Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 2633: Chapter 2634: Trust

Angel ultimately did not understand the meaning behind the vine’s fluctuations.

The only thing that was clear was that the vine showed a friendly demeanor toward him as the ”Wood Spirit.” However, it clearly exhibited rejection toward the people behind Angel.

If Angel, the ”Wood Spirit,” wasn’t standing at the forefront, perhaps the vine might have already started attacking them.

Angel attempted to express a friendly attitude, continuously manipulating the power of nature to show their desire to pass through.

The emotions conveyed by the vine were complex, seemingly puzzled as to why Angel would associate with humans.

Upon understanding this emotion, Angel couldn’t help but feel confused. If he could materialize it, his head would certainly have a series of question marks.

The reason Angel felt confused was that the vine seemed to think that ”Spirits” should not be with humans?

Spirits are extremely complex life forms, born out of chance and coincidence, as well as time and place. But one core aspect that cannot be disputed is that the birth of spirits is closely linked to humans...or rather, intelligent life.

And spirits born in the Southern Domain Wizard World are basically related to humans.

For this reason, most of the spirits here have a natural affinity with humans.

But the vine seemed unaware of this, firmly believing that the pure Wood Spirit should not be with the filthy humans.

Where did this concept come from in the vine’s shallow mind?

Could it be related to the Wood Spirit they are searching for?

Angel’s mind couldn’t help but start fantasizing about a story—

The Wood Spirit, as described by Monty, was a very timid oddity. The moment it was born, it was lonely and faced a large number of ferocious and terrifying Ghosteye Witches. So it pretended to be dead for countless years, finally finding an opportunity to escape to the Hanging Jail Stairway.

Monty casually mentioned the Wood Spirit’s predicament and destination in one sentence.

However, there should be more to it than that.

For example, how did the Wood Spirit arrive at the Hanging Jail Stairway?

It can be somewhat understood why the Wood Spirit ran in the direction of the stinky ditch. Because in the area filled with Ghosteye Witches, there are only two paths: one is the entrance they came through, and the other leads to the stinky ditch.

It really just comes down to a choice between two options.

As for whether the Wood Spirit couldn’t smell the stench and whether it should have gone to another exit, Angel couldn’t explain that either. But he guessed that the Wood Spirit might have been closer to the stinky ditch at the time. A coward finds an opportunity to escape, and of course, goes to the nearest place; whether it’s smelly or not is less important, especially for something that has pretended to be dead for years and been permeated by the stench.

Falling into the stinky ditch can be understood, but how did the Wood Spirit find the Hanging Jail Stairway?

This answer never previously crossed Angel’s mind, but now upon sensing the vine’s closeness to him, Angel had a speculation.

The Wood Spirit, always facing terrifying monsters, finally escapes and encounters a feeling of closeness with a kindred—the Demon Plant vine.

And so the Wood Spirit started chatting with the vine?

As for how they started chatting, Angel didn’t know. Anyway, it’s just his imagination, rationalizing everything uncertain before discussing whether it is correct or not.

The vine’s spirit is strong, benefited by the collective spirit of countless vines here. But their thinking is shallow, with little known about them, and similarly, the Wood Spirit is also an entity lacking basic education.

Thus, after their conversation, the vine was influenced by the Wood Spirit, hence forming the perception—that pure spirits should not dwell with filthy creatures.

And under the vine’s guidance, the Wood Spirit escaped to a place without Ghosteye Witches—the Hanging Jail Stairway.

These are Angel’s conjectures based on existing information. Whether true or not is yet unknown.

However, what is known now is that there is a high probability that the vine has contacted the Wood Spirit; otherwise, Angel’s ”Wood Spirit” aura wouldn’t have elicited closeness from the vine.

The Wood Spirit and wood-type Demon Plants have some connections but mostly hierarchical. Only if the Wood Spirit first shows closeness will the vine actively be friendly to the Wood Spirit. Other Wood Spirits find it hard to release closeness to wood-type Demon Plants, but it’s uncertain for an ignorant and timid Wood Spirit.

