Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 2232: Chapter 2233: Golden Apple

The moment Jack’s words fell, a gentle breeze brushed across his cheek, and at the same time, the voice of Soft Wind Uranus reached Angel’s ear.

Soft Wind Uranus conveyed a few words to Angel through the wind.

It was also an invitation for Angel to meet, and to indicate that the flourishing Gleyme was also nearby.

It seems that after watching the theatrical Shadow Box, Soft Wind Uranus had made a decision and called His Highness Flourish over from the Green Field, probably ready to give Angel a response.

Thinking of this, Angel nodded to Jack, ”Alright, I’ll head over now.”

Returning to the palace at the mountain top, this time Angel only brought the drowsy Toby inside, while Dangross stayed outside the palace gates, chatting with Arnott, Cubic, and others.

Upon entering the palace, the first thing Angel saw was a verdant silhouette of a tree standing amidst the clouds and mist.

It was a thriving apple tree, which from afar seemed ordinary, but upon closer inspection, one would find that the tree was surrounded by glimmering green mist, as if the trunk was clad in green armor.

Moreover, the fruit it bore was exceptional, glowing with a golden light and exuding an enticing sweet aroma. Even the drowsy Toby was captivated by the fragrance, opening his eyes and staring intently at the few golden apples hanging on the treetop.

Hearing footsteps behind it, the strong trunk of the apple tree... began to move.

As the apple tree turned, it revealed deep-set features on its trunk and cast a probing gaze at Angel.

While Angel was making eye contact with the apple tree, Soft Wind Uranus, who was majestically seated on the high throne, stood up, left the throne, and stepped down the stairs, arriving between Angel and the apple tree.

Soft Wind Uranus gave Angel a gentle smile and introduced the apple tree’s identity: ”This is His Highness Flourish of the Green Field.”

After the introduction, Soft Wind Uranus manipulated the wind to transform the surrounding clouds into a cloud cushion, sitting down in place.

The flourishing Gleyme had initially been focusing on Angel, wanting to closely observe Angel, but was later attracted by Soft Wind Uranus’s series of actions.

When conversing with it, Soft Wind Uranus sat high upon the throne.

However, as soon as Angel arrived, it immediately descended from the throne, and the accumulated majesty evaporated in an instant, directly sitting on equal ground with Angel.

The implications of this, the flourishing Gleyme understood very well.

Soft Wind Uranus was conveying a message to it, that it holds Angel in high regard and respect.

Since Soft Wind Uranus had shown an attitude and even subtly reminded it, the flourishing Gleyme naturally would not put on airs, and its gaze toward Angel softened.

”I heard from Teacher Kamil that you have been at the Forbidden Peak these past two days, have you gained anything?”

Soft Wind Uranus seemed to be making small talk, but Angel noticed that it dropped the ”mister” from his title, instead addressing him directly as ”you.” This was not out of disrespect but rather an attempt to diminish the distance, trying to foster a closer relationship, thus making a point of the manner of address. After all, always using the term ”mister” would sound somewhat distant.

From this one change in address, Angel could generally deduce that Soft Wind Uranus’s forthcoming answer would not be adversarial, probably adopting Mister Magu’s suggestion.

Though thousands of thoughts raced through Angel’s mind, his expression remained unchanged: ”Yes, I’ve been completely captivated by Mr. Feng’s paintings in these past few days. These artworks have been quite rewarding for me. However, there is one painting that leaves me a bit puzzled, and I’d like to hear Soft Wind’s opinion on it.”

”No problem, once we’re done here, we can go take a look together.”

After a brief exchange, the small talk was over, and Soft Wind Uranus shifted the conversation directly to the main topic, speaking about its impressions after watching the theatrical Shadow Box trilogy over the past two days.

It spoke in great detail, covering almost every part of the trilogy.

Moreover, with each part of the trilogy, Soft Wind Uranus would engage in discussions with the flourishing Gleyme, exchanging their views with one another.

This, of course, was not just some ”commentary,” but a display of opinions aimed at conveying its and the flourishing Gleyme’s stances to Angel, exchanging views on values in the process.

