Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 2747: Chapter 2748: Vay’s Reflection

”Once, when I was adventuring with Vay, I noticed a typical characteristic in his strategic planning. Whatever he considers, he assumes his opponents will consider as well. Therefore, he incorporates the premise that ’the opponent will consider my strategy’ into his own planning.”

As Dox said this, he paused: ”It sounds awkward, but it’s not hard to understand. Observing his actions clarifies it.”

”Previously, when he was hiding in the Stone Prison Technique, he drank three potions in succession. The Glowing Fluff Potion was for healing, which falls within normal consideration; the Clarissa Antidote is also logical, considering the Shadow Series is known for ambush tactics, often maximizing attacks by adding poison, so preventive use of the Clarissa Antidote is indisputable.”

”But the Pheromone Transmutation Water is quite interesting. Before, it seemed fine, but upon closer thought, it’s evident that the other two potions have concrete reasoning, while the Pheromone Transmutation Water reflects an ’extra’ layer of consideration from imaginary grounds.”

Dox deliberately emphasized the word ’imaginary’ when he spoke.

Indeed, upon reflection earlier, Vay seemed prudent. But now as Dox points it out, it’s evident that the Pheromone Transmutation Water differs in its consideration layer from the previous potions. It’s more like a figment of Vay’s imagination that the opponent might use pheromones to track him, hence the preparation. While the Glowing Fluff Potion and Clarissa Antidote were purposefully targeted.

”When does Vay unnecessarily add this layer of consideration? It’s when he plans to do the same himself, making him think his opponent might do it too.” Dox shook his head: ”Over the years, this habit hasn’t changed. I used to tell him he was overthinking, risking revealing weaknesses, and it was a bad habit. Now it’s proven true; he indeed overthought; the Shadow doesn’t have the ability to track others via pheromones...”

Kaier: ”That being said, noticing such minor details and spotting flaws is reserved for Master Red Sword.”

Dox snorted once: ”Exactly. If anyone knows Vay best, it has to be me.”

Just after saying this, Dox seemed to recall something, glanced at the nearby Black Earl, then added: ”Of course, his family is not included.”

Dox looked triumphantly at Angel: ”So, am I telling the truth?”

Seeing Dox’s expression like a triumphant rooster, Angel suppressed the urge to retort, chose not to argue, and nodded as agreement with Dox’s words.

Because indeed, as Dox said, Angel’s own analysis agreed that Vay used scent to locate the Shadow’s position and turned the tide.

However, Dox could deduce from Vay’s behavior when he initially conceived this idea, which Angel hadn’t anticipated.

Though Angel sensed through Hyper Perception that Dox’s reasoning evolved from unclear to clear, with his initial hesitation showing he was not entirely confident in Vay’s victory approach. His accuracy was likely a product of inspiration.

Nonetheless, since Dox was correct and comprehensive, arguing at this point seems pointless.

It’s clear that Dox’s inspiration talent is strong. Also, Dox deserves the title of Vay’s closest friend; he truly knows Vay well.

At this moment, both Vay and the Shadow were stepping down from the stage.

The Shadow was carried down by the Magic Elephant; his abdominal wound had been treated, and he wouldn’t die, but recovery would require some time.

Vay descended on his own, drinking a new potion as he walked. During the battle, perhaps his focus on the opponent masked the discomfort from those fungal spore infants, but post-fight, Vay felt itchy all over.

Internally, it felt like countless tadpoles were swimming through his veins.

Moreover, Vay learned from the Shadow’s mouth that he couldn’t immediately remove these fungal spore infants. However, since the Shadow had withdrawn the parent body, the fungal spore infants would die on their own over time, thus there’s no concern for lasting effects. If unbearable, they could be physically extracted one by one.

Right now, of course, that wasn’t possible, so in no other option, Vay continuously supplemented potions to numb the discomfort.

When Vay returned to the group, he was still actively triggering his Bloodline and Petrified Skin to prevent the expansion of the fungal spore infants.

”I made a fool of myself before you all...” Upon returning, Vay’s first words were of apologetic introspection.

”There’s been plenty of times we’ve laughed at you before.” Dox responded casually.

Vay glared sideways at him, too lazy to engage verbally.

Angel provided affirmation: ”No need to self-reproach; you performed impressively.”

Vay scratched his head: ”I just think I could’ve done even better.”

”Indeed, if it were the former you, confronting such an Apprentice opponent, you would have formulated plans and controlled the entire scenario from the moment you stepped on stage, rather than dragging it to the end and even using yourself as bait.” Undoubtedly, this was said by Dox.

This time, Vay skipped even responding with a glance.

However, although Vay avoided looking at Dox, Dox’s words resonated deeply.

Vay previously never thought that there was much difference between him and Dox. He remained at the Apprentice level due to practical hindrances.

Yet after this duel, Vay profoundly realized the widening gap between his perceptions and Dox’s. Despite also getting hit, Dox’s combat awareness and experience far surpassed Vay’s. Vay couldn’t even comprehend what Dox did during combat.

It’s worth noting that once, when Vay and Dox ventured together, Vay understood every combat detail of Dox and could infer Dox’s next moves from subtle changes in his expressions, actions, and eye movements.

The former Vay, regarding overall strategy, overshadowed Dox.

But now, a seemingly insurmountable chasm had formed between Vay and Dox.

During Vay’s period as a recluse, Dox advanced, while Vay not only stagnated but went backward.

Reflecting on this, Vay found his mood inexplicably low.

”Now is the time to end the pointless isolation.” An incoming message directly reached Vay’s mind, delivered imperceptibly only by his lord... the Black Earl.

