I'm Not Here to Mess Around

Regulus followed Freya, his footsteps echoing on the gravel path, his gaze fixed on her retreating figure.

She walked with her back straight, each step steady, her shoulders swaying naturally with her steps, and her platinum blonde braids swaying slightly behind her head.

Even by European standards, Freya's height is quite high.

Regulus's mind was racing with other thoughts.

This mission looks simple.

The Abyssal Whisper is an ancient and elite organization that worships the Shenhai and studies forbidden knowledge.

They targeted the ancient Maritime Document kept by the Eisenhardt family, pressuring them through continuous Attacks and harassment in an attempt to force them to hand them over.

Freya said they infiltrated farms, ambushed patrols, and attacked Observation Station; each operation had a clear objective.

Probe defenses, gather intelligence, and leave markers.

Judging from the description, the methods used were relatively mild.

At least for now, Abyssal Whisper is not choosing to launch a direct assault or go on a killing spree.

This is a typical pressure tactic, making the other party continuously pay a price until they feel that the cost of retaining the documents is higher than the cost of handing them over.

But the Eisenhardt family clearly has no intention of compromising.

Regulus understood that this wasn't just a matter of face. While face was important for Pureblood families, it was more about considerations of interests and positions.

The fact that ancient Maritime Document could be targeted by an organization like Abyssal Whisper speaks volumes about their value.

It may contain records of lost routes, hidden Magic treasures, or even be a key component of some ancient ritual.

The Eisenhardt family had kept it for so many years; they couldn't possibly be unaware of its importance.

Moreover, if we give in so easily this time, what about next time?

The struggle between Pureblood families and powerful Dark Wizard groups is, in some ways, like a wizarding duel.

Once weakness is revealed, it will attract more covetous eyes; the Abyssal Whisper are the first, but certainly not the last.

Therefore, we must hold it.

Freya said that there were only the two of them in Reef Town, and that other members of the Eisenhardt family were stationed elsewhere.

This indicates that the harassment from the Abyssal Whisper is comprehensive, with the opponent applying pressure from multiple points simultaneously, trying to find the weakest link in the defense.

Regulus thought of another problem, Freya said that two people were enough.

In her eyes, he was just a twelve-year-old child, unlikely to be of any help, and she even thought he might be a hindrance.

The fact that she still felt the two of them were enough under these circumstances demonstrates her strong confidence in her own abilities.

Abyssal Whisper is not some third-rate Dark Wizard gang.

Being included in the list of international Dark Wizard organizations indicates that they have a history, a system, and power.

They spend most of their time at sea, are familiar with the marine environment, and are skilled in water Magic and naval warfare, so dealing with them will definitely not be easy.

But Freya remained confident.

Regulus sensed the Magic Fluctuation emanating from the other party; it was thick, condensed, and perfectly controlled.

The way she walks also tells a story.

With a stable center of gravity and muscles subtly visible beneath his hunting attire, he was not the kind of physique one would expect from a wizard who spends most of his time in Study or laboratory.

She clearly received not only a formal wizarding education, but also specialized training in combat.

Regulus could even tell that Freya wasn't the kind of person who would be at the mercy of others once she lost her Spellcasting abilities.

A thought flashed through his mind, the same one I had.

This thought made the corners of his mouth turn up slightly.

Freya is indeed a very charming witch.

Unlike the traditional allure or femininity, Freya possesses a more robust and direct quality.

His height, physique, sharp facial features, clean and efficient style, combined with his calm confidence, create a unique attraction.

Children would probably find her too cold and sharp, and wouldn't want to get close to her, nor dare to.

But Regulus thought it was just right—handsome and dashing.

She noticed the gaze behind her, stopped, and turned to look at Regulus.

The movement was natural, without any deliberate pause or hesitation; she was just walking along when she suddenly stopped, turned around, and her gaze fell on his face.

Her face was expressionless, her eyes were calm, and she simply looked at him.

Regulus looked at her too, and the two stared at each other for a few seconds.

Freya didn't speak or look away; she just stared at him, as if waiting for him to explain why he was staring at her.

Regulus thought her reaction was a bit... naive?

