Chapter 1053 Night within the Painting <TOC> Chapter 1055 Olucia
Next page password is bold portion: spo*ruRo9&D
Translator: SumTLMan
There stood Angel, utterly bewildered. Why in the world was it him?
Why would he be the fulcrum in a decision of this magnitude, a decision that could evidently shift the course of another’s life?
Was this foreseen by Feng through some prophecy spell? Or was it merely a stroke of luck or fate that he arrived in the Abyss at just the right moment — not a moment too soon, not a moment too late?
He voiced his uncertainties to Night, who responded in a manner that only deepened Angel’s confusion: “It could have been anyone who sought me out, or perhaps, it could have only been you.”
To Night, the identity of the individual who found him mattered not. What mattered was the timing. Perhaps Feng genuinely foresaw that he would meet this human at this moment in time. Or perhaps Feng simply set a boundary for him. Either way, all Night needed to know was that the time had come. All other details served merely as prerequisites to this conclusion — critical at the moment, but expendable once their purpose was served.
However, if Night were to address Angel’s quandary, he would personally lean towards the argument that “this matter was preordained”. In other words, it is plausible that Feng foresaw the current situation through some form of prophecy spell.
The timing was too perfect — Night’s power was on the cusp of a pivotal advancement, one more step and he would attain the rank of Demon Lord. At the same time, he had just achieved the final step of self-control. The only things hindering his progress now were an energy constraint and… this painting.
The energy limitation could be resolved, but without Angel’s intervention, the painting might forever conceal the night within, a mystery left unresolved.
What an uncanny alignment of circumstances, a serendipitous encounter, it was as if Night was predisposed towards Angel, the destined seeker.
Seeing Angel still bathed in perplexity, Night responded nonchalantly, “It matters not who you are, and you bear no responsibility for my future. For when Feng gifted me this painting, the shadowy night within was destined to be upturned by my ghostly abyssal flame. Such an outcome was preordained, you merely happened to be at the right place at the right time.”
A flicker of doubt crossed Angel’s gaze, perhaps he had simply been in the right place at the right time, but was there more to it than meets the eye? Was there a deeper meaning to Feng choosing him as the catalyst for change in Night’s dominion?
Angel had no answers, but for now, it seemed that was all there was to it.
Angel turned his gaze to the painting, “Then… when will you dispel this night in the painting, Lord Night?”
“Night never fades, even when overshadowed by the mightiest of blazes, it persists.”
Night’s response felt laden with double entendre. However, what Angel really wanted to know was what Night would do after the dark hues of the painting were replaced by flames, whether Night’s future actions would still be within the scope of Feng’s prophecy, and if he would continue to play a role in this unfolding drama.
As for Angel’s quandary, Night simply chuckled, “How destiny will unfold is never entirely foretold by a prophecy. If you trap your thoughts within Feng’s vision, you’ll forever be bound to the Silent Script. Even if this play isn’t exactly what Feng envisioned.”
Night’s words reminded Angel of a jest he once heard about the art of prophecy: an exceptional prophecy isn’t penned down, rather it’s crafted by shearing a blank script from a sheet of paper.
Feng’s foresight, perhaps a capricious whim, could have carved out a wordless script. Even Feng himself might not be able to articulate the ultimate denouement.
Yet, a script is a script, regardless of the course the plot within takes, it is confined to the framework of this drama.
Thus, if Angel persistently entwines his thoughts in Feng’s script, every choice he makes henceforth would seem to him a premonition, thereby ensnaring him perpetually within the confines of that narrative.
Yet, destiny has always been as mercurial and unpredictable as the ever-changing clouds, not a step-by-step, predictable sequence.
Upon this reflection, Angel nodded pensively.
“Let’s discuss the matter of materials,” Night deftly steered the conversation away from Feng and returned to the primary issue, capturing Angel’s attention once again.
“The Emberstone needed for Firestone crafting normally requires a millennia-long sedimentation. However, given the ample demon gold coins you provided, I chose a piece of Emberstone that has been sedimented for ten thousand years.” Night paused before continuing, “The materials for the Ashen Flame Solvent have also been procured. Give me a day and I will have it shaped and forged with the Abyss Ghost Flame.”
The Ashen Flame Solvent must be forged with the Abyss Ghost Flame — an endeavor only Night could achieve.
Night brought forth the Emberstone, along with other miscellaneous materials, all of which Angel carefully gathered, save for the Ashen Flame Solvent. Angel noted that Night did not present the primary material — fragments of Firestone.
“The quantity of Firestone fragments needed is quite substantial and I don’t have enough at the moment. They should arrive in about two to three days.”
Two to three days? Angel quickly calculated. If he returned to Ice Valley as soon as the goods arrived, he should have enough time. Thus, he nodded at Night: “Then I will trouble you, Lord.”
“There’s no need for formalities.” Night said nonchalantly, “I will prepare the Ashen Flame Solvent for you. You can come to collect it at this time tomorrow.”
With that said, Night disappeared into the darkness.
Angel once again turned his gaze towards the painting hanging on the wall. Looking at the flames suppressed by Night, he seemed to see that very land where the Firestone came from.
Reflecting on the tranquility of the encroaching night, a sudden curiosity sparked within him. What might Night transmogrify into when the twilight veil was fully lifted, when the oppression and constraints had vanished entirely? Could he metamorphose into something as terrifyingly gruesome as a Fire Lich, transforming into an endless inferno that engulfs and scorches the vast landscape?
