Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 2438: Chapter 2439: The Sound of Soul Homeland

After Polo Ye left, Kanter quietly constructed a Mind Ribbon, pulling Sanders into the ”group chat” as well.

As soon as the Mind Ribbon was connected, Sanders heard Nis saying, ”Shouldn’t we leave now?”

Everyone silently nodded.

The arrival of Polo Ye did bring them a great shock, but it wasn’t entirely without benefits.

The immense pressure stunned the sea beasts in the surrounding area, making it difficult for them to move, and even slowed the movement of No. 03. In other words, not only did it restrain No. 03’s actions, but it also delayed the maturation time of the fruit.

This allowed everyone not to be so tired of facing the threat of the Mysterious Fruit.

However, the comprehensive coverage of the pressure also restricted their use of the Plane Corridor to leave. Forcing the use of the Plane Corridor could very likely encounter a space collapse.

”Then let’s leave first and go to Reef Island.” Nis paused: ”I also told Ferro before to wait for us at Reef Island.”

Angel also nodded: ”Alright.”

Nausicaa was previously arranged by Nis to wait at Reef Island, and Cindy, who came to the Mist Belt with Ferro last time to complete tasks, was there as well. So, they had to visit Reef Island no matter what.

Furthermore, Reef Island’s location is already close to the edge of the Mist Belt, which should have left the pressure’s coverage area and allows the use of the Plane Corridor. Even if they don’t use the Plane Corridor, they can hide in the endless spatial gap if they encounter danger, which provides some guarantee for their safety.

Everyone agreed to Nis’s proposal.

Before leaving, Angel deeply bowed to the Observer and expressed sincere gratitude.

Don’t be fooled by the Observer’s apparent inaction; he actually had ”Twisted Law” constantly emitting from around him. With the help of the Twisted Domain, the later attraction of the fruit faced by them was significantly reduced. Moreover, Polo Ye’s pressure was also weakened by the Twisted Domain.

Although the Twisted Domain was released unconsciously by the Observer, considered a passive act, its effect was certainly not as strong as a proactive release, it still greatly assisted Angel and others.

Moreover, if not for the Observer, Polo Ye likely wouldn’t have let them go so easily earlier.

In any case, gratitude towards the Observer is undoubtedly necessary.

The Observer wasn’t concerned about gratitude, only calmly said, ”I know who you are, Angel, we will meet again.”

Angel was stunned for two seconds before coming to his senses, solemnly nodded: ”I will be waiting for your arrival in the Wilderness of Dreams.”

The Observer’s eyes paused for a moment. His so-called ”will meet again” wasn’t in the sense Angel understood, but rather he would meet Angel based on the value of the monocle after experiencing it, to make a compensatory exchange. Therefore, no matter what, he would definitely meet Angel again.

It seemed Angel misunderstood, thinking they would meet in the Wilderness of Dreams.

Wilderness of Dreams... can they meet at long distances?

Is this a space-type item that can connect over long distances?

The Observer was temporarily unclear about the principle, but he grew increasingly interested in the Wilderness of Dreams and the Mother Tree network mentioned by Angel.

The Observer did not explain to Angel that he had misunderstood, simply nodded lightly: ”Do what you should, whether leaving or staying, it’s all a choice.”

Only then did everyone together bow slightly and slowly moved away.

After leaving the Twisted Domain created by the Observer, the surrounding pressure immediately increased, and the distant attraction of the Mysterious Fruit was also on the rise. However, with Angel’s Domain Field, everything was still under control.

Angel took out the Gondola, and after pinpointing the direction, swiftly sliced through the stagnant air, heading into the distance.

The Observer looked at the distant Gondola and sighed softly.

Angel chose to leave, which was undoubtedly the right decision given the current danger.

However, danger also represents opportunity. The greater the danger, the greater the fortuitous chance.

The process of the Mysterious Fruit transitioning from semi-disordered to fully disordered is extremely rare even in the endless Pan-Dimensional Plane, even if Angel didn’t obtain the Mysterious Fruit, merely witnessing this scene from afar would greatly benefit Angel in his pursuit of mystical alchemy.

It’s a pity, timing was against him.

If Angel were slightly stronger, encountering this scene again, he might not flee like he did now but instead seize the chance for opportunity.

