Release that Witch Chapter 1498 (END) - A Brand New Road

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Fei Yuhan passed a report to Roland. “Here’s the initial roster of participants for the consciousness shift.” “Even though you said there’s no need to show it to you, Mister Rock still wants you to check it out.”

Roland sighed helplessly. “Since he’s so concerned, then so be it.” He flipped open the report and skimmed the names—plenty of familiar ones showed up. Naturally, Fei Yuhan’s name led the pack, given her early enthusiasm to explore the other world, which matched perfectly with the launch of Project Gateway.

Garcia and Zero’s names came right after.

This was likely why the Defender urged him to review the list.

“Truth be told, I have concerns about this.” Fei Yuhan stated directly. “You said before that they hold key positions and can impact the Dream World too, right? What if issues arise during the shift or they encounter their former selves—can our world stay as it is?”

“Absolutely.” Roland grinned. “In the old days, I couldn’t guarantee that, but now with the Dream World integrated into the Cradle, as long as I remain, it’ll keep going.”

He had foreseen this moment long ago when recounting the Crown Prince Selection and Hermes history to them.

Though reborn in the Realm of Mind, they weren’t forced to hide their histories.

Roland wondered himself how they’d view the other side, yet he knew returning to their old lives was impossible.

“I’ll pass your words on to Rock.” Fei Yuhan nodded.

“One more thing—please relay this for me too.” Roland held her back. “Project Gateway’s final stage is underway; I’ll be away for a while, leaving everything here in your hands.”

“You’re not planning to dodge duties and play God, are you?” The famed martial artist eyed him doubtfully.

“What do you mean!” Roland coughed. “In the upcoming phase, my role will be minimal. I’ve shared the controlled tech database across both worlds, but figuring out magic power’s applications is up to you all.”

He wasn’t exaggerating.

The central system had backups, but only the Custodian reacted to magic power since it dealt with consciousness. The dormant backups were mere machines, so Roland couldn’t unlock magic power like the Custodian. What he wielded now came from prior mastery—enough to occupy him for nearly a millennium.

“Let the smart ones handle that research.” Fei Yuhan clapped his shoulder generously. “I’m confident brilliant minds will emerge from both sides, much like our united stand against God.”

She waved goodbye and headed to the Defender’s office.

Roland shook his head with a chuckle, pulling a small recorder from his sleeve.

Stepping out of the sanatorium, he saw crowds moving busily. After seizing the Cradle, restoring the Realm of Mind took ages. To the Dream World, the Corrosion’s devastation and turmoil were history, burdening the Association with endless tasks.

Not everyone grasped the truth—the sudden time freeze in the Dream World erased memories, so few recognized Roland. Greetings came his way thanks to the top-level Association emblem on his chest. It felt oddly distant to him.

In the throng, Roland spotted a known face.

Nightmare Lord Valkries.

“Came to bid farewell.” She approached.

“Heading back too?”

“Back?” She shrugged. “Nah, I’m staying.”

Roland blinked in surprise. “Hold on, what about your people?”

“Sky Lord and Silent Disaster guard them, plus the other senior lords—I doubt anyone will stir trouble,” Valkries answered casually. “My presence here aids my race best. My form links to the Mother of Soul, forming the new King. Unlike before, it won’t have independent thought, but a shared consciousness for all.”

“Serakkas agreed to that?” Roland remembered how Silent Disaster had ventured into the Bottomless Land alongside Anna and Nightingale, even at the risk of depleting her Red Mist.

“It’s not a permanent separation. And Hackzord gained his own territory. If the signal installation test is successful, he can enter the Dream World as and when he wants to.”

“Fine.” Roland raised an eyebrow. “Then why are you saying goodbye?”

“Because I’m not the one leaving, but you.” Valkries spoke with a hint of wistfulness. “If I’m not wrong, you’re already planning to go into reclusion, right? Since magic power is related to the consciousness, obviously only by having more wills collide will there be a higher possibility of creating a diversification of outcomes, but that also means that the existence of ‘God’ needs to be kept at a minimum. From your choice of allowing both worlds to interact, I can tell that you have made the decision. If I do not come to bid farewell now, it’ll be difficult for me to find an opportunity in the future.”

She paused briefly, then grew solemn. “When ordinary people obtain great power, they will not be able to resist their egos; yet, you are able to prioritize the future of the world first. I have to admit, your thoughts far transcend that of any human being and even I find myself inferior to you. You are definitely the most suitable candidate to become the Custodian.”

For the first time, Valkries dipped her head slightly and bowed to him.

In that instant, Roland was left speechless. Though he had pondered the ideas she voiced earlier, a more vital reason lay behind his actions—one totally detached from the world’s future, and far simpler indeed.

But clearly, the moment wasn’t right to voice it.

Ultimately, he donned a calm facade, nodded, and strode forward, passing Valkries while leaving her with the sight of his fading silhouette.

Once alone, Roland’s mind shifted, and the next instant transported him thousands of kilometers distant.

Before him lay a grand and serene gorge, remote from the din of cities. A soft, pristine breeze swayed the willow branches, stirring faint ripples across the crystal lake.

Atop the gorge perched an elegant manor.

He crossed the courtyard and garden, reached the entrance, and knocked softly.

Footsteps echoed from inside.

Roland’s motive was straightforward. The future indeed demanded precise planning and full commitment. Yet, with boundless time at his disposal, a short delay in beginning wouldn’t alter much.

After toiling endlessly, he had at last discovered a justification for respite.

The door parted to reveal Nightingale standing there.

Her dazzling smile and golden tresses beamed into Roland’s eyes.

Lounging on the living room sofa, Anna gave him a gentle nod.

“Welcome home,” she said softly.

“I’m back.” Roland grinned as he stepped inside.

The road ahead unfurled endlessly. Whatever fate lay in wait, it heralded a fresh beginning.

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The End

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