Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 3197: Chapter 3198: Mystic Book Dragon

”What price needs to be paid to acquire this favor?” Angel asked curiously.

He wasn’t particularly interested in the favor of Longya Kin. However, Angel was curious about what exactly the Mirror Dragon Clan needed, given that even Longya Kin couldn’t afford the price and was forced to trade it for a favor.

”The specific price to be paid depends on the provider of the favor,” Aor Shanzhuo pointed to the information about Longya Kin’s favor on the Crystal Book Pages. ”For example, this favor from the Mirror Sea Scholar was provided by the Mystic Book Dragon.”

”And Mystic Book Dragon pursues infinite knowledge. Therefore, to exchange for this favor, one must provide it with knowledge that it finds interesting.”

Aor Shanzhuo shrugged at this point and softly complained, ”But the knowledge that would interest Mystic Book Dragon is extremely rare. I suspect this favor is unsellable.”

Angel: ”Mystic Book Dragon?”

Who is this?

”You don’t know Mystic Book Dragon?” Aor Shanzhuo looked at Angel with a doubtful gaze, sizing him up with some realization: ”Hmph, short-sighted humans.”

At this moment, Khuntela softly said from the side, ”Mystic Book Dragon refers to Mystic Book Dragon.”

Mystic Book Dragon? Angel remembered when Aor Shanzhuo asked him ’which type of Treasure Dragon’s main product’ he was interested in, this name was mentioned.

But Mystic Book Dragon should be ”a type of dragon within the Treasure Dragon category,” right? Why do Khuntela and Aor Shanzhuo both directly call it ”Mystic Dragon”? Shouldn’t this be a title for a specific Mirror Dragon?

While Angel was pondering, Laplace spoke up: ”Mystic Book Dragon, also known as the Book Dragon or the Wisdom Dragon, is the rarest type among the Treasure Dragons; it’s said that there is currently only one.”

Upon hearing this, Angel understood why they directly called it Mystic Dragon since there is only one, despite it being a dragon species.

Laplace: ”The name Mystic Book Dragon uses externally is ’Aiya,’ but this likely isn’t its real name.”

Angel had heard Luigi mention this before.

Most Mirror Dragons’ names are merely code names; their true names are known only to their parents. Rare dragons’ real names are known by no one except themselves.

And Mystic Book Dragon is evidently a rare dragon; the name it declares is probably a vague directional code name.

Aor Shanzhuo and Khuntela weren’t surprised by Laplace’s words, as this knowledge is considered common... but only among the top-tier figures in the Daylight Mirror Domain.

However, Laplace’s next words notably changed their expressions.

”The abilities of Mystic Book Dragon are quite intriguing,” Laplace suddenly displayed a subtle expression: ”To many outsiders, Mystic Book Dragon seems mediocre in other abilities apart from having a decent mind. This rumor was true in ancient times, but now... not quite.”

”Mystic Book Dragon’s overall abilities are indeed not outstanding among various Mirror Dragons. But as per my knowledge, it possesses a very special talent, which I call ’Book of Time.’

Khuntela and Aor Shanzhuo exchanged glances as they had never heard of the ”Book of Time” mentioned by Laplace.

Absolutely a secret among secrets.

Could such a secret truly be spread?

Should they stop it? Both Khuntela and Aor Shanzhuo saw this question in each other’s eyes.

But in the end, they chose to remain silent. They feared offending the Mystic Dragon but also feared offending Laplace... Besides, even if they stopped it now, Laplace could still tell the human privately.

So there’s no need.

Moreover, they were curious about what the so-called ”Book of Time” was.

”The talent of ’Book of Time’ has complex hidden meanings, but you can simply understand it as: the longer it lives, the stronger it becomes,” Laplace explained. ”And Mystic Book Dragon happens to be the longest-living dragon species among Mirror Dragons, and Aiya today might even be older than the Wise Sovereign.”

Upon hearing this, Angel understood why Laplace said things like ’In ancient times, Mystic Book Dragon was indeed weak,’ because back then Mystic Book Dragon was young, and its talent couldn’t be leveraged.

And now, according to Laplace, Aiya’s age might be longer than the Wise Sovereign, which means over ten thousand years.

Ten thousand years, coupled with the boost from the talent ”Book of Time,” Aiya’s strength is surely far superior to before.

”The longer you live, the more profound your knowledge becomes, and knowledge represents power,” Angel muttered softly. ”At the same time, possessing the direct power-amplifying talent of the Book of Time, both combined, should make Mystic Book Dragon quite formidable?”