Chuckling, he shook off the heavy contemplation like a water droplet from a leaf. The figure, Angel, turned and ventured forth.
Emerging from the Hunting Museum, Angel made his way towards the Phantasmagoria cabin while ruminating over his subsequent plans. Initially, he had thought he might have to linger in La Sutherland for at most another day. However, due to the shortage of Firestone fragments, he would have to extend his stay to three days.
In light of this, he resolved to keep the Phantasmagoria cabin up and running.
Demons and humans lived in entirely distinct spheres, thus the resources and prices in the demon city remained unaffected by human demand. Coupled with the city’s unique materials, Angel planned to seize this opportunity to amass more demon gold coins and stockpile supplies.
After all, future opportunities to visit the demon city remained uncertain.
Moreover, even if he could revisit the demon city, it was doubtful he would encounter such a fortuitous confluence of time and circumstances that would allow him to capitalize on the connections of Lord Night to procure scarce demon resources.
In no time, Angel found himself within the woodland where the Phantasmagoria cabin resided.
The fresh air combined with the dappled tree shadows made Angel feel quite contented. Prior to this, Angel’s impression of the Abyss was dominated by two things after arriving: an absence of hope and unending oppression.
To snatch a moment of leisure and pleasure within the gloomy Abyss was indeed a rare treasure.
However, this fleeting moment of contentment didn’t last long. Upon reaching the doorway of the Phantasmagoria cabin, Angel discovered he had caught the attention of someone… or rather, a demon.
Burning with fire, glaring with blood-red eyes, the demon glared ferociously at Angel.
In those eyes filled with bloodshot veins, Angel discerned a trace of indignation.
With a sigh, Angel found himself surprised by the relentless determination of the young Fire Demon. He had spent a considerable part of the day in the Hunting Museum, and upon returning, found the little creature steadfastly waiting at the door.
Its tenacity had caught him unawares.
With the mighty Fafnir reigning within the cabin, the Fire Demon did not dare to make a move. However, its eyes remained locked onto Angel, silent, but with a deep-seated obstinacy.
The intensity of its stare was so unnerving for Angel that it felt as though his scalp was prickling. Finding his path blocked by the Fire Demon, he finally relented with a sigh, “What do you want, truly? Denying you the experience of the Rhythm of the Ocean is for your own good. You, a Fire Demon, seeking to grasp the essence of water, might end up hurting yourself instead.”
This attempt at dialogue by Angel seemed to surprise the Fire Demon. Earlier, it had caused quite a ruckus outside, but the dark-skinned woman within had either expelled it or simply ignored it, leaving the creature feeling extremely frustrated and slighted.
Even the demon was unsure why it felt so drawn here; perhaps it was simply indignant, as it had never been treated this way before.
“I don’t care, I want to experience it!” Maybe it was just being rebellious, but even if it believed the truth in the native’s words, the Fire Demon didn’t want to lose face.
Speaking in the language of the Abyss, which it did much more proficiently than Angel, the Fire Demon’s speech still carried a childish, milk-like tone, perhaps due to its tender age.
Indeed, it was a classic case of a ‘bear child,’ one who would refuse to settle until it got what it desired. Angel couldn’t help but lament inwardly at this childish stubbornness.
“If you truly wish to have this experience, then be it. But remember, don’t blame me for not warning you about the severe injuries you may sustain,” Angel paused before adding, “Today, our shop is closed. If you still wish to experience it, you can come back tomorrow.”
The softer tone of Angel’s words paused the Fire Demon’s furious stare momentarily. It looked at Angel suspiciously and asked, “Are you being honest?”
“Yes,” replied Angel truthfully.
“Are you no longer going to bully me?”
“As long as you don’t disturb the other guests, I won’t bully you anymore.”
Only after being assured, the young Fire Demon pouted, transforming into an expression of haughty charm that seemed to pierce the sky, “Hmph, then I’ll come back tomorrow. If you dare break your promise, I’ll burn you.”
After speaking, the young Fire Demon transformed its demeanor, leisurely floating toward the outskirts of the forest in mid-air. Its black tail swung fiercely, like a puppy that had been awarded a prize.
Angel shook his head, opening the door to return indoors. However, at this moment, he felt as if a scorching gaze was sweeping across his back.
He turned back in puzzlement, only to see the young Fire Demon bounding toward one side of the forest in the distance. Beside the demon, a silhouette wrapped in a red robe had appeared. The young Fire Demon was impatiently speaking to the robed figure, the gaze that Angel had felt earlier came exactly from that red-robed person.
The hood of the red-robed figure was up, hiding their features. Still, Angel could sense that even as they conversed with the young Fire Demon, their gaze was taking him in. Moreover, that gaze was laden with a complexity of emotions: curiosity, malice, suspicion, and wariness.
Could it be the young Fire Demon’s servant? Angel pondered internally. Judging by their interaction, it indeed seemed like a servant’s demeanor.
Not long ago, in the Resting Ground, Angel had encountered Stiantrofeyr, who was a servant to a certain Goat Demon. It’s normal for the young Fire Demon, a noble demon from the deeper layers of the Abyss, to have servants.
Angel disregarded the stranger’s gaze. After all, he wouldn’t be staying here for much longer.
Chapter 1053 Night within the Painting <TOC> Chapter 1055 Olucia