Chapter 1261 Fading Away <TOC> Chapter 1263 Manuscripts
Translator: SumTLMan
In the face of Sanders’ visibly icy demeanor, Chilledin appeared to swallow his pride.
He began by openly admitting his mistake, claiming it was an inadvertent oversight. Following that, Chilledin extended an apology to Angel. While his internal motives remained uncertain, on the surface, he appeared genuinely remorseful.
Sanders merely scoffed. Without further reproach, the issue seemed to drift into the past.
Furthermore, after this incident, everyone noticed a perpetual chill emanating from Sanders. No one dared to “poke the tiger” at this juncture, and many averted their gaze, avoiding even a glance towards Tree Spirit Hall.
Wallace took a deep sigh, preparing to depart. But before leaving, he turned to Sanders and inquired, “I’m aware of what you mentioned. Can this matter be featured in —Mirror—?”
Sanders nodded, “Yes.”
His primary intention for bringing Angel here was to broadcast these events, and —Mirror— publication was undoubtedly the optimal platform.
Wallace acknowledged with a nod, then gave Sanders and his apprentice a look filled with mixed emotions before turning and leaving.
Now, Wallace understood why Sanders had previously mentioned that after this matter, he wouldn’t have time to send Angel to White Seagull Chronicle Academy. For once Wallace returns, not only would he be preoccupied with the editing of —Mirror—, but he’d also have to contend with the repercussions of this event. How could he possibly find time to attend to his own apprentice’s affairs?
While everything seemed to be settling down, this was just the calm before the storm. An undercurrent was brewing, set to erupt in the coming days and its aftershocks might resonate for a long time.
Once Wallace departed, only Tree Spirit and Sanders duo remained on the scene.
Tree Spirit, with a sly grin, addressed Angel, “What you’ve shared indeed holds truth. However, there are many ambiguities within. Take, for instance, your physical state. As it appears now, there seems to be an imbalance between your strength and your physical body. A recent enhancement, perhaps?”
Angel fell silent.
Tree Spirit did not press further, instead turning his gaze to Sanders. It was clear to him that whatever Angel had come to say today, it was on Sanders’ behest.
Although every revelation from Angel was enough to shake the Southern Region, Tree Spirit had an inexplicable intuition. Perhaps the words Angel had yet to share were the crux of the matter.
Of course, this was just the intuition of Tree Spirit, and he sought confirmation.
Sanders pondered for a moment: “Some things cannot be disclosed at this time.”
Understanding dawned on Tree Spirit. It seemed his intuition was spot on. He did not immediately inquire about the unsaid words but instead asked Sanders, “If not now, what about in the future?”
“In the future, I will tell all truthfully,” Sanders replied.
Tree Spirit nodded in acknowledgment, “What impact will this have on the Savage Grottoes?”
“I cannot guarantee anything, but at the very least, it will not be harmful.”
Hearing this, Tree Spirit finally let the topic rest, “The matters of today have already taken a toll. I look forward to the day you reveal the entire truth.”
With the matter set aside for now, Sanders prepared to take his leave. Before departing, he inquired about the condition of Sumesh.
Ever since their last parting in the Abyss, Sanders had not seen Sumesh. He originally planned to take Sumesh along with him and Angel to the Old Land Continent. But upon returning to Phantom Island, he found that Sumesh had not returned.
“Sumesh has not returned since our last parting,” replied Tree Spirit.
Sanders nodded, not pressing further. Perhaps Sumesh, like Madeline, had embarked on some research. After all, having just embarked on the path of true knowledge, when viewed from that perspective, one tends to notice many previously overlooked matters. This is likely an experience every wizard who steps into true knowledge undergoes.
As they took their leave, Tree Spirit whispered to Angel, “There’s been a peculiar madness about Chilledin lately. Especially since his return from Ancient River Beach, he’s been more paranoid than ever. Keep your distance and tread with caution.”
Tree Spirit’s words left Angel lost in thought about Chilledin all the way.
He didn’t know much about Chilledin, only that he was nicknamed the “Manji” and was said to be well-versed in Rune Literature. Beyond that, the only thing Angel could recall was his battle with Blackjack at Sky Tower, and that the latter had taken Chilledin as his mentor.
Everything else about Chilledin was mostly shrouded in mystery.
The sudden inquiry about the Source Fire from Chilledin had indeed caught Angel by surprise. Yet, interpreting Tree Spirit’s words, could Chilledin genuinely harbor intentions against him? His expedition to Ancient River Beach… The only connection Angel could draw was the Illusion Music Box he had once entrusted David to auction.
Could it be that Chilledin wished to acquire the music box, and his inability to do so had redirected his malice towards Angel? Such juvenile logic seemed unlikely. An average person wouldn’t harbor such sentiments, let alone a formal wizard.
Confronted with Angel’s confusion, Sanders provided a more plausible explanation: “On the surface, Chilledin may seem kind and benevolent, an embodiment of erudition and refinement, thus the title ‘Manji’. But beneath the veneer, he’s nothing but a rampant egoist.”
“He’s recently taken on a disciple. You’re familiar with him.”
Angel nodded, “Blackjack.”
