Warlock Apprentice

When Zithraide first mentioned Anada, Angel noticed it.

Angel was not surprised by Anada’s presence at Zithraide’s. On his last visit here, he saw Anada but didn’t recognize her at the time... After all, the Anada he saw in Night Demon City was a sexy and charming woman of immense strength, suddenly turned into an old lady who needed a cane to walk, leaving Angel momentarily confused.

Later, after returning to Barbarian Cave, Angel suddenly recalled when Hebdon mentioned Anada’s disappearance.

Based on Angel’s speculation, Anada might have struck some sort of deal with the ”benevolent demon” Zithraide, trading something from him in exchange for her own youth.

Indeed, facts verified Angel’s assumption, as he now saw Anada and sensed a different aura from before.

Angel vividly remembered that Anada’s mental power value was under 10 points, not reaching the threshold of a Talented One. But now she had become a Wizard Apprentice, and her previously ninety-year-old appearance transformed to that of a woman in her fifties or sixties.

Thinking back, Angel’s guess was evidently accurate: Anada had acquired something like the Frost Night Potion from Zithraide and become a Transcendent.

Regarding why Anada suddenly became Zithraide’s cook, Angel wasn’t surprised either. Sanders had once remarked, ”If Anada truly became a Transcendent after the transaction, Zithraide would undoubtedly include her in his management. He adheres to the path of ’absolute fairness,’ naturally bearing responsibility for subsequent repercussions.”

As Sanders predicted, Zithraide implemented his principles, incorporating Anada into his management circle.

Angel raised his head to look at Zithraide across from him, who appeared calm, seemingly already aware that Anada and Angel were acquainted.

”Hadn’t Hebdon come looking for her?” Angel asked. He had conveyed Anada’s situation to Hebdon, and given Hebdon’s obsession with Anada, it was unexpected for him not to react.

Zithraide touched his small mustache with disgust and said, ”Are you talking about that eternally immature, always sniveling black demon Shadow Servant?”

Angel nodded.

”Of course, he’s been here, frequently. The last time was just a week ago.” Zithraide said while shaking his head: ”It’s just that Anada doesn’t wish to see him.”

Zithraide hesitated for a moment and said a bit helplessly, ”Every time he comes here, he cries and fusses non-stop. It’s hard to imagine Anada and he are peers.”

Angel was not surprised by this. Hebdon, while having obtained great talent, paid the price of maturity, forever to remain the never-growing Peter Pan. With Good, the butler watching over him on Illusion Demon Island, no one checks him outside, leaving him to be just a brat.

Anada’s matter was trivial; they casually discussed it before moving onto other topics.

As a ”trader,” Zithraide had a vast array of intelligence exchanges, occasionally sharing one or two to maintain the atmosphere of the banquet, keeping it at a lukewarm pace.

However, most of Zithraide’s shared information was outdated. For the latest intelligence, according to his words, one would need to engage in transactions to acquire it.

After the banquet ended, Greya directly left with Asaz, destinations unknown.

Sanders continued discussing the issue of energy balance with Zithraide.

Angel intended to visit the Wilderness of Dreams to confirm Lyon’s situation, especially since Sky Mechanical City had experienced quite a disturbance during the day.

Zithraide arranged for a mechanical Magic Puppet to lead him to the room at the back.

With utmost respect, the mechanical Magic Puppet guided Angel through the corridors, recognizable to Angel as the younger of the twin brothers, one sold to Zithraide afterwards.

”Honorable Wizard.” A timid voice reached Angel’s ears.

Angel glanced at the mechanical Magic Puppet beside him.

”My lord, my brother and I heard what you said to the manager before...” The mechanical Magic Puppet seemed shy, its voice stuttering: ”Actually, I’m really happy to be with my brother. My mother never cared about me before. Here, I’m happy every day.”

Angel neither echoed nor stopped the mechanical Magic Puppet from speaking.

Mechanical Magic Puppet: ”Even though I’ve become like this now, I do not blame the manager.”

It seemed to reminisce. Though its mechanical face showed no expression, its eyes occasionally dimmed and brightened, full of liveliness.

”At first, I was very scared, even hated the manager, but after interacting, I found out the manager wasn’t as bad as I thought.”

”I know many people call the manager a demon, but the manager is merely pursuing his own path and doesn’t actively harm others. Even in transactions, he considers the passive party’s perspective and compensates those involved.”

”Just like Sister Anada.”

”Although the manager took away Sister Anada’s youth through the transaction, he provided what Sister Anada sought.”

”The manager doesn’t like crying kids, so he always stays away from Hebdon whenever he sees him. But he’s never driven Hebdon away, because Hebdon represents Sister Anada’s hope.”

Angel raised an eyebrow: ”Hope?”

”Yes, precisely hope. Despite Sister Anada becoming a Transcendent, lacking time to research due to an already bleak future, and the manager can’t contradict himself by returning time after taking her youth. Yet, to ensure Sister Anada retains hope, the manager subtly hinted to Hebdon.”

Although Hebdon cries, he is not dull. With a slight hint, every visit includes bringing life-based magic potions.

Even if Anada doesn’t see him, Hebdon maintains this habit.

With the support of these magic potions, Anada eventually restored herself a bit, successfully becoming a Level 1 Apprentice, transforming from a declining old age to slightly younger.

Due to Hebdon’s continuous support for Anada, Zithraide, even though often wanting to hit Hebdon upon seeing him, ultimately consented to his visits.

”The manager is actually very kind.” Saying this, the mechanical Magic Puppet stopped: ”Sir, we have arrived at your room.”

Angel nodded.

The mechanical Magic Puppet bowed deeply: ”Thank you, sir, for listening to my chatter. In fact, it was my brother who asked me to speak with you; my brother feels grateful for your previous support.”

After thanking, the mechanical Magic Puppet politely offered another bow, stepped back, and left.

Angel watched its figure vanish at the end of the corridor, chuckled softly, then turned to enter the room.