Zehtti's words fell, and Ante's previously joyful expression again turned to despair.
He had thought he could stay with Colin a bit longer.
After all, honestly speaking, compared to Zehtti, who suddenly became their dual mother, they were more familiar with Colin.
Their short time together during the escape on Pahama Islands had allowed them basic understanding and trust in each other.
However, once Zehtti had made a decision, naturally she would not change it due to their wishes.
She gently pinched the front of her Wizard Robe and then yanked it forcefully.
Chirp.
No change occurred to the robe on Zehtti, but a flow of silver metal was suddenly pulled out and instantly transformed into an identical Zehtti!
"Leonard... right?"
Before Colin and the others could be shocked, the new Zehtti looked at Colin and said, "There's no time to delay, we should set off now."
After speaking, she nodded towards the original Zehtti and glanced at Ante and the other two, then turned and led the way towards the secret chamber.
"Goodbye."
Colin nodded slightly to Ante's group and turned to follow Zehtti without any hesitation.
The original Zehtti then took Ante and the others deeper into the corridor, moving with a normalcy that made it difficult to distinguish between them.
"Grab me," Zehtti said blandly once they reached the secret chamber.
Colin snapped out of it, momentarily startled.
It was not because of any tender feelings, since Zehtti, compared to human females, looked more like a huge Wizard dressed in a voluminous Wizard Robe.
It was just that Zehtti hadn't stretched out her arms or given any direction, so he was unsure where to grab.
But in the next moment, a soft silver ribbon sprang from Zehtti's right shoulder and stretched out toward him.
Colin realized what to do and compliantly grabbed the silver ribbon.
The ribbon, like a serpent, wrapped around his arm and then spread to his other arm, circling around his chest and back, securing itself.
'One wonders what kind of modifications Zehtti has undergone... This liquid silver substance, it somewhat resembles metallic silver yet it also has properties of Elemental Energy.'
Colin couldn't help but think.
His knowledge of Third Rank Wizards was still very limited.
However... If Second Rank Wizards mostly had extensive body modifications, then logically, by the time one became a Third Rank Wizard, the degree of body modifications would be even deeper.
'In these times filled with Tainted babbling, the soul and body must maintain equilibrium... The School of Wizards that specialized solely in the soul, treating the body merely as a container, has long since vanished.'
Colin had not forgotten Lillian's words.
'Just... The more body modifications there are, the harder it may be to maintain one's humanity...' Colin's eyes flickered. 'After delivering the message, I need to quickly assimilate the Ancient Tree Heart to strengthen my physical foundation as soon as possible.'
"Hold tight."
At that moment, Zehtti softly reminded him again, interrupting his thoughts.
The next second.
Crackle!
As if lightning struck across the sky, Colin's vision blurred, and he suddenly found himself at least a kilometer high in the air!
Such speed was beyond his imagination.
Moreover, throughout the whole process, he didn't feel much discomfort; the silver ribbon wrapped around his arms and chest took on most of the pressure.
"We'll first head to Quinte Island to gather some frontline information," Zehtti said after determining the direction in the high sky.
"Um," Colin nodded.
Neither Zehtti nor he had any understanding of the current war situation for wizards... Ante and the others had only heard some bits and pieces on Pahama Islands.
Crackle!
Zehtti continued to carry him at a speed far exceeding the speed of sound towards the giant island visible at the horizon.
Before long.
In a city on Quinte Island, he and Zehtti each held a newspaper issued today by the Supreme Council, reading carefully.
"Continuous victories reported... Tree Elves' powerful modified war ent... Liya'er aids in rebuilding homes..." Colin murmured silently, his expression somewhat grim.
Zehtti, looking at the newspaper, suddenly read aloud softly:
"Two days ago, Hawuli, the last of the three Parra Islands, was also successfully taken.
Since then, Parra, Hawuli, Zan, the three islands form a line, each supporting and watching over the others, establishing a stable frontline foundation."
After reading, she looked somewhat relaxed.
"Only two days ago did the wizards launch an attack; it's unlikely they will launch a new one so soon... We still have some time."
Colin nodded noncommittally, still feeling some urgency, then asked:
"Ms. Zehtti, the Parra Islands... which island shall we go to?"
"Do you know any Wizards... or rather, Schools you know?" Zehtti asked.
She had been living in seclusion on a Deserted Island for over a decade, rarely going out, and had few friends for various reasons.
Thus, like Colin, she had no direct way to contact any prominent figures who could influence the course of the war.
Colin paused for a moment, then said thoughtfully, "Let's go to Parra Island. The Yista School is there, and I am from its affiliated School—Tin Saint.
The Council members of the Supreme Council are always elusive; relaying the message through the high ranks of the Yista School, or getting an audience with the decisive councilmen, would be a more reliable choice."