The Eastern Witch climbed up the hillside, gazing at the royal city of White Kingdom below.
This royal capital had now become harmonious and orderly, gradually restoring its past prosperity, beauty, and peaceful appearance.
—However, the more she looked at this beautiful and peaceful city, the more the hatred in the Eastern Witch's heart burned.
"Queen, you just wait for me!"
"And that Mage Rhine who stole my silver shoe, you too!"
Just as the Eastern Witch was racking her brain, trying to figure out how to get rid of these annoying people, a strange man's voice suddenly came from behind her:
"Hello there, Eastern Witch of Oz. It looks like you need help, don't you?"
The Eastern Witch was startled, turning around in confusion.
Why would someone here know my identity?
Most people in the world don't even know that there's an Oz in the middle of the desert!
Behind the Eastern Witch, a man emerged from the bushes.
He had a small mustache, a brownish complexion, and a distinctly exotic appearance, not resembling the people of the Western Continent.
Behind him was a troop of fully armed, well-trained Soldiers, who were clearly well-trained and guarded the man's side.
"Who are you?"
The Eastern Witch frowned.
She was certain she had never seen the man before!
The man smiled:
"Pleased to meet you, I am Maglido.
"My current identity is: Royal Advisor to His Majesty the Ender Emperor, and Chief Imperial Court Mage!"
The Chief Mage of Ender!
To be able to serve as Chief Mage in that empire, he must have some skill... Speaking of which, that Old Witch, a probationary member of the Witch Society who wanted to join us, seemed to have held this position before... Did the Chief Mage change after she died?
The Eastern Witch's thoughts raced.
"Why do you know me? And why do you know of Oz's existence?"
The Witch asked warily.
Even as a core member of the Witch Society, she sensed danger from the man in front of her, her hairs standing on end. This danger didn't come from powerful magic or strength, but from the aura of overflowing ambition.
Maglido smiled:
"I came from the Middle Eastern Countries, riding a flying carpet across the Great Desert.
"Along the way, I unexpectedly discovered that beyond the trade routes, in what everyone believed to be an uninhabited desert, there was also a Green Field. That is the beautiful Oz!
"Hahahaha. For so many years, the people of the Western Continent never discovered this country.
"As for why I know your identity. A friend of mine told me many things about the Witch Society.
"Oh, let me introduce her to you!"
Maglido smiled and clapped his hands.
A faint blue, ethereal figure appeared; it was a faint blue ghost. She was an ugly-faced witch, her expression hideous and pained.
The Eastern Witch's eyes froze, recognizing the vengeful spirit—
That Old Witch from Ender!
"You used necromancy to enslave the soul of the former Chief Mage, making her serve you?" The Eastern Witch said coldly.
"Yes." Maglido's smile was full of pride, as if he were talking about an immensely proud achievement.
"She should feel honored that even after death, she is still serving the empire's hegemony and His Majesty the Emperor!"
"Ah!"
The Old Witch's ghost let out a tragic wail, her expression pained and distorted.
Two lines of crimson blood tears flowed down her ethereal cheeks.
There was no doubt that being enslaved and driven by Maglido's magic would cause immense suffering to the soul.
"You're quite cruel." The Eastern Witch smiled. "You want to cooperate with me?"
"To be precise, I will provide you with assistance." Maglido said, "I know you want to deal with Mage Rhine and the Queen of White Kingdom."
"As Chief Mage, the power His Majesty has granted me far exceeds that of my predecessor; I can mobilize Ender's fleet and warriors!"
Maglido smiled, then glanced at the crying Old Witch ghost beside him:
"Moreover, since it's about dealing with that Mage Rhine, my vengeful spirit pet is also very willing to lend you a hand. This is one of the few things she's willing to do herself, without me having to force her."
"I know you won't help me for free. What price do you need me to pay?" The Eastern Witch asked warily.
"After you return to Oz, I want you to help me..." Maglido paused:
"To overthrow Oz in Emerald City together!"
The Eastern Witch's eyes widened:
"What? You want to overthrow Oz's rule?"
Relying on the magic she learned from the Witch Society, she was now more powerful than the Western, Southern, and Northern Witches.
But she still didn't have the courage to challenge Oz—that legendary, most powerful, most terrifying, and most mysterious Grand Mage of Oz!
"Hahahaha. As expected, you were also deceived by him."
Maglido burst into laughter, looking at the Eastern Witch's horrified expression.
"Why do you want to overthrow Oz?" The Eastern Witch asked.
"Eastern Witch, don't think I don't know that Oz is also a major concern for you. You're afraid, you're terrified, worried that one day, that monarch of Emerald City will take everything from you."
Maglido said, spreading his arms, his eyes filled with madness:
"Once we seize this kingdom from Oz, I will offer this Green Field in the desert as a gift to the great Ender Emperor!
"Controlling this oasis nation in the heart of the desert will be a crucial step for Ender to dominate the entire continent!
"And you will continue to rule the East, enslaving countless Munchkins, forever!"
The Eastern Witch felt a burning ambition in Maglido's words.
But she also vaguely felt that the man's goal was far more complex than he stated.
"Very well, I agree to this deal!" The Eastern Witch said sharply.
"Let us join forces, kill Mage Rhine and the Queen of White Kingdom, and then together overthrow Oz's rule!"
...
The imperial city port of Ender.
Boom! Boom!
The sound of ceremonial cannons for the parade rang out. The Soldiers simultaneously raised their sharp bayonets, their blades gleaming dazzlingly in the sunlight. Golden and purple flags fluttered in the wind. The smell of gunpowder permeated the air.
The Emperor, dressed in magnificent battle armor, his crimson battle robe fluttering in the wind.
He stood like a statue before the army, surveying the warships moored in the harbor.
The few warships that had been sunk by the mermaids had now been replenished, larger and more menacing than before, showcasing the power of the strongest empire in the Western Continent.
"Your Majesty, there's news from Chief Court Mage Maglido. He has requested to dispatch 20 warships to the waters near White Kingdom..." A servant reported to the Emperor.
"Grant him permission."
The Emperor's voice was steady and unruffled.
The words Mage Maglido had spoken during their first meeting echoed in his ears:
"It's absolutely true, Your Majesty.
"The treasure vault where the Godly Lamp is buried is near Oz!"
...
White Kingdom.
Over the past two weeks, Rhine had finally completed all handover work with the Queen, ensuring that she could skillfully use the magic mirror to govern the country in the future.
"Your Majesty the Queen, this day has finally come. From now on, the prosperity of White Kingdom rests on you." The Sage said to the Queen.
Soon after, two pieces of news spread throughout White Kingdom:
Today, the Great Sage Rhine will depart White Kingdom and embark on a journey to the East!
At the same time, Her Majesty the Queen of White Kingdom will travel by ship to the capital of the Summer Kingdom to meet the King and Crown Prince of the Summer Kingdom!