Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 2738: Chapter 2739: Confrontation and Concession

”The victor takes the spoils, that’s a rule even the Honorable Judge acknowledges. What right do you have to demand them?” Vay chimed in.

Since the one voicing opposition on the other side was Fenmo, it would indeed be unbecoming for their side to have Wizards argue; thus, Vay eagerly stepped up to become the forefront of the mouth battle.

Of course, Vay wasn’t considering this at all. He stepped forward merely to defend his idol.

”Furthermore, life’s uncertainties are commonplace on the arena. The lord could have directly killed Grey Merchant, but chose to spare him, merely taking one item as a spoil. You don’t express gratitude and instead dare to steal?”

”The Sunlight Sanctuary you previously enjoyed also belonged to the lord, who graciously permitted your use. Yet after benefiting, you now turn your back?”

”Additionally, we initially suggested to the lord to destroy the Underground Church’s Magical Energy Array, but the lord not only preserved it but also left clues for your benefit. Just to caution against haphazard modifications leading you into spatial rifts. Yet now, you show no appreciation and bite back at the lord? I’ve never seen such shameless people as you!”

Vay didn’t give the opposition a chance to speak, unleashing a barrage of sharp criticism.

While Vay cursed, he also disclosed some information.

This caused Dox nearby to sigh, holding his forehead.

Fortunately, the information wasn’t critical, at most it let the other side deduce that Angel understood Magical Energy Arrays and could be a White Wizard. Beyond that, it was trivial...

In connection with the Illusion Technique used in the arena, others might link it to Angel. However, external impressions of Angel, or stereotypes, primarily view him as an Alchemy Master. As for combat prowess... A Wizard training for less than ten years, focusing on Alchemy, and also excelling elsewhere? How impossible!

So, Angel’s identity should remain concealed.

Vay’s barrage of words momentarily left Fenmo speechless.

In terms of ”emotion,” they bore no love or hatred, yet consistently showed goodwill along the way. — Most importantly, they were strong Wizards who didn’t exert force but acted courteously, which is incredibly rare.

In terms of ”logic,” they violated no arena rules. Plus, the spoils acquired were limited, and they refrained from touching Spatial Equipment, showing significant restraint.

Therefore, whether emotionally or logically, they hadn’t erred in any respect. This left Fenmo, who typically resorts to unreasonable assaults, unable to retort.

Unable to find grounds for rebuttal, Fenmo nearly bit through their teeth.

Thankfully, at this moment, Grey Merchant awoke and stepped into the center of the confrontation.

Grey Merchant naturally heard Vay’s series of well-reasoned rebuttals. His initial indignation at having been tricked by the opponent’s Illusions dissipated.

Vay’s words largely affirmed White Merchant’s speculation that their initial interaction with the Merchant Organization held no malice. It even began with goodwill.

Moreover, Vay was correct. Whether it’s Dox or the self-proclaimed Earl Mi Wizard, they had opportunities to kill, but chose restraint.

In comparison to the opponent’s actions, their own side appeared unreasonable.

Considering this, as Grey Merchant appeared, he first approached Fenmo, gently tapping her, sealing her mouth with a layer of crystal. Clearly, Grey Merchant was warning Fenmo not to speak impulsively.

Afterward, Grey Merchant signaled other apprentices to remain silent and approached the Wicked Woman.

”This time, we acted abruptly. On behalf of the Wicked Woman, I apologize to you all.” Grey Merchant bowed slightly, ”I’ll prepare a small gift in hopes you forgive our impetuosity.”

Dox and others reacted generally to these words, while Grey Merchant’s side saw Fenmo bouncing nonstop, eager to express something. Moreover, the Wicked Woman addressed Grey Merchant with a gloomy voice: ”Are you aiming to hurt our feelings?”

To the Wicked Woman, they seemed to consider Grey Merchant’s intent but ended up being forced by him to apologize and offer reparations. Wasn’t this hurting their intentions?

Grey Merchant looked at the Wicked Woman imprisoned in the Twisted Birdcage, softly speaking: ”White Merchant once said, achieving a goal has more than one method; resorting to violence is always the worst choice.”

The Wicked Woman sneered: ”You once scoffed at White Merchant’s words.”

Grey Merchant: ”I understand now why I was disdainful of those words back then. But I also believe that during those times, deep down, I agreed with those words.”

The Wicked Woman glanced coldly but didn’t delve into the topic. She could cite examples from Grey Merchant’s past, yet ultimately, Grey Merchant understands himself best.

