"February 6th 1120

A messenger came to me to deliver a letter. It is a message from what remains of the council to all surviving witches. A widespread witch hunt was taking place everywhere. If a wizard sensed mana from anyone who isn't one of their own, they had been instructed by the tower of truth to eliminate the other party. All witches and shamans have now become just a way for the world to claim bounty.

To prevent us witches and warlocks from being found out easily, the council has prepared a preventive measure. A way to contract a spirit called Eisulah. Doing this reduces our combat capabilities greatly but it allows us to hide our mana completely when we are not casting spells. Changing spirits we are in contract with is a tedious and costly process but we have no choice if we want to live."

The witch then continued writing about her life after the war. The contents were depressing and filled with the survivor's guilt. She isolated herself and had no idea what happened thereafter. Vincent gave it a quick read and closed it shut. He now knew why he didn't feel any mana from Isabell. She had contracted the spirit called Eisulah. He had learnt a lot from the entries and his curiosity only grew greater. He wanted to know what caused the war as well as what happened to the witch demi god, Lady Elena.

He also had to learn a lot more and hopefully get a grasp over many concepts mentioned in the journal. Reading it also made him want to see the things written by the witch. The flaming giant which stood over 60 meters tall, the giant golem which could fight the Balrog to a standstill, 7th circle spells that could alter the landscape itself and many others.

'I need to stop dreaming. Let's focus on what's right in front of me. I really need to amass more wealth and resources. The witches lost the war despite having greater force and stronger powerhouses because the wizards had deeper pockets. What a stupid reason. I need to make sure not to overlook this in the future.'

Vincent spent the rest of the morning studying the scroll. He figured out a few more things after taking different approaches to the spell inscription but hit a dead end eventually because he knew too little of the language. He was preparing to experiment with the potion when Zach arrived with Nathan and Casper.

"I wasn't expecting you guys so there's nothing for you to eat or drink except for what a poor man like me eats." Vincent started the conversation with a light joke.

Zach didn't return a witty reply and just sat down on a chair. He spoke with a serious expression, "Vincent, we won't be able to recruit anyone from our territories. We need to decide on what we are going to do."

Vincent looked at the downcast expression on Zach and Nathan's face and replied, "To be honest, I saw this coming when the lords got poisoned. Don't mind it too much, we still have time. Let's discuss our options."

Nathan looked a little relieved. "The only thing that comes to mind is to buy slaves."

Zach nodded and continued, "My grandfather contacted a slave trader upon my request. The trader operates south of my father's territory. I was thinking of visiting him tomorrow."

"Sure. When do we leave?" Vincent didn't have any pressing matters to attend to. Taking some time out of his day was an easy choice.

"Tomorrow morning. A carriage will be here to pick you up at 9." Nathan answered the question with a slight smile.

Vincent remembered something and turned towards Zach. "Young master Zach. I managed to kill a gargoyle some time ago and have its heart. Do you know how to make the petrifaction potion from it? I did read about it a long time ago and I can't recall the process clearly."

"Oh, that's impressive. I am sure we have a book about it in our library. I will send someone to fetch it later. We can concoct it together when we are both free."

"That would be good." The group then made some small talk and the guests departed as swiftly as they came.

************

Vincent and the group alighted the carriage. An old man welcomed them with a shrewd smile, "Young master Zach. It has been a long time since I last saw you. You have grown up to be such a fine man. Even your friends have the air of excellence around them. It fills me with joy to see finally spread your wings to take flight. I cannot express just how much pleasure it gives me to be of service to you."

"It has indeed been a long time. I trust you have been doing well, merchant Lawrence." Zach replied humbly and introduced his company to the old man.

The merchant was a successful slave trader who owned multiple plantations. He was one of the few people who could sell off dozens of healthy male slaves in such a time.

"To be honest, you couldn't have chosen a worse time to buy slaves. All the lords are looking to buy some to help with the constructions of forts and defensive structures. The price hasn't been as high as this for decades." Merchant Lawrence hinted that the price would be higher than what the group had been expecting.

"It's fine. We have come prepared. I wouldn't come to you with unreasonable expectations after all." Zach responded to assure the old man. The company steadily made their way into the plantation where dozens of men and women were working on the cotton field. Overseers carrying whips on their hands walked around supervising the work.