With no retreat to worry about, the three of them relaxed, all turning their attention to Zhao Lun, awaiting her next move.
Zhao Lun took out two Firebolt 2001 broomsticks, handing one to Penelope and keeping the other for herself.
"Firebolt 2001?" Penelope gazed in surprise at the new broomstick Zhao Lun had handed her.
"Yes, it's the newly released Firebolt. Of course, I couldn't resist buying one," Zhao Lun boasted.
In fact, the Firebolt had only recently been launched, and Zhao Lun had already purchased it and kept it in her collection, only not bringing it out earlier. After all, they were all students, and flaunting it from the start would have seemed too showy. But now, with everyone being close, it was acceptable to show it.
Nicole didn't pay much attention, as she wasn't a witch, and to her, Zhao Lun's expenditure on such things was as trivial as buying a toy.
Mulan, however, curiously examined Zhao Lun's "magical tool," comparing it to other magical instruments from both Eastern and Western cultures.
Penelope eagerly took the broomstick and tested it, feeling that this new model had improved.
"This place is quite far from the town. If we walk, we'll never make it before nightfall."
"Flying on the broomstick, we'll get there in no time!"
"Then perhaps we'll even make it in time for lunch!"
The area was mountainous, with the town nestled between hills. The villagers typically rose early, so leaving a bit later wouldn't be a problem. They'd definitely arrive before noon, though Zhao Lun wasn't sure exactly when the lunch hour started.
"Four people, two broomsticks? Can they carry us? Is it safe?" Nicole asked.
Having never ridden a broom before, she wasn't entirely sure about the safety of such a simple flying tool. Aside from Zhao Lun and Maria, none of them had ever tried such magical gear. The thought of riding it made her both anxious and excited.
Mulan, though silent, showed hesitation with her eyes—she wasn't fully convinced either.
"Don't worry. These are specially customized; they're completely safe! Now, each of us will take one person," Zhao Lun reassured them.
"Alright, now, you two decide who'll ride with me on my broom," Zhao Lun urged. Time was of the essence, and it was better to leave early.
"I'll ride with you!" Mulan decided.
"...Then I'll ride with Penelope," Nicole said, slightly regretting her slow response but quickly joining Penelope at the rear.
"Good, everyone, let's board."
Zhao Lun mimicked the act of starting a car, gesturing for them to hop on.
The Firebolt broomstick appeared quite simple, uncomfortable to sit on, and akin to riding a bike with crossbars. In reality, however, it was much more refined. Through continuous improvements by skilled witches, not only had its speed increased, but its comfort had also been enhanced.
This particular broomstick was the hottest selling model on the market, released just last year. It received widespread acclaim from the moment it launched, praised for its safety when carrying passengers. Additionally, its seats featured air-cushioning for a smoother ride, ensuring passengers' comfort.
Once prepared, the two broomsticks soared into the sky, rapidly accelerating into the distance.
The cold wind rushed against Zhao Lun's face as they flew higher, and he felt his passenger cling tightly to him. Before he could adjust to the intimate sensation, a faint plum blossom fragrance lingered in the air—cool, delicate, and pleasant.
Her hair inexplicably fluttered into Zhao Lun's nose, causing him to sneeze in discomfort.
"Mulan, relax. Don't be tense."
"You're holding too tightly, it's hard to control. We might fall!"
Mulan wasn't an ordinary girl, and upon Zhao Lun's reminder, she quickly loosened her grip, providing enough space for him to maneuver. Feeling more at ease, Zhao Lun accelerated toward Penelope's side.
"How about you, Nicole? Is it alright?" Zhao Lun called.
"The cold wind is a bit too strong. Is there a windshield?" Nicole joked while still holding onto Penelope. She seemed to enjoy the experience of flying through the sky.
"…That was my mistake for not mentioning to wear goggles. You can put yours on," Zhao Lun apologized.