Wicked Woman: ”Hmph, and how do you plan to resolve this? That’s your object, indispensable to you after all.”

Grey Merchant calmly replied: ”I’ll attempt to negotiate. If negotiations fail... so be it.”

Grey Merchant turned, directly addressing the Wicked Woman: ”Nothing is indispensable. I remain myself. The past me found a way with past methods; undoubtedly, the present me can forge new paths.”

Grey Merchant spoke freely, but the Wicked Woman was aware that outsiders could never understand the difficulty.

The fateful journeys, experiencing near-sure demise shaped the ruthless Grey Merchant. Such experiences now lie locked within that broken Mirror.

Without such experiences, Grey Merchant might not have become who he is.

”Looks like we wasted our care.” The Wicked Woman huffed coldly, turned her head, and no longer looked at Grey Merchant.

Grey Merchant paused, studying her for two seconds, before turning away with a slight sigh.

He understood the Wicked Woman’s thoughts and knew the grit involved in forging paths anew. Yet circumstances outweighed personal power.

Grey Merchant’s concession was partly influenced by Vay’s words, but largely prompted by the Wicked Woman’s sight.

Or seeing the Black and twisted Earth and Stone Birdcage confining her.

Grey Merchant chose to stand next to her intentionally. Initially baffled by why the uninjured Wicked Woman remained passive, he sensed the terrifying pressure upon nearing her.

This, at least, was True Knowledge Level pressure!

An embedded nose on a stone plate possessing True Knowledge Wizard tier abilities?

This was only a single organ, yet harbored such immense energy?!

With the Birdcage’s evident Earth-based capabilities,

Piecing these details together, Grey Merchant deduced their opposition’s true identity.

The Black Earl! Definitely the Black Earl!

Apart from the Black Earl, there’s undoubtedly a Noah descendant among them! An organ accompanying a descendant, a trademark of the Noah Clan!

Who is the Black Earl? Much like Monty, he stands atop the Southern Domain Wizard World’s pyramid as a super Wizard!

With just a step further, the Black Earl could enter the legendary forest.

