Chapter 1246 Sridhar <TOC> Chapter 1248 On the Ownership of the Source Fire
Translator: SumTLMan
“The Present Circumstances on the Paramjit Plateau?” Sridhar ruminated for a moment, “Is there a specific party you are particularly interested in?”
“Any would do, as long as you deem it worth mentioning. Feel free to disclose any pertinent details.”
“That’s quite a broad scope.” Sridhar mumbled under his breath: “You’re the first to come to me seeking information without a price, alas, who am I to refuse when I’m no match for you?”
After muttering a series of unrelated phrases, Sridhar finally began to unravel the current circumstances prevailing on the Paramjit Plateau.
Whether Sridhar was a dealer in intelligence, Angel could not be certain. However, his aptitude for arranging and analyzing information was unexpectedly meticulous, surpassing Angel’s anticipations.
Many matters were broken down by Sridhar, explained in a way that was clear and insightful. He always managed to extrapolate broader implications from minor details. For instance, Sridhar shared an anecdote regarding Lady Dany: “Following the failure of the planar fusion, Lady Dany dispatched several apprentices from Gravity Forest to search for clues near the River of Eternal Frost. Speaking of which, you should know the environment of the River of Eternal Frost area. What could the apprentices possibly discover there? I had doubts at the time. Later, I sent one of my mechanical puppets to wander around the mouth of the River of Eternal Frost, and guess what I found?”
“I discovered that a team from Song of the Deep Sea had infiltrated the icy river!”
“The people of Song of the Deep Sea, under Florence’s guidance, mostly inhabit the central plateau area. They follow a predetermined path and are highly unlikely to venture to the River of Eternal Frost.”
“At the time, I specifically kept an eye on their movements. I found that those people from Song of the Deep Sea seemed to purposely interact with Gravity Forest, and even kept it a secret from Florence!”
Kept it a secret from Florence? Sanders raised an eyebrow, “People from the Sea God lineage?”
Wizard organizations mostly have internal contradictions. The larger the wizard organization, the more likely such conflicts will occur. However, many times, the power of a leader can suppress the discordant voices within, maintaining a relative state of balance. The Savage Grottoes is one such example.
Nevertheless, Song of the Deep Sea stands distinctively apart.
The mightiest in Song of the Deep Sea might be Florence, yet there exists an alternate faction, spearheaded by Denth. His power is no less significant than Florence’s, complemented by powerful reinforcements: otherworldly forces led by Imagan.
The foreign powers have permeated every aspect of Song of the Deep Sea. Florence strived to eradicate them, only to find himself ensnared deeper in the quagmire.
Factions of Denth and Florence have virtually transformed into stark adversaries. Initially, Nereus who attacked Angel in the Abyss was, indeed, a disciple of Denth.
“Indeed, judging by their familiarity, I presume they established ties with Gravity Forest quite early. I was contemplating, given the scale of Song of the Deep Sea, why would they want to approach Gravity Forest? Reflecting on the rumors over the past years, the only plausible explanation is your good self, Lord Phantom Master.”
“You bear a grudge with Denth’s lineage, and the individuals of Gravity Forest are eyeing you like a tiger stalking its prey. I anticipate they are planning a joint offensive against you. As for the timing of the strike, perhaps when you were in the Abyss? However, seeing that you don’t seem out of sorts now, it appears their attempt failed.”
Sridhar’s meticulous analysis ultimately coincided with reality.
Listening to his account, Angel couldn’t help but marvel. Indeed, one must never underestimate anyone who embarks on the wizard’s path. This ability to infer the larger picture from minor details demonstrates Sridhar’s discerning insight into worldly affairs and adept social skills.
Sridhar’s casual remarks are filled with invaluable insights, entrancing Angel. Much of the recorded information in books is, in truth, embellished. Sridhar, from his perspective, using the events of the Paramjit Plateau as an example, analyses the authentic state of affairs wherein major organizations mutually check and balance, diplomatically maneuver, and outwit each other.
Observing Angel’s rapt attention, Sridhar delves into the details.
Moreover, he noticed that Sanders made no attempt to interrupt his elaborate narration, evidently acquiescing to his actions.
The elucidation continued from high noon until the onset of twilight.
Throughout this process, the intelligence that Sanders truly desired to know was, in reality, quite scant. The lion’s share of time was spent by Sridhar weaving a network of information among major organizations for Angel.
When the clock on the wall chimed nine o’clock with its mechanical songbird, Sridhar finally ceased speaking. He stretched languidly, “It’s late tonight. Let’s stop here.”
Angel thanked Sridhar with a touch of embarrassment, he was acutely aware that many of the details had been relayed for his benefit.
“Today’s information, considering your mentor’s sake, is on the house. You may visit on your own next time. Whatever you wish to know, I can inform you. In fact, I’d like to propose a trade,” Sridhar said, a wry smile playing on his lips as he looked at Angel.
“A trade?”
“Don’t fret, I dare not pull Sanders’ beard. I merely hope to exchange some insights on alchemy with you. Plus, I’m not like that stubborn and freeloading Nielson,” Sridhar continued, “I’m willing to pay a fair price.”
Sridhar’s mention of Nielson took Angel aback. The first wizard he had encountered upon his return to the Old Land Continent, with whom he’d almost started a fight with, was this very Nielson. After their initial misunderstanding had been cleared up, Nielson had forcefully encouraged him to share his understanding of alchemy.
