Warlock Apprentice

When Angel left the Cloud Tower, the outside was still bathed in sunlight. However, as he passed through the clouds and began his descent, he found more and more leaves starting to unfurl, with the region centered around the Eternal Tree already entirely covered by foliage, rendering the area below as pitch-black night.

Angel landed on a gigantic leaf hidden within the clouds. Following the leaf’s veins, he walked forward a few dozen steps, passing through the concealed place of the clouds and beheld an idle, deserted platform.

This was the Highland Station, the highest platform reachable by the Tree Vine Bus.

Angel walked onto the platform, quietly waiting for the Tree Vine Bus to arrive.

He originally intended to fly directly to Illusion Demon Island, but given that there was no rush, he thought using an unfamiliar face to fly would be conspicuous, so he decided to take the Tree Vine Bus instead. Besides, having not ridden it for a while, he felt a bit nostalgic.

Soon, the Tree Vine Bus arrived with a creaking sound, hung on the twisting vines, heading towards the Highland Station.

The bus carriage was empty, and Angel found a seat by the window and sat down.

The bus slowly pulled out of the platform, meandering through the clouds. Transitioning from the daylight above the clouds to the night below, though the lighting changed, the chilly wind remained the same.

Vivid red hair waved incessantly in the wind, occasionally brushing against his lips or the corner of his eyes.

Angel leaned lazily against the window, observing the neon lights of the Central District’s Spirit Tree Courtyard. At the same time, his mind wandered over inconsequential thoughts, such as the construction of the new city in the Wilderness of Dreams. Jon’s design for the new city leaned towards a steampunk fantasy style. If the city’s transportation system was designed like the Tree Vine Bus, would it match?

While Angel’s mind was adrift with such musings, he suddenly noticed that there seemed to be a vague silhouette on the seat opposite.

Angel lazily yawned and casually brushed aside the red locks obstructing his view.

As the hair was pushed aside, Angel could clearly see the seat opposite. He hadn’t been mistaken earlier; there was indeed an additional person.

A person who dared not be looked at directly.

The reluctance to look directly was purely due to embarrassment. After all, with someone standing there fully unclothed, skin slick and glossy, it was indeed difficult to know where to direct one’s gaze.

”Lord Tree Spirit.” Angel lazily extended a hand, offering a casual wave to the person opposite, as a form of greeting.

The Tree Spirit raised an eyebrow and asked, ”Is this the persona you’re playing?”

Angel nodded nonchalantly: ”To keep a low profile.”

The Tree Spirit squinted at the languid red-haired man opposite him, feeling more inclined to think that Angel assumed this role primarily to slack off.

Confronted with the Tree Spirit’s skepticism, Angel retorted justifiably: ”It’s not deliberate laziness, but to suit the temperament of this new persona.”

”In the end, it’s still laziness.”

Angel pouted, unwilling to continue the topic.

The Tree Spirit did not pursue it further, instead getting to the main point: ”I heard your entire conversation with Rhein.”

Angel’s expression remained unchanged. Once he entered Rhein’s room, he had noticed that the window was open, with a clump of leaves swaying by the window ledge. At that time, Angel guessed that the Tree Spirit must be nearby. Therefore, it was perfectly normal for him to know about their conversation.

”The matter of the Seed is indeed somewhat difficult; you made the right choice to keep a low profile. I will coordinate with you, doing my best to keep you undisturbed during this period.” The Tree Spirit paused: ”Of course, the cooperation will feel natural and won’t arouse suspicion.”

Angel nodded: ”Thank you, Lord Tree Spirit.”

”Regarding the Seed issue, I don’t have any solutions, but perhaps Book Elder might know something. I will try contacting Book Elder soon, although he may not be inclined to meet me.” Tree Spirit continued: ”Since Rhein gave you Second Level permissions for the Cloudtop Library, you can also visit the library during this time, supplement your knowledge, and seek out Book Elder.”

Book Elder is one of the three Ancestral Spirits of the Barbarian Cave, and his scholarly prowess is recognized throughout the Southern Domain Wizard World. However, Book Elder seldom sees anyone; even fellow Ancestral Spirits like Tree Spirit don’t get much face time with him.

The reason Tree Spirit offered this suggestion to Angel was because he remembered that Angel, not long after entering the Barbarian Cave, had already met Book Elder. Perhaps Book Elder would be willing to meet with Angel.

If Book Elder could offer Angel advice, it would be more beneficial to Angel than their own suggestions.

Angel nodded: ”I’ll give it a try.”

Tree Spirit initially sought out Angel just to discuss these matters. After that, he didn’t leave but instead indulged in small talk with Angel.

”What do you think about the two tasks Rhein asked you to try?” Tree Spirit was a bit curious about Angel’s thoughts.

Angel shook his head: ”Not much thinking.”

Tree Spirit: ”No interest?”

Angel nodded slightly: ”Not particularly interested.”

Tree Spirit: ”Actually, I think you could give it a try.”

Angel thought for a moment, then replied: ”The first task, although not necessary, if I find myself with nothing to do, I might take a look. As for the second task, I’d rather skip it.”

While Angel was speaking, he recalled the recent events—

”What are the two tasks?” Angel asked curiously after hearing Rhein’s words.

Rhein replied with a smile: ”These two tasks come with rewards.”

Angel was no longer very concerned about the rewards. What he wanted to know was what the tasks entailed.

”The first task, relayed by Wallace, is about you writing a column for The Mirror if you’re available.”

This was Rhein’s first task. After hearing it, Angel questioned with confusion: ”Why me?”

”Having promoted Official Wizards write columns for The Mirror is not a singular event. Many Wizards have contributed, including your Mentor.”

”Everyone understands the preciousness of knowledge, so the call for writing columns isn’t about spreading your acquired knowledge; rather, it’s hoped that through your articles, one might gain insights into your behavior logic and thought processes.”

Often, Apprentices are stuck at a particular phase not because of a lack of knowledge or power, but because their thoughts have hit a dead end. When one’s own thought patterns become ineffective, looking at others’ thinking approaches might offer a breakthrough.

And this isn’t limited to Apprentices; many Official Wizards are the same way. When stuck with research, experiments, or academics, they’ll promptly turn to various journals to alleviate their troubles with outside wisdom.

After hearing this, Angel understood the significance behind this task.

He pondered for a moment, and then said, ”If I have time, I’ll give it a try.”

However, Angel felt he might not have the time.