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Chapter 77 Keep Him

“You’re refusing to speak? On the account that you’ve been caught within our territory and being implicated with the Ascetic Blasphemers, I have enough reason to execute you this very instant.”

Jennifer had her arms crossed as she glared at the pale-faced Zeke sitting across from her. He was brought to her tent along with Jack and Sulong. Only Arbert, due to his injuries, was spared the Witch’s menacing eyes and threatening voice.

“What do you want me to do, huh? I helped commander Hext then I left. Why are you insisting I did something wrong?”

Even though he was exhausted due to over-exertion, Zeke refused to be bossed around, especially after all the trouble he went through to save Silya’s life.

“Tell the truth.”

“I already did! Instead of going out there and trying to minimize the damages after a whole outpost was wiped out, you’re trying to push the blame on me? Hah! I’m a citizen of the Nezulian Republic and I have no obligation to answer to you. If you want to execute me or lock me up, do what you want! But don’t lump me with those crazy bastards!”

Zeke banged his fist on the table and glared back at the frightening Jennifer, whose mood has gotten worse after she saw the destruction and death in the other outpost.

Even though Hext was saved, dozens upon dozens of soldiers were brutally killed. The fact that the Ascetic Blasphemers were able to ambush an outpost and eradicate everyone was a huge blow to the Witch Association, not in terms of military force but in reputation.

“...”

“You’ve really got a tongue on you, kid. I’m not like Silya, don’t think I will let you leave this easi-”

“Jenny. Please.”

Silya Hext, who had slightly recovered, barged into the tent with a worried Freya right behind her.

“He fought Signora by himself and helped me escape their grasp. Can’t you be more lenient? Come on, Jenny…”

Hext approached her superior and pleaded while standing next to the equally angry youth.

“Freya, take them away and do not leave their side.”

“Y-yes.”

The golden-haired witch motioned for the three men to follow her, which they did. However, before he walked away, Zeke gave one last look at Jennifer,

“The people after me will not take kindly to this ‘hospitability’ of yours. It would be to both our benefits if you release us.”

Jennifer snorted and unceremoniously waved her hand at his face, which made him grit his teeth and storm away.

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“Jenny, he really isn’t a bad person. Don’t let his nasty attitude fool you.”

“I know, Silya. In fact, I already know of him.”

“Huh, you do?”

Silya sat down while groaning in pain, a look of surprise and confusion on her face.

“My new… student. She’s friends with him.”

“Ah, Amelia? Come to think of it, she did say she was from Erys too. Then again, Zeke is really something else.”

Hext remembered how Zeke not only contended against Signora but was even able to inflict a deep wound. Whether it was his strange scythe or the absurd amount of Lightning-aspected magic he was able to unleash. It defied all reason.

“He’s a problematic individual.” Jenny remarked before lowering her head and quietly adding,

“This is between us, but he’s the holder of the Paths of Extinction System. It’s because of him we’re dealing with Jonathan on the Western border.”

The tall witch’s shock deepened upon hearing this. She glanced at the closed entrance of the tent before pondering for a bit.

“But that doesn’t explain why so many people are after him. I saw a special agent from the Department of Defense and an assassin from Black Wing. Considering his circumstances, wouldn’t it be better to make an ally out of him? If the Republic doesn’t want him, we can take care of him.”

“...”

“Jenny, why do you seem to hate him this much?”

The auburn-haired witch harrumphed in annoyance and leaned back.

“I don’t know how or why, but he’s certainly and deeply involved with the Ascetic Blasphemers. When Amelia recounted her story to me, I investigated everything, including the one behind some of her woes. I’m telling you, the boy is shrouded in mysteries and if the Witch Queen catches wind of a System holder in here, even I wouldn’t be able to avoid the consequences.”

“Then why not let him go?”

“Amelia spoke highly of him. Furthermore, he’s just a kid. You expect me to send him to his death?”

Upon hearing this, Hext let out a soft laugh, “So you were worried. Honestly, Jenny, you’re really bad at expressing yourself. One would think a Witch of your status wouldn’t care about outsiders.”

Jennifer sighed and glanced at the small picture frame on her desk, melancholy and sadness plastered all over her face.

“Before I’m a Witch or a commander, I’m a human. His displeasing attitude notwithstanding, he’s still a kid and only thinks of the problem in front of his nose. I need to knock some sense into him first.”

“So… what’s the plan?”

“He’ll be kept here temporarily. The special agents suffered quite a loss so I doubt they’ll get close to our radar, but the assassin is another matter. I’ve got contacts in Black Wing, so I’ll begin with securing much-needed information.”

“Okay…”

Hext slumped back on the uncomfortable wooden chair and closed her eyes, her hand pressed on the wound on her bandaged chest.

“I’ll need to return to the capital and report.”

“Don’t blame yourself, Hext. It was an unexpected ambush targeting you specifically. There was nothing you could have done.”

“I know but… it feels wrong. Why must I be the one to survive when all my soldiers are dead? I’m inadequate for this position.”

Jennifer wanted to say something, ultimately, she kept her mouth shut and sighed again. Silya Hext was a capable and responsible commander, one of three under her command.

Considering all the trouble happening West of the country, the Ascetic Blasphemers picked the perfect time for a tactical attack.

Even if she were to speak for her colleague and friend, Silya Hext would still be unable to avoid punishment. However, until the declaration of the verdict, no one knew what the punishment would be.