Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 1989: Chapter 1990: Night of Swan Lake

”By the way, there’s something I need to tell you.” After chattering on for a while, the Tree Spirit suddenly adopted a more serious tone.

”I’ve conveyed your speculation about the ruins’ gate to Rhein. Rhein agrees with your thoughts and plans to enter the central passage within the next two days to check if the owner of the leather shoes, who appeared there previously, is still present.” Tree Spirit paused for a moment: ”If it is confirmed that they are not there, I will contact you immediately to see if the door is as you speculated.”

Angel nodded: ”Okay.”

”You should prepare in advance, just like when you repaired the magic pattern on the gate, to avoid any issues at the time. After all, behind that door lies the true interior of the ruins, and the longer you stay there, the more variables there will be.” Tree Spirit advised.

”I understand.” Angel said solemnly.

”As long as you understand. You’ve reached the dark alley, so I won’t disturb you anymore. Also...” Tree Spirit sighed deeply, ”Lianna brought the Fire Charm over to find me again.”

Undoubtedly, Lianna’s visit was surely about asking Tree Spirit to develop internal spaces again.

Angel could only express sympathy for this and silently thought to himself: Just hold on for a few more days. After revealing the matter of the Wilderness of Dreams, you’ll be relieved.

Dark Alley—

Unlike the perpetual daylight main theme of the Underground Market, the dark alley is almost filled with dim alleys, breeding evil and chaos. Almost every few steps, Angel could smell a stench of decay.

Even though the street appeared smooth and clean, the new mud covering the old soil revealed how much bloodshed and filth was hidden underneath.

The high-level managers of the Underground Market are well aware of the dark dealings in the alley but no one has proposed to clean it up.

Because although the dark alley is filled with evil and chaos, it houses the most developed and free intelligence points. The reason is simple: it hides and gathers a large number of spies and pawns sent by other Witcher Organizations. With the support of these spies, most of the intelligence in the Southern Domain rushes in and congregates in the dark alley.

To the high-level managers, having a place for those spies and covert agents to group together and dance in company is better than dispersing them into the vast sea. Therefore, aside from intelligence reasons, this is another factor why they do not clear up or even restrain the dark alley.

Because the dark alley has the most intelligence gathering, it is also a favorite place for some adventurers.

The place Angel was heading to now, was a bar frequented by adventurers.

Angel stopped in front of a wall covered with moss and grime, lightly tapped the flying bird pattern on the wall, and a small wooden door hidden behind an illusion appeared on the wall.

The door had two panels that could open from the inside and outside, with characters written on both panels, combining to read: Swan Lake Night.

Swan Lake Night was the name of this bar.

As Angel passed through the door, the cold and deep atmosphere outside was instantly washed away by a wave of warmth carrying a strong scent of malt beer, accompanied by a clamor, rushing in.

The bar was almost packed with people. Most of the tables were in a state of revelry, constantly adding to the cacophony.

Waitresses in maid outfits weaved through the crowd with trays of new beer, adding a touch of softness to the male-dominated ambiance of the bar.

The bar was bustling, everyone speaking their own words, and few paid attention to Angel’s entrance.

Angel didn’t mind and leisurely navigated a path full of exotic charm, past narrow tables, reaching the bar counter. His movement caught the notice of the bartender with short, curly gray hair who raised his head.

The bartender discreetly scrutinized Angel while lazily smiling, ”What can I get you, customer?”

”I’m looking for someone.” Angel wasn’t in the mood for pleasantries.

”Who are you looking for?” The bartender chuckled, a sparkle in his squinted eyes: ”Hopefully, you’re looking for someone alive.”

Angel raised an eyebrow: ”Why do you say that?”

”If it’s someone alive, we can find them quickly for you, and the price would certainly be lower; but if you’re looking for someone dead... that’s a hassle since too many people die in the alley, and who knows where they’re buried?” The bartender said while wiping a wine glass, ”Unfortunately, those coming to the dark alley are generally looking for dead people.”

Angel chuckled softly, ”I’m looking for someone alive. Let me see where he is.”

The bartender was taken aback, yet to grasp Angel’s meaning, when a powerful perception enveloped the entire bar.

The perception didn’t affect the people around, lost in their intoxication, but the bartender in front of Angel felt immense pressure, sweat continuously dropping from his forehead, as if facing a towering mountain!

By this point, the bartender couldn’t help but realize that the visitor was definitely not an apprentice!

The bartender swallowed dryly; although the bar had served many Official Wizards, they were all named. However, this red-haired, gold-eyed middle-aged man was unknown even to his extensive experience.

The presence of an unfamiliar Official Wizard brought uncertainty, which could pose a danger to the bar.

The bartender was resolved to hold the visitor steady, regardless of what they said.

Nevertheless, to the bartender’s surprise, the visitor soon withdrew his perception and said, ”The third room from the end on the right on the second floor, I want to enter it.”

The bartender’s mind quickly recalled the information on the various rooms on the second floor; he remembered the tenant of the third room from the end on the right seemed to be a little person? Literally a small person.

”You...” The bartender pondered if there was something amiss, whether it might cause a chain reaction or have repercussions for the bar.

Angel directly interrupted his train of thought: ”Rest assured, I have no interest in this bar.”

The bartender froze, displaying an awkward smile, ”This way, please, customer. I’ll lead you there immediately.”

Angel nodded and nonchalantly followed the bartender up to the second floor.

Though Angel could have barged in, he previously heard from the Tree Spirit that the bar’s backer was Ye Sevee of the ”Mu Ye Floral Vines.” Given Ye Sevee was the object of the Tree Spirit’s affection, Angel didn’t wish to disrespect her by barging in or sneaking around.

The bartender led Angel to a room marked 215: ”Customer, shall I help you with the door?”

Angel shook his head, ”No need.”

Signaling the bartender to leave, Angel then knocked on the door.

A moment later, the door opened, but there was no one behind it. Glancing down, he saw a tiny person, no taller than a bowl, looking up at him with a puzzled expression.

”Are you the examiner of the Tiger Armor Adventure Group?”

Angel said nothing, but Kudodo took it as a confirmation, eagerly opening the door wider to let Angel into the room.

”I’ve mastered the Healing Technique, Magic Power Whisper, and Greasy Trick. I also have some racial talents, and I can serve as a Scout. But if I’m to be a Scout, the price must be higher since Scouts face greater risks...” Kudodo rattled off their skills while leading Angel into the room.

After listing all his abilities, Kudodo noticed the ”examiner” hadn’t uttered a single word, so he turned back in confusion.

He saw the red-haired man standing by the door, and behind him, a ripple of water suddenly appeared.

Subsequently, the environment around the red-haired man began to slowly transform, as though a new layer of space was being overlaid and covering the original.

The narrow, old room changed into something entirely different in the blink of an eye.