Witch Swamp
Stargazing Room
The stars twinkled.
The rampant fungal community, the giant scratch marks left on the ground, and other damage caused by Han Dong were repaired and restored to their original state as the stars shone.
The test is complete.
Mr. Black and White handed a handwritten letter to Han Dong.
"Take this letter and go see the Great Plague Lord... If he has time, he should be able to give you some pointers. Coincidentally, he happens to be in the Dead Water Swamp right now."
"Is there anything I should be careful about?"
"Asking a few simple questions is fine...but it would be best to wait until he and the witch have finished their 'things'."
"Understand!"
The Dead Water Swamp is one of the most dangerous areas in the Mysticism Department, located behind the Dark Moon Tower.
The edge of the swamp is also the boundary of the Knight Academy.
The twisted, large tree with a terrifying human face is one of the hallmarks of the swampy area.
In the swamp water that reaches one-third the height of the trees, a large number of "carnivorous wetland plants" lurk.
Once they sense even the slightest tremor on the water's surface, the plants will open their gaping maws or extend branches with piercing and sucking abilities to quickly capture prey.
Rotten and moldy planks, suspended in mid-air by vines from a strange tree, form the only passageway in the swamp area.
The Dead Water Swamp is about the same size as the Dark Moon Forest.
It is also the main educational venue for the Mysticism Department.
Similar to Han Dong, who studied Plague Studies in the Old Sewers, many Knight-Errant Witchcraft Studies lived in the swamp for a long time.
"Witchcraft Studies" is a subject that can only be studied by female Mysticism Apprentice.
As you walk between the wooden planks in Han Dong, you can see many Treehouse of different styles, built on the tips of tree branches.
The requirements for Witchcraft Apprentice are relatively high, and these Treehouse serve as their main dormitories.
The witch, Kayrona Mason, required him to spend over 80% of his time at the Knight Academy in the swamp during his years of study.
To avoid attracting attention, Han Dong walked between the wooden planks dressed in a "Beak Mask Attire".
At this time, most of the Witchcraft Apprentice are in their Treehouse reading books on alchemy and herbalism.
Or perhaps they are brewing "witch's soup"
Or they create voodoo dolls that can curse others or help themselves withstand harm.
Or practicing drawing various techniques,
Every so often, a group of Witchcraft Apprentice would be summoned to the Witch Academy in the center of the swamp.
Accepting the assessment from [Witch- Kailonya Mason] is essentially a form of irregular work reporting.
Those who fail to submit satisfactory reports will face extremely severe penalties.
Therefore, the Witchcraft Apprentice rarely leave the Treehouse, spending most of their time inside in ascetic practices.
However, Han Dong, dressed in Beak Mask Attire, still attracted the attention of many Witchcraft Apprentice.
Pairs of eyes with deep dark circles were looking through the glass window at this Mysticism Apprentice who did not belong to the Dead Water Swamp.
There was much discussion about Han Dong's arrival.
After walking in the swampy area for about half an hour.
Creak!
A Door Opening opened from a twisted tree not far from Han Dong's side.
A woman with slightly contorted limbs 'crawled out' from the doorway of the Treehouse at the very top.
It moved with ease, crawling and leaping among the twisted trees in a spider-like manner, seemingly already familiar with life in the swamp area.
As he climbed down the trees, his black hair fell down and covered his face.
Her spider-like crawling posture, combined with the eerie swamp shrouded in darkness, was truly unsettling.
When she was three meters away from the plank, the woman lightly jumped down.
Stepping barefoot lightly onto the wooden planks, the cushioning effect between the toes and soles of the feet prevents any pressure from the rotten wood.
Standing face to face with Han Dong.
The woman wore a loose and plain white linen coat, cinched at the waist... and also wore leggings underneath to avoid revealing her 'secret' while crawling.
He wore several strange bracelets on his wrists, strung with 'herbs, ebony blocks, octopus specimens, bat wings...'
There are also some exquisite witchcraft tattoos on the palms and forearm Joints, which can effectively assist in witchcraft spells.
She wore a wooden mask covering half of her face, while the other half revealed her beautiful, deep black eyes, along with slightly full lips, an oval face, and short black hair.
"Nicholas, is that you? What are you doing in the Dead Water Swamp?"
This little Turkish girl actually recognized Han Dong's identity directly... You know, this Beak Mask Attire given to him by Mr. Black and White can conceal one's aura and hide one's identity.
"Mia."
That's right.
This is none other than Mia Seminovich, an outstanding student who entered the mysterious department in the same batch as Han Dong.
While everyone gathered in the hall after passing the dangerous test, Mia ground up a large quantity of medicinal herbs and distributed them to the injured students.
Moreover, Han Dong had seen her in a corner on the first floor when he first went to the Adventurer's Guild.
"It really is you! I knew it!"
"You were taken away unexpectedly not because of any problems with the assessment, but because Mr. Black and White wanted to see you... This portable bird-beak suit with built-in 'goggles,' was also given to you by Mr. Black and White, wasn't it?"
"Hmm... Mr. Black and White is my second mentor."
Wow! I'm so envious!
Mia clasped her hands together and hugged her chest, her bright black eyes scrutinizing Han Dong intently.
"Hehe." Han Dong could only laugh awkwardly, unsure how to respond.
"Nicholas ...what are you doing in the Dead Water Swamp?"
This place is generally off-limits to non- Witchcraft Apprentice. If you're caught by Teacher Kailonya without a special permit, you'll be in big trouble!
Han Dong did not reply, but simply showed the letter in his pocket.
The raven wax stamp on top is particularly eye-catching.
Mia was slightly excited upon reading the letter and offered to lead the way:
"So you were introduced by Mr. Black and White, then there's no problem! I'll take you there."
I heard that Teacher Kailonya is meeting with a very important guest today, so all our Witchcraft Apprentice ' work reports have been canceled. I don't know if she'll have time to see you.
"It's okay, I can find my way. I can go by myself."
"Ah... okay."
Han Dong bypassed Mia and continued the Depths of the Swamp.
Even Though with the Lesser Demon Eye off, it could still help Han Dong determine his direction and go straight into the swamp... without needing anyone to lead the way.
Just as we approached the center of the swamp.
Han Dong suddenly stopped, and a cold voice came from the bottom of the Beak Mask:
"How long are you going to follow me?"
With a sway of the branches behind her, Mia, who had been crawling among the branches, jumped back onto the wooden plank, sticking out her tongue awkwardly.
"I... I just wanted to see what you wanted to see the teacher about."
Also, you can't proceed further along the planks... Since this is your first time in the Dead Water Swamp, you probably don't know how to get to the [Witch Academy]. I can take you to the teacher's residence."
"Okay, thank you."