Chapter 1256 Arthur and Merlin <TOC> Chapter 1258 Unexpected Change in the Ruins
Translator: SumTLMan
In the end, these three apprentices each transferred 5 magic crystals to Angel through the bone card transaction.
The 5 magic crystals were more of a symbolic charge from Angel, and considering the value of the Rhythm of the Ocean, the fee could certainly be higher.
However, during the transaction, they exhibited some degree of reluctance.
All three of them were lured halfway by their Mentor Yesevei, under the pretense of reaping some benefits. Initially, they imagined they were being presented with a money-making opportunity, not anticipating they would have to shell out money instead.
Nevertheless, they were relieved it was only 5 magic crystals. If they were forced to undertake the mission that their mentor had mentioned, summoned by Angel, that would spell trouble. Who knew if Angel would be a blessing or a curse? Although they had heard of Angel and were eager to befriend him, that didn’t imply they were ready to walk into a potential trap.
Fortunately, Angel was understanding and reasonable, unlike the erratic nature of their mentor.
Even so, a sense of resentment stirred in their hearts. They had already figured out their mentor’s intentions…Wasn’t it merely to aid Angel in testing the effects of his alchemical creations, even at their own expense?
They felt wronged but didn’t dare to express it in front of Yesevei. They could only communicate their sorrow with stealthy exchanges of glances.
Their subtle actions did not escape Yesevei’s notice. Her complexion darkened slightly. Though she didn’t voice her thoughts, internally she was cursing: “If I had known they would be such fools, I wouldn’t have brought them here!”
If she hadn’t chanced upon Sanders earlier, triggering memories of Angel, who had been the topic of much discussion within the core circle some time ago, and piqued her curiosity to glance over, she would not have witnessed the scene unfolding in Tree Spirit Hall.
Recalling the profound enhancements the “Rhythm of the Ocean” granted to that ocean lineage apprentice named Drew some time ago, Yesevei became increasingly restless. She herself was not in need, yet her disciples desperately needed this, particularly the ones in the Savage Grottoes. There, they lacked the ocean lineage inheritance, making their practice in water-related spells significantly more challenging than in other branches. With such a rare opportunity, she painstakingly brought the trio here, yet they all failed to grasp her intentions.
An icy expression adorned Yesevei’s face, and she was on the brink of storming out.
Thankfully, at this moment, Angel remarked, “Since everyone has paid the price, shall we start now?”
Tree Spirit nodded in response. As Yesevei faced Angel, her frosty countenance eased slightly, revealing a mildly apologetic smile to him.
Angel, however, was indifferent. He could discern the reluctance brewing within the three apprentices, yet they neither opposed openly nor caused him any embarrassment. They merely harbored these thoughts, which, in his eyes, wasn’t much of an issue.
Addressing the crowd, Angel declared, “Stay relaxed. You are about to embark on an extraordinary journey. Regardless of what you gain from this Voyage of Experience, I assure you, it will at least not bring you any harm.”
As Angel spoke, the gazes of those present gradually softened into tranquility.
Even Yesevei’s three apprentices cast aside their disgruntled expressions, their entire beings emanating an air of serenity from within.
This sight prompted a surprised arch of Yesevei’s brows.
This was neither a calming spell nor an emotional synchronization. Angel merely used a simple sound illusion spell, soothing the audience’s restless emotions with his slightly undulating voice, penetrating like clear water, and calming them down without them realizing it.
This subtle display of illusion magic, appearing light as a breeze and soft as a cloud, showcased its brilliance in the minutiae.
Naturally, Yesevei didn’t doubt Angel’s alchemy skills, which even Rhine praised highly, and the core circle of the Savage Grottoes also agreed upon unanimously. But she didn’t expect that while Angel was concurrently focusing on alchemy, he could also advance his illusion magic to such an extent.
As Yesevei admired inwardly, she couldn’t help but glance at her three apprentices across from her, shaking her head involuntarily.
Previously, she had felt that while her apprentices couldn’t match Angel in terms of alchemy, their overall strength should be superior. Now, however, she estimated that all three combined wouldn’t be able to defeat Angel.
She couldn’t help but lament, feeling as if she had been living a dog’s life these years.
Her apprentices, for their part, remained oblivious to the barrage of silent scorn their mentor was heaping upon them. At the moment, they only felt a deep sense of comfort, as if all was tranquil and serene. As Angel proclaimed, “The journey begins,” the surrounding water elements surged dramatically, soothing them gently. In their entranced state, they felt as though they had been transported to an azure ocean…
Once the blue light had bathed them, the entire group of apprentices, joined by two newcomers, began their Voyage of Experience.
Seizing this moment, Yesevei once again expressed her gratitude to Angel. Her thanks contained not only genuine appreciation but also an apology for her apprentices’ lack of respect.
When Rhine Mute welcomed Angel into the inner circle, the consensus among the wizards had already been formed: they didn’t want to antagonize Angel. Maintaining a friendly relationship with a potential-rich alchemist was undoubtedly the best choice.
Yesevei did not want this relationship with Angel soured because of her apprentices.
If Angel were a mature and experienced wizard, Yesevei wouldn’t worry, but Angel was still a youth, an age often marked by fervor and impetuosity. Hence, Yesevei treated the situation as she did.
However, it turned out Yesevei’s worry was unwarranted. Although Angel was young, his worldview was shaped by Jon since his pchildhood. From a tender age, he had his set of self-assessment standards. These may not have been perfect, but they certainly granted him more foresight than his peers.
After a brief conversation with Yesevei, assuring her that he bore no resentment, Yesevei felt a little more at ease and refrained from saying more. The atmosphere on the scene began to take on a peaceful quality, only permeated by the calm breathing of those embarking on their Voyage of Experience.