Because of the precedent set by the timid Wood Spirit, the vine regards the subsequent ”Wood Spirit” Angel differently.

Angel speculated a lot, and whether correct or wrong, it temporarily doesn’t matter. What he needs to do now is find a way to have the vine let them enter the cave.

Angel expressed the willingness to enter, but the vine did not oppose that although it still showed resistance to others in the Illusionary Realm.

This means that truly entering is feasible only for Angel, a single ”Wood Spirit.”

Angel really wanted to use ”silver tongue” skills to persuade the vine, but unlike Monty, its intelligence is still at the lowest level, unable to understand much spoken; saying more would be futile.

Angel thought for a moment and decided to temporarily retreat.

Retreating meant actually leading the group back to a distance where the vine’s perception could not reach.

”...That’s the situation.” After returning to the Illusionary Realm, Angel talked about his exchange with the vine, along with his guesses regarding the Wood Spirit and the vine.

After hearing Angel’s exposition, the highly imaginative and deduction-loving Dox immediately began to elaborate further.

”Your speculation might be correct. However, if the vine, like Monty, is a guard, it should fulfill its duty by blocking any life from entering, including the Wood Spirit. Yet, it allowed the Wood Spirit in, suggesting there might be a hidden story within.”

”Regarding the present situation, it can actively decide to let you, the fake Wood Spirit, enter, possibly due to its thought seal modification. Monty mentioned that the Sage often enters the Hanging Jail Stairway, with the aim to take away the Wood Spirit. Perhaps the Sage altered the vine’s thought seal to allow the Wood Spirit passage, hoping the Wood Spirit might willingly come out one day.”

”But the Wood Spirit hiding in the Hanging Jail Stairway is extremely timid, still not having come out. Instead, it benefits you, the fake Wood Spirit.”

Dox continues following Angel’s line of thought, and although Angel agrees, there’s a distinct undercurrent of envy in Dox’s words.

Angel: ”Regardless of whether our speculation is correct, the most urgent goal now is to find a way to enter.”

Angel finishes his sentence, his gaze slowly scans around and finally settles on the Black Earl.

The Black Earl remains silent for several seconds before slowly saying, ”I understand your meaning, it’s possible.”

After the Black Earl agreed, Angel looked at Dox. Dox quickly nodded: ”No problem, we’re good friends, I trust you won’t betray your close friends.”

The first part is about being good friends, the latter evolves to close friends. Angel is too lazy to correct Dox; his greatest talent is exploiting opportunities, the more you pay attention to him, the more assertive he becomes; ignore him, and he secretly introspects.

Thus, Angel doesn’t bother with Dox, directly turning to Vay and Kaier.

”I presume you’ve already heard Lord Black Earl and ’Red Sword’s’ responses.” Angel: ”Actually, entering isn’t hard; either fight through or I take you through.”

”The latter option is obviously more suitable, if we cut through the vine, it only benefits potential latecomers, and even may offend the Wood Spirit and the Wise Sovereign.”

”Do you understand?”

Vay, with the Black Earl’s explanation, didn’t say much. But Kaier questioned: ”I understand the lord’s meaning, but how does the lord plan to take us through—by putting us in spatial tools?”

Kaier’s eyes turned to the bracelet on Angel’s hand.

Angel’s bracelet contains a large number of Void algae cultivated, with oxygen produced and supported by algae stabilizing the space, indeed capable of storing living things.

However, within his bracelet hides many secrets, some if exposed would absolutely shock the entire Wizards’ Realm. Moreover, they would directly offend the currently recognized strongest in the Southern Domain—Monty.

Angel wouldn’t dare use the bracelet to carelessly hold people.

”My bracelet was refined during my time as a Second Level apprentice; the space isn’t large and mainly reduces presence. It’s fine for small living things, but you guys, it’s a bit lacking.”

