That's not how you use a witch!

Chapter 23 I Believe in You

"Please rest assured, it's just a temporary departure. I know that Madel is very important to the Thorn Territory. After I resolve the matter of her advancement, if the environment in the Thorn Territory is safe, I will escort her back if she wishes."

Scarlett explained the reasons to Ronan in detail.

Similar to the star-level upgrade of knights, witches can also advance, and not only do their stats and strength increase, but their entire abilities undergo a radical transformation, making it an epic upgrade.

According to the common classification method, witches can be divided into three levels of advancement: no advancement, elite level 1, and elite level 2.

Unlike the star-level advancement of knights, the advancement of witches is exceptionally dangerous, with a very high casualty rate. This is why most lords cultivate witches through intensive training rather than as a long-term investment.

It's not that they are born short-sighted, but rather that the long-term model is too risky and can easily turn into a losing proposition.

It's better to realize the potential as soon as possible and replace it with a new one before it breaks down. If you happen to find a durable one that can last until you advance to a higher level, then you've made a profit.

Only a very few large territories select witches with potential for advancement and training—of course, under the church's philosophy of "asceticism and redemption," they must also endure a great deal of inhuman suffering.

"Normally, it would take a witch three to five years to reach the first rank of elite, but Medel has only taken less than two years since she started serving. Moreover, when she escaped from Dragon Fang Territory, the pollution was already severe. If it weren't for that Divine Punishment Stone, she might have lost control during her escape."

Not only was Ronan surprised, but Scarlett was also baffled.

"But after arriving in the Thorn Territory, her contamination improved at an astonishing rate, and her previously extremely unstable magical energy became unprecedentedly active."

This is like a tiny, almost extinguished flame that, with the addition of fuel, burns ever brighter.

"Until you recently arranged for her to undergo training in telekinesis, I sensed that Madale's magical energy began to become more refined and concentrated. This is a precursor to advancement, like a caterpillar wrapping itself in a cocoon before transforming into a butterfly."

"According to you, isn't this a good sign?"

Ronan muttered to himself.

"On the contrary, I am more worried that this is a last gasp before things completely spiral out of control."

Scarlett shook her head with a serious expression.

"A caterpillar may not break free of its cocoon, and may even die trapped inside. If a witch fails to advance her cultivation, she will not only die on the spot, but may also transform into an evil beast."

The Witch's Eye once had a sister who collapsed in fear and anxiety on the eve of her advancement. After she lost control, we paid the price of three sisters' lives to quell the aftermath.

After that, the leader told us that if we weren't feeling well, we mustn't overestimate ourselves, we needed to prepare ourselves mentally in advance, and we should also remind the other sisters to deal with it.

Ronan pondered, "So, if you're in good physical and mental condition, the success rate of advancing to the next level will also increase?"

"That's how we've observed it, but nothing is absolute."

Scarlett knew what Ronan was struggling with.

"The Witch's Eye has dedicated sisters who are responsible for making judgments. If some unexpected situations occur, it can also provide a certain range of healing, such as temporarily suppressing pollution when it surges abnormally."

Even if, hypothetically, the process fails or gets out of control, we'll have more experience and can handle the aftermath with minimal cost.

"Um……"

Ronan lowered his head after hearing this.

The condition of Maddalena, the experience of the Witch's Eye, and the records in the diary can basically corroborate each other.

Following the methodology in those memos, this little girl, who had once been on the verge of death, truly ushered in a second spring in her career and stood at the threshold of the elite first tier at a speed that exceeded everyone's expectations.

The steady improvement in Madell's stats is undoubtedly good news for advancing, but as Scarlett said, an increased success rate does not guarantee success.

From a rational perspective, letting the Witch's Eye handle it seems to be the more appropriate choice.

"Then let's ask her opinion."

Ronan summoned Madonna.

Soon, the girl arrived at the office with light steps.

Upon seeing the blonde beauty in the room, she opened her mouth, her wide eyes trembling slightly.

After listening to Scarlett's self-introduction, the girl nodded slightly, her shocked expression gradually subsiding. However, her eyes still kept glancing up and down, as if she were deep in thought.

