Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 2722: Chapter 2723: Evil Dragon Arena

Regarding Angel’s choice, the Wise Sovereign had no objections, and neither did the Gray Merchant.

However, what puzzled the Gray Merchant was that previously it seemed the nose on the slate was the leader, but now why did this red-haired, gold-eyed youth step forward?

Who is this red-haired, gold-eyed youth? Could he be that Illusionist Wizard?

If, as they speculated before, this group had hidden through illusions, then the opponent’s illusion skills are undoubtedly strong.

But none of the well-known illusionist wizards from the Southern Domain match this person.

It seems that the other side is in disguise.

Generally speaking, disguises are either to avoid recognition or to evade being hunted. Of course, some wizards enjoy going out in disguise as a personal preference. Considering this, the conditions are a bit too many.

Based on the above conditions, it’s tough to think of many powerful illusionist wizards in the Southern Domain. The Gray Merchant personally thought the most likely candidate was The Facade from Illusion Demon Island.

It’s said that The Facade offended an Angel Envoy of a Demon God in the Abyss and was seen fleeing back to the Southern Domain in a sorry state. Not long ago, it seems they went with Flora to sweep the main base of Demon God believers.

This perfectly fits the criteria: powerful, afraid of being recognized by Demon God believers, and pursued by Demon God believers.

It’s worth mentioning that apart from that genius Alchemist, everyone on the Illusion Demon Island grew under pursuit. So if The Facade disguises themselves, it may not just be due to being pursued by Demon God believers, but could also be regular behavior.

However, The Facade has already embarked on the path of True Knowledge.

The red-haired, gold-eyed youth across from them possesses a hidden and deep aura, possessing significant strength, but probably hasn’t reached the True Knowledge Level.

But if it’s not The Facade, then who could it be?

While the Gray Merchant pondered silently, the malicious woman suddenly exclaimed ”oh” from behind.

Following the direction the malicious woman was looking, the Gray Merchant saw a black-robed judge in mid-air suddenly raise both hands, touching ten fingers together, as a powerful energy surged from between the judge’s palms.

This energy was vast and powerful, forming a vortex in the air due to its influence, with the judge in the eye of the storm, causing the black robe to flutter with a loud noise.

At that moment, looking at the murky black above, the Gray Merchant felt an illusion of having a mountain suspended upside down above his head.

He had always thought this black-robed judge was likely a subordinate of the Mirror Bearer, but now he suddenly felt something was off. Such an overwhelmingly powerful aura was something the Gray Merchant had only felt from afar in the Abyss, from Lord Monty.

Is this black-robed judge actually a Third Level top wizard?!

At this thought, the Gray Merchant and the others felt a mix of emotions.

Previously, when they encountered the Mirror Bearer, they were surprised that such a strong person existed in the Underground Maze. Even though the Gray Merchant’s most important memories were sealed, he was still contemplating how to convey this information to the Birlos Family once he left.

Although the Underground Maze is effectively controlled by the Birlos Family, unpredictable variables like the Mirror Bearer need to be dealt with quickly.

Now, another powerful figure, the black-robed judge, who stands on the pinnacle of the Southern Domain’s Pyramid, has appeared before the Mirror Bearer has been dealt with.

The Gray Merchant’s thoughts have shifted from notifying the family to pondering how to convince them to abandon the Underground Maze...

While the Gray Merchant was deeply concerned, someone more worried than him was Pink Mo.

With her limited perspective, Pink Mo couldn’t discern the precise level of the Wise Sovereign. But seeing the Gray Merchant and the malicious woman displaying fear and trepidation made her realize she might have offended a formidable figure?

Pink Mo clutched the ear of her rabbit doll, her legs slightly trembling, even her lips quivering.

She wondered whether she should apologize now? Maybe the great figure would spare her life?

As Pink Mo trembled with fear, the energy between the Wise Sovereign’s palms showed signs of expansion, yet instead of letting it diffuse, he compressed it to cause a fusion.

With the energy’s fusion, countless Magic Patterns started spreading across the surrounding pillars, the ground beneath, and the stone ceiling above. These patterns emitted a faint glow, indicating they had been activated.

As the Magic Patterns illuminated, everyone suddenly felt as if the ground beneath their feet had turned into a bog.

It was as if a hand emerged from the ground, grabbed their ankles, and dragged them into the soft underground.

”No need to resist; I am merely providing you with a suitable place for a duel,” the Wise Sovereign’s voice echoed in their ears.

