The Cornflower Witch Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Slumbering Past

What is my name?

Hylial

This was clearly not her past (previous life) name, but after waking up this time, some vague memories told the girl that her name was now Hylial.

Could there truly be such a thing as reincarnation? She had no memories of her previous life when she was born, and only now did they suddenly resurface. As an accidental side effect, she had lost her memories of the past few years of this life, retaining only a few blurry fragments.

She looked at her clothes. The plain white dress style didn’t seem intricate, but certain details, such as the cuffs and hem, were exceptionally exquisite, as if to remind her that its price was not cheap. Continuing to examine her palms, their smooth and delicate appearance didn’t suggest she had engaged in manual labor.

Her background must be decent. If she could find her family and relatives in this life, she might live comfortably. The girl pondered the origins of her current self.

Although she didn’t understand her personality in this life, from some vague memory fragments and internal feelings, it seemed not much different from her previous life, without any strangeness or discomfort, as if she were the same person.

While scrounging for information in her vague memories, a sudden realization dawned, and some information appeared in her mind.

————

Name: Hylial ⋅ ※※※※

Race: Human (※※※)

Status: Healthy (No abnormalities)

Talent:

Stars [Unknown Grade]: You are favored by the stars. You are not a native inhabitant of this place but an existence descended from another star. Yet, strangely, you have been accepted by this world and have become a part of it. Cherish this gift, for its underlying meaning far exceeds your imagination.

Cornflower’s Love [Rare Grade, can be upgraded]: When you use any secret arts and creations related to cornflowers, you gain enhanced effects. A talent flowing in your blood, this is a legacy from your family’s bloodline, allowing each successor to receive the blessing of a type of flower’s favor.

—One who has glimpsed the Lord of Fairies, the Spring Sovereign ‘Funisyny,’ whose bloodline descendants receive a covenanted blessing according to ancient约定.

Fate Card: [Slumbering Maiden] (Gender and rank: None)

A peculiar card appeared in Hylial’s consciousness. The border of this card was surrounded by silver metallic vines. In the center of the card, a silver-haired maiden lay dormant, her eyes closed, amidst a sea of blooming light blue cornflowers. In the distance, the sky was dim, with occasional shooting stars flashing and disappearing as if they had never existed.

[Slumbering Maiden]

‘You have lost the power of phase you once possessed. You can only guess from the silver vine frame that this power of phase might be related to ‘Radiant Moon’ or ‘Verdant Honey.’ Past memories lie deeply dormant. If you wish to awaken that slumbering past, please start with ‘Radiant Moon’ and ‘Verdant Honey’.’

Effects:

[Discernment Eye Lv.2]: Originating from special talent and physique, you can distinguish colors imperceptible to ordinary people, as well as part of the essence of things. (As you upgrade the rank of this fate card, this ability will also be upgraded simultaneously).

;

Ability Cards: [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot] [Empty Slot]

————

In the center of the fate board outlined by invisible threads, the [Slumbering Maiden] with the silver vine border was placed. Below this card were three empty slots, presumably for other cards.

One [Fate Card] representing the self, and three empty [Ability Cards]. This world possessed mysterious supernatural powers, and they seemed to manifest as a dualistic relationship between card forms and individuals. If one learned special secret arts and techniques, they could transform them into ability cards and place them in the soul and consciousness’s fate board to activate their effects.

Stepping down the hillside towards the village, Hylial saw the fiery red sunset in the distant sky and couldn’t help but quicken her pace, fearing she wouldn’t make it before dark.

Her snow-white hair fluttered, and her clothes billowed. The seemingly nearby village wasn’t actually that close, and by the time Hylial arrived, it was almost dark. Fortunately, the village wasn’t as quiet and early to bed as usual tonight. Several carriages were parked in the village square, surrounding a central bonfire. The rear doors of the carriages were open, displaying some transported goods, and many villagers were gathered around.

“The prices have gone up again, Van der Heath.”

“These clothes look a bit ugly. Are they unwanted items that you bought cheap and brought here to sell us?” The villagers chattered, their voices clearly audible to the girl.

The language was vastly different from her previous life, but she understood it naturally, likely having learned it in this life.

