Chapter 1255 Ruins on the Plateau <TOC> Chapter 1257 Yesevei
Previous page password is bold portion: R*s94sLk#s4
Translator: SumTLMan
Their journey back to the Savage Grottoes went without a hitch.
As they descended into the deep chasm, they chanced upon a few wizards.
During the cordial exchange with these fellow wizards, Angel noted that although they seemed amicable towards him, their conversations suggested that it was mainly due to his alchemy connections. Disregarding the subject of alchemy, they appeared rather indifferent.
From this observation, it seemed the news from the Abyss hadn’t reached the Savage Grottoes.
On second thought, it made sense; after all, they were in different worlds. Furthermore, it hadn’t even been half a month since the tumultuous changes in La Sutherland. Based on the past pace of information dissemination, it could take half a year or even a year for the news to arrive here after being published in a periodical. Of course, many would learn of the ins and outs through other channels earlier, but there would inevitably be a lag for the general public to get wind of the news.
This reminded Angel of the Wilderness of Dreams. If the Wilderness of Dreams were to develop in the future, information dissemination would likely be much faster.
However, this would only be within the Wizarding World as the Wilderness of Dreams currently only existed therein. As for other worlds… they had to temporarily forego any attempts in the face of the terrifying behemoths eyeing the Wilderness of Dreams.
Learning that the news from the Abyss hadn’t reached the Savage Grottoes, Angel felt considerably at ease.
They returned to the Mirror World following the reflection, and didn’t encounter Mirror Lady during this process. Given her “thirst” for Sanders, it was unlikely she would not appear, suggesting she was still in deep slumber.
After returning to the Mirror World, Sanders suggested that Angel return to Phantom Island first, while he would head to High Cloud Tower to meet Lord Rhine.
However, before Sanders could utter these words, a slightly languid voice echoed beside their ears, “Oh, you’re back?”
Upon the cessation of dialogue, a green phantom emerged in their presence, unveiling a handsome man adorned minimally, with only a leaf to cover his crucial parts.
“Tree Spirit Lord,” Angel articulated reverently. The glaring shine of the skin, even without considering the face, unambiguously revealed the identity of the visitor——one of the three ancestral spirits of the Savage Grottoes, Tree Spirit.
“Well, it’s serendipitous that you’ve returned, Angel. I needed your assistance with a matter,” Tree Spirit mentioned. Turning towards Sanders, he queried, “You wouldn’t mind if I borrowed your disciple, would you?”
Based on Tree Spirit’s understanding of Sanders, he assumed there wouldn’t be a refusal.
However, Sanders, having resumed his aloof demeanor, didn’t immediately agree to Tree Spirit’s proposal as anticipated. Instead, he pivoted towards Angel, his gaze seeking consent.
Tree Spirit arched an eyebrow. He was, of course, cognizant of Sanders’ regard for Angel, yet he also believed that attitudes needed to be clearly demarcated. Sanders’ comportment towards Angel, at present, showed an inconspicuous deviation from the past.
Although Tree Spirit noted this, he chose not to vocalize it. Instead, he beamed amiably, following Sanders’ gaze to Angel.
“Of course, I wouldn’t dare refuse,” Angel couldn’t possibly reject.
“In that case, go with Tree Spirit,” Sanders advised without prying into Tree Spirit’s intentions. Having returned to the Savage Grottoes, he trusted that Tree Spirit wouldn’t harm Angel.
Sanders nodded at Angel and flew solo towards the towering citadel within the clouds.
Angel presumed that Tree Spirit would retract his phantom self, but unexpectedly, Tree Spirit didn’t do so. Instead, he strolled towards the grand Tree Spirit Hall with Angel, grinning delightfully.
Along the journey, all the apprentices who caught sight of Tree Spirit accorded their utmost respect with a courteous bow, subsequently making way. As for Angel accompanying Tree Spirit, some of the apprentices didn’t recognize him, they just observed him covertly. However, the fact that even Tree Spirit walked along with him suggested his remarkable standing. Consequently, Angel was also the recipient of a modicum of admiration.
