Chapter 1237 Madeline and Ethel <TOC> Chapter 1239 Reminiscences of Ice Valley
Translator: SumTLMan
Arrival was as hasty as the departure. Angel initially desired to inquire about Madeline’s upcoming schedule, her plans to return to the Southern Region. But in response, Madeline simply stated her intention to spend a few years studying the Blackthorn Bush of Thorn Ridge and that she would not be returning soon before her figure disappeared.
She did not utter an extra word, display any curiosity about Angel’s presence, or ask about how Angel and Greaves knew each other. With her mind occupied with many concerns, she didn’t care to indulge in others’ affairs when her own were not yet neatly settled.
“Shop owner, who was that crazy woman…” It wasn’t until Madeline had completely disappeared that Greaves crawled out from behind him and asked tremulously.
“A witch with quite a story,” Angel said softly.
“Story?” Greaves found this difficult to comprehend.
“Regardless, it was a misunderstanding that’s now cleared up. Let’s go. I’ll take you into Ice Valley.” Angel turned and began to walk towards Ice Valley.
Although Greaves was still somewhat resentful, he could only swallow his displeasure since the shop owner had already spoken.
He led Greaves through the blizzard and deeper into Ice Valley.
Odeklaes was still in seclusion, but Angel had basically understood his mentality. Odeklaes ignored all who entered Ice Valley as long as they did not provoke him.
Just like Popoca, who he treated as if non-existent.
Because of this attitude, Angel dared to bring Greaves in. However, this was still Odeklaes’ domain, so Angel reminded Greaves not to run around.
With Greaves, they made their way to the temporary living area.
In regards to this Ice Crystal Palace, Greaves obviously felt uncomfortable. After all, fire and ice are difficult to mix. Only after transforming into human form did he feel a bit better.
“Have you settled Olucia?” Angel casually asked upon entering the house. He originally wanted a simple ‘yes or no’ answer, but Greaves began to spill all the events, big and small, that had transpired in the past half a month.
Olucia now had a body, found in a branch of a Demon Monastery.
The body seemed to have been in slumber for many years and was guarded by a Goat Demon. Olucia killed the Goat Demon and then took over that body.
However, there seemed to be something peculiar about the body. Olucia had to spend a lot of time every day integrating the body and soul, so she spent most of the time sleeping and woke up only for a little while each day.
Since there were no other threats near the Demon Monastery, Olucia told Greaves, who was bored from the constant waiting, that he didn’t have to keep watch all the time and could wander around on his own.
At present, Olucia had indeed regained some strength and had even contacted some of her former subordinates through secret channels.
“…I thought Lady Olucia wouldn’t encounter any more unexpected events, so I came looking for you, shop owner,” stated Greaves, his gaze turning fervent as he looked towards Angel.
Deep in thought over the terms “Goat Demon” and “Demon Monastery Branch” that Greaves had mentioned, Angel was pondering over their familiarity. Could it be the Goat Demon who had chased after Sineva back then? Yet, when he turned his gaze back to Greaves, he was met with a piercing stare.
Angel instantly understood. Greaves intended to cut to the chase.
Originally, Angel intended to inquire about the Demon Monastery, but after deliberation, he decided against it. After all, he was resolved not to get involved with Olucia anymore.
“Shop owner, you previously promised me… the Voyage of Experience,” Greaves’ eyes shone with anticipation.
Angel retrieved the Rhythm of the Ocean from his bracelet, causing Greaves’ eyes to light up even brighter upon the sight.
Seeing this, Angel sighed gently, “In truth, what Olucia previously mentioned to you was not wrong. The Voyage of Experience primarily benefits water-affinity creatures. If you were to use it, it could potentially cause a backlash.”
“Are you certain you wish to proceed?”
Greaves hesitated for a moment but ultimately nodded, “I understand, but I still wish to try.”
Over the course of their interactions, Angel had come to realize that while Greaves may be rough around the edges, he possessed a unique logic in his actions. Furthermore, although Greaves appeared to be a young boy, he was, in fact, several times older than Angel. Perhaps his form as a Young Fire Demon was why his mental maturity lagged behind. However, time had granted him the ability to think independently and make discerning decisions.
Since Greaves was determined to proceed, Angel made no move to dissuade him.
After all, the worst-case scenario would be an injury. Moreover, Angel had made a promise to Greaves, assuring him of his participation in the Voyage of Experience, and he had no intention of going back on his word.
“Are you prepared?”
Seeing Greaves’ resolute expression, Angel activated the Rhythm of the Ocean. A faint blue light flashed, and Greaves slowly closed his eyes.
Angel quietly watched from the side.
Greaves’ reaction to the experience was unlike that of any other participant. Initially, his face held a calm expression, but soon his body began to shake, and his expression started to contort.
