote herself entirely to Tissaia de Vries's naive ideals, which had nothing to do with her?

He had never liked being a lone wolf. Fate had simply always left him no choice.

Therefore.

Though he was deeply curious why Vilgefortz wanted to involve himself so thoroughly, Ailin did not pry and simply agreed.

As they emerged from the small grove, stars and moon still hung high over half the sky, while dawn had begun to break over the other half.

Morning clouds churned along the horizon, bursting forth and setting layer after layer of cloud ablaze.

Clusters of sharp spires reflected piercing golden light, like spearmen guarding a city, standing solemnly still as they watched over the profound darkness.

"Our luck is actually quite good."

Vilgefortz narrowed his eyes as well, drawn to the sight in the sky for several more seconds before identifying a direction and leading Ailin away at a brisk pace.

"If we had come any earlier, the sorcerers on watch would have been at their most alert. But if we came any later, the next shift would arrive, and all of Ban Ard would quickly wake up."

"The time when apprentices normally attend class is when Ban Ard's defenses are