"Penelope, how about you? Everything okay?" Zhao Lun asked, turning to the girl piloting the broomstick.
"Aaron, I'm a reserve player on the Hogwarts Quidditch team. What could possibly go wrong?" Penelope answered confidently before suddenly accelerating, pulling ahead.
"Is that so? I didn't see you at practice," Zhao Lun quipped, speeding up to catch up. "Also, don't you wear goggles?"
Being a reserve player on the Quidditch team meant she must have excellent flying skills, and Zhao Lun was impressed that she was skilled enough to make the team.
"I'm a prefect, so I've been too busy to attend practice," she replied, not accelerating further. Nicole, sitting behind her, instinctively clung to her more tightly.
"Really? Next time, we should play together and see how good you are with the Quaffle!"
"Bring it on, who's afraid of who!"
The two of them chatted away, completely ignoring the passengers behind them, who weren't too pleased with their behavior.
Flying while having such a lively conversation? Didn't they understand the traffic rules? Didn't they care about the safety of the passengers? Nicole shifted all the blame onto Zhao Lun. If she were in the back, she would've given him a two-finger gesture.
Zhao Lun quickly noticed the unfriendly stares and wisely abandoned the idle chatter, focusing entirely on flying.
The weather in the mountains was unpredictable. Before they reached the town, a dark cloud appeared, accompanied by strong winds. The once bright sky darkened ominously, resembling dusk.
"It's about to rain! Speed up!"
Recalling the events from yesterday, Zhao Lun warned them and hastened his pace, with the other girls following suit.
They flew quickly, and though a few raindrops fell, they soon left the stormy area behind.
In the distance, the town came into view. Zhao Lun selected a spacious area outside the town to land, and the others followed suit, slowing their broomsticks.
"We'll stop here and walk in," Zhao Lun said.
Flying in would be too conspicuous. Walking was a better option.
After straightening their appearances, Zhao Lun took out some tools for the group to wear, restoring their composure before heading toward the town.
The townsfolk, always watchful of outsiders, immediately noticed their arrival. They all turned to look at Zhao Lun, finally recognizing him as the troublesome wizard from the previous night. They quickly diverted their gaze to the three women.
The three women, too, looked formidable, and the townspeople, sensing danger, instinctively gave way.
It was common knowledge not to mess with dangerous individuals, and that understanding had helped them survive in this town known for demon hunting.
At that moment, the wind blew in another wave of dark clouds, turning the sky as though it were already nightfall.
"Why is it getting so dark so soon?"
It was only around eleven-thirty in the morning, and if not for the clouds, the sun should still be shining. But now, the sky had dimmed considerably.
"Mountainous areas are like that. Let's go, we're off to find the master of this town!"
This town was a noble's fief, and Anna's family was the ruling clan. They had lived here for generations and were expected to usher in a glorious era with the lord. However, due to the demons, the town had been in decline year after year. The villagers no longer held their lord in the same high regard.
Now, Anna was the last surviving member of her family. If things didn't change, she too would eventually vanish.
Anna's house was easy to find; they just needed to head to the largest house in town.
Knock, knock! The door was answered by the same woman from yesterday, though her weapons had changed. The gun and Tang Dao, which Nicole immediately recognized as being crafted by Zhao Lun.
"It's you! Didn't I warn you it was dangerous here? Why did you bring people along?" Anna snapped at Zhao Lun, annoyed. She had warned him of the danger, yet he still came—and even brought others into harm's way.
She led them inside to the living room.
"I told them about your situation, and they insisted on coming! One to see the world, and the other to help eliminate the demonic threat!" Zhao Lun said with a smile, leading the three women along.
"They?" Anna shook her head in disbelief.
Having fought Dracula for centuries, she knew just how powerful he was. Given the lack of fame among the four of them, she wasn't optimistic about their chances.
"Don't worry, you can trust them—they are all highly capable," Zhao Lun reassured her.
They didn't mind Anna's skepticism.