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Chapter 4 - Interlude: The Forest Witch

"The Khemet Hastorias Library" a marvel of architecture nestled at the heart of Mortenhagen Academy, is far more than just a place to store books.

Towering shelves stretch toward the sky, lined with treasures of knowledge—ancient scrolls, enchanted manuscripts, and handwritten journals left behind by adventurers, scholars, and even ordinary townsfolk.

It is said that the books within these walls can whisper like they have souls of their own, guiding readers toward a deeper, hidden truth.

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The Forest Witch has long been a legend, spoken of in hushed, fearful whispers by adventurers and common folk alike.

They are known not only for their danger, but for their mystery. Their endless obsession with forbidden magic—sorcery outlawed by both law and morality—has driven them far from society. Their life remains a secret, locked away in the shadows of towering trees, deep within the land known as Nurhavana.

Scattered notes from the Khemet Hastorias Library—fragments of a firsthand encounter with the Forest Witch.

["This evening, we set up camp at the edge of Rimbasauria Forest, and I saw something among the trees. A tall shadow—it looked like a woman with long hair. And suddenly, the atmosphere around us changed. A magical aura wrapped around our bodies. Flowers near our campsite bloomed unnaturally. Kaim, my companion, quickly told me to get inside the tent. The next morning, I opened the tent flap, and the sunlight had already arrived. But the flowers around us had withered and dried."] —Garen Nirvalen, the Adventurer Nurhavana

["I was on patrol in the village of Sanilah when a local asked me to help find their missing dog, which had run off behind the village forest. I searched deep into the woods, and eventually, I spotted a dog that matched the description—one belonging to a villager. But the dog seemed to be with someone. As I got closer, I saw a young girl playing with the dog. She stood there with a blank expression on her face.When I tried to approach her, my entire body suddenly felt heavy. I couldn't move—my arms and legs felt like they were being bound and pulled down by stones. And then, she vanished into the forest."] —Maruapey, a Soldier of Baladdir

["While I was researching the magical energy waves radiating from the Jahvara River, I suddenly noticed a man standing beside me. He smiled at me—but there was something off about it, something not quite friendly. Within moments, I felt the world around me shift strangely. The river vanished, and I was standing in the middle of an unfamiliar forest. Strange whispers echoed through the air, and the tree before me looked as if it was about to swallow me whole. I eventually woke up at the inn. My mind felt blank… and most of my belongings were gone. Fortunately, I still had a few research samples stored inside my Relic."] —Aloron Shagasta, Magic Researcher 

["We, the people of Tirengnari Village, have lived on this fertile land at the foot of Mount Tirengkara for generations. Long ago, this land was lush and green—but somehow, the leaves that were once vibrant have turned a reddish-brown. Many believe this change came with the presence of the Forest Witch, though none of us villagers have ever seen them clearly. Only fleeting shadows at most. Then one day, Tirengnari was plagued by something unknown—something that abducted villagers in the dead of night. At first, we believed it to be the work of the Forest Witch. But those who survived the kidnappings told a different story. They spoke of being rescued by a red-haired mage—his hair blazing like a flame, a light that pierced through their fear in the darkness. Since then, the villagers have called him…『Albin Maren』."] —Karianna, a Villager of Tirengnari

["The Forest Witch, 『Rosendahl Bellamir』, is often seen bringing offerings to the Great Forest of Ruhkasa. She stands among the trees, her pink hair shimmering like the petals of an Anara Velis blossom. Her face is strikingly beautiful, and her every movement carries a graceful elegance. But not once has she been seen smiling. Make a mistake with her… and you'll find no mercy in return."] —Soraya, Sanitire of the Great Forest Ruhkasa

["I never imagined that 『Daryanova』would grow into a sorcerer feared by every race in this land. I heard she now lives deep within the ruins of Palama—completely consumed by the madness of magic. Rumor has it, she often collects the corpses of adventurers who die horribly around Palama. Has she truly changed that much… from the person I once knew?] —Basmus, Owner of Zaiqa Tavern

["I was stunned to learn that a Forest Witch had taken a seat as one of the advisory council members to Virajantara—the Grand Leader—in the capital, Aruna. The witch's name was 『Panasoley Wirak』. The first time I saw Lord Panasoley, I thought he was just a tall man in a striking black mage's robe. He wore a mask that completely covered his face. But as he approached, the air shifted—growing heavier. He spoke little, yet every word felt like a final verdict. Even behind the mask, it felt like he was staring straight through you. He radiated an overwhelming sense of dominance, as if he already knew every answer before a single question was even asked."] —Alhakar, Military Commander of Baladdir

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