Warlock Apprentice

Angel had been redesigning the alchemy blueprint on parchment once again before finally pausing.

For one thing, finishing an alchemy blueprint in a short period is not easy, and Angel had already prepared for the long haul. For another... Angel lifted his head to gaze out the window at the clear night sky unmarred by clouds, the moonlight especially captivating.

”The time is about right.” Angel stood up, ready to head out.

Perhaps sensing something from Angel’s departing presence, Toby, who was sleeping on a miniature bed, forced his eyes open and looked at Angel in confusion, seemingly asking where he was going.

”I’m heading to Fangling Hall. You can keep sleeping,” Angel said softly.

Toby did not heed Angel’s suggestion. He groggily stood up from the soft little bed, then with a wave of spatial energy, the unfolded quilt and the elegantly patterned mini-bed were all stored into Snow Feather by Toby.

Once done, Toby yawned and flapped his wings, flying up like a drunken bee, hovering for a while before finally finding his destination—the breast pocket of Angel’s indigo coat.

Toby plunged right into the pocket, careless of his sprawling posture, and once again fell asleep.

Angel felt the warmth from his chest radiating from Toby’s presence, and his expression broke into an amused smile.

Toby had been training like mad recently, and having gone a long time without actual sleep, he finally managed to shake off the bind of Extreme Resentment Thoughts and was beginning a long recuperative slumber. Yet, even so, Toby seemed committed to his resolve: to follow his small master and protect him.

Angel naturally understood Toby’s intention, though... who’s protecting whom, given how deeply asleep you are?

Angel shook his head, not dwelling on Toby’s state. Instead, he donned his gloves, picked up his staff, and headed outside.

He hadn’t deceived Toby; he was indeed preparing to go to Fangling Hall.

Besides saying farewell, his main purpose was to inquire about his brother Lyon’s plans. During this period, Lyon, apart from training, was also climbing the Sky Tower. Usually, upon returning from the Sky Tower, it would be close to midnight, which is now.

Thus Angel chose this specific time to find Lyon.

He was planning to leave the next day, and if Lyon was willing, Angel could take him to Barbarian Cave; if Lyon intended to stay here or return to the Old Earth Continent, Angel would support his decision either way.

After all, Lyon could enter the Wilderness of Dreams, and could notify him anytime if there was an emergency.

It didn’t take long for Angel to arrive at Fangling Hall under the night sky, embraced by the gentle moonlight.

As he expected, everyone was present—not only Lyon but also Serum, Xiliu, and Allen, who originally lived here, along with others who were temporarily staying.

Half an hour later, Angel left Fangling Hall.

Lyon chose not to leave with Angel but to stay in Sky Mechanical City, planning to continue honing his combat skills at Sky Tower.

Lyon’s decision wasn’t unexpected. Angel could tell that Lyon had a very strong desire to become stronger. He had a resilient and calm heart and had his own plans for his future and responsibilities.

Therefore, Angel would not interfere with whatever choice he made.

Just like when Angel left Pat Manor alone in pursuit of the transcendence path, even if Lyon was worried, he also respected and did not interfere with his freedom.

This was the understanding and respect that came without words between them brothers, a bond stemming from bloodline ties.

Now, Lyon also had his own social circle in Sky Mechanical City, and with the help of Serum and others, Angel believed Lyon wouldn’t fare too poorly in Sky Mechanical City.

...

As time passed, Greya returned from outside by noon the next day.

Lying on the couch in the hall, Greya was playing with a deck of cards, exuding boredom.

Angel was also in the hall, flipping through a wizard magazine he had bought back, having already organized what needed to be packed, now just waiting for Sanders to return and leave together.

”Where did your mentor go?” Greya couldn’t help but ask.

”To meet Lord Horus,” Angel put down the magazine, not out of formality, but simply because he had finished reading it.

”Horus? What is he going to him for?” muttered Greya under her breath. ”Speaking of which, your mentor has been quite mysterious lately, always researching something related to energy properties, data balance, and the origins of magic power. Do you know what he’s up to?”

Though Greya casually brought it up, she was internally very curious.

”Perhaps the mentor was inspired by something and began researching subjects related to energy,” Angel said offhandedly.

Greya: ”What specifically inspired him?”

Angel shrugged, indicating that he didn’t know.

Greya squinted her eyes, sensing that Angel might know something or perhaps there was a secret between Angel and Sanders.

However, Angel wasn’t keen on revealing it for now, and Sanders was less likely to be pried open.

Inwardly sighing, Greya then said, ”I thought your mentor’s energy research might be related to helping me retrieve my body.”

Just as Angel was about to respond, a low, indifferent male voice entered their ears.

”Even though my energy research is not directly related to you, it could still help. After all, the place where your body is trapped is also an area of mixed energies.”

Angel followed the voice to see Sanders, dressed in a standard noble gentleman’s outfit, entering from outside.

He glanced at Angel, ”I’m done with my business, and you can get ready to leave.”

After speaking, Sanders cast a casual glance at Greya, ”And you, are you planning to continue following us, or return to Candy House?”

”If you plan to head back to Candy House, I’ll have someone notify you when I’m ready to retrieve your body.”

Greya waved her hand dismissively, ”No need, Felicia is keeping things at Candy House, it’s fine whether I’m there or not. I’ll stick with you guys instead.”

Sander’s expression didn’t change at Greya’s choice; he simply nodded and then looked outside.

To be precise, he was looking at the Mana Hut by the lake in the yard, where Asaz was temporarily staying.

Without Sanders needing to say it, Greya understood his intention: ”Asaz’s situation is quite special. The specifics of the demon behind him haven’t been clarified yet, so he can’t be let loose for now.”

”Moreover, I’m not comfortable letting a Gourmet Sorcerer, who offers delicacies to demons, such as Asaz wander freely. So, I intend to bring him along.”

Sanders thought it over; although Asaz was from the gourmet branch, even as an apprentice, he could cook extraordinary food. Greya had her reservations and principles, seldom cooking. However, Asaz could assume the role of substitute chef in exchange for the right to stay on Illusion Demon Island, once they return.

With that in mind, Sanders nodded, ”Alright.”

After speaking, Sanders glanced at the clock in the corner, ”Give him half an hour to prepare. We leave promptly at one in the afternoon.”

With that said, Sanders proceeded to climb the stairs, halting midway to look back at Greya’s cards.

Specifically, his gaze landed on a Joker card, which reminded him of events in Night Demon City and the Eternal Night Country.

Unaware of what Sanders was thinking, Greya casually said, ”All attendees of Sharley’s magic show are given playing cards as gifts upon the show’s conclusion. It even comes with a manual for playing.”

”Wanna play a round?” Greya waved the cards in her hand.

Sanders stood in silence for a moment, gave no reply, and moved on up the stairs.