A character of such stature, even merely an organ, has reached True Knowledge tier. Grey Merchant asks himself, what could they possibly use to compare?

```

Earlier, they speculated about the Black Earl’s identity, but that was just speculation; now it’s confirmed without a doubt.

Even if the Gray Merchant doesn’t care about ”Earl Mi’s” goodwill, he must consider the Black Earl’s mood. Because of this, the Gray Merchant understands that if he were to conflict like a shrew at this moment, it would be disastrous only for himself.

He has only lost a memory for now, without other losses. But if the confrontation continues, he could lose much more, and it might cost all their lives.

The Gray Merchant, who has lost his memory, is gentle and elegant. The Gray Merchant, who hasn’t lost his memory, is cold and ruthless. But no matter which Gray Merchant it is, in this situation, both would choose to recognize the times.

So, the Gray Merchant’s concession is not what the shrew calls ”misplaced trust,” but rather a... reconciliation.

...

The Gray Merchant apologized courteously, and also said there would be compensation. This made Dox, who initially wore a stern expression, start to ease up. Even though the shrew had differing opinions from the Gray Merchant, the Gray Merchant was the person in charge, so as long as the shrew’s dissent couldn’t sway him, Gray Merchant’s expression would be the standard.

After Dox’s expression eased, the Gray Merchant respectfully bowed to the Black Earl, though he didn’t say anything or mention the Black Earl’s name, which could be considered a show of tact.

Finally, the Gray Merchant’s gaze turned to Angel.

The Gray Merchant first congratulated Angel on his victory, using a self-deprecating tone to say that he was still unqualified and needed to try harder.

After finishing various compliments and praises, the Gray Merchant got to the main point.

”Mr. Earl Mi, I assume you heard the conversation between me and the shrew earlier. I wonder if I could trade with you to get back the fragment taken by you.”

After a pause, the Gray Merchant quickly added, ”Of course, if you’re also interested in the fragment, I won’t take away what you love.”

The Gray Merchant’s attitude made the members of the Merchant Organization uncomfortable and smoldering, but Dox’s group was much more at ease. So when the Gray Merchant openly asked Angel, Dox’s side didn’t speak up to stop him.

Furthermore, they indeed wanted to know why the Wise Sovereign clearly indicated Angel shouldn’t take it, yet Angel insisted on taking it. What exactly was it?

They made space for Dox and Angel.

Faced with the Gray Merchant’s inquiry, Angel didn’t respond immediately but first severed the fusion with Earl Mi.

Earl Mi was still in the state of the Gemstone Giant, and when it withdrew its form, gems of different colors emitted dazzling glows, like a flowing rainbow.

After a visibly apparent energy separation, Earl Mi turned into a black shadow, nodded to Angel, shook its blue lantern flower on its head, and slowly drilled into the underground, merging with Angel’s shadow.

Only now did everyone see Angel’s appearance.

Almost identical to before the duel, even the tuft of hair sticking up hadn’t changed, the only change was probably an extra ”trophy” wrapped in leather in his hand.

”A demon from the Panic Realm?” It was the Gray Merchant speaking, looking at Angel with surprised eyes.

Previously, he hadn’t seen Earl Mi’s true form, always thinking the transformations into a Shadow Giant and Gemstone Giant were a talent or ability. It wasn’t until Angel separated from Earl Mi that he realized Earl Mi was a separate existence.

Considering the various abilities of Earl Mi and the clear features of its true form, he almost immediately thought of an extremely dangerous transcendent group — the Demon People — marked as very distant from the Wizards’ Realm.

Upon hearing the Gray Merchant’s question, Angel said nothing, but Dox glanced at the Gray Merchant: ”Your eyesight is still a bit lacking.”

The meaning was, the Gray Merchant should have recognized Earl Mi as a Demon People long ago. The duel was over before he realized the identity.

However, just after Dox spoke, Vay quietly undermined him: ”You didn’t recognize it earlier either.”

Dox pretended not to hear, after all, it was in front of outsiders, being chastised by an apprentice while needing to maintain face.

But the Gray Merchant, who heard Vay’s mutter, remained silent outwardly, but internally had basically confirmed Vay’s identity. Daring to speak so disrespectfully to an Official Wizard, it was pretty much certain he was a descendant of the Noah Clan. Relying on the Black Earl behind him, Vay dared to behave so recklessly.

The Gray Merchant’s conclusion was correct, but the reasoning process was wrong. Even without the Black Earl present, Vay would have the same attitude towards Dox.

With the Black Earl here and the Noah descendant matching up, they figured out which family the Mirror Bearer was targeting.

However, the Gray Merchant still had one question remaining: who exactly is this ”Earl Mi” capable of controlling the Demon People?

Does the Noah Family have such a person?

The Gray Merchant’s question was soon cast aside, not because he received an answer, but because Angel finally spoke, mentioning the shattered mirror fragment.

Angel picked up the leather, weighing it in his hand: ”You want to trade with me just for the fragment inside here?”

The Gray Merchant nodded vigorously: ”Yes.”

The item had already been taken by Angel, and the shrew was suppressed in the birdcage; saying he didn’t care was already impossible. Now, the only possible way to retrieve it was to show importance and express sincerity.

”Mr. Earl Mi can freely name a price, and I will do my utmost to meet your requirements.” The Gray Merchant finished speaking and solemnly bowed.

Angel did not have much feeling for the Gray Merchant’s series of statements.

He still didn’t understand why the Gray Merchant would be interested in the fragment given by Adanis. Wasn’t it just a medium provided by Adanis for the purpose of monitoring them?

While Angel was pondering, Dox drew closer.

Most likely because he already owed Angel too much and couldn’t repay, he wasn’t afraid to owe more, so when everyone else was puzzled and dared not ask, Dox approached and signaled with his eyes: What’s the treasure inside?

Angel glanced at Dox and didn’t answer but directly opened the leather in front of him.

Since the item was concealed by the leather, the crowd hadn’t dared to probe energy-wise to discern it, so they didn’t know what was inside. Not until Angel opened the leather did the crowd realize.

True to Angel and the Gray Merchant’s discussion, a ”fragment” was indeed a ”fragment.”

The object lying in Angel’s hand was precisely a piece of a shattered mirror.

At first glance, there was nothing unusual about it, neither energy fluctuation nor lustrous appearance.

Just a very old, even somewhat blurred mirror fragment.

Yet, both Angel and the Gray Merchant wanted this item? Furthermore, the Wise Sovereign didn’t want Angel to get it?

Before venturing into the Underground Aqueduct, they might have been completely clueless about this. But after arriving, seeing the fragment, a vague hypothesis arose in their hearts.

Most likely, this fragment was related to ”that one,” given the mirror aspect.

Nevertheless, even if it really is related to that one, what value does this fragment hold that makes both Angel and the Gray Merchant value it so?