Warlock Apprentice

Maya thought for a while and then gave up. If that mysterious ruin were so easily understood, Florenza and Rhein, two top Wizards, wouldn’t be helpless.

Instead of considering so much, it would be better to directly inform Lord Reine, as he has presided over the ruin for a long time; perhaps he knows something.

Thinking of this, Maya no longer continued to ponder and looked up at the surroundings. At this moment, except for the Observers, almost everyone in the Stargazing Hall had already left.

Maya turned to Dororo and said, ”Let’s leave as well.”

Just as Maya was about to leave with Dororo, a voice with a hint of malevolence came from behind: ”Maya Witch, wait a moment.”

Upon hearing this voice, Maya’s brow instinctively furrowed. Turning around, the speaker indeed was among the Observers, the one she disliked the most, ”the hanging Disqualified One,” Skall.

Skall’s appearance exuded a wild and seductive charm. His upper body was unclothed, revealing a robust physique covered in coarse black hair, combined with the horns on his head and the chains tied to his ankles, resembling a demon in ancient scrolls, seemingly enticing the entrapped with alluring words.

Skall’s voice was unmasked, and while he was calling out to Maya, he also attracted the attention of other Observers.

They watched Skall, dragging his long chains, as he walked towards the cold-faced Maya.

Skall bowed elegantly in front of Maya, resembling a noble gentleman if not for the wicked glint in his eyes and the faint sneer on his lips.

”Lord Skall, is there something you need?” Maya remained very indifferent, and from her lack of using the Observer’s title, it was apparent she held little regard for him.

This was quite normal; Skall was the youngest among the Observers but frequently idled during Stargazing Days, rarely reporting the Prophecy he observed. This had caused dissatisfaction among many Prophet Wizards, who bluntly remarked, ”Disqualified One is truly disqualified.” Moreover, Skall’s fusion with the bloodline of the horned Demon, combined with his wanton demeanor, made many Witches dislike him, often singling him out to be targeted at tea parties.

Maya Witch’s feelings had long surpassed the era of romance; she disdained Skall more for believing his strength to be overestimated, and also for his lack of respect towards women.

Skall wasn’t bothered by Maya’s attitude, maintaining his smile as he said, ”I’m here to thank Maya Witch for sharing such a wonderful fragment of Prophecy.”

Maya replied indifferently, ”It’s my duty, and I do wish to hear Lord Skall’s remarks tomorrow.”

Skall smiled and did not respond.

Maya raised her eyebrows, ”It seems Lord Skall still does not plan to speak tomorrow? No matter, I have matters to attend to and need to leave first.”

Skall hurriedly stopped her, ”Wait.”

Impatiently, Maya halted her steps, though she thought Skall unworthy of the title Observer, she still needed to respect his position.

When Maya wanted to hear what Skall had to say, she noticed Skall’s gaze was not on her but on Dororo.

”I have some things to discuss with your student. I wonder if that’s permissible?” Skall looked at Dororo, but the words were directed at Maya.

Maya could see clearly that Skall’s eyes toward Dororo were brimming with an unabashed interest.

By this point, Maya had evidently understood that Skall hadn’t stopped her to thank her for sharing the Prophecy, but was here for Dororo.

Maya’s brow knit tightly, ”Whatever needs to be said can be said here.”

Skall still looked at Dororo, waiting to hear his response.

Dororo: ”I abide by Mentor’s decision.”

Skall shrugged: ”Alright, what I want to say isn’t clandestine; it can be discussed here.” He paused, extending a hand seeming to want to touch Dororo, but was blocked by Maya with the cane in her hand.

What’s your intention? Though Maya didn’t speak, her gaze clearly floated this implication.

”This is the Observatory Hall; I certainly wouldn’t harm Dororo. I merely want to confirm a few things.” Skall said to Maya, his tone now edged with less malevolence, and more of negotiation.

Maya didn’t lower the cane, still watching Skall warily, evidently mistrusting him.

Skall helplessly opened his palms, ”Alright, I simply want to confirm Dororo’s past.”

”I keep feeling that Dororo exists with a peculiar disconnect from the present. It’s as if he lives not in the now, but in some unknowable era.”

Skall’s words articulated some of his doubts, sparking certain Observers to explore Dororo. However, none could see into Dororo’s past; everything about him seemed shrouded in Mist.

Maya noticed increasingly many glances focusing on Dororo.

Her mood subtly condensed; though she knew Dororo’s identity would surely be revealed someday, now was not the right time.

”Don’t you find Dororo’s timeline somewhat peculiar?”

Facing Skall’s candidness and puzzlement, Maya was silent for a long time. She didn’t wish to answer, but she knew this wasn’t merely Skall asking, it likely reflected other Observers’ attitudes too.

Maya: ”Everyone harbors secrets; probing others’ secrets unprovoked isn’t a peaceful affair.”

Skall: ”I’m merely curious; whether to respond or not depends on Dororo’s choice, doesn’t it?”

Maya and Skall both looked at Dororo, who remained very calm, as if he wasn’t the center of attention.

Maya: ”The answer is clearly apparent; my student doesn’t wish to speak.”

Skall didn’t give up, speaking to Dororo again: ”How about this, I offer a quota from the Hall of Time in exchange for your secrets, how’s that?”

”Naturally, a Hall of Time quota is immensely precious, so I not only require your secret in exchange but also you to be my assistant for twenty years.”

Maya had been about to forcefully pull Dororo away, but Skall’s words made her retract her hand.

A Hall of Time quota... That’s the greatest treasure the Crown Star Church has besides the Mystery of the Stars.

The Mystery of the Stars is open to the public, but the Hall of Time is secretive.

Not only Maya was amazed, but other Observers were somewhat surprised, exchanging a Hall of Time quota for an Apprentice’s secret, is it worth it? As for appointing Dororo as Skall’s assistant, that’s hardly a punishment.

Outsiders might feel Skall is unworthy, but within the Observers, Skall’s strength is well acknowledged; he may not be the strongest in Divination, but he’s definitely not the weakest. Moreover, he often takes unconventional paths, seeing some Prophecies even the Crowned Star One cannot see.

If Dororo were to be Skall’s assistant for twenty years, it would surely be excellent training for him.

Facing Skall’s proposed conditions, Maya was silent; though somewhat reluctant, she believed Dororo agreeing to this condition would definitely be beneficial.

In Maya’s view, the Baiyuan Clan’s secrets would eventually be revealed; although now wasn’t the ideal time, receiving such abundant recompense made it acceptable.

However, neither Maya nor anyone else could decide for Dororo.

Ultimately, it depended on how Dororo himself felt; after all, it’s his secret.