You're looking at me, you must have something to say, I'm waiting for you to speak, that's roughly what I mean.

Regulus, of course, couldn't say what he had been thinking; that would be impolite and would seem unsteady.

He looked away, gazing at the distant sea, then looked back at her, speaking in a calm tone.

"Miss von Eisenhardt, do you know any more information about Abyssal Whisper?"

He was indeed curious about this organization.

They were pursuing obscure and rare things: forbidden knowledge related to the Shenhai, lost civilizations, and ancient spells.

This is unlike most Dark Wizard organizations that pursue power and wealth, or sheer strength.

They have their own action plan, their own goals, and even the organization's demands seem to be based on some kind of ideology.

This amused Regulus.

Ordinary Dark Wizard gangs are usually a group of thugs who come together for profit, acting in a chaotic manner with short-sighted goals.

The Abyssal Whisper are clearly not it.

Freya withdrew her gaze, turned around and continued walking forward, but slowed her pace so that Regulus could walk to her side and stand shoulder to shoulder.

"They worship the Shenhai," she said in a slightly low voice, her Germany accent making her speak slowly, "Believing that Magic should be like the ocean—objective, vast, swallowing all individual noise."

Her gaze lingered on the path ahead. "They are proficient in Dark Arts, mental corruption, ritual Magic, and are especially skilled in naval warfare."

Freya frowned, her tone slightly grave. "Their Magic has a peculiar quality. Unlike the fanatical evil of ordinary Dark Arts, their Magic feels cold."

She turned her head and glanced at Regulus.

"Like the Shenhai itself, it has no good or evil, no emotions, it simply exists, it simply devours."

Regulus listened quietly, his gaze meeting Regulus's.

"If we encounter them," Freya turned back, her gaze returning to the distance, "Prioritize protecting their spirit, then their body."

Their goal isn't to kill you; they'll make you forget why you should resist, make you feel that resistance is meaningless, fighting is meaningless, and nothing matters.

This piqued Regulus's interest; was this what mental erosion was?

He nodded, then asked, "What are your specific strengths in naval warfare?"

After walking a few more steps, she spoke, "On the sea, their movement speed increases, and their spells become more powerful. It's best not to fight them on the sea."

As she spoke, she raised her hand and tucked a stray strand of hair that had been blown across her cheek behind her ear.

She stopped, turned to face Regulus, and said seriously, "Be careful with your mental defenses; the Shield Charm won't stop mental erosion."

Regulus could sense that she was actually saying, "You're just a child. Although you seem mature, it's hard to say whether you can withstand that kind of attack."

He didn't care. If he were Freya, he would also be suspicious of a twelve-year-old helper.

But he was indeed looking forward to what might happen next.

Abyssal Whisper, spiritual corruption, naval warfare.

He was curious about what that Mental Layer attack felt like, and whether his Star Orbit Meditation and Mental Barrier could withstand it.

And then there's that chilling Magic —which is closer to the essence of Magic, the Severing Charm he developed himself?

Freya, seeing that he didn't speak, assumed he had listened and turned to continue leading the way.

The two walked around the Reef Town along the coastline, Freya pointing out key locations as they went.

Where is the protective boundary of the Pearl Farm? In which direction is the entrance to the Deep Sea Observatory located? What is the usual patrol route? What are the blind spots in the field of vision?

Her presentation was concise and efficient, with no wasted words and every sentence containing the necessary information.

Regulus listened quietly, occasionally asking questions that were always to the point.

How wide is the coverage area of Protective Charm?

"If you dive below the surface, how deep can the Detection Charm reach?"

"What were their retreat routes during the previous three Attacks?"

Each question made Freya glance at him again.

She had initially thought that although Regulus had a calm demeanor, it was hard to say what his actual abilities were. But now, hearing him ask these questions, she felt that he was at least thinking seriously and wasn't just there to coast along.

But she still didn't think he could offer much practical help.

At twelve years old, no matter how talented she is, there are limits to her Magic Power accumulation and combat experience. The wizards of the Abyssal Whisper are all elites, and if a real fight breaks out, she will have to be extra careful to protect him.

After circling around, the two returned to the stone house by the sea.