Chapter 1251 Undercurrent of Future Worry <TOC> Chapter 1253 Sridhar's Deal
Translator: SumTLMan
When Sanders heard Angel’s narrative, and learned of Vaudeurs Lord’s bond with the Continental Will, and moreover, the latter’s affinity for Angel, some of his anxieties were finally laid to rest.
Albeit this information came from Vaudeurs Lord’s own account, it was credible, given its internal consistency and the associated manifestations. Moreover, Vaudeurs Lord is an Elder, who has lived an unmeasurable length of time. At his level, there might be details he omits, but he definitely wouldn’t have any necessity to deceive Angel.
In other words, Angel is likely undetected.
Having received this information, Sanders felt somewhat relieved.
“If Vaudeurs Lord were a character in dramatic literature, he would be a tragic epic hero. As a former ruler of the Cold Ancient Ruins, having stood vigil at the gates of the city for so many years, he is both guarding and atoning,” mused Sanders.
Once his reflection ended, Sanders brought up the matter of Kurland briefly. However, Kurland had merely responded to Angel’s continent-saving deeds with a single black feather, without any additional clues, so Sanders merely touched on the subject briefly.
“Is there anything else apart from this?” Sanders inquired.
Angel paused for a moment, as if something came to mind, “Oh yes, there was one more thing. Vaudeurs Lord asked me for a favor. Although he himself said he would not insist on it, given the circumstances at that time, I’m quite certain I wouldn’t have been able to leave the Cold Ancient Ruins had I not agreed. So I had no choice but to accept.”
Sanders raised an eyebrow, “It seems like it’s a tough matter?”
Angel shook his head, “Not really tough, just rather bothersome, and requiring a great deal of effort.”
“Let’s hear it,” Sanders was curious as to what task would make an entity at the level of Vaudeurs Lord need Angel’s help.
“Vaudeurs Lord wishes for the original inhabitants who left to return and repopulate the original Tan Continent. However, being deeply intertwined with the continent, he himself cannot leave the Tan Continent, hence he requested my assistance with this matter.”
“So, you’re suggesting that his plan is to reconstruct the Tan Continent, ushering in a renaissance of the Cold Ancient era?” There was a ripple in Sanders’ heart, as if he had grasped onto something, and he hastily inquired.
“Yes, with the power of the True Spirit guiding the Tan Continent back on its track after its downfall, Vaudeurs Lord felt he’d spent too long idling. He fancied some change, yearning to see the natives return to their true homeland and witness the glory of the Cold Ancient Era once more.”
“And how did you respond?”
“Well, given the complexity of the matter…”
“So you didn’t agree?” Sanders’ tone was tinged with an urgency he’d seldom displayed before, which struck Angel as odd.
However, he didn’t overthink it but voiced his contemplations.
“I consented to Vaudeurs Lord’s proposal. However, due to the complex nature of the task, I deliberated for a while and thought of the strongholds in the surface plane. I posed a request to Vaudeurs Lord, wishing to allow humans to settle on the Tan Continent as well. The Tan Continent has been desolate for too long, devoid of living resources and ecosystems. As wizards possess the capability to modify terrains, it would enable the rapid establishment of a habitable zone for both the natives and humans.”
As Angel spoke, he appeared rather smug, declaring, “In this manner, if other people rally the natives to return to the Tan Continent, and they assist in the construction, it will be far less troublesome for me. It’s a win-win situation!”
Upon hearing Angel’s account, Sanders’ heartbeat quickened noticeably.
Suppressing his inner excitement, he managed to ask in a composed manner, “And how did Vaudeurs Lord respond to that? Did he agree?”
Angel replied, “I narrated the harmonious coexistence of humans and natives in the surface stronghold cities. After hearing this, Vaudeurs Lord agreed. However, he also set a limitation — humans are not allowed to enter the Cold Ancient City and can only establish strongholds in the surface plane.”
After Angel finished, there was a prolonged silence without any response from Sanders. Angel cast a puzzled glance at him, only to see Sanders with a glow in his eyes, muttering under his breath.
“Mentor, what’s wrong?” Angel murmured, “Could it be that what I’ve done is inappropriate?”
In line with Angel’s thought process, the current majority of wizard organizations are intent on establishing strongholds within the Abyss. His actions, he assumes, should not be detrimental to these organizations. Furthermore, numerous apprentices of various wizard groups are undergoing trials at the surface of the Abyss, so the establishment of a secure stronghold should be beneficial, shouldn’t it?
Or could it be that the Savage Grottoes have no intention of extending their reach into the Abyss?
While Angel contemplates this, Sanders finally speaks up.
With an elated expression, he proclaims, “Of course not! What you are doing is precisely right!”
Having voiced his admiration, Sanders looks at Angel with excited eyes, “Has Vaudeurs Lord delegated the task of building this stronghold to you? Do you have the authority to decide which humans and native people can enter the Tan Continent?”
Angel gives a slight nod, “Yes.”
Hearing this, Sanders could no longer contain himself, a rare smile spread across his face, “You’ve done even better than I could have imagined!”
Sanders’ joy leaves Angel somewhat perplexed.
It appears, his decision back then was correct?
