Chapter 544 ·The Twelve Witches

"Don’t be too nervous. From today onward, we’ll be companions working together."

Perhaps noticing Janna’s unease, the tall figure seated at the head of the table spoke softly to comfort her.

Upon hearing this, Janna—whose body had been in a “frozen” state just moments ago—finally relaxed, bowed respectfully, and offered her thanks.

"Madam Chair, twelve members were expected for this meeting, but only five are present."

As soon as those words fell, the thick mist that had enveloped the twelve stone chairs began to gradually disperse, allowing Janna to finally see the faces of those attending the meeting.

"They’re all official witches—"

When the mist fully cleared, Janna, who possessed extraordinary perception, quickly sensed the power levels of everyone present.

Aside from the 【Spark Witch】 Lori–Spark and the 【Sea Witch】 Bowa–Russell—whom she had briefly met earlier on the “chessboard”—there were also Sophina–Silvermoon, whom she was already acquainted with, and another unfamiliar witch who had just reported the attendance to the “Chair.”

All of them were official witches, each possessing formidable strength.

"Mm. When the meeting ends, you’ll be responsible for conveying today’s agenda to those who are absent."

"Yes, Madam Chair.”

Although the mist surrounding the others had dispersed, the “Chair’s” face remained hidden behind a thin veil of fog, as if shrouded in gauze, making it impossible for Janna to discern her true appearance.

"The purpose of today’s gathering is simple—to let everyone get acquainted with our new member, Miss Janna–Roland, and also for Miss Janna to meet the colleagues she’ll be working with in the future."

With that said, every gaze in the room turned toward Janna.

Becoming the center of attention, Janna rose to her feet, performed a witch’s salute toward the senior members, and introduced herself humbly:

"My name is Janna–Roland. I’m a Third-Tier Wizard Apprentice with the talents 【Natural Affinity】 and ‘Spirit Traverse’. Please take care of me.”

Although Janna had long grown accustomed to being in the spotlight, being stared at by several official witches at once still placed a certain pressure upon her heart.

"Pfft, a newbie with dual A-grade talents, huh? Too bad her strength’s still lacking."

The first to respond after Janna’s introduction was none other than the 【Spark Witch】 Lori–Spark, whom she had briefly met earlier.

"I’ve already introduced myself to you before. My name’s Lori–Spark, codename 【Spark Witch】. If you ever want your witch tools reforged, you can come to me—I charge cheap.”

So, she was a witch skilled in forging.

Looking at Lori–Spark’s petite frame and rather slight build, Janna found it hard to associate her with the physically demanding craft of blacksmithing.

"Could it be that this 【Spark Witch】 actually has dwarf bloodline?”

While Janna was lost in that thought, Bowa–Russell, who sat beside Lori, began her own introduction.

"My name is Bowa–Russell, codename 【Sea Witch】. If you ever plan to study abroad in 【Atlantis】, come find me—though my main profession is oceanic exploration. Should you wish to venture into the deep-sea ruins, I’d be delighted to have you join my expedition.”

An ocean explorer?

Seeing Bowa–Russell’s gentle and kind smile, Janna was surprised, but still returned the same friendly expression.

"My name is Sophina–Silvermoon. You could say I’m half of Janna’s recommender. If you ever have questions about the 【Witch Sect】, feel free to ask me."

As one of Janna’s few acquaintances within the 【Witch Sect】, Sophina–Silvermoon winked at her after finishing her introduction.

"Half a recommender? Then the other half must be Lady Koukie or Professor Mage?”

Hearing Sophina–Silvermoon’s words, that question surfaced in Janna’s mind.

In fact, when the meeting began, Janna had already noticed that among the seven absent members were both the 【Lily-of-the-Valley Witch】 Koukie–Wolf—who had interviewed her—and her transfiguration professor at the White Coral Academy, the 【Void Witch】 and 【Thousand-Faced Witch】 Lilith–Mage.

"My name is Bai, codename 【Mirror Witch】."

The fourth to speak was the unfamiliar witch who had earlier reported the attendance to the "Witch Chair."

Unlike the previous three who introduced themselves kindly, this 【Mirror Witch】 Bai appeared cold—perhaps emotionless.

Her short, shoulder-length hair was white, her skin nearly translucent, and even her eyelashes and eyes were silvery-white.

The moment Janna saw her, the phrase “albino” sprang to mind.

"Ordinarily, hereditary conditions like ‘albinism’ shouldn’t exist within the genes of an official witch."

Having already ascended to a transcendental life tier, an official witch could easily eliminate such genetic defects through a minor procedure.

Thus, this entirely silver-white 【Mirror Witch】 must either possess an extremely special bloodline or have been affected by the power of a 【Law】—there was no other explanation.

After the four senior members, including Janna, had introduced themselves, the figure seated at the head of the table—the “Witch Chair”—spoke once more in a magnetic voice that was hard to distinguish between male and female:

"I am Yoya–Bauhinia, the current Chair of the 【Witch Sect】. You may also call me the 【Dream Witch】."

Yoya–Bauhinia?

That surname struck a familiar chord in Janna’s mind—reminding her of the prestigious Bauhinia Group that dominated the Wizard Continent.

The Bauhinia Group was a vast business conglomerate spanning finance, auctions, opera, jewelry, and fashion.

Even when Janna deposited money, her first choice was the Bauhinia Bank.

"The Chair’s surname is Bauhinia, and Sophina happens to be the manager of the Turin Bauhinia Auction House. Don’t tell me the Bauhinia Group is actually owned by the 【Witch Sect】?"

Though the thought surfaced in her mind, Janna merely maintained a respectful posture, not showing the slightest trace of suspicion on her face.

"Since introductions are over, let’s proceed to the next agenda."

At the words of the 【Dream Witch】, Janna turned curiously to the others once more.

"I discovered an uninhabited island in the 【Endless Sea】 east of the continent. Beneath its surrounding waters, there appears to be an abandoned deep-sea ruin…"