Under the cover of night, the girl walked along the road towards the village square, wondering how to explain her background and find a simple job to settle down here.

She seemed to have no money on her. As she walked, the girl touched her clothes again. Unfortunately, apart from this beautiful plain white dress and underwear, there was nothing else.

No, there was one more item. She touched the back of her head, finding the hair tie holding her hair.

Untying the hair tie, her tied-up hair fell to her neck. Hylial held a light blue satin hair tie, intricately embroidered with overlapping cornflower patterns, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.

She had something to exchange, but… the girl touched her cheek. Although she didn’t know the exact appearance of her current body, based on vague memories and her touch, she seemed to be very beautiful?

Being too beautiful without power was actually quite dangerous, because you had something coveted by others, but no strength to protect it.

Thinking of this, she slowed her pace, contemplating how to respond. In a large city, public safety would be much better, but this was a small village, and she had no idea what the local customs were like. However, at present, she truly had no better options. If she spent the night outside, she might encounter other difficult situations. Going to a crowded place would always be better and could offer some public checks and balances.

After a brief moment of reflection, she regained her pace and walked towards the brightly lit area.

“No choice, Old Man Pound, this trip wasn’t easy for me. You know, it’s Teewolf Festival season now, and there are many fierce beasts on the road. I had to spend more money to hire people to protect the caravan, and I couldn’t travel at night. See, I’m late this time, aren’t I? Normally, why would I give up such a money-making opportunity, don’t you agree?” The bearded merchant clasped his hands in his sleeves, explaining the current situation to the village chief.

“Alright, alright, I’ve heard all your excuses countless times. You always have reasons to make money.” The old village chief waved his hand, indicating he didn’t care about the other party’s costs.

“Oh, by the way, did you bring the nails I ordered last time?”

“Yes, but they’re quite heavy. I put them under the carriage, and it’ll probably be tomorrow before I can move them out. Why, are you in a hurry to use them?”

“Not really. I’m buying nails to reinforce the houses. The Aurora Wind Season will be here in two or three years, and it’ll be too late to do it then.”

“You’re preparing so far in advance for something two years away. You really think ahead.”

“Everything goes up in price during the Aurora Wind Season. I’m just preparing early to save a bit of money,” the village chief replied casually with a shake of his head.

“Aurora winds, thick fog. I wonder if this old body of mine can make it to the next Trade Wind Season.”

“Yes, your body is so healthy, you’ll definitely see the dawn of the next Trade Wind Season.”

“Hahaha, that would mean living another twenty years or more.”

…

More noisy sounds entered the girl’s ears. In this life, she had hearing far superior to her previous life. Even if ten people spoke at once, she could easily distinguish, understand, and remember them all simultaneously.

Such an ability was truly terrifying. In her previous life, she probably could have attended the university she had always dreamed of.

From the conversations between these villagers and merchants, Hylial learned a lot of information. This caravan was a traveling merchant group passing through the village, and the leading merchant was a regular customer. The atmosphere seemed harmonious and amiable, which eased her worries somewhat.

Facing the burning Orange-Yellow bonfire, the girl gradually approached until she stepped into the dividing line between light and shadow, suddenly revealing herself.

Snow-white silk dresses were not something ordinary people could afford, especially to keep them so pristine. Even nobles would only wear them on certain formal occasions. When Hylial entered the village square, she immediately attracted a lot of attention.

“Excuse me, you… are you?” When a member of the caravan clearly saw her face, his words quickly changed to respectful address.

To be able to move so freely, wearing a luxurious dress, and possessing such beautiful features, she must be a noble lady, perhaps even the daughter of a distinguished grand noble.

The caravan attendant hurriedly reported to Van der Heath, who also turned his head, bid farewell to the village chief, and quickly walked towards the silver-haired, white-dressed girl.

“Hello, esteemed lady, may I help you?” He tried to imitate the etiquette he had seen before when greeting the girl.

The slightly comical and clumsy movements made the girl want to laugh, but she politely held back and curtsied in return, as if by instinct. “Hello.” Her clear voice, like a mountain spring, was soft and pleasant, causing everyone present to pause for a few seconds.