“By the way, Tree Spirit Lord, how are those gifted individuals I brought back last time doing?” Angel spoke up, breaking the silence.
Angel harbored little concern for Drew; while the fellow was inherently sentimental, the tribulations he had encountered, including the loss of an ear, had kindled changes within him.
The crux of Angel’s worry lay with Vonman and Guina, to be precise, Guina alone.
In his heart of hearts, Angel found little to like about Vonman and Guina, for both were steeped in darkness, inside and out. However, acknowledging the environment they hailed from and their previous humble entreaties, Angel could understand them.
Compared to Vonman, Guina’s heart was stonier, yet she was merely a seven or eight-year-old girl now, with the loss of limbs, even her mouth sewn shut by her previous master. It was her physical impairments that left Angel uneasily fretful.
After all, he was the one who led her into this; at the very least, some sentiment was attached.
Tree Spirit’s response aligned with Angel’s anticipations; Drew was faring well, possessing extraordinary ocean talent and had already acclimatized to life in the Savage Grottoes. Upon mentioning Vonman and Guina, however, Tree Spirit sighed.
“You needn’t worry about these two. It’s already a blessing they aren’t bullying others. This child, Guina, likely wields the potential to stir up storms, not losing to Flora in that regard,” Tree Spirit remarked contemplatively.
Learning their current situations were not so grim, Angel sighed in relief, asking no further.
Their lives were theirs to lead, likely to carve their own distinctive paths.
A minute had elapsed during their conversation.
At the one and a half minute mark, one of Yesevei’s apprentices awoke. His awakening stirred jubilation within him, eager to report his gains to his mentor, but a silence spell cast by Yesevei deterred him from disturbing others. Thus, he suppressed his joy, giving Angel a grateful and admiring glance before immersing himself in self-cultivation.
Yesevei had heard beforehand that the longer one stays within the Rhythm of the Ocean, the greater the benefits reaped. She initially thought the two newcomers would wake first. However, the first to awaken turned out to be her own apprentice.
A second level apprentice, yet lagging behind those who haven’t even taken their first steps!
Yesevei was already somewhat disconcerted by their attitude before, and now she felt even more displeased.
The second to awaken was Arthur. He was a bit bemused at first, since he was still not initiated and was uncertain about what he had acquired, hence his confusion. Nonetheless, having been schooled in the etiquette of knights, he didn’t disturb others upon conclusion but gave a courteous nod to Angel, then stood aside, watching his close friend Merlin in silence.
The third to arise was also a disciple of Yesevei. His expression was identical to the first, from reluctance and sorrow just a few minutes ago to now being elated!
Observing their reactions, Arthur started to understand the benefits this event could bring to them, looking at Angel with even more reverence.
With two apprentices waking up later than a newcomer, Yesevei’s expression soured further.
The only ones still immersed in the Voyage of Experience were Merlin, along with the sole female apprentice Yesevei had brought.
Everyone was curious as to who would awaken first — except Angel.
Angel was well aware that although the sequence of awakening suggested the extent of the gains, it didn’t necessarily reflect potential. After all, when he first partook in it, he couldn’t last even a minute.
Luck was of the utmost importance. After all, the storms at sea are unpredictable. If you encounter a tempest as soon as you enter, it’s merely your ill fortune.
Of course, perseverance plays a part too.
Four minutes had already passed, an exceptionally reasonable duration. To endure till now required not only a portion of luck but also the indispensable quality of persistence.
This caused Angel’s gaze towards Merlin to carry an added measure of approval.
Earlier, Merlin appeared much more delicate compared to Arthur, yet who would have thought that he could endure this long.
Ultimately, Merlin was the first to regain consciousness, a development that cast a slight radiance on Yesevei’s countenance. However, mere seconds after Merlin’s awakening, the female apprentice stirred as well, broadly speaking, their return to alertness occurred almost simultaneously.
Once everyone had awakened, it was time to evaluate the spoils of their venture.
Much to Yesevei’s satisfaction, all three of her apprentices had reaped substantial rewards, particularly the female apprentice. She had been consistently engrossed in the exploration of healing spells derived from the fundamental nature of the water element. As she was undertaking a cross-elemental course of study, her research progression had been arduous and had reached a standstill for quite some time. This Voyage of Experience might not have allowed her to complete her research instantaneously, but she was able to perceive the magnitude of her accomplishments.
Through the gains of her apprentices, Yesevei finally grasped the extent of the terrifying power of the alchemical creation that Lord Rhine had claimed to be among the top three of the Ocean Lineage.
“Since your harvest has been substantial, shouldn’t you express gratitude to Angel?” Yesevei hinted with her gaze. Having witnessed the formidable power of the Rhythm of the Ocean, she naturally desired for her apprentices to establish a favorable rapport with Angel, the creator of the item.
The apprentices’ gazes involuntarily turned towards Angel. Their eyes, once fraught with impatience and frustration, now beheld Angel with profound admiration, and they all stepped forward to express their gratitude.
Angel accepted their thanks with an air of indifference.
As for the rewards reaped by Merlin and Arthur, their fruition was yet to be discernible. However, Merlin was elated, to the point of kneeling before Angel, his emotional tides swelled tremendously as he profusely muttered his words of gratitude.
Only later was it revealed that Merlin’s long-lost vision had been restored within the illusory realm. His fervent desire to perceive more was the reason he could withstand such a prolonged ordeal and thus, the cause of his emotional surge.
Chapter 1256 Arthur and Merlin <TOC> Chapter 1258 Unexpected Change in the Ruins