Blackjack was the first opponent Angel encountered during Sky Tower contest. At the time, Blackjack hadn’t yet found a mentor. But due to fortuitous circumstances and immense power, he lingered on the lower floors of Sky Tower, bullying the newcomers and earning himself the moniker ‘Novice Butcher’.
Angel’s impression of Blackjack was indelible, particularly because of Blackjack’s adoration for Sanders, dressing similarly in the hope of becoming his disciple.
Moreover, for Angel, this was the first encounter with an adversary who employed cards. The cards of Blackjack bore a semblance to the Spell Position, capable of instantaneously conjuring formidable illusions.
Later, Angel discovered that the designs etched on Blackjack’s cards seemed to mirror the legendary Rune Literature.
“Chilledin is profoundly versed in the study of Rune Literature. He has always endeavored to systematize Rune Literature. However, under the banner of ‘World Will,’ the Extreme Sect ruthlessly banished Rune Literature from the Southern Region. Chilledin has constantly faced hindrances, and he even attracted the malicious attention of the Rampant Wizards.”
“Forced to shift his research from light to shadow, Chilledin began covertly amassing knowledge about Rune Literature. His newly accepted disciple had previously been privy to some Rune Literature lineage, thus he took him under his wing. In reality, it was merely to fill his own gaps.”
Rumor has it, once he replenished what he sought, he cast the disciple aside. Promised teachings never came to fruition. Not only was he narrow-minded, but he was also the epitome of self-interest.”
Upon detailing Chilledin’s character, Sanders continued, “For this reason, his fixation on you is not without basis.”
“His utmost desire is to ascend as a wizard of true knowledge,” Sanders paused, “Your Alchemy Illusion Realm once enabled Gloria to devise a New Spell.”
Angel hesitated, “Wasn’t this already addressed? Lady Gloria’s ability to create spells is largely due to her own accumulation. Additionally, Lord Rhine Mute personally verified it.”
“Maya once confided in me that when Gloria was inventing her spell, Chilledin specifically sought her, yearning for a prophecy regarding your contribution when Gloria was creation. Maya relayed the truth — your Alchemy Illusion Realm might have simply inspired Gloria, but it wasn’t the predominant catalyst.” Sanders emphasized, “However, facing these truths, and even with Maya’s prophetic insights, would someone like Chilledin, who has been stagnating at the threshold of true knowledge for years, easily relent?”
By this point in Sanders’ narration, the picture became clear to Angel. Given Chilledin’s character, he’d undeniably attempt to ascertain whether the Alchemcy Illusion Realm could aid his ascension. Upon learning of an auction at Ancient River Beach for his music box, he intended to bid. However, according to David, the final bidder was Jailall — the same “Mithril Shaper” Jailall from the Hurricane Tower they had encountered at Barbie’s Restaurant.
Indeed, it seems that Chilledin failed to secure the Illusion Music Box, and, true to his nature, he turned that resentment inward upon himself.
Sanders nodded thoughtfully, “That may be the case. However, Chilledin must also recognize that you are blameless in this matter.”
If Chilledin could see things clearly, he would understand that opposing Angel is unequivocally a fool’s errand. But, as the saying goes, “emotion often trumps reason.” Obsessions can quickly become demonic entanglements. Sanders is all too familiar with this truth, and thus, he concurs with Tree Spirit’s advice — it’s wise to keep a safe distance from Chilledin.
Angel is well-aware of this, yet he seems largely unfazed. Barring unforeseen circumstances, once their current business is concluded, they’ll depart from the Savage Grottoes, ensuring no further contact with Chilledin.
By the time they return, even if they were to clash with Chilledin, Angel likely won’t be quaking in his boots.
As their conversation progressed, the Gondola had already navigated to the distant mountain ranges beyond the Eternal Tree.
A dense gray mist began to materialize ahead. Even before drawing close, an overwhelming aura of decay and death permeated the air.
“I’ve already communicated with Nisi. Let’s head straight into the Soul Valley,” Sanders instructed.
Angel nodded, steering the Gondola into the enveloping fog. As they entered, their surroundings underwent a stark transformation. While the blinding fog dissipated, the sky dimmed considerably, casting a surreal and eerie silence over the area.
Amidst the shadowed peaks, countless souls swirled — these were the souls of the deceased.
This was Nisi’s Soul Valley.
The reason Sanders brought Angel to seek Nisi was due to Nisi having previously ventured into the research ruins of the ‘Heart of the Swarm’. The ‘Heart of the Swarm’ was the legacy of a legendary summoner wizard.
Perhaps in the domain of Nisi, one might find insights into nurturing the elusive Morphing Softworm.
Indeed, their quest to seek Nisi was driven by this very purpose.
As they gently descended the Gondola from the heavens into the Soul Valley, the encroaching souls around them multiplied. While Angel held no fear towards souls or even the malevolent ones, the very essence of these souls in this place stirred in him an undeniable urge to depart.
Nisi’s peculiar tastes were truly a mystery, hard for one to fathom.
Here, all humanoid souls stood stark naked, bearing their essence without a veil.
Fortunately, these souls recoiled from the aura radiating off Sanders, not daring to come close. With Sanders leading the way, Angel ventured deeper into the valley.