Perhaps seeing Angel’s confusion, Sanders begins to explain with a twinkle in his eye——
Establishing a unique stronghold within the Abyss provides monumental advantages for a wizard organization!
The exploration of the current Abyss Plane is almost entirely carved up by the major wizard alliances of the Southern Region, among which the Frost Moon alliance stands out as the most significant. Although other wizard organizations yearn to enter the Abyss, all secure strongholds have been occupied, leaving them incapable of making substantial progress.
Yet now, the Tan Continent has emerged out of nowhere!
If a wizard organization can construct a stronghold on the Tan Continent, it would unquestionably disrupt the power distribution on the surface of the Abyss.
After all, there are no demons in the original Tan Continent, and as long as Vaudeurs refrains from killing, this place can be almost regarded as a safe zone!
What does a safe zone mean? Not only does it mean not worrying about demonic invasions, but for a wizard organization, it’s an incredibly cost-effective deal!
Because here, a long-term interplanar passage to the Southern Region can be established without fear of the passage being destroyed.
You see, the materials, manpower, and time consumed by such an interplanar passage are beyond imagination. There is bound to be such a passage near the surface stronghold city. If the stronghold city falls, for instance, if Emberstone Titan is destroyed, the corresponding passage is virtually abandoned, and the passage originally built at a high cost of magic crystals is wasted.
But it’s different in a safe zone. Here, when you build a passage, you don’t need to worry about danger!
The resources of the Abyss are too rich! Whether it’s adventuring, training, or gathering the magical materials here, it can rapidly promote the growth of an organization.
Simply put, a safe stronghold city not only benefits the grassroots apprentices of a wizard organization but also provides unimaginable benefits to middle-ranking wizards and the core circle. After all, high-end combat forces might not care about the surface magical materials, but they can’t ignore the interests in the deeper layers of the Abyss. If the original Tan Continent could become a gathering place for human wizards, it would also be an excellent springboard for advancement!
After listening to Sanders’s explanation, Angel finally understood.
In fact, he had considered what Sanders said before, but he didn’t expect these things to be so important for a wizard organization.
The main issue was that Angel had experienced too little and had limited insights. He didn’t have a comprehensive understanding of the Abyss Plane, a tempting pie for all wizards, leading to an information asymmetry.
Regardless, Angel made an excellent choice!
It not only allows humans to settle in the original Tan Continent but also makes it the best place for the rapid development and growth of Phantom Island and even the Savage Grottoes!
Sanders could affirm with certainty, once this revelation reaches Rhine Mute, it’s bound to be the paramount strategic concern of the Savage Grottoes for the coming millennium!
Furthermore, the crucial ‘right of occupation’ lies in the hands of Angel.
One could say whether the Tan Continent eventually becomes dominated by one entity, or is selectively opened for other wizard organizations to establish a presence, all hinges on Angel’s whim!
“Who would have thought that your aversion to trouble would ultimately carve such a perfect outset?” Sanders couldn’t help but express his awe. If initially Angel had rejected Vaudeurs Lord’s proposition, or hadn’t suggested humans occupy the Tan Continent, then all of this would have been merely fanciful talk. It’s almost unbelievable, but the one who brought all this into being was Angel’s attitude of eschewing hassle!
Previously, Sanders had believed that dispersing the power of True Spirit to the Tan Continent was a colossal waste. But now, he couldn’t be happier!
Even if Angel acquired the power of True Spirit, it would end up as a castle in the sky, desirable but unreachable. However, the right of occupation and development of the Tan Continent represents a tangible, sustainable advantage. And moreover, it’s something that meets the eye!
“I can’t wait. Upon returning to the Savage Grottoes, I’ll promptly discuss the aftermath of this matter with Rhine Mute,” said Sanders, before immediately dismissing his idea. “No, I shouldn’t reveal this yet. I need to be more cautious and consider all aspects of this situation, both good and bad. Since Vaudeurs Lord didn’t give you a deadline, we should conceal this temporarily, prepare a detailed plan, and then negotiate with Rhine Mute.”
Upon saying this, Sanders looked towards Angel, his face serious as he advised, “In the meantime, you should hurry to increase your strength. This matter is momentous, and as an indispensable central character, if your power doesn’t reach a level that can’t be ignored by others, you’ll end up being a mere puppet!”
Angel nodded in understanding.
After issuing his warning, Sanders couldn’t help but shake his head and chuckle, “I thought you were done causing ripples, but there’s still this surprise waiting for me.”
“You better not tell me you’re still concealing something significant?”
Upon finishing his sentence, Sanders noted a hint of contemplation in Angel’s eyes, causing his heart to skip a beat, “Do you have more to share?”
Is there anything else?!
Angel, on the other hand, hadn’t truly considered the impact that stationing at the original Tan Continent would cause. He merely perceived it as a run-of-the-mill task.
If the move to the Tan Continent has shocked Sanders this much, then the other matter… should be of considerable importance, right?
With this thought, Angel quietly stated, “The Phase Gateway, there is a Phase Gateway in the Cold Ancient City.”
Chapter 1251 Undercurrent of Future Worry <TOC> Chapter 1253 Sridhar's Deal