To everyone, the Wise Sovereign’s words were as good as unsaid—no need to resist? They couldn’t resist at all! The pulling force seemed gentle, yet their limbs felt limp and powerless, unable to struggle.

However, they misunderstood—the Wise Sovereign’s words were not directed at them, but at Angel.

When the Wise Sovereign activated the Magical Energy Array, he noticed sharply that Angel had swiftly taken out a subordinate Magical Energy Array plate, with energy rapidly gathering at the array’s vulnerable points. As long as Angel wished, he could easily bring everyone to a safe point.

The Wise Sovereign was also a bit surprised that Angel could so quickly identify the only vital point of the Magical Energy Array.

To prevent Angel from truly escaping the Magical Energy Array, the Wise Sovereign spoke those words.

After speaking, the Wise Sovereign also communicated through the encrypted channel of the Magical Energy Array to Angel: ”Since we have a contract, there’s no need to be so wary of me. Fortunately, ’she’ had already gone to the arena, otherwise, she would’ve known one of your trump cards by now.”

Angel’s expertise in the Magical Energy Array was indeed a trump card. The Wise Sovereign didn’t consider it stronger than the Goddess, but it could buy some time in critical moments.

Angel didn’t respond immediately; instead, he followed the energy of the Magical Energy Array and slowly descended into the so-called ”arena.”

Once in the arena, Angel immediately confirmed their current location.

This was within the Other-dimensional Space where Cicia was, surrounded by an inky Void, with only the roller-coaster-like floating staircases faintly visible in the darkness.

The arena was suspended in the Void, a massive circular platform.

Angel and the others stood on the left side while the Gray Merchant was on the right side of the platform. The distance between the two sides exceeded five hundred meters, making the other side appear as small as a dot from afar.

This was only the center of the platform; the platform had an outer ring as well, which was quite large and served as the area for spectators.

Upon entering the arena, Angel immediately activated the Eye of Nalda.

Using the Eye of Nalda, the material information of the arena surfaced in Angel’s mind.

It was mostly confirmed that the materials used for the huge platform were the same as those for the suspended staircases in the Void, and they were incredibly durable.

To the naked eye, this arena looked brand new, but that wasn’t the case. Angel discovered several places on the platform where materials had been replaced or repaired.

This suggested that this arena wasn’t new; it might have existed for a long time. The many repair marks indicated that numerous duels had taken place on the platform, capable of breaking even such durable materials.

At least, Angel currently cannot achieve this. It indicates that many of those who previously dueled in this arena were True Knowledge Wizards and above.

However, none of this information is particularly useful; what Angel is somewhat concerned about is...

”Is there no Magical Energy Array set up in this arena?” Angel asked through the encrypted channel left by the Wise Sovereign.

Wise Sovereign: ”That’s right. There is no need for a Magical Energy Array here.”

The Wise Sovereign paused, his tone tinged with nostalgia: ”In the past, this was a life-and-death stage. Whoever was knocked out of the arena’s bounds was the loser. Do you know why?”

Angel: ”...Yes.”

Not only did Angel know, but everyone present also understood the significance of this arena at that moment.

Because at some unknown point, countless massive dark shadows suddenly appeared around this arena, densely packed, all Magical Creatures nurtured in this Other-dimensional Space.

The Void concealed their specific forms, but their enormous bodies and pairs of eyes emitting a scarlet glow all testified to their existence.

Imagine this arena itself is already very large, but many of these Void Magical Creatures are not much smaller than the arena itself; they surround the arena, eyeing the people inside hungrily.

”Originally, I wanted to keep it a secret... Alas, it’s regrettable that these little darlings haven’t been fed for so long, making them so excited at your arrival.”

Angel really couldn’t understand the Wise Sovereign’s aesthetic; calling these ”little darlings”?

Putting other matters aside for now, Angel continued to ask, ”Is it the Wise Sovereign’s idea to have us duel in this arena?”

The reason for this judgment is also simple; the Wise Sovereign previously said that the Magical Energy Array was her area of influence; she opened a back door for the Gray Merchant and others to leave this Other-dimensional Space because of the safety passage reserved in the Magical Energy Array.

And this arena doesn’t have a Magical Energy Array, naturally making it beyond her area of influence.

”That’s right, this arena has been sealed for millennia; it’s a rare moment to see it in daylight again, what a memorable occasion!” As the Wise Sovereign sighed with emotion, the Void Magical Creatures beside the arena let out deafening roars: ”You see, the little darlings can’t wait to watch your duel.”