In the first part, ”Humans and Civilization,” the flourishing Gleyme didn’t express much, observing the rise of humans from a bystander’s position and analyzing the pros and cons calmly. Soft Wind Uranus, however, expressed high praise, repeatedly stating that this was the most interesting Chapter for it among the trilogy. It didn’t evaluate humans from an elemental creature’s standpoint; instead, it appeared to view itself as part of humanity, with a sense of wonderment at the rise of human civilization, even attempting to replicate it among elemental creatures.

It can be said that from the exchange of ideas in the first part, Angel sensed the distinctly different personalities and thoughts of the flourishing Gleyme and Soft Wind Uranus.

This is precisely what Soft Wind Uranus wanted to show, a stance conveyed through exchange.

In the second part, ”The World of Wizards,” both the flourishing Gleyme and Soft Wind Uranus’s responses were rather aloof. It’s not that they aren’t intrigued by the broader Transcendent world, but this part clearly displayed the demands wizards have of elemental creatures. Even though Angel referred to the relationship between wizards and elemental creatures as a mutually beneficial ”partnership,” this still remains a human perspective, which Soft Wind Uranus and the flourishing Gleyme, as intelligent life valuing high freedom, didn’t quite believe.

Although Soft Wind Uranus also disliked the so-called ”elemental partnership” relationship, it expressed a rational view with objective language.

Coexisting with humans, especially powerful humans, to avoid extinction, a cost must be paid to survive. After all, from a human’s point of view, elemental creatures are an alien clan, and humans have a long-standing tradition of never trusting other races.

Therefore, becoming elemental partners with humans is a form of ”cost.”

At least in Soft Wind Uranus’s view, this cost is fairly reasonable, as even if wizards are eccentric, they rarely cruelly slaughter their elemental partners.

Elemental creatures in the world of Wizards can survive as long as they don’t cause trouble themselves. So, in the relatively objective attitude of gentle breeze Uranos, even if he doesn’t approve, he doesn’t reject either.

On the contrary, Fragrant Growth Glamor didn’t say a word, and his displeasure was very obvious.

Angel also shared some of his thoughts on the matter. He didn’t speak for humans, but objectively described the basic principles of human wizards in dealing with elemental creatures. Moreover, Angel’s point of view often exemplifies the eccentric and arbitrary actions of black wizards.

After all, humans are diverse, and in the future, they will encounter different humans themselves. Speaking too positively now may backfire in the future.

In Angel’s view, there are many wizards who indeed view elemental creatures as pets or ”tools.” However, it cannot be denied that the relationship between the majority of wizards and elemental partners is very intimate. After all, in order to practice elemental-side abilities, it is much easier to be in harmony with elemental partners. In such cases, even if wizards treat elemental creatures as tools, they won’t casually destroy them.

Even if one day the tool is no longer useful to the wizard, most wizards, due to long-term companionship, will still be very friendly and intimate with elemental creatures. At worst, they simply let the elemental creature choose to leave; such behavior as ”killing the donkey after unloading the millstone” is rarely seen.

Most importantly, wizards and elemental creatures are basically ”mutually beneficial”, with wizards gaining a shortcut to elemental practice from elemental creatures, while elemental creatures can grow rapidly with wizards’ resource input, much faster than accumulating slowly in the Tidal World.

So, the seeking and giving is actually mutual, and it’s even possible that elemental creatures gain more.

Of course, this isn’t to defend humans; many humans acquire elemental partners through ”capture.” This forced contract, in the view of elemental creatures, is indeed frightening. Therefore, Angel also understands why gentle breeze Uranos and Fragrant Growth Glamor are displeased.

He wants Barbarian Cave to enter the Tidal World and sign mutually beneficial clauses with the elemental creatures here precisely to solve this phenomenon.

If elemental creatures voluntarily sign contracts with humans, actively choosing to become a wizard’s partner, it is certainly better than forced capture. Moreover, the bond can thus deepen, maximizing avoidance of tragedy.

After listening to Angel’s viewpoints, gentle breeze Uranos and Fragrant Growth Glamor were silent for a long time.

What Angel shared was basically a supplement and extension of the third movement, ”The Future Possibilities of the Tidal World”.