"Thanks."

She addressed Scarlett and the Witch's Eye she represented, saying, "But I refuse."

"Meidel, advancing in rank is a big deal; you can't act impulsively!"

Seeing this, Scarlett advised, "If you're not feeling well and you insist on pushing yourself, it will be very dangerous when you advance!"

"I am in great shape, whether compared to when I served in Dragon Fang Territory, when I studied at the Witch Academy, or even before I became a witch."

Madonna looked out the window.

"I will succeed, even if it costs me everything."

"this……"

Scarlett was somewhat surprised.

The witches she had dealt with were all eager to join her overnight upon hearing that there was an organization, but she didn't expect Maddale to refuse so decisively.

Is it better to serve the powerful than to throw oneself into the arms of one's sisters?

She wanted to ask that question subconsciously, but her gaze fell on Ronan, and she couldn't bring herself to ask. If it were him, Madonna's reaction would indeed be understandable.

Therefore, it was indeed inappropriate for her to take Meidel with her, because forcing things will never work. Based on their experience, negative emotions would greatly increase the risk of advancement.

"Actually, I have a plan."

Ronan smiled slightly and raised his index finger.

"In that case, why don't you just move your Witch's Eye over here? As you can see, my territory doesn't discriminate against witches. As long as the necessary arrangements are made, my people will warmly welcome you."

"You'd better not even think about it. Even if I plead for you, the leader will absolutely not agree to let the sisters enter the territory of a secular lord."

Scarlett shook her head, but deep down she was a little tempted.

During her time in Thorn Territory, she felt that Maddale was doing no worse than her sisters, and perhaps even better.

This place certainly seems like a good place for a witch.

"However, this is indeed an idea. I will suggest to the leader that we send a few experienced sisters over to assist. I will be troubling you then. Without further ado, I shall depart now."

"No need to bother you, it's normal for good friends to help each other out."

After seeing Scarlett off, Ronan stood up and patted Madonna on the shoulder.

"Don't be afraid, I believe you'll be alright."

The girl puffed out her cheeks and swung her shoulders like a calf, breaking free from his grasp.

Ignoring Ronan's calls, she ran towards the door, but then stopped. After a few seconds, she lowered her head and shuffled back to Ronan like a kitten.

"I won't go to the Witch's Eye."

She inhaled.

"You are my lord, and even if my life ends with the sunrise, I will fight for you until the last moment before dawn."

The air fell silent.

A moment later, Ronan's voice came from above and in front:

"Is that so? But I've never considered you my witch."

Meidel shuddered violently, feeling an indescribable pain stuck in her throat, and she lowered her head even further.

But then, Ronan placed his warm and strong hand on her shoulder.

"I did establish a contract with you, but I never felt that you were my possession and that I could do whatever I wanted with you."

You are a friend I can rely on, a partner I can fight alongside, and a back I can entrust to—but before all that, you are first and foremost yourself, the one and only Madeleine Miller.

I feel truly honored and joyful that you were willing to fight for me with your life. Therefore, I don't want to lose you, because you are someone I should cherish.

The girl raised her head, her pale pink eyes shimmering in the candlelight. All other thoughts were left behind; she buried her face in the arms of the person before her.

"Thanks."

She sobbed.

"Don't be afraid."

Ronan gently patted the girl's back, "No matter what the future holds, I will face it with you."

"Um...we're good friends, right, Ronan?"

"certainly."

"..."

Ronan then discussed with Madonna the matter of no longer wearing the Stone of Divine Punishment.

He expressed this idea as soon as he unlocked the latest log, but Madale, who always obeyed his arrangements, surprisingly refused.

The reason is simple: she doesn't think her situation is optimistic enough to warrant canceling the sole insurance policy, and she doesn't want Ronan to be at risk should anything happen.

Taking advantage of the advancement, Ronan once again reiterated the benefits of not wearing the Stone of Divine Punishment—and his absolute trust.

"You won't lose control. You'll overcome it, get over it, and become stronger. I believe you can do it."

"Um!"

This time, the girl nodded and resolutely cut off the collar inlaid with the Stone of Divine Punishment.

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