The girl also paused, surprised by the sound of her own voice.

“Hello, may I ask where this is?” she spoke again, her fingers lightly touching her cheek near her ear, tucking away a few strands of hair to ease her nervousness.

“This is…” The merchant, Van der Heath, hadn’t expected anyone to ask such a question. He stammered for a few seconds before realizing.

“We are currently in Linden Village, in the southern part of the Regas Duchy.”

Regas Duchy… The girl thought hard but felt no familiarity. It seemed she had never been to this place in this life. If so, to recover her identity, she would have to rely on increasing the relevant phase ranks to restore her memories. Otherwise, blindly stumbling around like this would likely yield no results.

Seeing the girl lost in thought and silent, the few people in front of her grew anxious, unsure if they had misspoken. Fortunately, the village chief had heard the situation and slowly walked over.

When Chief Pound arrived in front of the girl, this change awakened her from her thoughts. Her eyes moved slightly, meeting the old man’s gaze.

Her pupils were a pure, light blue, like cornflower petals, as if never tainted. Such an aura surprised even the experienced village chief, who had been an adventurer in his youth and traveled to many places.

“Miss, are you lost?” he asked cautiously, seemingly understanding the girl’s predicament.

“Yes, I experienced an accident and got lost in the forest not far from here. I currently need some help.” The girl bowed politely again.

“I see.” Hearing this, Village Chief Pound and the merchant Van der Heath exchanged glances, their minds at ease.

This noble lady seemed quite approachable, much more so than the spoiled brats they usually encountered in Burntstone City.

This was a world with extraordinary powers, and nobles possessed numerous resources, knowledge, and skills, as well as strengths unattainable by commoners. Therefore, ordinary people generally feared conflict with nobles, unless absolutely necessary.

“Since that’s the case, how about I arrange accommodation for you tonight, Miss? I don’t know your name yet,” the village chief offered hospitality.

“My name is… Lia. Thank you.” Out of caution, the girl only provided a shortened version of her name.

“No problem, Miss Lia.” The village chief stroked his beard and replied with a chuckle. In his eyes, this girl was the kind of innocent, secluded girl who spent a lot of time in manors or castles, and one of the easiest people to get along with.

Even minor nobles couldn’t cultivate such an aura. She must be the daughter of a major noble family. Getting on good terms with her would have its benefits, after all, even if those grand nobles only let a little something slip through their fingers, it would be a treasure commoners could never obtain in a lifetime.

Their conversation gradually concluded. While they were talking, many villagers and caravan members subtly gathered around. Although they didn’t come too close, the converging gazes made Hylial feel somewhat uncomfortable. It wasn’t fear, but rather that her personality, both in this life and her previous one, wasn’t very adept at social interactions; she preferred to be quietly alone.

Fortunately, this situation was quickly broken. A girl about Hylial’s height, with reddish-brown hair haphazardly tied in a braid at the back of her head, ran over at the village chief’s call. She wore a linen-yellow short shirt, was rather thin, with slightly oily bare calves, and sturdy, durable woven grass sandals on her feet.

“Talil, take this young lady home. Tidy up the room your sister used to live in, change the bedding, and let this young lady stay for the night.”

“Got it, Grandpa,” Talil replied casually, her gaze fixed on Hylial’s face, seemingly wanting to get a good look and recognize her.

“Come with me.”

She reached out and grabbed Hylial’s wrist, leading her through the crowd towards the houses within the village.

This action startled the village chief and the merchant Van der Heath, but it was too late to stop her. Fortunately, Hylial simply followed along without showing any displeasure, causing the two men to wipe their cold sweat and relax.

“It’s all my fault. This child is always so wild; I haven’t taught her well,” the village chief thought, recalling how his daily energy was spent on the village, and the only one he truly cared about was Talil’s sister, who had recently married.

Compared to the wild and stubborn Talil, her sister, Winnie, was much more virtuous and steady, well-liked, and thus married into a good family in the city.

Walking through the crowd, Hylial lowered her head slightly, avoiding curious glances, feeling the hand gripping her wrist. Talil was about her height, and the inside of her fingers had some rough marks, likely from a recent scratch that had scabbed over, leaving hardened skin.