”So, I plan to put you in... Exile Space.”

Both Black Earl and Dox immediately guessed Angel’s intention, because once they entered Angel’s Exile Space, the vines absolutely couldn’t detect them. Then Angel could pass through the path obscured by the vines, and release them from the Exile Space upon passing.

However, there’s a prerequisite.

Angel must be trusted.

Exile Space is a skill official wizards must learn, allowing for short-term maintenance of a Different Space through inherent spell technique models.

Certainly! Here is the translated text:

In the early days, the role of Exile Space was singularly to dispose of the residual waste from some transcendent experiments. Many of these residues were radioactive, making casual disposal dangerous, thus the Exile Space came into existence, essentially serving as a wizard-exclusive landfill.

Later, after countless efforts and improvements by wizards, the function of Exile Space extended beyond waste disposal. It could be used to store items for a short period, but it required a large amount of magic power to keep the Exile Space in existence. Due to its high consumption, without continuous practice for replenishment, an Official Wizard could only maintain it for one or two days at most, thus no advantage over Spatial Equipment.

But the only benefit of Exile Space is that it can store living things as long as you have enough magic power; you can store as many living creatures as you want.

After all, Exile Space is a Different Space constructed at will; its size is determined by the constructor.

However, the larger the space, the more magic power is consumed to sustain the survival of numerous living things, hence this functionality is rarely used.

Only those wizards returning from Conquest voyages would secretly smuggle some Otherworldly items.

Regarding human storage.

Exile Space certainly has no problem with it; however, it entirely relies on the constructor. If the constructor harbors evil intentions, they can easily destroy the people inside by detonating the Different Space.

Even if they are lucky enough not to die, they would not know their location in the Different Space, and without a Path Mark, returning is arduous.

This is why using Exile Space to store people requires mutual trust between both parties.

Especially trust in the Controller of the Exile Space.

Black Earl pondered for a long time before agreeing, weighing whether he could truly trust Angel.

He ultimately opted to trust.

Of course, this trust was also because Black Earl himself had confidence. Should Angel tear apart their relationship, Black Earl believed his nose would not be destroyed by the explosion of the Different Space, and it would be only a matter of time before he returns to the Southern Domain through positioning with other body parts.

And once his nose returns to the Southern Domain, Angel would undoubtedly face the pursuit of the entire Noah Clan.

Therefore, if Angel is not a fool, he wouldn’t indulge in such detrimental acts.

As for Dox, being a Bloodline Wizard bold enough to challenge Black Earl’s nose, he estimated that even a Different Space wouldn’t easily kill him. As long as he survives, there’s the possibility of retribution.

Moreover, thinking thoroughly, since no benefits are visible at this moment, Angel has no reason to ”deal with” them.

Hence, after weighing multiple factors, both Black Earl and Dox agreed to Angel’s proposal; Vay and Kaier didn’t consider as much, and they naturally had no objection to safely entering the path behind the vine.

”Since everyone agrees, then... please enter.”

Once Angel finished speaking, he gently waved his hand, and an ancient door appeared beside him.

Behind the door was pitch-black, obscuring any sight, which was a characteristic of Exile Space, suspended in the Void without visible sky or earth.

Black Earl deeply gazed at Angel without commenting, controlling the stone slab to fly to Vay’s side, then having Vay take him as they took the lead stepping through the door.

Kaier followed closely after.

Dox was the last to enter, and unlike the others, he kept rambling as he did.

The gist was that there’s absolutely nothing inside the Exile Space, and staying there is incredibly dull. Alchemists like you have Alchemy Workshops, why not let us go to the Alchemy Workshop or the like...

An Alchemy Workshop is a special kind of Different Space, which, unlike Exile Space, is more stable. Through alchemical methods, it can exist for a long time with minimal consumption, essentially serving as the Alchemist’s portable lab.

