Chapter 1241 Tribulation of Resentment <TOC> Chapter 1243 The Peculiar Demon
Translator: SumTLMan
Before his return to the Southern Region, Angel embarked on a solitary journey back to Ice Valley.
His main intent was to bring Popoca along. However, as he was passing Ice Crystal Palace, he spotted the figure of Odeklaes within its grand hall.
Angel had presumed that Odeklaes would be engrossed in cultivation within the underground Fire Crystal Mines. With this unexpected encounter, a silent departure that was initially planned seemed unlikely.
Seeing Odeklaes, Angel could not possibly ignore him.
He stepped into the grand hall, greeted Odeklaes with due respect, and informed him of his imminent departure.
With an indifferent nod, Odeklaes remarked, “The Mark of Flame on you serves as the testament of our friendship, and I shall not revoke it.”
Angel bowed his head, placed a hand solemnly over his heart, and replied, “May our friendship endure forever.”
Odeklaes paused, the corner of his mouth faintly curling up into a semblance of a smile. As Angel was questioning his eyesight, Odeklaes swiftly regained his stoic expression.
“You seem quite intrigued by Feng,” Odeklaes suddenly changed the topic.
Angel nodded and said, “There are certain matters for which I need to seek confirmation from him.”
Without delving into what Angel referred to as ‘certain matters’, Odeklaes pondered for a moment and then, from an unidentified space, retrieved an object and tossed it to Angel.
“This item was left behind by Feng. I don’t know its purpose, but since you hold a keen interest in him, you should have it.”
On closer inspection, Angel realized that what Odeklaes had tossed him was a long key, etched with elaborate patterns.
“Ouija Multi-Pattern Cipher Key?”
The Ouija Multi-Pattern Cipher Key is, in essence, an encryption tool wizards favor. You can think of it as a type of self-programmable pattern-based lock and key.
A locked item is marked with a “mother rune.” To unlock this, you require the corresponding “child rune.”
These mother and child runes can be set independently, provided the core is the Ouija Multi-Pattern, avoiding repetition.
Of course, this encryption tool is not as simple as mere patterns. The distribution of energy within the patterns, the source of the energy’s essence, and the energy’s attributes are all encryption points.
Therefore, deciphering the Ouija Multi-Pattern Cipher Key is no simple task.
“It seems you recognize this, so I’ve found the right person,” Odeklaes remarked casually.
Angel briefly explained the purpose of the Ouija Multi-Pattern Cipher Key. He could identify it as a cipher key that probably engraved a “child rune,” but without the corresponding “mother rune,” it would be a useless object.
“Maybe one day, you will encounter its mother rune?” Odeklaes paused and continued, “Or perhaps, Feng prepared this key for you?”
After some contemplation, Angel nodded in gratitude to Odeklaes, “Alright, I’ll accept it.”
Angel took the key and bid farewell.
Then, with Popoca, he left Ice Valley, which was perennially battered by wind and snow. Popoca, upon knowing that Sanders was outside, had a hint of fear in his eyes, but the prospect of leaving the Abyss brought some anticipation.
Popoca’s complex emotions gradually settled when he saw Sanders.
Because he found that Sanders, apart from giving him a glance devoid of any emotional color at the beginning, didn’t look at him directly again, which slightly relaxed Popoca.
After leaving Ice Valley, they rode on the Gondola. Popoca was alone in the rear cabin, while Angel sat opposite Sanders.
Due to Sanders’s warning, they avoided discussing any sensitive topics. Even though Sanders was very curious about Angel’s recent experiences, he decided to wait until they returned to the Southern Region to ask.
“Where are we going now?” Angel, following Sanders’s instructions, steered the Gondola in a certain direction, but he was clueless about their next stop.
“We are going to meet up with Canter, he came with me this time, but he went to Elsa Underground City first to procure some materials. Once we connect with him, we will directly return to the Southern Region via Fragment Ephemera,” explained Sanders.
Elsa Underground City is a stronghold city on par with Immortal Street and Emberstone Titan, however, it was not constructed by the Frost Moon Alliance, but another wizard alliance——Bloodborne Alliance.
Understanding, Angel nodded. Many materials found in the Abyss were unavailable in the Southern Region. Before leaving the Abyss, most wizards would go to stronghold cities to exchange for some unique materials.
Angel, however, did not need to. His bracelet was chock-full of materials from the Abyss… He had purchased a lot previously in La Sutherland, and many of them were unique to the Abyss, basically all bought at bargain prices. Compared to human-operated stronghold cities, the prices were many times cheaper.
After setting the target, Angel advanced with the Gondola.
Due to many topics being off-limits, Angel began sharing some experiences from his time in Ice Valley, particularly about Madeline’s situation, informing Sanders.