Yet, reality often doesn’t go as one wishes.

Opportunity is fleeting and rarely comes again.

For others, the Observer doesn’t feel regret, but Angel is the seed valued by Frost, who believes Angel can become a mysterious alchemist, hence why the Observer sighed for him.

...

On the other side, Angel was unaware of the Observer’s inner thoughts, as he was leaning on the ship’s rail, gazing towards the direction of the laboratory.

Unless an accident occurs, they will soon leave after picking up Nausicaa and the others.

Before leaving, Angel recalled his journey in the laboratory.

This laboratory trip was hurried and unplanned, but they gained quite a bit.

Among all, what excited Angel the most wasn’t the organs attached to Soul Arms, but the large number of books replicated on the fifth floor, especially the ”Dance of Metal” series journals. These were all knowledge; while broadening his scope, they also opened up perspectives and understanding of alchemy from other worlds.

It’s just a pity that there are several hunting sequences left in the laboratory. If they could be taken away together, it would be even better. They contained the logical essence of Otherworld alchemists.

Moreover, their timing of entry was quite right. No. 01 happened to be planning something big, the chase from Phantom Spirit City arrived, and even the Observer appeared. Compared to this, the entry of Angel and others into the laboratory was practically minuscule. In the future, when Lacey Association sends someone here to investigate, they’ll presumably not even notice their existence.

Even if they are discovered, there probably won’t be much consequence, as all rules were meticulously followed in the laboratory and very few things were taken. The various books and knowledge acquired by Angel were all replicated using Illusion Technique, not directly taken.

As for the organ of the Schiz juvenile, it was privately kept by No. 01 and not reported to Lacey Association; they do not know of its existence.

Therefore, even if someone from Lacey Association descends upon the Southern Domain, it’s hard to trouble them.

Moreover, this trip was justified: investigating live sacrifice.

If this gets exposed, Lacey Association would also find it difficult to handle. Members from the Extreme Sect would definitely bite them fiercely.

Angel considered all aspects that could have been overlooked, ensuring this laboratory trip wouldn’t bring them too much risk, then put his mind at ease.

Returning to his senses, Angel heard Ferro’s voice coming through the Mind Ribbon.

Ferro: ”By the way, what was that you mentioned earlier about Bo... something?”

Kanter: ”Polo Ye. It’s best not to call that name directly outside, but you can use Mind Ribbon.”

Ferro: ”I understand, Polo Ye. Did he head towards the laboratory for No. 01? So, this means No. 01 likely doesn’t stand a chance, right?”

Ferro’s voice carried a hint of regret. After hearing No. 01’s story, he felt a touch of sympathy. Although No. 01 was responsible for getting into such a situation, if Ferro were in No. 01’s place, he might also have acted against that peculiar creature.

With empathy comes bias, which is why Ferro felt slightly regretful.

”Polo Ye has already gone there, No. 01 shouldn’t have any chance.” Kanter said.

Ferro sighed: ”This is the lament of the small and powerless.”

Angel listened to the conversation within the Mind Ribbon but didn’t chime in. Taking a position is troublesome when truly empathetic. However, with Ferro’s final question, Angel pondered: Does No. 01 really have no chance at all?

Based on No. 01’s style in the letter, there are indeed signs of madness, but conceding fate... Angel didn’t see that.

Angel only thought for a moment and quickly dismissed it.

Time flowed bit by bit, and they had already left the central sea area of the Mist Belt, nearing Reef Island.

Everyone became more relaxed as the pressure almost vanished here.

Leaving the storm center, they rejoiced.

But, not quite, one person’s expression was peculiar.

Angel noticed Reynaud sitting at the stern on the top deck, his gaze slightly vacant, staring at the sky.

”Reynaud.” Angel called softly.

Reynaud started a bit, turned to look at Angel, with some confusion in his eyes: ”Sir, are you calling me?”

Angel nodded: ”I was going to ask your plans afterwards. Yet, you seem a bit off now. Did something happen?”

Reynaud shook his head: ”Nothing much, I just feel a bit strange, as if I hear the sound of tides.”

The sound of tides? Here in the Devil’s Sea, isn’t it normal to hear tides?

Everyone looked puzzled.

