Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 3198: Chapter 3199: Trading Favors

Algarong, similarly belonging to the Treasure Dragons. However, it, like the Mystic Book Dragon, is a rare dragon that mutated upon birth, and currently, it is the only one of its kind.

”De” is Algarong’s external alias, but it’s likely not its real name.

Algarong is a higher-level Metal Dragon, adept at manipulating metal, and because of this ability, it is naturally a skilled smith.

Sipolov’s gun was forged by Algarong.

”So, the favor from Sipolov was also provided by Algarong?” Angel asked in confusion.

Aor Shanzhuo nodded: ”Yes, it’s indeed Mr. De.”

Angel: ”Did Algarong mention what price must be paid to exchange for this favor?”

”Just a moment, let me take a look.” Aor Shanzhuo didn’t reply immediately, but reached out and touched the text on the Crystal Book Pages.

After a while, Aor Shanzhuo withdrew his hand and glanced at Laplace with a peculiar expression before saying to Angel: ”There are two methods, the first is exchanging favor for favor; as for the second...”

Aor Shanzhuo paused briefly before speaking: ”Mr. De hopes to invite someone with prophecy abilities, a Diviner, to perform a divination for him.”

After Aor Shanzhuo finished speaking, he secretly glanced at Laplace again.

At this moment, Angel also understood why Aor Shanzhuo’s expression was peculiar because the second method was practically tailored for Glaipnir.

Is there a better Diviner in the Daylight Mirror Domain than Glaipnir?

Angel didn’t know.

But previously, the Hundred-Dragon Divine Kingdom’s invitation to Glaipnir for divination already proved Glaipnir’s divination capabilities.

Estimating that, Algarong also left this message, likely hoping someone would seek out Glaipnir to perform the divination exchange.

And Aor Shanzhuo undoubtedly knew that Glaipnir is the temporal body of that existence.

Inviting Glaipnir for divination entrusted to others might not succeed; but if he has another temporal body ’Laplace’ perform the task, it’s bound to be successful.

In other words, this is a favor offered up to Angel.

Moreover, it could almost be considered free.

”You...” Aor Shanzhuo looked at Laplace, then at Angel: ”Do you want to exchange for this favor?”

Angel thought for a moment and asked: ”Can I ask what Algarong roughly wants to divine?”

From Aor Shanzhuo’s perspective, if Angel wanted to exchange the favor, he would surely find Glaipnir; but in Angel’s view, regarding prophecy, he could find someone on his own and might not necessarily need Glaipnir.

Aor Shanzhuo: ”Mr. De did not specify what specifically needs divining, but asked the Diviner to visit the Hundred-Dragon Divine Kingdom and discuss in detail with him.”

This request from Algarong is reasonable; many divinations certainly need to be discussed face-to-face, especially those confidential matters that shouldn’t be disclosed; but this demand blocks Angel from finding someone else.

If he were to find someone else, it would definitely be Dororo.

However, letting Dororo meet Algarong would be quite difficult.

Of course, it could be done if needed, but overall, it’s overly cumbersome and time-consuming. Instead of wasting time, it would be better to entrust Glaipnir.

Angel turned to look at Laplace, but before he could say anything, Laplace spoke first: ”It’s possible.”

”I’ve already asked Glaipnir, and she doesn’t mind making a trip to the Hundred-Dragon Divine Kingdom later.”

Angel didn’t say much more, merely replied softly: ”Then please offer my thanks to Glaipnir.”

Externally, Angel was very mindful of favors and debts; but internally, that is with close friends, he wouldn’t care so much, and mutual indebtedness is also a means to maintain friendship.

So, he was grateful to Laplace and Glaipnir and accepted their assistance with ease.

Angel’s conversation with Laplace naturally reached Aor Shanzhuo’s ears. Despite having some fear of Glaipnir, he still prioritized the transaction. After all, it was his master’s important command.

”Honorable guest, are you sure you want to exchange for Sipolov’s favor?” Aor Shanzhuo had proactively altered Angel’s title to esteemed guest.

Angel nodded: ”Yes.”

”Please wait a moment.” Aor Shanzhuo swiftly submerged into the Crystal Book, only to reemerge after a full half-minute.

And at this moment, Aor Shanzhuo held in his hand a golden scale the size of about two palm lengths.

From its aura, it seemed to be some sort of dragon scale. Mirror Dragon scales constitute good demonic material, but unfortunately, the transcendent traits on this scale had entirely dissipated, making it difficult to use in alchemy.

