Warlock Apprentice

Unable to find Toby’s possible third calamity form—though a bit disappointing—it seemed reasonable upon further reflection. After all, both the Snake Bird and Gryphon forms were incredibly rare magical creature shapes that had never appeared in the Southern Domain. Most likely, Toby’s third form would be equally rare, and finding a corresponding magical creature in educational journals wouldn’t be easy.

Angel shook his head and decided to temporarily give up on the search.

He would revisit the matter in the future if the opportunity arose.

Angel planned to return to the manor first. However, as he was about to fly back, he noticed the sky filled with Magic Energy Eyes dancing chaotically.

Then, he turned his gaze to the streets, which were much quieter than usual. After some consideration, he opted to walk back instead.

Though his status as an Official Wizard would prevent the Magic Energy Eyes from blocking him if he flew, these Magic Energy Eyes were currently busily circulating messages. Importantly, these messages were related to the problems Toby caused in the Void. Angel chose not to interfere with their work.

Walking back would be fine.

Besides, with Toby having successfully transcended the calamity, it was nearly time to leave the Sky Mechanical City. Before departing, he could take this chance to explore the giant fortress city that hovered in the sky year-round.

Adopting the mindset of a traveler, Angel strolled leisurely. Because of the fleeting yet legendary aura earlier, the city became exceptionally quiet. Angel walked for quite some time without encountering many people.

The desolate Sky Mechanical City offered a unique aesthetic of subdued elegance amidst the reversal of prosperity, revealing to Angel a distinctively different charm.

However, Angel hadn’t walked far before he heard rhythmic clicking footsteps behind him—someone appeared to be running.

Using his spiritual power for observation, he saw it wasn’t someone he knew, so Angel paid no special attention, assuming it was merely an unrelated passerby.

Yet, as soon as he had this thought, the person stopped not far behind him, slightly out of breath, and called out hesitantly: ”Cha... Chaowei... Lord Chaowei.”

Angel paused mid-step and turned to look at the girl wearing stiff, black-framed glasses.

Although he didn’t recognize her, Angel remembered seeing her before at the White Dove Library, where she seemed to work as a librarian.

Why would a librarian chase after him to stop him? Could it be because he accidentally damaged a book page while reading earlier? Angel thought back but was quite certain he hadn’t.

Then why had she chased after him?

”Is something the matter?” Angel asked straightforwardly.

The girl, named Xiao Liu, appeared somewhat flustered as she hesitantly lowered her head and stammered: ”I... I actually don’t have anything important...”

As soon as Xiao Liu finished speaking, she wished she could slap herself. Stopping an Official Wizard for no valid reason? That was tantamount to trifling with someone! If the wizard were of a violent temperament, they might even strike or kill her outright.

Watching Angel for signs of displeasure, Xiao Liu noticed that his demeanor was calm as he quietly gazed at her, seemingly waiting for her to continue. Instantly, her anxiety lessened considerably.

Indeed, as she had heard, Angel was a very different person—always treating everyone kindly and respectfully.

Though Xiao Liu’s thoughts were a torrent inside, in reality, she dared not delay matters further. Regardless of Angel’s gentle disposition, he was still an Official Wizard—a figure of notable status and standing. Stopping him on a whim was already rude, and further hesitation would escalate it to outright rudeness.

Thinking of this, Xiao Liu quickly added, ”Do you by chance still remember Helen?”

When Helen’s name reached Angel’s ears, he blinked, and a vivid memory emerged—a silhouette of a woman clad in a deep-blue, white-edged uniform, slightly plump but with an exceptionally sharp gaze.

Formerly the deputy captain of the Cloud Conch.

”I remember,” Angel nodded. ”Did Helen send you to find me?”

Xiao Liu quickly clarified her purpose for seeking him. As she initially mentioned, there wasn’t any official business, nor had Helen tasked her to meet Angel—especially since Helen wouldn’t have known Angel was visiting the White Dove Library.

Every action Xiao Liu took was entirely self-initiated.

According to Xiao Liu, Helen had also come to participate in the Nova Tournament. Through sheer coincidence, Xiao Liu and Helen became acquainted. Sharing similar dispositions, the two quickly became close friends capable of open and candid conversation.

In fact, Helen had been staying at Xiao Liu’s house during this period.

During this time, Angel’s reputation began to snowball, sweeping across the Sky Mechanical City in just a few days. Xiao Liu often mentioned Angel at home. One day, Helen inadvertently let her connection to Angel slip, and Xiao Liu learned that the two knew each other.

Later, through moments of pleading and light-hearted persistency, Helen revealed some details about Angel—albeit very surface-level and purely flattering remarks. Though Helen didn’t elaborate deeply, Xiao Liu inferred that Helen and Angel shared a decent rapport.

This connection led to today’s unfolding events.

”Knowing that Helen is acquainted with you, I thought I might approach you for help,” Xiao Liu said with a tinge of pleading in her eyes. ”Helen is badly injured. I hope you can help her for the sake of your acquaintance...”

”Helen’s injured?” Angel didn’t hesitate for a moment and asked directly, ”Where is she?”

After a brief moment, under Xiao Liu’s guidance, Angel arrived at Hong Kui Square.

Hong Kui Square was a neighborhood leaning toward amenities for mortals—shops selling mundane goods and residential areas for common folk. With its lack of metallic streets and metal-constructed buildings, it became the area with the highest vegetation coverage within the central district of the Sky Mechanical City.

Xiao Liu’s home was located there.

Aware that some of the Transcendent guests she knew despised mortal quarters—viewing them as beneath dignity and even shunning such places—Xiao Liu wasn’t sure what Angel’s perspective might be. Feeling slightly embarrassed, she offered an explanation: ”My parents were mortals who lived here until their passing.”

Angel made no comment on Xiao Liu’s statement.

A true wizard would not concern themselves with such trivialities. Only those lacking ambition, perpetually arrogant and shortsighted, would nitpick over matters so inconsequential.

What mattered to Angel at the moment was Helen’s condition.

Angel had always held strong admiration for Helen. This admiration wasn’t shallow or romantic interest but stemmed from a deeper appreciation for her character.

Helen handled situations with remarkable resolution and clarity, maintaining an impeccable sense of propriety. On some levels, Helen shared similarities with Nausicaa. However, in terms of life principles, their paths diverged—Nausicaa pursued freedom and spontaneity, whereas Helen leaned towards order and discipline.

Regardless of these differences, both Helen and Nausicaa possessed traits that greatly aligned with Angel’s values.

It is never weakness of gender but the surrender of integrity and spirit that diminishes one’s essence. Alas, this world abounds with souls constantly choosing inferiority.

Helen was an exception to this.

Even if it was solely due to this admiration, Angel would willingly step forward to aid Helen. Not to mention, Helen had supported him in many ways during their time aboard the Cloud Conch.

Thus, upon hearing of Helen’s injury, Angel promptly agreed to accompany Xiao Liu without hesitation.