Reynaud: ”It’s not the real sound of seawater, but a kind of... auditory hallucination? Moreover, it doesn’t come from below, but surrounds me from all sides. You don’t hear it?”

Angel and Sanders exchanged a glance, both seeing confusion in each other’s eyes: ”No sound at all.”

”That’s strange, I hear it clearly.” Reynaud looked up at the sky: ”Also, I feel as though the tide sound is calling out to me, pulling me, my body feels light, as if ready to fly into... there.”

”Huh?” Reynaud’s reasoning seemed ridiculous, perplexing everyone further.

Suddenly, Reynaud’s voice grew louder: ”Can you hear it? Now it’s much louder, roaring beside my ear, and it seems to be pulling me...”

Watching Reynaud’s neurotic display, everyone wondered if he had stayed out of his physical body for too long and lost his mind.

At this time, Nis... sitting by the ship’s rail... suddenly spoke: ”If you wish to die, you can follow that calling sound.”

Everyone’s gaze simultaneously shifted to Nis.

Sanders curiously asked: ”You can hear the sound?”

Nis shook his head: ”I can’t either, but I know what Reynaud heard.”

Nis didn’t keep them in suspense, speaking without pause: ”It’s the sound of the Soul Homeland.”

When Nis mentioned ”the sound of the Soul Homeland,” Sanders and Kanter appeared suddenly enlightened, clearly having heard of the sound of the Soul Homeland.

Only Angel, lacking extensive experience, looked at Sanders with confusion.

Sanders: ”The sound of the Soul Homeland is a sign of the Quest World intersecting with the Material Realm, a summoning sound, advising lost souls that they are about to enter the Soul Homeland.”

Nis also added: ”All independently existing souls can hear this sound. I recall you possess Astral Projection, try leaving your soul behind and listen.”

Angel hesitated for a moment, using the secret technique of soul murmurs.

At the moment of soul separation, surely enough, he heard a wave of tidal sounds near his ears, also carrying a certain allure, tempting the soul to go toward someplace. Compared to the allure of the previous Mysterious Fruit, it was much weaker.

After Angel’s soul body returned, Sanders continued: ”Its emergence also implies that soon, the flowing light band from the Quest World will encircle the current world.”

Sanders’ statement suddenly reminded Angel of a question he had once asked Frode: How do souls ultimately get to the Quest World?

Since Frode wasn’t a Soul Witch, his answer was vague: The Quest World is generally known as a higher-dimensional presence or a flowing light band. When this light band aligns with the Southern Domain, souls in the Southern Domain might just turn a corner, walk through a passageway, and arrive at the Quest World.

However, predicting when this flowing light band will align with the Southern Domain is difficult to pinpoint accurately. Sometimes it’s quick, happening within days, sometimes slow, taking hundreds of years.

Angel: ”Wizard Nis, are you saying the Southern Domain Wizards’ Realm is about to align with the Quest World?”

Nis nodded: ”Indeed, it has been many, many years since the last alignment occurred. Unexpectedly, this alignment is happening today.”

Seeing Angel’s face turn solemn, Nis casually remarked: ”No need to worry, even if it truly aligns, the flowing light band circling the entire Southern Domain Wizards’ Realm will only bring benefits to the living, no harm. Otherwise, the World Will wouldn’t allow its appearance.”

”Even undead, as long as their attachment is strong, can willingly stay and not go to the Quest World. So, your undead underlings, including Frode, certainly won’t leave.”

”When the Quest World and Southern Domain align, the major impact is on those chaotic-minded undead. They lack thought, filled with negative energy in their soul bodies, unable to resist the light band’s allure. After the light band passes, many undead will enter the Quest World, which is actually a great thing, akin to purging worldly filth.”

Kanter then added: ”In fact, many people have been anticipating the day of alignment between the Quest World and the Southern Domain.”

Angel: ”Anticipating?”

Kanter nodded: ”Many ancient ruins actually harbor a large number of undead. Confronted with such ruins, many Official Wizards are reluctant to explore. Yet once the Quest World and Southern Domain align, at least half of the undead inside will be drawn by the light band, heading to the Quest World. Exploring the ruins then becomes much easier.”

”I estimate it won’t be long before a wave of ancient ruin exploration is sparked.”