Laplace: ”Very strong, in the Hundred-Dragon Divine Kingdom its power is at least in the top three.”

Laplace’s conclusion left Angel unaware of its implications since he knew little about the Hundred-Dragon Divine Kingdom. However, Khuntela and Aor Shanzhuo beside him showed expressions of shock in their eyes.

Mystic Dragon almost never acted out publicly, and they didn’t know its strength. In the past, they even thought that apart from possessing extensive knowledge, Mystic Dragon’s strength was likely not very impressive.

But now, after Laplace’s confirmation, they realized that they were quite mistaken.

The presumed weakest dragon species can actually stand at the top of the Hundred-Dragon Divine Kingdom... If this were spread, it would likely shock the entire Mirror Domain.

Khuntela and Aor Shanzhuo wanted to further understand the mystery of Mystic Dragon’s power but didn’t dare ask, only listening without voicing out.

They hoped Angel would have a bit more curiosity to help them inquire.

But unfortunately, Angel had no interest in probing such high-level combat power.

Just like even until now, he hasn’t actively probed the strength of Laplace’s true form.

Maintain reverence, remain clear-headed, and keep a respectful distance; that’s Angel’s approach to such powerful beings.

Of course, probing is out of the question, but speculation can happen.

However, Angel’s speculations weren’t about Mystic Book Dragon but about Laplace... Laplace showed apparent interest in Mystic Dragon’s talent.

Moreover, she mentioned the complex hidden meanings of ”Book of Time,” indicating she knows its inner story; she may have even studied it.

Book of Time... From the name, it sounds related to time, right?

Could Laplace’s interest in the Book of Time also be due to its connection with time?

Angel sublimated this thought into the Memory Box, knowing that was enough without needing further associations.

...

After Laplace paused her narrative, Aor Shanzhuo hesitantly asked, ”Ahem, human, are you looking to trade with Mystic Dragon?”

Angel quickly waved his hand; he was just asking and not intending to trade.

Moreover, he didn’t think his foundation had knowledge that would satisfy Mystic Book Dragon.

While Angel was thinking of this, Aor Shanzhuo suddenly said, ”If you feel there’s no knowledge to trade, there’s actually another way of trading.”

”Mystic Dragon also agrees to favor exchange.”

What is ’favor exchange’?

According to Aor Shanzhuo’s explanation, Angel can use his own favor to exchange for Longya Kin’s favor.

After the exchange, Angel can make requests to Longya Kin, while Angel’s favor would be held by Mystic Book Dragon.

This is what is known as human exchange.

However, not everyone can engage in human exchange. One must assess the value of the person being exchanged; if you hold no value, naturally your humanity holds no value either, and such an exchange can’t proceed.

If it were anyone else, Aor Shanzhuo wouldn’t even mention ’human exchange’, but Angel is somewhat different.

Aor Shanzhuo doesn’t know who Angel is, nor does he know what capabilities he possesses, but Angel has ties to Laplace and has gained Laplace’s attention.

This fact alone is enough to draw Aor Shanzhuo’s interest.

Put bluntly, in Aor Shanzhuo’s eyes, the humanity that Angel exchanges is mostly used as a medium to connect with Laplace.

The value lies in establishing contact with Laplace, not in Angel himself.

Naturally, Angel also guessed Aor Shanzhuo’s intent, but he didn’t find anything wrong with it, as he was indeed the weakest among those present.

Angel: ”There’s no need for that, I actually know Longya.Qin too... I’ll take a look at the others first.”

The implication being that there’s no need to exchange for that humanity, as he can contact Longya.Qin on his own as well.

Upon hearing this, Aor Shanzhuo did not inquire further but moved to another page of the Crystal Book, avoiding blocking Angel’s view.

Angel continued to peruse the items listed on the Crystal Book page.

He didn’t plan to exchange for Longya.Qin’s humanity, but that doesn’t mean he’s not interested in all humanities.

For instance, he was quite interested in the following humanity.

”The humanity of Ice Country Knight ’Sipolov’.”

”Sipolov used humanity in exchange for the opportunity to cast a gun.”

”Sipolov has acknowledged that humanity can be transferred, but after transferring, those seeking to redeem the humanity must adhere to the following two points: 1. Related to Sipolov, as long as it’s not a deadly situation, he can agree to it; 2. Related to Sipolov’s family, he can’t make a decision and needs his family’s approval first.”

