Chapter 1268 Recent Updates of Friends <TOC> Chapter 1270 The Star Frost Mediation Method
Translator: SumTLMan
“Tell me, how stands the Abyss at present?” inquired David, burning with curiosity, “Has Lord Mengke’s strategy found its target?”
“You’re acquainted with Mengke’s intentions?” Angel’s gaze settled on David, a tint of astonishment evident. While Mengke’s plans weren’t a secret, the specifics were generally beyond the comprehension of mere apprentices.
With a sly grin, David admitted, “Frankly, I wasn’t much concerned about the state of the Abyss before. However, ever since Angel ventured into it, my intrigue grew. Pairing that with the occasional tidbits from Liana, I’ve come across various undisclosed details.”
The deeper the knowledge, the more insatiable the thirst becomes. Especially when it’s news of great magnates, even if they seem light years away. After all, isn’t it the allure of the distant unknown that fosters curiosity, painting a picture even more magnificent, mysterious, and tempestuous?
Thus, human nature’s penchant for gossip is born.
David never had a keen nose for such gossip, primarily because it was beyond his grasp. However, Angel’s descent into the Abyss had stoked his inquisitive fire.
“As for Mengke’s strategy, I truly cannot say if it’s seen fruition,” Angel paused deliberately, “Do you really think I’m privy to such grand schemes?”
David, though convinced by the logic, was oblivious to the yarn Angel was spinning.
“Nevertheless,” Angel continued, “seeing as my mentor has ushered me back to the Southern Region, one could infer the matter is drawing to a close. Soon, magazines will surely cover the events. I’ve heard my mentor speak of the Abyss with —Mirror—. Once —Mirror— publishes the story, you’ll be enlightened.”
A hint of disappointment passed over David’s face, though he found no fault in Angel’s words. It seemed reasonable for Angel to be out of the loop.
David empathized with Angel for the time being. It was only later, when he got his hands on an edition of —Mirror—, that he discerned the extent of Angel’s deception. The magazine documented Angel’s deeds in La Sutherland in intricate detail, hinting not only at Angel’s awareness of Mengke’s plan but also suggesting a hand in its orchestration.
By the time David realized this, grinding his teeth in sheer exasperation at Angel’s cunning, Angel had already departed the Savage Grottoes.
After a cordial exchange of recent events, Angel ventured into the alchemy shop, acquiring a trove of magical materials.
While the shop had a vast collection, there were some ingredients they lacked. David had to make a special detour to the Rose Garden to obtain some from his mentor, Liana, just to meet Angel’s meticulous specifications.
By the time their procurement was complete, twilight was on the horizon.
Once Angel stowed away the last of the materials into his bracelet, a curious David inquired, “The materials you’ve chosen this time, they’re quite unorthodox. Magical plants make up more than half, and if I’m not mistaken, these are used in potions that boost mental abilities. Are you delving into potion-making? And this here, the pungent Noodle Grass — it’s used to feed magical insects, isn’t it?”
Angel replied, “I am dabbling in potion-making, but not extensively. My primary purpose this time is to cultivate a certain magical worm.”
“Magical worms? They’re easy to rear, but without the expertise in summoning spells, these worms can easily turn on their master,” David warned with genuine concern.
“I’m well aware,” Angel reassured him, “the worms I’m raising aren’t of the aggressive type.”
David, knowing Angel’s meticulous nature, didn’t press further, trusting that Angel had his plans well thought out.
Speaking of magical worms, David shared, “Recently, there’s a newcomer in Sky Tower who’s ruthlessly cunning, even more so than the notorious Blackjack from the past. He’s used his insects to kill numerous individuals in the arena. Even after repeated warnings from Sky Tower, he remained defiant. In just a few months, he’s been dubbed the ‘Novice Butcher’. He’s drawn the ire of many, and has a staggering kill count,” David said, visibly shuddering, “And rumor has it, he’s just a first level apprentice.”
“Controlling magical insects? Which ones?” A name suddenly popped into Angel’s mind. A person notorious for his brutality and with a penchant for insects. “Could it be the White Foot Tidal Spider?”
David, surprised, looked at Angel, “So you’ve heard? Indeed, it’s the White Foot Tidal Spider. Although its venom can be neutralized if one knows the antidote, he also controls two other mutated spiders. The combined venom is deadly, and most victims suffer an instantaneous death.”
Angel rubbed his temples, recalling the words of Tree Spirit not long ago: “You needn’t worry about these two. The mere fact that they aren’t bullying others is a blessing. Judging from the current situation, their future ability to stir up storms won’t be any less than Flora’s.”
Indeed, the Novice Butcher that David mentioned, is likely one of the two gifted he brought back from the Sea Wave Dynasty.
Vonman.
Back in the day, at the Vichy Harbor military encampment, Vonman nearly caused the deaths of several innocent soldiers using the White Foot Tidal Spiders. His ruthlessness was on par with Guina’s.
“He’s called Vonman, one of the gifted I brought back recently,” sighed Angel, “Both he and Guina are of ruthless, unyielding nature. It’s best to avoid them if not necessary.”