”You’ve had decades, and I thought you would’ve had an epiphany independently. Yet, you’re like those mediocre individuals, faltering advancement due to vague rumors. Ridiculously absurd.” The Black Earl’s tone carried mockery: ”If you don’t want Dox to leave you behind further, make changes swiftly.”

”Of course, if you find comfort in a stable, mundane life, and don’t wish to leave this comfort zone, just ignore what I said.”

Hereafter, the Black Earl ceased transmitting messages to Vay.

However, Vay now somewhat comprehended why the Black Earl previously wanted him to step up and prohibited the support from Master Chaowei.

Perhaps he wanted to seize this opportunity for Vay to face reality.

Vay could call Dox by name, without title, falsely thinking they remained equal. But truthfully, it’s merely Dox’s tolerance.

The so-called equality is but vain self-deception. Once power is unbalanced, it becomes difficult to discuss equality between them. Unless, as his lord mentioned, there’s a return to power balance, that would perhaps change the status quo.

But, does he have the right to step forward?

Is his master encouraging him to step forward, or is it a heartfelt advice because he can’t bear to watch any longer?

Vay suddenly felt a bit lost.

”Hey, how long are you going to wear those white fuzzy things? Are you planning to wear that ’new outfit’ to the duel later?” Dox’s voice echoed in Vay’s ears.

Vay shuddered and snapped back to reality. Looking up, he noticed Dox had somehow gotten behind him, tearing at those fungal tendrils.

”It’s not like I want to. I can’t get rid of these things right now... Besides, can I even compete in this state?” Vay glanced at Kaier apologetically and said, ”I’ll leave the next duel to you.”

Kaier was receiving tactical instruction from Angel. Hearing Vay’s words, he immediately stood tall and solemnly said, ”Don’t worry, leave it to me!”

Seeing Kaier’s spirited demeanor, Vay showed a pleased expression...

”Why are you pleased about a songbird?” Dox slapped Vay’s shoulder directly. ”These sparse white fuzzies are impacting your combat?”

Vay glared coldly at Dox. ”I can function normally now because I’ve been drinking potions continuously. If you reimburse my potions with Magic Crystals, then I’ll keep competing.”

After a pause, Vay continued, ”I’ll drink as many bottles as you reimburse, how about that?”

Mention Magic Crystals, and Dox instantly fell silent.

Still, Dox tried to see if he could help Vay remove the fungal tendrils... He could, but as Ghost mentioned, it could only be done physically, pulling out each still-active tendril one by one.

After all, this was Vay’s body. Dox couldn’t delve deep into his blood vessels or bone marrow to help remove them.

So, Dox had to give up.

However, giving up didn’t mean Dox would shut up. He kept chattering away.

”You don’t necessarily need potions to maintain it. Isn’t there a Mushroom Master here? Why not ask him for advice? He might have a solution.”

Dox repeatedly calling ’Mushroom Master’ left Vay puzzled.

It wasn’t until Dox directly pointed at Angel that Vay realized that Dox was referring to Lord Chaowei... as the Mushroom Master.

”When did I get this nickname?” Angel looked at Dox skeptically.

Before he became the ”Transcendental Wizard,” he’d heard many nicknames, including ”Music Box Magician,” ”Illusion Master,” ”Lionheart Thorns,” and even ”Milk Baron.” But he’d never heard of being called the Mushroom Master.

Shouldn’t this title be Regina’s?

Dox smugly replied, ”I just invented it, pretty good, right?”

Everyone: ”...”

Angel was about to refute, but before he could, Vay intervened.

With arms crossed in front of his chest, Vay faced Dox and said, ”I just invented a nickname for you too: Potion Supplier. How about it, pretty good, right? Come on, give me the potions and I’ll compete in the next duel.”

Dox: ”I’m not joking.”

Vay: ”I’m not joking either. Or, if the nickname doesn’t sound good, we can change it. Potion Master? Potion Maker? Potion Provider? Take your pick.”

Seeing Vay’s stance, Dox knew that arguing further would only end with Vay siding with the new idol.

Unable to reason with Vay, Dox turned to Angel: ”Though calling you ’Mushroom Master’ was humorous, it’s not baseless. Remember last time in Princess Town...”

Angel coughed twice, interrupting Dox.

”I don’t know what you’re saying, you’d best not spread false rumors.” Angel turned to Vay and said, ”But I can take a look at your situation. I didn’t mention it earlier because it might relate to your privacy, so...”

Vay’s attitude changed, gratefully saying, ”It’s fine, my lord, go ahead.”

Angel approached Vay, first glancing at the Black Earl. Seeing no objection, Angel confidently reached out to touch the fungal tendrils.

It was quite peculiar. As soon as Angel’s hand touched the tendrils, Vay exclaimed, ”They stopped moving?!”

Indeed, Vay felt the fungal tendrils in his body, that had been causing itchiness, suddenly halted as though time had stopped, becoming completely still.

The sensation for Vay was like... a forest full of chirping insects and birds suddenly silenced by the roar of a dragon. Instantly, the insects stopped, the birds went silent, and the small beasts hid in their dens.

As if a natural enemy had arrived.

Dox immediately chimed in, ”See? I wasn’t wrong calling you Mushroom Master.”

Not just Dox, even Vay felt the nickname seemed quite fitting for Lord Chaowei.

You see, earlier when his master communicated with him, he also probed his internal body via energy. Even as the Black Earl’s energy invaded, the fungal tendrils showed no abnormal reaction, like brainless sandworms without fear.

And the fungal tendrils indeed lacked wisdom and complex emotions.

Earlier, when Dox was tugging at the tendrils, they showed no fear.

Yet with a single touch from Lord Chaowei, it seemed to trigger the innate fear of these fungal tendrils!

They all froze in place out of terror!

If this isn’t a Mushroom Master, what is? Or should we say, he’s already the mortal enemy of fungi!