Regarding Madeline’s choice, Sanders was indifferent, nodding: “The best news is that she’s alive. As for her choosing to stay in the Abyss to research Blackthorns, it’s not a big deal. As long as wizards have inspiration, even if they stay in the Withered Bone Graveyard or Marsh Gas Dark Pool researching for dozens of years, it wouldn’t be unusual.”
“Rather than Madeline, I want to know about Ethel’s situation.”
Angel: “Dongola?”
Sanders nodded.
Angel pondered for a moment, then slowly recounted the incident that had occurred in Moliere Land. After listening, a glimmer of obscure light flashed in Sanders’s eyes.
“I didn’t expect that you’ve actually had a battle with her,” Sanders lightly tapped on the table with his finger, seemingly deep in thought. After a while, he said: “Dongola is a person with an extremely narrow mind and holds grudges. You attacked her and even pushed her back, given Dongola’s personality, she might seek revenge against you.”
“Originally, the Silian Clan suffered their ruin because they inadvertently offended Dongola over a trivial matter.”
The Silian Clan was the wizarding lineage where Madeline originally belonged.
Sanders’ judgment and Madeline’s were almost identical, and upon hearing them, Angel could only feel wronged: “She struck first. If I hadn’t retaliated, I would have been lying there motionless.”
“That complicates things even more,” Sanders pondered, “Her transformation into Ethel must be due to the doom curse, perhaps body-swapping or possessing someone else. Regardless, she hid for such a long time, yet targeted you, surely she has an objective. She likely has her sights set on the components of your body.”
“Likely, in her eyes, you’ve already made it onto her list of targets.”
Upon saying this, Sanders saw Angel’s despondent expression and tried to reassure him: “However, she has many enemies and her powers have severely diminished. She wouldn’t dare expose herself or return to the Southern Region anytime soon, so you needn’t worry for now.”
Normally, when a conversation reached this point, Angel would presume there was a “but” coming.
Indeed, Sanders suddenly shifted his tone: “But, with her body reserves, in at most ten to twenty years, she’ll regain her strength. Once she returns to the Southern Region, she’ll likely start causing trouble for you, so you can’t let down your guard. It’s crucial to focus on enhancing your abilities.”
Angel understood this reasoning, and from Dongola’s reckless actions, it was clear she wasn’t a wizard who played by the rules. Even if it wasn’t for himself, for the protection of his loved ones, he needed to elevate his strength.
“Speaking of enhancing abilities, your physical strength has considerably improved. You should consider the matter of spell positions, have you made a decision?” Sanders shifted the conversation towards Angel.
Angel nodded, “I’ve made some plans.”
Sanders, curious, initially wanted to hear which spell Angel had chosen for his first spell position. However, Angel only said half and then closed his mouth, piquing Sanders’ curiosity: “Are you trying to keep us in suspense? Could it be that you’ve chosen alchemy and are too embarrassed to say it out loud?”
Angel shook his head without uttering a word.
Narrowing his eyes, Sanders seemed to have an idea, “Are you planning to walk the path of originality?”
While Sanders took great pleasure in the path of originality, time, however, was an unforgiving master.
“It’s not a self-created original spell, but a peculiar ability,” Angel cautiously uttered. Despite his murky intuition hinting at the possible capabilities, he chose to keep the detailed effects under wraps until they were revealed. Moreover, since the Gateway Model originated from that bizarre dimension and involved the Heavenly Eye, he was hesitant to unveil its provenance, electing instead to play coy and avoid discussing it.
Sanders peered intently at Angel, “Then I look forward to it.”
…
Without the constraints of the doom curse, the journey was smooth sailing.
The only slight hiccup arose when they encountered a few lesser demons with fluttering bat wings. However, upon sighting Angel, they recoiled as though witnessing a higher-ranking demon, fleeing in terror.
Raising an eyebrow, Sanders looked at Angel with bewilderment.
Angel nonchalantly pointed to the Mark of Flame on his ear, “A mark left by Odeklaes, which was why I was able to establish a footing in La Sutherland.”
Acknowledging with a nod, Sanders cast a glance at Angel’s earlobe, his eyes flickering mysteriously, “Is that still there?”
Sanders pointed at his earlobe.
Initially, Angel was perplexed by the question, only realizing later that Sanders was referring to the pale yellow Source Fire that had inexplicably approached him back then.
“Yes,” Angel’s confirmation lit up Sanders’ eyes instantly.
“Excellent,” Sanders commented, not prying further. He was aware that further inquiry would inevitably involve Angel’s recent experiences. It was best not to mention those experiences in the Abyss. Even if they were unobserved now, who could tell whether those powerful beings had other means to uncover the truth?
Chapter 1241 Tribulation of Resentment <TOC> Chapter 1243 The Peculiar Demon