Despite his words, Dox purely wanted to indulge his itching tongue; if truly invited to an Alchemy Workshop, he’d likely chicken out.

Alchemists with Alchemy Workshops usually keep some secrets within, for instance, Frostmoon Alliance’s ’Black Sugar Servant’ Brufen whose Alchemy Workshop hid secret research on Evil God... which almost destroyed the Sky Island above the Hanging Jail Stairway. Had it not been for Monty’s urgent rally of all wizards to tackle it, Sky Island - the Southern Domain’s Abyss Conquest base - would have been obliterated.

Even without such apocalyptic secrets, the workshop contains the Alchemist’s refined creations, semi-finished and defective products... latter two seem useless, but the blueprint for alchemical creations is still a secret.

Therefore, unless expressly invited by the Alchemist, it’s best not to visit their Alchemy Workshop.

Dox rambles because he loves to talk and goes about life carefreely.

But little does he know, Angel hasn’t constructed the Alchemy Workshop at this moment... although he has plans for it, there are other higher priority matters interrupting.

Such as, reflecting on oneself, absorbing Official Wizard knowledge, which ranks higher than the Alchemy Workshop.

Alchemy can be done anywhere; having a workshop saves some effort and confidentiality but merely that. Compared to personal cultivation, it falls slightly short.

Once the chatty someone entered the Exile Space, Angel placed Dangross and Speedy into the Exile Space as well.

This was also to reassure them.

Dangross and Speedy are valuable aides to Angel, and putting them into the Exile Space indicates Angel is unlikely to recklessly detonate the Different Space.

Angel’s action indeed eased the moods of Dox and Black Earl.

Whether Angel was trustworthy was another matter, but he undeniably had his own thoughts and was remarkably observant as a wizard. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, it showcased a wizard’s refinement.

At least, as far as Black Earl knows, Angel’s mentor wasn’t as considerate.

Thus, Angel and Sanders didn’t seem to be allies.

As Black Earl was pondering, the Exile Space door closed and the surroundings instantly turned pitch-black.

At this moment, Kaier and Vay seemed to realize their lives were now in Angel’s hands. Though it was the same outside, the external world lacked the impact of this dark void.

While the group fell quiet, suddenly, a bright light emerged amidst the silent darkness.

It was Dangross, emitting light and heat for illumination.

With light, both Kaier and Vay felt inexplicably more at ease, and simultaneously developed a greater fondness for Angel, appreciating his care despite him being outside...

Yet, unbeknownst to them, Angel didn’t even concern himself with the Exile Space. Dangross’s sudden luminous self-heating was entirely voluntary, driven by a simple reason... freshly wakened, upon being overwhelmed by unpleasantness, Dangross’s immediate thought was: I am unclean.

If unclean, then burn!

Burn away the stink and impurity absorbed within.

This is what resulted in the fierce flame and intense radiance...

Everything was just a misunderstanding.

...

Angel returned with the ”Tree Spirit” persona, approached the vines once more, and expressed his intent to enter the cave behind, at which the vines no longer blocked Angel.

A rustling sound resonated, as numerous vines swiftly parted like serpents, revealing a hidden pathway in the vine-covered wall.

Previously, Angel speculated this path might also be a dog hole, considering the exposed size was that of a dog hole.

Only now did Angel confirm it wasn’t a dog hole, but a regular-sized door largely concealed by vines.

As to why they didn’t completely cover it and left enough for a dog hole, Angel queried the vines.

The feedback from the vines was bewildering, ultimately allowing Angel to roughly deduce it wasn’t an autonomous action by the vines but deliberately arranged.

As for who arranged it, the vines were even more unclear.

Angel could only abandon further questioning; accessing the pathway sufficed, and things don’t need to be parsed extensively.

After expressing gratitude towards the vines, Angel stepped through the door.

After walking a few meters, Angel retreated, not due to danger, but due to forgetting something.

If the vines might have seen the Wood Spirit, would they know its exact location?