“Lord Sridhar, you know Nielson?”
“Yes, I met him not long ago. He spoke of you in glowing terms,” Sridhar remembered, Nielson had visited him, and in addition to praising Angel, he’d requested him to help in sending Angel an invitation to Sky Mechanical City.
However, while Nielson asked for his help, he neglected to offer anything in return. His freeloading nature was utterly transparent, and Sridhar naturally dismissed his request.
“In that case, should an opportunity arise, I will visit you alone, Lord Sridhar. I happen to have some unresolved questions about mechanical alchemy,” Angel agreed, nodding in acquiescence.
Regarding the conversation and transaction between Angel and Sridhar, Sanders offered no interruption. However, as he listened, he couldn’t help but contemplate with deep emotion.
Their dialogue suggested that Angel’s alchemy network had started to gradually broaden its reach.
However, Sanders doubted if he could penetrate into this exclusive circle.
As Angel’s mentor, Sanders felt both a sense of gratification and hint of guilt.
Upon the completion of their conversation, Sridhar turned to Sanders, “Regarding the information I previously shared, is Lord Phantom Master satisfied?”
Sanders neither confirmed nor denied, instead, he proposed, “Apart from what’s been discussed, there are some other matters I wish to understand.”
“Has Lord Rhine made any recent appearances?” Sanders vividly recalled that initially, he ventured into the Abyss with Rhine, who later hurried back to the Southern Region after receiving a prophecy from Bruce. Given Rhine’s demeanor at the time, it was apparent that some significant events had unfolded.
“Lord Rhine’s whereabouts? I haven’t kept tabs… However, not too long ago, Florence seemed to have sought out Lord Rhine in the Savage Grottoes. After leaving the Savage Grottoes, he disappeared on the Paramjit Plateau. Currently, the members of Song of the Deep Sea have also vacated the Paramjit Plateau.”
Though these two events seemed unrelated, Sridhar specifically highlighted them, indicating he suspected some correlation.
Sanders had faith in Sridhar’s intuition. Despite Sridhar’s strength being consistently middling amongst wizards, Sanders greatly valued him and maintained their friendship precisely because Sridhar possessed an exceedingly keen intuition. Often, he could immediately detect something amiss in what others said.
His intuition was so strong that, without employing a Truth Discerning Spell, Sridhar could easily determine if someone was lying.
“I see.” Sanders nodded in understanding, confident that upon his return to the Savage Grottoes, the situation should become clearer.
“In addition to the matter of Lord Rhine, there’s another thing I’d like to understand.” Sanders directed his gaze at Sridhar, “Do we now have a clue as to why the planar fusion failed?”
Sridhar shook his head, “Not yet, however, there’s a rumor circulating outside, implying an external intervention caused the failure.”
“Right, Maya has returned from Crown Star Church. You could try asking her; she might know something.”
Sanders nodded. Despite not particularly being involved in the failure of the planar fusion, it happened within the bounds of the Savage Grottoes. Hence, Sanders felt the unavoidable need to pay attention to it.
With that, the topic was concluded. Time had transitioned into the evening, and Sridhar invited them to share dinner.
Having spent a considerable amount of time in the Abyss without proper meals, Sanders agreed without hesitation.
The ambiance at dinner was pleasant. Besides, Angel, having returned to the Wizarding World, felt quite at ease. The familiar taste of the delicacies invigorated his appetite.
After dinner, Sridhar conveniently suggested they stay the night. Sanders agreed. Sridhar’s intention was to discuss alchemy with Angel during the evening. But when he visited his room late into the night, he found his trip in vain; Angel was not there.
…
Within the Gravity Garden.
Angel arrived at the familiar open-air study. Popoca sat on the ground, stunned, not daring to touch Sanders’ collection of books nor enter the study area.
Seeing Angel, Popoca finally snapped out of his daze.
“Now that we have returned to the Southern Region, we can let go of many things. Once we’re back in the Savage Grottoes, I’ll introduce you to Totoro. Afterward, I’ll also try to arrange a meeting for you with Sparrow Blossom.”
In a soft voice, Popoca responded, “Thank you.”
Angel let out a sigh, on the verge of offering an explanation when Sanders’ figure materialized in the open-air study.
Sanders took his seat before the desk, casting a glance at Angel, “Now, it’s time to speak up. About the black feather, and how did you manage to escape?”
Just as Angel was about to speak, Sanders abruptly interrupted again.
“Before you say anything, I want some assurance. You didn’t stir up any trouble this time, did you?”
Angel remained wordlessly silent.
“Alright, it seems I was overly optimistic to expect you wouldn’t stir things up.” Sanders rubbed his temples, experiencing the all-too-familiar headache that came whenever Angel made a mess. Even though there was always a substantial reward at the end of it all, the process was just too nerve-racking.
“I hope the trouble you’ve stirred up this time isn’t too big.”
Angel continued to hold his tongue, causing Sanders’ heart to skip a beat.
He took a moment to steady his emotions, then shifted his gaze to Popoca. “Never mind, we’ll talk about your part later, let’s start with you.”
Chapter 1246 Sridhar <TOC> Chapter 1248 On the Ownership of the Source Fire