Aor Shanzhuo took out this scale because it had been transformed into a special ”document” carrying the contract.

Angel clearly sensed the contractual power hovering on the dragon scale.

Presumably, this should be the contract signed between Sipolov and Algarong.

Sure enough, Aor Shanzhuo soon confirmed Angel’s suspicion: ”This is the favor transfer contract signed by Sipolov. Apart from its contract function, it also serves as a communicator, capable of contacting the original owner of the scale, Mr. De.”

”However, the opportunity to contact them is limited to once.”

”Only if you’re certain about proceeding with the favor exchange will the contact be initiated. Otherwise, Mr. De might perceive it as provocation.”

Aor Shanzhuo, with a solemn expression, looked at Angel: ”So, I hope to receive your final confirmation. Do you wish to proceed with this exchange?”

Angel nodded without hesitation: ”Yes.”

Aor Shanzhuo also didn’t hesitate further, gently poking the dragon scale with fingers imbued with aggregation energy.

Immediately, the dragon scale burst into a strong light, and as the light gradually diminished, a silhouette akin to a holographic projection appeared above the dragon scale.

”Is that Aor Shanzhuo?” The mentally expressed information echoed through the spacious hall.

”Yes, Mr. De.” Aor Shanzhuo immediately bowed his head, reverently speaking to the silhouette.

”You seem to be having a gathering there, and this scale corresponds to Sipolov’s favor?” The mental information was transmitted again, ”Is someone intending to exchange for Sipolov’s favor?”

”Correct, these two guests have chosen Sipolov’s favor.” Aor Shanzhuo nodded, and then he shifted aside to reveal Angel and Laplace.

Aor Shanzhuo intentionally mentioned ”two guests,” clearly doubting Angel’s ability to provide the requisite cost.

Laplace was the focal point.

Algarong was unaware of the situation here and instinctively raised its gaze to examine the ”two guests.”

While Algarong observed them, Angel was also evaluating this ”Mr. De.”

Let’s start with appearance.

Angel originally thought, upon connecting with Algarong, he would see Algarong’s form, but that wasn’t the case.

The light silhouette above the scale merely manifested an eyeball.

The eye was tremendously large, with the silhouette exceeding four meters in height, and the color was pure gold without any other hue.

From the eye alone, it was impossible to infer Algarong’s form or ascertain its emotions.

The information obtained about the shape is minimal, but a lot is gained on the spiritual level.

Because the entire communication was conducted spiritually, one could more clearly perceive the grandeur of the other party’s spirit, and the density of the information flow was very condensed, particularly during remote observation, where the density almost formed into clouds. This alone was enough to prove the opponent’s strength.

However, such high-density spiritual information is not something a worn dragon scale can continuously bear.

According to Angel’s estimate, the ”contact” function attached to this dragon scale would be useless in less than a minute.

Angel had previously wondered, since remote communication is possible, why must the Diviner personally go to the Hundred-Dragon Divine Kingdom? Now he understands... A single scale definitely isn’t enough for communication. And the fallen dragon scales are limited, can’t possibly ask Alga to pull them from its body.

Therefore, it’s better to meet directly.

”Oh? It’s you...” The magnificent flow of spiritual information suddenly transmitted a special signal.

However, this signal was not aimed at Angel, but rather at Laplace.

Clearly, yet another Mirror Dragon recognized Laplace’s identity.

Laplace said calmly: ”I’ve heard of you but never met you. Glaipnir knows you... I’ll take on this favor and have Glaipnir meet you.”

Though Laplace said she hadn’t met Alga, Angel was sure that this Alga was probably another big shot.

Those who can directly recognize Laplace, even within the Hundred-Dragon Divine Kingdom, are known only to the top tier.

Alga’s pupils slightly contracted, then slowly released a stream of information, this time directly to Aor Shanzhuo: ”I agree, hand over the contract dragon scale to them.”

Aor Shanzhuo: ”Do they need to sign a new contract?”

Alga: ”No need, she won’t go back on her word.”

Alga doesn’t understand Laplace’s character, but it knows Glaipnir’s nature. As a Temporal Body, Glaipnir surely knows about the situation here, and once Glaipnir knows, she will certainly come, so no contract is needed.

Alga’s judgment is correct.

But like Kukurus, it made a mistake; it recognized Laplace but mistook her for a Temporal Body.