As Angel continued to walk, he was overwhelmed by an unsettling sense of basking in reflected glory.
To alleviate the awkwardness that hung in the air, Angel pivoted the conversation, inquiring, “Tree Spirit Lord, may I know the purpose of your request for my presence?”
“Well, it’s nothing of grand importance. Coincidentally, I have two newcomers here for talent assessment, and I thought of having you introduce them to the ‘Rhythm of the Ocean,’ to augment their affinity with the water element,” Tree Spirit paused before adding, “Of course, it won’t be an act of charity. Since they lack the income of magic crystals at present, I plan to impose a compulsory mission on them through their bone cards. You’ll have the right to recruit them once, and they won’t have the privilege to decline.”
Starting the ‘Rhythm of the Ocean’ wouldn’t drain much energy, and since this was the first time Tree Spirit sought his help, Angel promptly replied, “Starting the ‘Rhythm of the Ocean’ is not a problem. As for the compulsory mission, there’s no need. Consider it a one-time benefit for the newcomers.”
“Is that so? But we agreed last time. Moreover, any transaction must have its equivalence. If you give it out for free, wouldn’t everyone come asking for your help in the future?”
Angel initially wanted to retort that it wouldn’t matter even if they came asking. After all, he could simply refuse. Moreover, he wouldn’t be staying in the Savage Grottoes for long.
But before he could voice his thoughts, Tree Spirit stretched out his long arm, placed it around Angel’s neck, and cheerfully said, “Don’t underestimate these two nascent talents. This compulsory recruitment mission can actually accomplish quite a lot. You can have them as your alchemy assistants or even use them for biological experimentation.”
Hearing this, Angel glanced at Tree Spirit with skepticism.
Two fledglings who haven’t even crossed the threshold into the Wizarding World, devoid of any experience, how could they serve as alchemy assistants? If he indeed summoned them to assist, the one at a loss would undeniably be him, as he’d have to invest time teaching them about alchemy. Could it be, was this Tree Spirit’s ulterior motive?
Observing the beaming face of Tree Spirit, Angel decided to hold his tongue.
After all, whether he uses this recruitment mission or not, it ultimately lies in his hands. If it comes to it, he could just treat it as if this incident never happened.
With this in mind, Angel nodded at Tree Spirit.
Having reached an understanding, Angel, driven by curiosity, asked, “In this interval, how did we get new arrivals?”
The Guide Mission from Angel was just recently concluded; based on the typical intervals between each induction, it seemed too soon for new recruits to appear, didn’t it?
“Not a Guide Mission, but an apprentice who encountered two gifted individuals along the way and decided to bring them back.”
Angel nodded in understanding; such instances were not uncommon. Indeed, he himself was brought back midway by Sanders.
As they journeyed, Angel and Tree Spirit sporadically discussed the recent happenings around the Savage Grottoes. Inhaling the fresh, fragrant air and enveloped by a dense atmosphere of energy, his mood was exceedingly relaxed.
Before long, they reached the locale of Tree Spirit’s primary form——atop a leaf behind the great Tree Spirit Hall.
Tree Spirit’s form was just as Angel had pictured, luxuriating in the sunlight atop a lounge chair as usual.
In front of Tree Spirit were two young men who appeared somewhat restrained, presumably the new arrivals Tree Spirit had mentioned.
These two were the embodiment of contrast: one burly and robust, his hair as sharp as spikes, exuding an overtly masculine aura. The other possessed smooth long hair, fair skin, and striking good looks, albeit with a more delicate, softer demeanor.
The latter, a delicate man, kept his eyes closed, a unique ripple seemingly emanating from them.
Angel pondered inwardly, could it be that this delicate man was born with special abilities?
Tree Spirit invited them to introduce themselves. The masculine one was named Arthur, while the softer man was Merlin. Merlin was born with eyes that could see the memories of spiritual entities, a mixed blessing. These unique eyes attracted a wizard who gouged them out, resulting in Merlin becoming blind.
