Warlock Apprentice

Muse recounted everything that had happened before, then emphasized that Angel should be cautious before ending the communication.

After the signal tower fell silent, Angel lightly tapped his fingers on the table, seemingly deep in thought.

On the other side, Greya murmured in a low voice: ”The conclusion is, not only did we not get any information, but we also possibly exposed Angel’s intelligence. I overestimated Sky Mechanical City’s response capability.”

Angel raised his eyes: ”We can’t entirely blame Sky Mechanical City for this. After all, when Si Man’s memory was being examined by Sprout followers, City Lord Rosen might have been doing fine.”

Greya: ”Even so, letting Si Man leave then was not a good decision. If it were me, I’d have imprisoned Si Man for at least half a year. After all, she was captured by the cult; who knows if Sprout followers planted psychological suggestions in her. Long-term observation is essential before releasing her.”

Angel did not respond to Greya further, not because he agreed with her, but simply because he felt that reasoning from outcomes involves no risk decisions in retrospect. In fact, once you start referring to outcomes, things are already in a failed state. So, it’s all a paradox and not worth discussing.

Since the incident has happened, the focus should be on how to handle it now.

”Lord Beast Emperor has taken all visible arrows upon himself, which is quite commendable. It’ll reduce your presence, turning himself into the biggest target.” After mocking Sky Mechanical City’s crisis management, Greya started thinking seriously about the situation: ”Moreover, Si Man’s memory doesn’t contain much information about you, so Sprout followers might not target you.”

”Greya is right, though despite that, one must still take precautions,” said Sanders.

Angel nodded, having already been pondering how to safeguard himself while he was in deep thought.

”We still know too little about Sprout, the only information available concerns the Arrow of the Defeated,” Angel commented, ”So, my only course of action is figuring out how to defend against the Arrow of the Defeated.”

Angel agreed with Greya’s analysis; the likelihood of Sprout followers directly attacking him is not very high, and using the Arrow of the Defeated is even less likely. The Arrow of the Defeated is a partly uncontrollable mysterious object, and each release inevitably has some negative impact on the user. Utilizing such severe attacks for someone potentially involved with Sprout but remains marginal, like Angel, seems excessive.

Nevertheless, even if the probability is low, one must prepare with the highest precautions.

If defending against the Arrow of the Defeated is necessary, one must first summarize its traits.

First, the arrow is shot before the target is drawn; second, the Arrow of the Defeated has ultra-long-range attacks, possibly even crossing planes, with very strong damage; third, its harm in the Material Realm affects only the chosen target, sparing others, matter, and objects.

From these three points, Angel found no breakthroughs except that at least he could confirm the Arrow of the Defeated wouldn’t accidentally harm people around him.

However, these three points describe the inherent traits of the Arrow of the Defeated; its most important feature is its activation condition.

The fourth point is that from Muse’s previous messages, it was known that Sprout followers arrived early at Sky Mechanical City to ascertain Rosen and his whereabouts.

Due to time constraints, the information obtained was scarce, causing the Arrow of the Defeated to miss the mark, leaving Rosen alive.

This means that the final success of the shot hinges greatly on the individual locating the target.

Knowing this, there’s a chance for manipulation.

Angel can attempt to hide his traces as much as possible and slightly alter his usual appearance so he cannot be easily found.

Additionally, with Blood Night Shelter, even if divination is used, his position cannot be locked.

This way, he avoids being discovered by the locator.

Angel shared his ideas, and after Greya and Sanders heard them, they both agreed. If the activation conditions for the Arrow of the Defeated are as stringent as described, and the locator has decisive significance, Angel’s precautions are indeed appropriate.

However, Sanders reminded, ”Though the likelihood of Sprout using the Arrow of the Defeated against you remains slim, being prepared for emergencies is wise. Besides preparing for the Arrow of the Defeated, you should anticipate other potential scenarios.”

Perhaps less violent than the Arrow of the Defeated, it might involve sneak attacks, or other means. Angel must stay cautious and ready.

”Upon returning to Barbarian Cave, I’ll inform Lord Rhein. With Lord Rhein’s wisdom, he might provide insight.” Sanders said.

Angel nodded; although there’s no need for excessive worry, as Muse suggested, caution remains key.

As the atmosphere in the carriage slightly lightened, the sound of knocking echoed again.

Instinctively, Angel looked towards the door, only to find the sound once again originated from the mini signal tower.

— Muse likely has new information.

”Luckily, I haven’t packed up the signal tower yet.” Angel muttered as he skillfully activated the signal tower.

Soon, the light screen displayed the allure of a peerless beauty.

Undoubtedly, it was Muse.

...

Time returned to ten minutes ago.

After Muse’s first contact with Angel, before leaving the signal tower, Rosen approached.

Rosen’s expression was somewhat grave: ”Her soul did not appear.”

”The soul didn’t manifest?” Muse was puzzled. Generally, regular people with vague spirituality have low chances of manifesting a soul; however, all extraordinary life forms possess souls. After body death, the Land of the Soul undergoes an unknown change, transforming life into undead, naturally surfacing.

Hence, when Muse learned the Sprout follower’s soul didn’t manifest, he was bewildered: ”Could it be, she was a follower of some Demon God?”

From what Muse knew, only those who worship Demon Gods would sign soul contracts, directing their souls to plunge into the Abyss after death.

”It shouldn’t be a Demon God follower, as I found no signs of a Demon God. However, I sensed...”

”A mysterious aura.”

Rosen’s words made Muse frown: ”Do you mean Sprout?”

Rosen massaged his temples, shaking his head: ”I can’t be certain; it might be the aura of another mysterious object, or indeed Sprout. Anyway, her soul vanished.”

”What did Oupulia say?” Muse was aware Rosen sought Oupulia, trying to use divination for insights from the Sprout follower’s corpse.

”There’s no usable information from his body, and the soul is hindered by a mysterious aura, preventing prophecy.” Pausing briefly, Rosen added: ”However, there was still some reward. Through a special soul ceremony, Oupulia realized the soul disappeared completely from both Material Realm and Spirit Realm.”

”You mean...”

”I suspect her soul either obliterated completely or got dragged into Sprout’s disordered rhythm. I lean toward the latter.” Rosen sighed: ”At least, it can be confirmed that the Sprout sect likely did not capture her soul.”

”What about her body?”

”Handled already.”

Muse didn’t ask how it was handled, trusting Rosen would ensure thorough obliteration, leaving no traces.

”Did you come here merely to report this?” Muse looked at Rosen, acknowledging the surprise of the Sprout follower’s lack of soul manifestation, but not to the extent of seeking him out at the signal tower.

”Indeed, there’s something else.” Muse finished speaking and glanced behind him.

Oupulia, clad in a white robe, slowly entered.