Chapter 1167 - Woe (1/2)
Chapter 1167: Woe
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
…
“Is that so? I got it.” Roland’s heart sank when he received the news from the frontline. It took him a while to reply. “How are you feeling now? How is your injury?”
But what followed was only a suffocating silence.
Few more minutes passed before Roland spoke again. “This wasn’t your fault. You couldn’t foresee that the things would unfold in this way. Now, since the Magic Slayer has perished, take a long break and have a good rest.”
Roland slumped into a chair after he hung up the telephone and let out a deep sigh.
As if she sensed something, Nightingale strolled slowly to Roland’s desk and asked, “Was that Leaf?”
“Yes,” Roland answered while closing his eyes. “The war is over. The First Army successfully seized Taquila with minimal loss and also discovered a half-completed tower base in the God’s Stone mine. The ambush operation failed, but it has been confirmed that the Magic Slayer was killed. The curse was lifted, which is the fortunate part of all the misfortunes. However…” he paused for a second and said, “Ashes and Elena didn’t make it.”
“That… fool?” Nightingale said, aghast, and then turned away.
“Lightning told me that Ashes became Transcendent near the end of the fight and sacrificed herself to kill the demon. Nothing was left behind from the battle except for the melted remains of Ashes’ sword,” Roland continued slowly.
Roland had predicted the failure of the ambush when he had seen the siege through the phantom instrument. Judging from the formation of the demons, it appeared they had been purposely waiting for the witches to take action. Unfortunately, he could only have a glimpse of the battlefield through the screen. After the Special Unit had retreated to the west, he had lost track of the witches and thus been pacing up and down in his room with burning anxiety.
Roland had anticipated the worst scenario at that moment.
The actual outcome of the battle was much better than he had thought.
Nevertheless, the casualties still gave him a leaden feeling in his stomach.
After all, he was the one who had approved this plan.
“Ashes was arrogant and very full of herself, but she never made any reckless decisions…” Nightingale remarked as she placed her hand gently on Roland’s back. “The same goes for Elena. I believe that they knew this would eventually happen, so, you don’t have to pin all the blame on yourself. I’m throwing the words you said to Leaf right back to you.”
Roland nodded slowly a few times. He still did not understand how the demons had predicted their plan and why they had taken eliminating the witches precedence of over control of the Holy City of Taquila. Yet it had happened. As the leader of Graycastle and the united front, he should never show any signs of despondency to the public no matter how disheartening and painful the situation was.
How was he supposed to support someone more downcast than him if he were to let his emotions consume him?
For example, Tilly.
He did not know how to face her.
From what Leaf had told him, Tilly and Ashes had been much closer than he thought. Although Tilly was not completely devastated by the news and immediately came to help the wounded, the sparkles in her eyes had faded instantly when she had heard about Ashes’ death. According to Lightning’s words, the radiance around Tilly had disappeared. Lightning had also forwarded Roland Ashes’ last words, probably hoping that Roland could assuage Tilly’s grief.
But comforting people was never one of his expertise.
He decided to take things slow.
On the same afternoon, the Seagull arrived at Neverwinter.
All the witches who sustained minor injuries returned from the battle, whereas those in critical condition were still remaining at the front, awaiting Nana’s treatment.
Roland and the other Witch Union members greeted them at the airport.
Anna, Agatha, Molly, and Phyllis climbed down the jet bridge and hugged Scroll, Nightingale and Sharon, as well as the clerks of the Witch Union, including Ring, Grayrabbit and Pearl. At this moment, the war made everyone equal. There was no difference between combat and non-combat witches, new and Taquila witches, or witches and the common people.
Tilly was the last to get off the plane.
Roland walked up to her and stammered, “That…”
“Can I have a word with you in private, brother?” Tilly asked as she looked up at him.
…
He thus led Tilly to his office and closed the door behind them after Nightingale left the room on his orders.
“Alright, if you want to say something…” Roland broke off. As he turned around, he felt his chest suddenly constrict, and Tilly threw herself at him.