Even though this was their first meeting, Hylial guessed that the other girl was the type who enjoyed running and playing everywhere.

Just as Hylial was wondering what the living environment here would be like, a rapid clatter of hooves echoed from afar. She couldn’t help but turn to look, only to see a line of torch-bearing cavalry galloping down the road in the night.

They held their reins, their bodies rising and falling with the horses’ gallop, their expressions anxious. Upon reaching the village entrance, they virtually never stopped, leaping over the low fence. A few cavalrymen even failed to jump over, directly breaking through the fence.

The dry wood from the Aurora Wind Season cracked as it broke, then the cavalry charged into the square with their torches.

“Everyone, prepare to defend!”

A rough roar exploded in the square. Many villagers hadn’t even realized what was happening when they heard another terrifying scream.

“Wolves! It’s wolves!”

From the darkness outside the village, chilling whimpers continuously drew closer. Nothing could be seen in the pitch black, but the constant rustling sounds indicated that a group of living creatures was approaching.

At this moment, some villagers finally reacted. Some rushed home to find weapons, while some women hurried to find their children and bring them indoors. The caravan attendants also grew tense. They drew their daggers and axes, and some set up spears, preparing to face the unknown danger.

Ten seconds later, a group of blurry running figures appeared outside the village, but more striking were their pairs of glowing green eyes.

Wolves, a pack of wolves, about forty of them, burst out of the darkness. The giant wolf leading the pack leaped directly over the fence, which offered no resistance. It was then that everyone, illuminated by the torchlight, could clearly see the wolf’s appearance.

It had smooth, dense, Orange-Red fur all over its body, with long hair that seemed to flicker like flames. Even on all fours, it was taller than a human and larger than a common ox. As it approached, a scorching breath spread, its narrow eyes revealing ferocity, and an invisible pressure instantly intimidated everyone present.

Gazing at the gigantic, flame-like wave in the square, various pieces of information emerged in Hylial’s mind.

———

Species: Forest Wolf (Mutated)

Status: Healthy (Ferocious)

Talents:

Scent [Good Grade]: Keen sense of smell, capable of identifying and tracking various creatures. A common talent among wolves.

Fate Card: [Crimson-Dyed Wolf] (Tier 1 – Blazing Sun)

‘Bathed in the ‘Blazing Sun’ Aurora winds, wolves roaming the mountains gradually take on an orange-red hue. When they complete their overall transformation, they enter the first stage of the extraordinary phase ‘Blazing Sun,’ shedding their bestial nature to become feared Fang Beasts.’

Effects:

[Boiling Blood Lv.2]: The power of the ‘Blazing Sun’ phase flows in the blood, granting this creature immense vitality, allowing it to run day and night without fatigue, while slightly strengthening its physique, increasing its strength and speed.

Ability Cards:

[Fangs Lv.2] (Beast Fangs): Possesses exceptionally sharp fangs far exceeding those of wild beasts, capable of tearing certain metals, and spontaneously sharpening and repairing themselves. (Most beast-like creatures acquire three types of abilities: fangs/horns/claws, which stem from the ‘Beast Fangs’ phase instinct flowing in their bloodline.)

———

So that’s it. After understanding the information, the girl realized why the cavalry had never been able to shake off the wolf pack. With the ‘Blazing Sun’ phase enhancement, these Tee Wolves had exceptionally enduring stamina. Ordinary people and animals simply couldn’t outrun them, and if they couldn’t fight them, they would simply be run to death.

Thinking of this, she felt a surge of relief. If she had chosen to flee all day, she would likely have been caught by that Tee Wolf due to exhaustion and become its meal.

“Hurry!”

While Hylial was still observing and thinking, Talil at her side eagerly pulled her towards the houses within the village. There were several stone buildings there that could offer defense. Many villagers were also running towards them, and at that moment, the battle in the square began.

“Steel Edge Blade!”

Invisible light converged into the drawn broadsword, then the blade struck the giant wolf’s gaping, fanged maw, sending sparks and blood flying.

New book, please vote with your monthly passes~

(End of chapter)