Gentle breeze Uranos doesn’t know what Fragrant Growth Glamor is thinking, but he is actually somewhat tempted.

It’s not that Angel’s words convinced him, but that he considers it more realistically.

Considering the situation in the third movement, the future of the Tidal World will inevitably open up. Instead of engaging in warfare with humans then, it’s better to accept Angel’s suggestion and maintain independence through this kind of alliance.

This seems a bit appeasement, and indeed it is. The strong overpower the weak, and in such an absolute disadvantage, compromise is the best way to survive.

Moreover, Angel explained that it is mutually beneficial. Although gentle breeze Uranos temporarily doesn’t believe it, as they haven’t encountered more humans and have fewer samples to refer to; but if it’s as Angel says, it isn’t that hard to accept.

Perhaps many elemental sprites or elemental creatures whose power has been stagnant for a long time would truly be willing to become a wizard’s elemental partner for their own advancement. Just as human personalities are diverse, elemental creatures, also as intelligent life, have diverse ecologies and personalities, so it’s estimated there won’t be a lack of elemental creatures willing to accept wizards.

Gentle breeze Uranos is really tempted, but he hasn’t firmly decided yet; he plans to go to the Region of Fire to meet Mr. Magu and the visitors from Barbarian Cave before making a decision.

Due to the previous exchange of viewpoints, there’s basically nothing to talk about in the third movement ”The Future Possibilities of the Tidal World,” but both monarchs still expressed some current attitudes.

Gentle breeze Uranos and Fragrant Growth Glamor both have concerns about the future situation of the Tidal World, though they differ slightly in personal emotions.

Gentle breeze Uranos, although worried, is also faintly expectant. As reflected in his praise for the first movement, he truly likes the brilliant civilization built by humans. Once the Tidal World is opened, not only will humans pour in, but he can also depart and witness broader and more glorious worlds.

On the other hand, Fragrant Growth Glamor is more heavily concerned with very little anticipation. However, Fragrant Growth Glamor belongs to the neutral peace faction; even though he worries, like gentle breeze Uranos, he doesn’t wish to contend with the formidable wizard civilization. And the intercommunication of the two worlds is an unbreakable trend, which means cooperating with Barbarian Cave is indeed the only choice.

Therefore, even though Fragrant Growth Glamor has some differing views from gentle breeze Uranos, he also agreed to meet Mr. Magu and negotiate with the visitors from Barbarian Cave in the future.

Upon confirming the monarchs’ thoughts, Angel felt much relieved. Most elemental creatures he encountered were simple-minded; although there were a few exceptions, they didn’t hinder his appreciation for elemental creatures. Solving problems without warfare is, of course, the best.

Next, they chatted about topics not mentioned in the drama Shadow Box, such as the distribution of human world camps, differences among wizards, and some vast planes outside the Wizards’ Realm.

After satisfying their curiosity, the conversation neared its end.

Fragrant Growth Glamor bid farewell to Angel and gentle breeze Uranos, prepared to leave.

Before leaving, Fragrant Growth Glamor left two golden apples, one for Angel and one for Toby, who had been staring at the golden apples all afternoon with drool everywhere.

The effect of the golden apples is similar to Jack’s magic beans from the beanstalk; both replenish natural energy, but the energy of golden apples is more abundant and higher-level. Most importantly, they are delicious.

Toby ate his golden apple in a few bites, then quietly turned his gaze towards Angel’s hand.

The golden apple isn’t much help to Angel, so seeing Toby likes it, he gave his share to Toby.

”This is just a golden apple grown from the seeds of my avatar. If you like them, you can come to Green Plains and taste the golden apples from my main body.” After extending an invitation, Fragrant Growth Glamor did not stay further and left Wind Island after saying goodbye to the others.

Now, only Angel and gentle breeze Uranos remain in the palace.

Angel finally had the chance to inquire gentle breeze Uranos about information related to Feng.

Gentle breeze Uranos knew quite a lot, especially concerning the details of Feng’s life, which he was very familiar with. However, this information wasn’t what Angel wanted to know; what he most wanted to understand was what scheme Feng left in the Tidal World and what treasure Feng supposedly left.