Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 2627: Chapter 2628: Inspiration Sublimation

As everyone followed the newly reappeared Angel across the square, their expressions were somewhat dazed.

Especially when they passed by the ”Pyramid” constructed by the Ghosteye Witch, looking at its high and mighty appearance, which, despite having already performed a Shadow Transformation, was still striking poses, they felt even more bewildered and absurd.

”You...” Dox hesitated for a moment but couldn’t help asking, ”How did you do it?”

”Are you sure you want to know now? The exit is just ahead,” Angel hinted.

Dox and his inspiration were still in a game of gambling, and only when they smoothly reached the exit would the final conclusion be made.

And they were not far from that exit now.

After hearing Angel’s words, Dox was dumbfounded for a few seconds, then murmured softly, ”Indeed, the observers are always the clearest.”

”Even those involved are not necessarily confused,” Angel replied casually. It wasn’t flattery; Dox indeed regained clarity quicker than Angel had expected, so much so that Angel didn’t even know when Dox became clear. If not for Black Earl’s subtle hints, Angel would have thought Dox was being led by inspiration all along.

It’s undeniable that Angel underestimated Dox at first. Or rather, he relied on the Witcher Organization as a backing, looking down on Dox with a superior attitude, thinking he could scrutinize everything. In reality, the one being fooled by their own hubris was himself.

No wonder, previously, Black Earl frequently mentioned the headquarters of the Wandering Wizards, suggesting Angel could visit the Cross Headquarters if he had time. This was no longer a hint but a clear indication.

The Wandering Wizards have their weaknesses, but they are not entirely inferior to Witcher Organizations or Wizard Families; they must have their advantages. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be so many fake Wandering Wizards mingling at the Cross Headquarters.

Dox smiled, ”Alright, I won’t ask about anything else for now, but there is one question I must ask.”

At this moment, Dox’s expression turned serious, ”I want to know, is there truly a hidden threat on that special Ghosteye Witch?”

Undoubtedly, Dox needed a definitive answer for the final evidence in his game with inspiration.

”Yes,” Angel affirmed, ”There is a transcendent object on it, a product of Enchantment Alchemy, exceptionally exquisite. I didn’t look closely, but from the limited details, I can infer that this alchemy tool has the function of manipulating the mind and transmitting sound over distance. The former is crucial, while the latter is just a minor technique added by the refiner.”

”You should be able to guess, although the former is critical, what could truly pose a future threat to us is that minor added technique.”

Dox pondered, ”The transmission, to whom would it be sent?”

Angel said, ”In this place, there aren’t many targets for transmission.”

Dox looked at Angel and nodded solemnly, ”I understand, thanks, this information is important to me.”

Angel nodded nonchalantly. If Dox could conquer his own inspiration, it would be a joyous event for them, so Angel didn’t mind helping Dox complete this last piece of the puzzle.

As they got closer to the exit of this office area, Dox became increasingly silent.

Outwardly, he seemed fine, but without doubt, inside his mind, in his spirit, in his Mind Space, he was making his final declaration with his inspiration.

Yes, a declaration, rather than a final gamble. After all, inspiration isn’t Dox’s enemy. To put it bluntly, the inspiration’s previous misguidance was actually Dox’s subconscious at work.

Playing a game with one’s own subconscious is both interesting and challenging. The game had ended the moment Angel returned, and what was left was no longer a fierce confrontation but a reconciliation with oneself.

Because Dox had already entered the final stage, Black Earl proactively canceled the Mind Ribbon connected to Dox and then used the Mind Ribbon to tell the others, ”Do not disturb him before he awakes.”

”I understand,” Kaier and Vay nodded in agreement. Previously, they had vaguely sensed something, and after hearing Angel and Dox’s conversation, although it wasn’t spelled out, with their understanding of Dox, they essentially knew Dox’s current state.

”Sir, do you think Dox will succeed?” Vay walked up to Angel and asked through the Mind Ribbon.

Angel didn’t answer, but instead glanced at Black Earl.

Then Black Earl’s exclusive ”private chat” channel opened, ”Vay, that kid, for some reason, suddenly started idolizing you. What a useless guy, wasted all these years following me!”