Angel’s concern wasn’t that David would lose to them in a confrontation, but that these youngsters, cunning and treacherous as they were, would cling to you like maggots in an open wound if not utterly crushed. Hence, the best strategy was simply to ignore them.
By the time Angel left the alchemy shop, it was already midnight.
However, in the underground market, the concept of night didn’t apply; it was still brightly lit. After bidding farewell to Baruba and David, Angel made his way back to Phantom Island.
…
Unbeknownst to Angel, not long after his departure from the alchemy shop, an exhausted young man adorned with skull accessories came knocking. This teenager, defined by his dramatic demeanor, was Baroque’s disciple — Glen. As he lifted his gaze to the sign reading “Promi Alchemy Shop,” a glint of excitement flashed in his eyes.
As Baroque mentioned, Glen’s visit to the Savage Grottoes was primarily for Angel.
After the event in the Purification Garden, Angel’s reputation skyrocketed in Sky Mechanical City. At first, Glen was disdainful, his animosity toward Angel intensified especially when his close friend Shadow complimented Angel. But as tales of Angel’s feats reached him, from an Illusion Music Box auctioned for an astounding 200,000 magic crystals to footage of high-rank alchemical creations and more, Glen’s perspective shifted.
Glen was the kind easily swayed by emotions. His support for the King of Beasts, for instance, was due to being moved by his achievements. The persistent, unaffected by outsiders’ ridicule, self-reliant young man resonated deeply with Glen.
Upon witnessing all of Angel’s accomplishments, Glen too felt a deep-seated admiration.
Amidst the ebb and flow of emotions, Angel seemed to be a complex enigma in Glen’s heart. Glen harbored both animosity and reverence for him; a looming shadow of admiration juxtaposed with rivalry. As if deciphering a cryptic sonnet, Glen’s sentiments led him to the Savage Grottoes — drawn not only by the allure of meeting his “idol” but by the vehement desire to surpass him, to quell the tumultuous feelings inside.
While most might find Glen’s train of thought as elusive as a mirage, this was his authentic introspection — a quintessential portrayal of a young soul grappling with internal conflicts.
Upon hearing from Baroque that the forlorn man who once sat beside him was none other than Angel, Glen was engulfed by a maelstrom of emotions. The exhilaration of having been in such close proximity to Angel was instantly overshadowed by a pang of regret, wishing he had seized the moment to challenge him.
As the sun set on that episode, Glen embarked on a relentless quest to find Angel. Through whispered rumors and hushed conversations, he unearthed information about the “Abyss.”
With the location now etched in his mind, he hastened forth. But as Glen, with fervent enthusiasm, knocked on the alchemist’s door, he was met with an unexpected revelation. “Angel? He’s already departed with his mentor… Left the Savage Grottoes, that much I’m sure. But as to his destination, that remains a riddle to me.”
…
Unbeknownst to Angel, Glen’s story unfolded. Upon Angel’s return to Phantom Island, learning of Sanders’ absence, he retreated into his abode, immersing himself in deep meditation and the intricate task of creating the “Gateway Model”. As his eyes fluttered open, they met the sight of Sanders’ alchemical familiar outside the window — a miniature demon falcon.
The sight of the falcon was a silent herald of Sanders’ return to Phantom Island. Without missing a beat, Angel trailed the demon falcon, finding himself at Sanders’ study. Pushing the door ajar, he was greeted by the contemplative silhouette of Sanders, bathed in the amber glow of the wall lamps, looking every bit the sculpted masterpiece.
When Angel confronted Sanders, only then did Sanders slightly lift his gaze, articulating, “Depart tomorrow evening. Address any lingering affairs by tomorrow. Oh, and Totoro sought you earlier; I suggested he revisit in the morning.”
Angel nodded in acknowledgment. Meeting Totoro was indeed on his agenda, and he must also communicate with Popoca.
“There’s another matter,” Sanders began, deliberating briefly, “I’ve inquired among wizards confirmed to possess Fragments of Constant. The aftermath of the planar fusion is recent, with few willing to part with their fragments. Yet, give it some time, and more might be inclined. Even if none emerge, worry not. The fusion, although unsuccessful, produced copious Fragments of Constant. When the time comes, grand auctions will undoubtedly transpire. But, attending those will demand an ample reserve of magical crystals.”
Angel, absorbing the words, understood that his quest for the Fragments of Constant wasn’t for the Wizard Garden, but rather, a trade with Velite for a rune scroll amplifying luck.
Judging by value, the Fragment of Constant undoubtedly overshadows the rune scroll. Yet, to Angel’s knowledge, only Velite possesses such a scroll. Velite made it clear: he’d only trade for Fragments of Constant, leaving Angel with little choice.
For now, the fate of the Fragment remains uncertain, prompting Angel to momentarily set aside the concern.
He wasn’t unduly anxious. After all, even if he were to secure the luck-enhancing rune scroll now, its immediate utility seemed minimal, meriting safekeeping.
Chapter 1268 Recent Updates of Friends <TOC> Chapter 1270 The Star Frost Mediation Method