If it knew Laplace was the main body avatar, forget the contract, it would probably fly straight to the Crystal City. After all, an avatar and a Temporal Body significantly differ.

The actions of a Temporal Body may not necessarily represent the main body’s thoughts; however, the avatar of the main body indeed represents its will.

Although mistaken, Alga still made a correct choice.

After explaining, the light in its pupils slowly faded away mid-air.

Once the light completely disappeared, Aor Shanzhuo gently held up the scale and handed it to Angel: ”Guest, this records Sipolov’s favor transfer contract. As long as the guest holds this contract and is within the same large space as Sipolov, it can lock onto Sipolov’s position...”

Aor Shanzhuo detailed the contract usage process.

Using it is simple; just directly locate Sipolov through the contract, then present the scale and make requests.

As long as it doesn’t violate the few rules Sipolov has set, he must ”repay” the favor, agreeing to Angel’s requests.

Taking the scale, Angel instinctively sensed it.

To his surprise, he actually felt some location information about Sipolov, though not clearly.

The reason for the lack of clarity is that they are currently not at the Encirclement Gathering but inside the Hundred-Dragon Divine Kingdom outpost, with a spatial layer obscuring the direction.

Once leaving the outpost, Sipolov’s location should be confirmed.

This also means Sipolov attended the gathering this time, which is also good news for Angel.

It avoids a search.

After storing the favor-representing dragon scale, Angel continued to look at the pages of the Crystal Book.

Most of the latter still contains favors, such as the ”Glory Giant ’Nindakra’s favor,” ”Phantom Leopard ’Nahuat’s favor,” ”Crystal Elder ’Yota’s favor,”...etc. Angel glanced at them, recognizing almost none; the only possibly useful one is ’Yota’s favor, as he’s an Elder of the Crystal Eye Clan.

This gathering is hosted by the Crystal Eye Clan, so this favor can be considered somewhat useful. But Angel hadn’t planned to exchange this favor, seeing no necessity.

When Angel was about to skip past the ”favors” section to look at other items, Laplace suddenly spoke: ”For this, what cost is required?”

As soon as Laplace spoke, Kunthla, Aor Shanzhuo, and Angel all directed their gaze to where Laplace pointed.

”The favor of Pixi the Thrifty.”

Pixi? Does he have something special? Why would Laplace inquire about this favor?

Angel continued reading and did not learn Pixi’s identity, but the process of owing this favor differed from others.

”Pixi used a favor to repay a life-saving grace.”

Others actively sought out Mirror Dragons to trade favors for something; Pixi was saved by a Mirror Dragon, unable to provide anything as repayment, thus trading a favor.

Listening to this, Pixi doesn’t seem to be anything significant?

While pondering, Aor Shanzhuo remarked with a somewhat strange expression: ”This favor... only costs ten thousand Crystalline to obtain.”

”Crystalline?!” Angel was stunned; Mirror Dragons also accept Crystalline?

Previously, the cost of other favors wasn’t something ordinary people could produce, yet now Crystalline suddenly appeared as an exchange method, which surprised Angel.

However, after Aor Shanzhuo recounted Pixi’s story, Angel immediately understood.

Pixi is a Pirush.

His personality among Pirush isn’t too malevolent, perhaps due to being former assistant to Duke Pishu?

Although his personality isn’t considered malevolent, he does have a trait many people find annoying: he is stingy, extremely thrifty.

This isn’t a major flaw per se, but he happens to be the official managing the economy at Pipi Castle, which angers many merchants dealing with Pirush.

Thus, earning the nickname ”Pixi the Thrifty.”

However, the disaster that befell Pixi had nothing to do with his thriftiness, it was purely due to poor luck.

Once, during a resource survey in a certain Mirror Space, it happened to shatter, entering a Mirror Collapse state. As a Pirush with low power and few life-saving tools, he narrowly escaped death during the Mirror Collapse crisis.

Eventually, he was saved by a Mirror Dragon cub traveling with its parents.

And it was then that the favor contract was signed.

The original price of this favor was a hundred thousand Crystalline, considering Pixi’s status. But Pirush aren’t well-liked, and Pixi’s frugality means that even if traded for a favor, there isn’t necessarily profit.

This resulted in the favor being stockpiled for hundreds of years, with no one willing to exchange for it.

To clear inventory, the favor was heavily discounted, now requiring only ten thousand Crystalline to obtain it.

Yet... still, no one exchanges for it.

Until today, Laplace spoke up.