His muscles spasmed uncontrollably, and his complexion slowly turned pale.
It seemed as though he was enduring some unimaginable pain.
As time slowly passed, Greaves had been in the illusion for nearly three minutes. Meanwhile, the changes in him became more pronounced. Flames began to seep from his body.
Soon, Greaves had completely transformed into a being of fire.
Maintaining his “fire-being” state for approximately two minutes, Angel began to contemplate whether he should forcibly awaken Greaves. But before he could act, a subtle change occurred in Greaves’ features within the flames.
Angel blinked, feeling as if the small figure of Greaves had unexpectedly stretched a bit.
He chalked it up to a hallucination, rubbing his eyes before taking a closer look. Amidst the roaring flames, the silhouette inside seemed to have grown significantly taller, and the adorably cute face of the young boy had morphed as well.
It had transformed into a visage hinting at emerging sharpness, infused with a whiff of youthful spirit. He was strikingly handsome, exuding a piercing determination.
Especially those slanted eyebrows, which were burning with orange flames at that moment, gave off an overwhelming sense of pressure.
“He actually… grew up?” Angel gazed at the boy amidst the flames in surprise. Was this what Greaves would look like when he grew up?
Could the Rhythm of the Ocean accelerate the maturity of fire entities? Confusion marked Angel’s face. As an alchemist, how did he not know of such a capability?
A minute passed.
The flames gradually dissipated, surprising Angel as the boy within the fire began to shrink at a pace visible to the naked eye. When the flames completely disappeared, Greaves returned to his younger appearance.
Then, Greaves opened his eyes.
Angel had intended to inquire about Greaves’ condition, but once Greaves opened his eyes, he found them devoid of any spark, his body swayed, and then he collapsed unconscious.
Angel quickly approached Greaves for a check-up, noticing Greaves’ aura was in chaos, his face pale, and his whole body was feverishly hot.
Just as Angel began to worry about potential damage to Greaves’ internal organs, he heard a soft snoring sound emanating from Greaves’ nostrils.
Angel: “…” So he was just asleep?
Greaves’ sleep was deep and long, not waking up until the next day.
Upon waking, Greaves felt as though his body had been hollowed out. His limbs were sore and swollen, and he felt incredibly weak. Any attempt at movement caused him to wince in pain.
“This is the consequence of your forced participation in the Voyage of Experience,” a soft voice resonated in Greaves’ ears. Looking up, he saw the shop owner sitting nearby, fiddling with a fiery red sphere.
“Shop owner,” Greaves croaked out a greeting, his voice somewhat hoarse.
Angel casually tossed the sphere to Greaves, “This is all I have left, make do with it.”
Upon examination, Greaves saw that it was a fragment of Firestone, filled with a certain amount of flame energy. For a wizard, it couldn’t be directly utilized due to the violent and chaotic energy, reminiscent of the Abyss. However, for Greaves, it could be directly used to replenish his depleted energy.
“Thank you.” Greaves crushed the Firestone fragment, absorbing the flame energy within, which made him feel slightly better.
“How did it go? Did you gain anything from this Voyage of Experience?” Angel asked, seeing that Greaves had regained a bit of strength.
After some contemplation, Greaves gave a firm nod.
Back when he was still in the Tan Continent, Greaves had absorbed a portion of the True Spirit of the Demon God’s power, which nudged a certain latent power within him into his awareness.
Immediately, Greaves inferred that this dormant power within him may be the key to the ‘maturity’ he had been seeking.
Subsequently, Greaves made many attempts to unleash this power, yet, despite his awareness of its presence, he was unable to tap into it.
During his time at the Demon Monastery, he pondered deeply without finding an answer, eventually deciding to seek out the Voyage of Experience offered by the shop owner.
Having witnessed the wonders of the Voyage of Experience in La Sutherland, Greaves was deeply intrigued. Even if, as Olucia had said, the Voyage may not benefit him, Greaves decided to give it a try. He was keen to see if the contradictory element of water could inversely trigger the hidden power within him.
As Angel listened to Greaves recount his story, he couldn’t help but recall the Young Man he had encountered amidst the flames.
“It appears you’ve succeeded,” Angel said.
Feeling somewhat bashful, Greaves nodded. “I’ve only slightly sensed the hidden power, and while I haven’t truly tapped into it, I believe I am not too far from doing so.”
“Keep striving, then,” Angel encouraged, patting Greaves on the shoulder, which caused him to tumble to the ground.
“Ouch——, Greaves gasped, crying out in discomfort.
Though Greaves had found the answer he sought, the price he had paid was a body full of internal injuries.
Chapter 1237 Madeline and Ethel <TOC> Chapter 1239 Reminiscences of Ice Valley