Warlock Apprentice

Ten minutes had already passed since the question-and-answer session began. Despite Lord Rhein’s stoic expression throughout, internally he was nodding in approval.

Angel’s responses were consistent with his displayed character.

He might not feel a strong affiliation with the Barbarian Cave, but he has a strong sense of belonging to the Illusion Demon Island. In other words, as long as Illusion Demon Island remains part of the Barbarian Cave, Angel is unlikely to cause any trouble.

In their centuries-old relationship, Rhein was very certain that Sanders would never betray the Barbarian Cave. Therefore, Angel wouldn’t be a problem either.

Upon confirming this, the missing piece of concern Rhein had felt earlier was now perfectly filled.

He could confidently make Angel the central focus for future plans of the Barbarian Cave’s objectives. For instance, with Angel being a member of the Research and Development Institute, the Barbarian Cave could send more Alchemy Apprentices to Ashiliye for alchemy education, which had always been a missing piece the Barbarian Cave lacked. Angel’s status now fills that gap.

This puzzle piece would eventually bring a great influx of alchemy talent to the Barbarian Cave, and is an important indicator for its long-term development. Hence, Angel is too crucial, which is why Rhein had to probe his stance.

Of course, since Rhein intended to leverage Angel’s status, he would compensate Angel in other ways, like providing greater resource allocations.

After confirming Angel’s stance, Rhein said with a smile, ”Questions and answers are mutual. If you have any questions for me, now is the time to ask.”

Rhein said this because he noticed that since Angel arrived, he had consistently shown signs of hesitation, as though wanting to say something. Thus, he gave Angel the opportunity proactively.

However, Rhein was puzzled when, despite handing the reins of the conversation to Angel, Angel remained silent at that moment.

What was the topic that made him hesitant to speak yet reluctant to ask?

Rhein was very curious, yet he did not urge him, simply waiting quietly. He was certain that if Angel truly had questions, he would surely ask eventually.

And indeed, after two minutes of silence, Angel spoke.

”Lord Rhein, if one day there is something that may affect the entire Wizards’ Realm, should I do it?”

Rhein had waited for a long time, only to be asked this unexpected question.

Was Angel implying... he was about to reveal something significant? And it would affect the entire Wizards’ Realm?

”Have you consulted Sanders about it?”

”There’s no need to ask.”

Angel’s simple reply conveyed much. Was it unnecessary to ask Sanders because he already knew Sanders’s answer, or perhaps Sanders would be involved too, thus no need to inquire?

Rhein processed this thought, but it wasn’t shown on his face: ”Whether or not to proceed depends on the consequences of your actions.”

”There is considerable risk,” Angel pondered for a moment and replied.

”Since there is risk, yet you still wish to proceed. This indicates that the endeavor could yield significant benefits?” Instead of pressing for details on what Angel planned to do, Rhein opted to assist in analyzing.

”Yes, not only would I benefit, but many others would too. It could even...” Angel paused, ”possibly alter the existing balance.”

Rhein’s pupils narrowed—alter the existing balance?! Based on Angel’s implications, his actions might have the potential to shift the course of history?

Rhein recalled the last shift in the world order, which was Sky Mechanical City’s introduction of the ”Steam Road” millennia ago, bringing Flourish Continent’s countries closer through steam trains.

In hindsight, steam trains were undeniably beneficial, not only to the Wizards’ Realm but also to the world of Mortals. Yet, viewed a millennium ago, the ”Steam Road” plan was truly a ”Bloody Road.”

This path affected many vested interests.

Almost every country paid a price in localized wars, and even Yirong Country’s enemies launched full-scale wars over it, with casualties beyond count.

However, it was a tumultuous time mainly for the Mortals’ world; the Wizards’ Realm seemed calm, with hardly any overt opposition.

If Angel wanted to shift history’s gears this time, would he leverage the Mortals again, or...

Rhein asked, ”Is it the Mortals’ world you’re shifting?”

”Maybe partly, but more likely the Wizards’ Realm,” Angel answered.

Rhein withdrew his gaze subtly, though his inner emotions weren’t as calm. Angel clearly intended to influence the Extraordinary World’s balance...

”What do you consider the risks?” Rhein cautiously queried.

Angel thought about the possible scenarios if the Wilderness of Dreams were launched... After a brief contemplation, Angel answered, ”External risks and distrust among people.”

By external risks, he referred to those terrifying creatures roaming around the Dream Realm. Angel’s plan to establish the Wilderness of Dreams in the Abyss was once thwarted by a single blow, indicating that without stronger forces to safeguard it, the Wilderness of Dreams would easily be coveted. And the Southern Domain’s successful establishment of the Wilderness of Dreams was entirely due to Shava’s influence.

As for distrust among people, that’s even easier to understand. When something new emerges, the first thoughts aren’t about the potential benefits it might bring, but rather the impact it could have on us, often exaggerating the negative aspects.

Rhein didn’t know the specifics of what Angel had mentioned, but from his response, it didn’t seem too severe. Originally, Rhein expected it might involve opposition to World Will, even potential apocalypse scenarios... After all, moving the wheels of history isn’t easy.

”Every matter holds external risks, and distrust is human nature. If these risks alone, I believe they’re within controllable limits.” Rhein paused, then stared at Angel, inquiring, ”These risks remind me of the Steam Road. At the time, countries didn’t want to build train tracks due to distrust.”

”Therefore, following this logic, are you considering altering the balance by introducing something new?”

Rhein further speculated, ”Is it your alchemical creation?”

Angel replied, ”Something similar.”

Rhein could see Angel was reluctant to discuss further, and after considering it, he respected Angel’s wishes and did not probe.

”If you truly plan to do this, when do you intend to execute it?”

Angel replied, ”It won’t be too long, but not now.”

To minimize attention, Angel couldn’t attract others’ notice now.

”If this action indeed influences the balance, you must conduct a thorough assessment, whether favorable or unfavorable.” Rhein paused, ”Moreover, when you proceed, you must choose the right timing and preferably inform me beforehand, at least so the Barbarian Cave understands how to collaborate with you.”

Rhein’s words clearly revealed some of his stance.

Angel nodded with a smile, ”If that time truly comes, even if I don’t convey it, my mentor certainly will.”