Chapter 359 - 262: This is the Taste of a Witch

Chapter 359: Chapter 262: This is the Taste of a Witch

"Alright, now *that’s* more like how a Caster should fight. I was half-expecting you to charge in with your sword again."

After Lorna dispatched the Shark Star Beast with crisp efficiency, Isaac’s figure slowly materialized behind her. He watched her with a teasing look on his face.

Sensing Isaac’s sudden appearance on its back, the Flying Winged Fire Dragon glanced up. Noticing the two of them chatting pleasantly, it silently tucked in its wings and slowed its pace just a fraction. It was no longer flying at a breakneck speed; though still swift, the pace was now slow enough for them to appreciate the magnificent ocean scenery below.

’This was a High Level flying technique it had painstakingly practiced to become Lorna’s exclusive Summoned Dragon Beast!’

The two riders on its back didn’t notice this subtle change. Lorna shot Isaac a helpless look. In truth, she really *had* considered charging in with her sword. As it happened, one of the Authority Magics she’d awakened was for close combat.

But...

Lorna knew that if she’d actually done it, she would have definitely gotten an earful from Isaac afterward...

So, to spare her ears the lecture, she’d chosen to finish off the Shark Star Beast with Magic. However...

Lorna gently rubbed the Deep Red Crystal Stone in her hand, a peculiar glint in her eyes. ’Maybe... fighting with Magic isn’t so bad after all?’

It wasn’t as exhilarating as charging in to clash swords, but the spoils from that kind of fight weren’t as great as this, either.

"Is this the Deep Red Crystal?" Isaac took the deep-red crystal from Lorna’s hand, holding it up to his eyes and examining it with curiosity.

The Deep Red Crystal was a special resource that could only be created by the Deep Red series of Authority Magic. It had many uses—it was a universal ingredient for brewing Magic Potions and a precious, renewable energy source. A single piece of this Deep Red Crystal was enough to power a Tier Three Golem at full capacity for over a month!

Most importantly, the energy within it was renewable. If placed in an area rich with Magic Power, a single Deep Red Crystal like this could fully recharge in just one year.

Beyond that, it had a wide range of applications, from forging Magic Equipment to performing rituals, giving it a vast market.

Even more importantly, this stuff could only be created by certain Authority Magics in the Deep Red series, and the Deep Red series of Authority Magic had always been exclusive to Witches.

In the Wizarding World today, there weren’t many types of Magic that Wizards couldn’t replicate. Unfortunately, the Deep Red series of Authority Magic was one of them, which was why the market value for Deep Red Crystals was quite high.

This was another reason Lorna was starting to think fighting with Magic wasn’t so bad. After all, as Isaac’s de facto chief steward, she knew his financial situation better than anyone. Never mind the grand, money-devouring beast that was the Floating City project; their Wizard Organization alone had plenty of financial holes that needed plugging.

The reason the whole thing hadn’t imploded yet was twofold. First, Mad Heart was newly established and just getting on its feet. As a fledgling organization in its startup phase, everyone from top to bottom was filled with passion. Working without pay was considered a minor issue; many members were even funding their work out of their own pockets.

And second, it was because of Isaac’s formidable reputation.

Mad Witches were madmen, but they were also geniuses!

This was a consensus throughout the Wizarding World. And as the most inventive and resilient of all the Mad Witches, Isaac’s talent was naturally terrifying. His advancement speed, which left all others in the dust, and the absolute dominance he displayed at every Tier were the greatest source of confidence for everyone in Mad Heart.

As long as Isaac stood, Mad Heart would not fall!

But this didn’t mean Mad Heart was safe. These problems had only been suppressed, not solved. And with Isaac’s recent series of bold, sweeping actions, the organization’s financial issues had grown even more severe.

The appearance of the Deep Red Crystal, however, could go a long way in alleviating Mad Heart’s funding problems.

"Mm, the flesh and blood of one High-level Demon can be condensed into a standard Tier Three Deep Red Crystal."

"Standard?" Isaac looked at Lorna in surprise. ’After all, this piece in my hand is much larger than the standard for Tier Three...’

"Yes. Normally, a High-level Demon should produce a standard Tier Three Deep Red Crystal. But perhaps because the power of Star Beasts is unique, the Deep Red Crystals they form seem to be a bit larger. I can’t be sure that’s the reason, though. We still have too little data," Lorna said, stroking her fair chin as she looked at the sizable Deep Red Crystal in Isaac’s hand.

Hearing this, Isaac looked at her with surprise, which was mingled with a hint of gratification.

"What is it? Is something wrong?" Lorna asked, looking at Isaac in confusion when she noticed his stare.

"No, your analysis is spot on, especially the part about not jumping to conclusions. I just didn’t expect you to have developed this way of thinking already. It seems sublimating that Authority Magic for you wasn’t a waste after all."

"..." Hearing Isaac’s words, Lorna’s budding enthusiasm began to deflate. His comment had just reminded her of some less-than-pleasant memories.

Memories so unpleasant that...

...she couldn’t even be bothered to dwell on the slight condescension in his tone.

Seeing Lorna fall silent, Isaac just smiled faintly. He glanced at another High-level Star Beast that had appeared ahead, and his figure slowly faded away, leaving the battlefield to Lorna once more.

Neither Isaac nor Caesar would make a move lightly until they found their two targets.

Even if they encountered a Tier Four or even a Tier Five enemy, they absolutely would not engage.

Because when dealing with someone with abilities as unique as the Prank Master, they had to be exceedingly cautious. They would likely only get one chance to strike, and they absolutely could not afford to be careless.

And so, time slowly ticked by. Both Isaac and Caesar were rapidly closing in on their respective targets.

Along the way, perhaps because fate was on their side, their journey was incredibly smooth. Neither Isaac’s party nor Caesar’s encountered any significant resistance.

The strongest foe they met was a White Whale Star Beast that Lorna encountered, its body as massive as an island.

Its Life Tier was only Tier Four. For Lorna, who had both powerful abilities and the raw stats to back them up, it was hardly a problem. The Tier Five Giant Dragon she summoned simply crushed it...

That’s right, Tier Five...

A mere Tier Three Witch who could summon a Tier Five Legendary Giant Dragon!

And she could use this overpowered Summoning Magic three times a year!

Three times in a row, at that!

Absolutely absurd!

Witches... they’re just a broken type of Transcendent...

’Thankfully, this ridiculously broken Witch is on my side...’

And so, three days later, Isaac and Caesar finally found their respective targets...

An Angel and a Demon...