”Humanity’s value assessment: medium.”

”If Sipolov does not adhere to the humanity exchange rules, it can be arbitrated by the Hundred-Dragon Divine Kingdom.”

Angel didn’t know this person called Sipolov, but from Sipolov’s title ”Ice Country Knight,” it seems he is from Ice Country.

And Ice Country is the territory of the Yingji Clan.

After meeting the Heartfire of the Yingji Clan on the ice plains, Angel became quite interested.

Heartfire, its importance doesn’t lie in the fire itself but in its ability to grant the holder a new perspective, allowing observation from an alternative and intricate angle.

This aspect, if applicable to Alchemy, seems useful.

Moreover, ’fire’ itself could enhance Alchemy.

Thus, upon learning of Heartfire, Angel became eager to research it.

Angel originally planned to wait until the Log-in Device is promoted and he had more Crystalline before contacting the Yingji Clan through the product listing to inquire about Heartfire.

But upon seeing the humanity of the Yingji Clan, he had a new thought.

The Heartfire of the Yingji Clan originates from the Heartfire Hall; however, Heartfire Hall hardly opens to the outside. Even if Angel had Crystalline, getting to Heartfire Hall is not certain.

But perhaps by borrowing humanity, the likelihood of fulfillment might be higher?

”Can you tell me about Sipolov’s humanity?” Angel pointed to the text on the Crystal Book page and asked Aor Shanzhuo.

”You’re interested in Sipolov’s humanity?” Aor Shanzhuo was somewhat surprised, ”Do you have a need for war?”

”War?” Angel was momentarily stunned.

Aor Shanzhuo said matter-of-factly, ”The Yingji Clan of Ice Country is most adept at large-scale warfare. Moreover, Sipolov’s grandfather has been honored as a commandant and is the teacher of the current highest commander of Ice Country.”

Therefore, the rules that Sipolov set for exchanging humanity include his own family, as he clearly understands that others redeeming his humanity are likely targeting his family.

”No, I’m not interested in war; I’m only interested in Heartfire.”

”Heartfire?” Aor Shanzhuo murmured, ”Isn’t that the eyes of the Yingji Clan? What’s worth paying attention to about that?”

Aor Shanzhuo didn’t press further on why Angel was interested in Heartfire and instead began to introduce the humanity Sipolov left behind.

Though Sipolov comes from a family of commanders, he personally prefers combat on the frontline, thus choosing to become a knight. However, Sipolov’s Heartfire is a unique dynamic Heartfire, requiring adaptation to current conditions during battle to select the appropriate weapon.

This leads him to prepare various weapons for the battlefield. Long-range, medium-range, close-range, energy-guided, shield-shaped, purely physical, ice-transformable... he always feels his weapons are confusing.

He wished to find someone to customize a weapon capable of transforming.

But unfortunately, the Yingji Clan’s artisans couldn’t meet his requirements.

Later, at a multiclans’ routine gathering, Sipolov discovered the Hundred-Dragon Divine Kingdom’s station and, by paying humanity, obtained a custom-made transforming knight’s lance.

That is the origin of the entire affair.

”A weapon that can transform... that’s quite intriguing.” Initially interested in Heartfire, Angel, after listening to Aor Shanzhuo’s introduction, developed a slight interest in the custom-made weapon by the Hundred-Dragon Divine Kingdom.

Crafting a transforming weapon isn’t too difficult, but making it multi-form and possessing both physical sharpness and explosive energy form is still a challenge.

Additionally, if you want to add other effects to such a weapon, the difficulty rises significantly.

One wonders what the effects are of the lance crafted by the Hundred-Dragon Divine Kingdom?

Angel posed this question he had in mind.

Aor Shanzhuo: ”I don’t know the specific effects, but I would imagine they are superb, considering it was personally crafted by Mr. De.”

Mr. De? And who might that be?

Angel felt a bit curious about this suddenly appearing name.

Observing Angel’s eager ’thirst for knowledge’, Aor Shanzhuo originally thought to mock, ”You don’t even know Mr. De? Typical foolish humans,” but reconsidered that Angel didn’t know of Mystic either previously.

Aor Shanzhuo then let it slide.

Most importantly, Laplace was still nearby, making it awkward to mock.

Aor Shanzhuo coughed twice and, in a solemn tone, said—

”Mr. De, of course, is the greatest Algarong!”