Even though the Mind Ribbon couldn’t directly transmit sound, Angel could still feel Black Earl’s annoyance from the fluctuating flow of information in the private chat channel.

It’s understandable... Vay’s question was clearly something he could ask Black Earl about, yet he chose to ask Angel, which put Black Earl on the spot.

But does Vay really idolize him? Angel was puzzled; he hadn’t done anything worthy of admiration, had he?

Or is it that Vay isn’t really idolizing him but rather wants to use him to challenge Black Earl?

The reason Angel entertained this thought was because Dox once mentioned Black Earl’s avatar ”conspiracy theory”; perhaps Vay was also a proponent of this theory, respecting his own lord yet feeling wary, staying at Mesomyia without going out, becoming a full-fledged homebody.

However, even homebodies have their little schemes. Vay wanting to challenge Black Earl through Angel seemed quite normal in his mind.

Angel personally leaned toward the idea that Vay wasn’t really idolizing him.

After all, Angel himself was also someone who enjoyed ”conspiracy theories.”

”Why be angry, sir? Perhaps it’s because they’re too close that asking is awkward,” Angel replied.

Black Earl said, ”I know exactly what’s going on in his mind.”

After a pause, Black Earl added, ”I know exactly which direction your mind will guess too.”

Angel: ”...”

Black Earl snorted coldly, ”I just disdain to explain. He really should think, if it weren’t for me, he’d have died countless times by now. If I truly wanted to harm him, would I agree to let him stay in Mesomyia?”

”As for you, don’t overthink it, this fool really does idolize you out of nowhere.”

At this moment, Angel was full of questions. Does Vay genuinely idolize him? What had he done to earn Vay’s admiration?

”Your avatar has always been spread among various descendants; it’s not simply for protection, is it?” Since Black Earl had brought up this topic, Angel was curious about the conspiracy theories circulating outside.

But Black Earl didn’t answer directly, only saying meaningfully, ”To gain something, one must give something; that’s the way of the world.”

Although Black Earl didn’t say much, Angel understood that: Black Earl protected his descendants and continuously imparted various knowledge, even considering the ”family affection” variable, the output far exceeded the gains. So, he must get something from his descendants.

But what that might be, Angel did not know.

So, conspiracy theories aren’t entirely incorrect. Black Earl clearly has a planned scheme.

Vay inherited the Death Sense, and Black Earl follows him with his nose; if others inherited a corresponding talent, Black Earl would follow them with a corresponding part, so there’s surely some relationship to this.

Perhaps Black Earl is cultivating something using this method. However, Black Earl’s firm statement before, ”I have never harmed Vay,” should also be true.

It’s just unknown what exactly Black Earl is up to and how he’s managing this balance.

Angel also didn’t pursue the question because the Black Earl’s cryptic remark just now actually served as a warning to Angel that he’d stepped over the line.

If he truly wanted to know the answer, Angel could directly ask Lord Rhein.

Given the relationship between Lord Rhein and the Black Earl, he likely knows something about this affair. With Angel’s current standing in Rhein’s heart, unless there was a prior vow, Rhein probably wouldn’t refuse Angel’s inquiry about such gossip.

”What you said is very true; it is indeed a very correct reasoning.” Angel casually praised and then fell silent.

The Black Earl didn’t dwell further on it, instead saying, ”That damn fellow is still waiting for your answer. Are you really going to stay silent?”

Angel: ”I’m afraid if I answer, it would be disrespectful to Lord Black Earl.”

The Black Earl sneered: ”No worries, I permit you to answer. I’m curious to see what you can come up with.”

Angel, still calm and collected, replied, ”Then I’ll say it.”

”Speak directly.”

Hearing the straightforward answer from the Black Earl, Angel couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly and quickly adjusted his demeanor, pretending to be deep in thought about Vay’s question.

After pondering for a few seconds, Angel slowly said, ”Regarding your question...”

Vay’s eyes lit up, staring at Angel, his entire expression filled with anticipation.

”Ahem, I don’t know the answer either.” In the next moment, Angel shrugged, letting out a breath that dissipated.

