Warlock Apprentice

The fissure in the distance grew larger and larger, and as it expanded, the unique and terrifying aura of the Snake Bird began to diffuse outward.

Although it lacked the domineering grandeur of a previous legendary phenomenon, the sheer aura itself was already profoundly frightening. Even Angel felt a subtle sense of dread.

Even Sanders and Rosen in the distance ceased their conversation and turned their gazes toward the scene.

When the fissure stretched to its limits, the Snake Bird’s eyes flashed red, and the protective power embedded in its scales seemed to activate as it began gradually extending its head through the spatial rift, inch by inch.

Previously, chaotic energy at the fissure’s opening had obscured their senses, allowing them to feel only the Snake Bird’s aura. But now that it began to emerge, waves of complex negative emotions surged forth.

It was like endless rings of emotional tides, radiating outward from the Snake Bird as the epicenter.

”It seems Toby is about to surpass you again,” a low, raspy male voice carried into Angel’s ears.

Angel didn’t need to turn around; he knew the voice belonged to Sanders.

The terrifying aura of the Snake Bird, coupled with the persistent force field of radiating negative emotions, was enough to highlight Toby’s skyrocketing power.

It might already rival a Level 1 Intermediate Rank Official Wizard.

Generally, magical creatures of the same rank were more powerful than wizards. Moreover, Toby’s dual forms—whether Gryphon or Snake Bird—were magical nobles, each possessing its own special abilities. If Angel truly faced Toby in a confrontation, he might not emerge victorious unless he played all his cards.

”That’s fine by me. From now on, all the heavy lifting can be left to Toby.” Angel replied with complete serenity, showing no pressure from being outpaced.

For other students under different mentors, such an outlook might lead to indignant reprimands. They’d spare no effort in spurring their disciples to change their attitude. Sanders might have been that way in the past, but with Angel, he was far more relaxed. Angel’s talent was already dazzlingly exceptional. As long as his drive toward his goals remained firm, there was no need for constant urging.

Thus, upon hearing Angel’s response, Sanders merely chuckled lightly and said nothing further. Instead, he turned to Rosen beside him and remarked, ”You overheard, didn’t you?”

Although phrased as a question, his tone was full of certainty.

Rosen nodded. Sanders and Angel’s exchange hadn’t employed special protective measures, and given Rosen’s level of mastery, he didn’t need to crack any barriers to plainly hear their words.

”So, you don’t have to worry too much. That Snake Bird is actually Angel’s magical... partner.” At first, Sanders was about to describe it as a magic pet, but recalling Angel’s attitude, he adjusted his wording. ”It poses no threat to Sky Mechanical City.”

Rosen fell silent for a moment. ”Even so... that earlier aura...”

Rosen had sensed the advancement ripples in the void long before. But he hadn’t paid much attention; magical creatures breaking through in the void generally attracted opportunists immediately, eliminating any potential harm to Sky Mechanical City. They’d have already been contended over.

However, when that terrifying aura surged, Rosen had been genuinely startled. In that instant, the entirety of Sky Mechanical City seemed to transform into a ghost town; even the air itself stilled.

Many who felt that aura couldn’t even move or draw a breath. With Muse currently in seclusion, Rosen, as the lord of the city, though filled with trepidation, transcended the void space to investigate the scene.

That is where he encountered Sanders. Although Sanders explained Toby’s situation, Rosen remained uneasy. While Toby might be Angel’s intimate magic pet, as someone with an overwhelming desire for control, Rosen couldn’t tolerate anything outside his jurisdiction in his domain.

Understanding Rosen’s disposition, Sanders refrained from excessive explanation. After all, once Toby completed his advancement, they would leave promptly.

On hearing that Toby would soon depart Sky Mechanical City, Rosen felt slightly relieved. It wasn’t that he couldn’t tolerate Toby’s presence—it simply wasn’t suitable for the moment. As the city’s leader, he needed to provide its inhabitants with answers—at the very least, assuring them that the ”legendary-aura-diffusing magical creature” had departed and that they could rest easy.

In the future, should Angel return to Sky Mechanical City with Toby, Rosen wouldn’t care either. After all, only a select few knew the truth.

Reassured now, Rosen didn’t leave immediately but instead waited quietly for the Snake Bird to fully emerge from the cocoon. He was, in fact, curious—from where did that fleeting legendary aura originate?

He didn’t have to wait long. Once the Snake Bird’s head appeared, its body naturally followed. The entire process was akin to a smooth rope being swiftly pulled from a dark abyss. Only this ”rope” was shockingly massive.

When the Snake Bird’s horrifying form fully unveiled itself before everyone’s eyes, the impact was indescribably overwhelming.

Its crimson-scaled patterns, stretched across an immense and elongated frame, coupled with those vast, shadowy wings capable of blotting out the sky, left everyone in awe.

”The Gryphon from before was already a mysterious creature unprecedented in Flourish Continent. The Snake Bird is no exception. At least, I haven’t encountered its records in the Southern Domain Wizard World’s compendiums on magical creatures. On the contrary... in Origin World and Abyss, there seem to be traces of Snake Bird activity.” Rosen glanced at Sanders with a calm inquiry: ”I’m curious—where does Toby’s bloodline truly come from?”

Sanders: ”That, I wouldn’t know.”

Rosen and Sanders exchanged a long look before Rosen gradually shifted his eyes away. He could tell Sanders was undoubtedly withholding information, but it was apparent he had no intention of divulging it.

Lacking the strength to compel Sanders, Rosen resigned himself to dropping the matter.

With the Snake Bird’s form revealed and its capabilities confirmed, Rosen made ready to return to Sky Mechanical City. As he tore open a space rift, he suddenly paused and turned back toward the depths of the void.

Moments ago, he had felt a gaze from an incomprehensibly far distance directed at this place.

Was it an illusion? Rosen glanced at Sanders, who happened to be staring in the same direction.

Judging by Sanders’ expression, it didn’t seem to be a mere illusion.

Rosen pondered for a brief moment, then shook his head, dismissing it. The gaze originated from a greatly remote location, likely spanning countless spatial intervals. It was likely born of curiosity regarding the anomaly here, and it shouldn’t pose any threat to Sky Mechanical City.

More pressing matters occupied him now—providing public clarification about the earlier terrifying aura. Rosen glanced back one last time at the lingering red mist anomaly and the faint traces of menacing creatures within it.

”I’ll use the magical creature’s illusion within the anomaly as my explanation.” With that thought, Rosen stepped into the rift and vanished from the void.