These two were best friends in their own right, with trajectories that initially saw one aspiring to be a scholar and the other a royal knight. But after the Eternal Night Kingdom was stricken by the Dark Domain Catastrophe, they were forced to become refugees. After a series of twists and turns, through fortuitous circumstances, they ended up in the Savage Grottoes.
Angel showed no particular interest in the background of these two newcomers, but when he learned they were refugees from the Eternal Night Kingdom, a slight ripple stirred within his heart… After all, he bore a portion of the responsibility for the upheaval in the Eternal Night Kingdom.
“This is Angel, the only alchemist specializing in enchantment in our Savage Grottoes, and the only one in the Southern Region today who has experienced the mysterious realm of alchemy,” Tree Spirit introduced Angel with vigorous enthusiasm. “… In any case, once you enter the circle of wizards, I need not tell you, you will get to know him through various channels.”
Tree Spirit’s introduction led the two newcomers to surreptitiously observe Angel. Merlin couldn’t see, but Arthur was his eyes, faithfully depicting everything he saw.
Respect filled Arthur and Merlin for this powerful alchemist who seemed to be their age, or even younger.
They respectfully bowed to Angel.
Angel nodded to them, then turned to Tree Spirit, “Tree Spirit, are we ready to begin?”
Tree Spirit was about to nod, but suddenly paused. With a somewhat strange expression, he said to Angel, “Can we wait a bit? There are a few apprentices who want to join.”
Angel indifferently nodded, after all, the energy consumed to initiate the Rhythm of the Ocean would be the same regardless. It didn’t matter if a few more joined.
With Angel’s agreement, it wasn’t long before a witch, exuding the scent of the gloomy night, appeared before them with three somewhat uneasy apprentices.
“If you had mentioned this earlier, I would have arranged it for you,” Tree Spirit smiled and said to the witch as she arrived.
The witch nodded to Tree Spirit, her expression unchanging. However, when she looked at Angel, a charming smile unfolded, “Angel, I entrust them to you this time.”
Angel glanced at the seemingly unharmed Tree Spirit and replied to the witch, “Lady Yesevei, this is no trouble. Since Tree Spirit asked for my help, helping two or a few more doesn’t matter.”
Angel, naturally, was acquainted with this witch, Nian Yesevei, known as ‘Leaf Blossom’. Rumor has it that Tree Spirit held some sort of affection towards Yesevei.
Regardless of the truth, Angel’s words highlighted the role of Tree Spirit, which was of no detriment to him.
Upon hearing Angel’s remarks, Yesevei’s eyes flashed, and then she turned to Tree Spirit, “My thanks for your help this time, Tree Spirit Lord.”
Tree Spirit, beaming with joy, replied, “It’s alright, Angel didn’t aid us without expecting anything in return. These two were given a compulsory mission and will need to respond to Angel’s call in the future.”
At this point, Yesevei seemed to have an idea and looked towards her three apprentices, “You three will also add this compulsory mission to your list.”
Hearing Yesevei’s words, the three apprentices were already reluctant, and now, their faces were even more ashen.
Angel spoke at the right moment, “No need, Arthur and Merlin are obliged to complete the compulsory mission because they lack magic crystals. In their case, giving them magic crystals would suffice.”
Angel’s words brought a gleam of joy to the eyes of the three apprentices. Although magic crystals are precious, they’re certainly better than an unknown compulsory mission.
As a result, they all looked at Angel with grateful eyes.
On the contrary, Yesevei shot her apprentices a disgruntled glance. These three blockheads couldn’t even make the right choice when given the opportunity.
By now, the wizards of the Savage Grottoes had pretty much figured out the character of Angel, this newly prominent figure. Even if following Angel on a compulsory mission didn’t yield many benefits, it certainly wouldn’t bring about any harm.
But now that Angel had spoken, and the apprentices failed to understand the situation, all Yesevei could do was nod and say, “Let it be, then.”
Chapter 1255 Ruins on the Plateau <TOC> Chapter 1257 Yesevei