Angel: ... Are you sure they want to watch, and not because they’re hungry?

Wise Sovereign: ”I can’t talk to you alone any longer; I feel someone watching me secretly, I suspect she’s targeting me. A final reminder: although she came to observe your trump cards, and I hope you can win without exposing your trump cards, but if you must reveal them, don’t be stingy. It’s more important to pass this test than to be targeted because she knows your trump cards.”

The Wise Sovereign indeed has high hopes for Angel’s side, as the presence of the Demons of the Panic Realm makes their strength quite formidable. But eliminating the Demons of the Panic Realm, the result becomes uncertain.

Although Angel’s Illusion Technique is strong, facing Bloodline Wizards, who are strong in reaction, speed, strength, and explosive power, Angel might not even be able to release the Illusion Technique.

If unable to release the Illusion Technique, Bloodline Wizards would surely dominate the duel.

Additionally, regardless of how large the arena appears, it ultimately has its limitations.

The Wise Sovereign once observed the Gray Merchant’s battle; upon activating his Bloodline, immense power gathered in his legs, capable of directly stomping a hundred-meter ground into a crack.

This arena should be able to withstand his stomping, but the power conduction from the stomping is unavoidable for Angel.

Even if Angel were to hide in the crevice formed by the fusion of space and illusion as he did earlier, how would he attack? Across the space crevice?

Therefore, the Wise Sovereign isn’t optimistic about Angel’s direct fight with the Gray Merchant, but with trump cards, Angel can still win reasonably easily.

Consequently, the Wise Sovereign reminded Angel that winning is more important than exposing trump cards.

The Wise Sovereign’s advice was absorbed by Angel, who is pragmatic enough not to act impulsively for the sake of temporary emotions; if he needs to use his trump cards, he will definitely use them.

However, from the Wise Sovereign’s tone, Angel feels somewhat underestimated.

Earl Mi and Speedy, from the start, Angel hasn’t hidden them; they are clearly the open cards.

And what exactly is a trump card? Anything that can be shown is definitely not a trump card.

...

”Here is where your competition will take place; in the past, it was known as the Evil Dragon Arena. The reason is that in the void, there’s a fierce dragon with a passion for arenas...”

The Wise Sovereign elaborated extensively, but few really listened, as most were drawn toward the surrounding magic monsters.

Angel was one of the few who completely listened to the Wise Sovereign’s explanation.

After listening, Angel felt that the Wise Sovereign was actually speaking nonsense.

A dragon that loves arenas? To prevent the dragon from causing a massacre in the void, they built this arena, exclusively for the dragon’s entertainment?

This all sounds odd, yet pinpointing what’s wrong seems impossible.

But to agree with these reasons would be pure foolishness.

Angel even suspects the Wise Sovereign was lying from the beginning, possibly it’s not ”Evil Dragon Arena,” but ”Hungry Dragon Arena” more accurately.

The surrounding monsters aren’t here for a love of arenas; they are here to eat people.

After the Wise Sovereign finished telling the indistinguishable history of the arena, he immediately spoke about the arena’s three rules: First, being knocked out of the arena means losing. Second, there’s a height limitation on the arena, breaking the height limitation means losing. Third, if the battle damages the arena, compensation is required.

Angel clearly understood these three rules; the first two stem from the relationship with the Void monsters outside; one cannot leave the safety range to avoid being swallowed as food by these monsters.

However, the appearance of these two rules greatly compresses Angel’s battle space, inversely benefiting Bloodline Wizards.

Similar to the Sky Tower, Bloodline Apprentices often dominate the rankings at Sky Towers across locations, largely because the Sky Tower restricts the range of the competition, benefiting Bloodline Wizards, while restricting other series.

Perhaps the Mirror Bearer agreed to the Wise Sovereign staging the duel here because this place restricts their abilities more, allowing her to see more trump cards you may reveal.

”The first duel will use the ground’s color to decide who goes first. If the ground is white, the left side will go first; if the ground is black, the right side will go first.”

The ground color? Isn’t the ground a yellowish brown?

While everyone was puzzled, the slabs on the ground began to alternate between black and white, and only then did everyone understand why there was mention of black and white.

After three seconds, the interlacing black and white squares on the ground gradually faded, leaving the stone slabs entirely white.

”White, representing the Gray Merchant’s side, thus you will send out the first battle personnel.”