Black Earl: ”...” That’s your answer?

Vay: ”...” Was that all my idol could come up with after thinking for so long?

Angel, with a mischievous grin, patted Vay’s shoulder: ”You have to remember, I’m not a Prophet Wizard, nor do I have Dox’s powerful inspiration. How could I know if he will ultimately succeed?”

”However, he’s already taken ninety-nine steps, just one final leap left. But this final step is fraught with risks and uncertainties. Think about it yourself, when you’re practicing tricks, doing experiments, or completing family tasks, aren’t you often stuck at the last step?”

Vay recalled, and it seemed indeed to be the case.

”So, the probability is fifty-fifty. Either success or failure.”

Vay nodded unconsciously, agreeing with Angel’s perspective.

But the Black Earl was not amused: ”And how is this different from saying nothing?”

Angel: ”Of course there’s a difference. At least I explained why I don’t know, and provided the standard, unquestionable answer.”

”Right, Vay?” Angel turned to look at Vay.

Vay was still in a daze, instinctively agreeing to Angel’s statement: ”Yes. The mentor’s words are always right.”

Angel turned back to the Black Earl: ”See, Vay is quite satisfied with my answer.”

Black Earl: ”Now there are two damn fools.”

Angel: ”I told you earlier why you didn’t consider Dox. He should’ve been hogging that position all along.”

Seeing the enigmatic smile at the corner of Angel’s mouth, the Black Earl couldn’t help but feel a swell of frustration, unsure where to vent it.

”You’re starting to resemble your bratty mentor now.” The Black Earl almost spat these words out through clenched teeth.

”I’ll take that as a compliment.” Angel responded indifferently.

Utterly defeated, the Black Earl turned away, ignoring everyone.

...

Without interference from the Ghosteye Witch, they quickly crossed the plaza, where the direction of Gemini Towers could be seen from afar. However, they didn’t need to go to Gemini Towers; as long as they walked this last narrow path, they would reach the entrance deep inside.

While walking the narrow path, the group slowed down.

It wasn’t because of danger, but because Dox had slowed down his pace, forcing everyone to match his speed.

Fortunately, there wasn’t any danger in the narrow path, nor were there many Ghosteye Witches spotted.

The likely reason might be that the entrance is quite close, with the stench of the sewer already wafting towards them. Though not as sensitive as the Black Earl’s nose, Ghosteye Witches also dislike staying in smelly places.

Perhaps the reason the posing Ghosteye Witch was able to gather so many ”fans” was due to a pleasant scent it carried.

Luckily, Angel layered several Purifying Fields, preventing the stench from permeating, otherwise, considering the Black Earl’s bad temper, he wouldn’t endure Dox’s turtle-paced walk at all.

Following Dox’s turtle speed progression, they slowly trudged forward.

When nearly twenty minutes had passed, Angel initially felt a bit guilty for spending time fetching something useless; now, that guilt was beginning to fade away.

Because he’d only spent about ten minutes, yet Dox had taken twice as long just to walk this narrow path.

Everyone was wasting the group’s time, so seeing Dox waste more made Angel feel naturally better.

Although this is a comparison of the worst, not a good behavior, Angel personally believes his feelings matter more than whether the action was good or bad.

Besides, all these thoughts occurred in his own mind, having not been voiced to anyone else. Whether he compares positively or negatively remains his own business, not affecting others’ perspectives.

Finally, after nearly half an hour, they emerged from the narrow path to find themselves before one of the two labyrinth channels in the entire working area.

Although they knew that just ahead lay the path to the Hanging Jail Stairway, standing at this channel and sensing the gust of sewer air blowing towards them, everyone looked somewhat sour.

The reason why they appeared pale, sweating cold under the Purifying Field was quite simple—

”Lord, is the path to the Hanging Jail Stairway really inside the sewer?” Vay, inheriting the Black Earl’s olfactory legacy, naturally disliked the stench, so he was the one to speak. His question was the reason everyone’s expressions were grim.

Indeed, the area was so smelly that saying it was directly within the sewer wouldn’t be inaccurate.

Do they really have to search within the sewer for the path to the Hanging Jail Stairway?