Chapter 1310 The Solid Colored Softworm <TOC> Chapter 1312 A Second Personality
Translator: SumTLMan
From the confines of his bracelet, Angel retrieved a specialized energy observing device and then placed the Solid Colored Softworm under the luminescent stone of the experiment table.
Grasping his pen, he began writing in his notebook, laying out and chronicling the steps of his experiment.
Once the preliminary preparations were done, Angel began closely observing the Softworm’s reactions under the luminescent stone.
At this moment, in a tranquil state, the reactions of the Solid Colored Softworm mirrored that of its standard counterpart; its movements were similarly slow yet resolute, gliding steadily.
Subsequently, Angel started applying external stimuli to the Solid Colored Softworm.
Under both mild and excessive stimuli, the Softworm simply remained cautiously still. However, under moderate stimuli or when exposed to other entities that might threaten its life, the Softworm’s body began accumulating energy, causing it to slowly levitate.
A Speckled Spider within the petri dish met its demise at the hands of the Solid Colored Softworm. Its legs severed, and even its decaying body was voraciously consumed by the Softworm.
Throughout this process, Angel was also comparing the energy with his own. At this point, he was almost certain that the energy emanating from the Solid Colored Softworm was that of illusion magic, but there were subtle differences.
He couldn’t shake the feeling that the illusion energy within the Softworm felt almost tangible.
After some contemplation, Angel donned specialized energy observation lenses and once again stimulated the Solid Colored Softworm.
As the energy within the Softworm surged once more, a slight arch formed in Angel’s brow.
This time, he finally discerned what was wrong with the Solid Colored Softworm.
In a world invisible to the naked eye, this Solid Colored Softworm had grown something extraordinary… limbs!
The power that Angel deemed as an illusionary spell sprawled across the Softworm’s body, appearing like countless tentacles, forming a dense meshwork of Phantasmal Limbs. These limbs served various purposes: some propelled the creature forward, others exerted force, and some acted as shock absorbers. At the head of the Softworm, there also existed two limbs as sharp as a scythe.
It was these “scythe” limbs that effortlessly broke the legs of the Speckled Spider and Dreamweaver Ant they encountered.
Although these limbs were illusionary, they possessed the concept of tangibility, significantly enhancing the Softworm’s otherwise fragile combat capabilities.
Angel observed the meticulous records of the experiment process scribbled in his notebook, along with the results and the sketches he drew of the Phantasmal Limbs. A sparkle of inspiration constantly flickered in his eyes.
He felt as though a seed had been planted in his thoughts, and the countless images of Phantasmal Limbs he previously observed acted as nourishment for this seed to blossom.
The concept of using an illusionary spell to produce tangible feedback and manifest unimaginable strength was something Angel had never contemplated.
With the feeble frame of the Solid Colored Softworm exhibiting such formidable strength, Angel found it hard to believe. What if the base strength was inherently robust?
If he could master this power reminiscent of Phantasmal Limbs, wouldn’t his combat power experience a monumental leap?
Initially, Angel was hesitant. He wasn’t gifted with a special innate bloodline, and no matter how physically strong he became, he felt he never truly tapped into his full potential. However, this Phantasmal Limb presented him with a novel perspective.
Quickly, he recorded this thought in his notebook and embarked on a comprehensive analysis of this “Phantasmal Limb.”
After detailed analysis and referencing notes on illusionary spells provided by Sanders, Angel deduced that this “Phantasmal Limb” probably belonged to the class of true illusions.
However, while true illusions blur the line between reality and fantasy, Phantasmal Limbs provide tangible feedback in the real world, marking a distinct difference.
Currently, the aspiration to swiftly decipher the “Phantasmal Limb” is nearly an insurmountable challenge; Angel requires a more profound understanding of the true illusion school. However, this quest to study the “Phantasmal Limb” has been etched onto Angel’s short-term aspirations. The moment the Gateway Model is perfectly constructed, he would immerse himself in rigorous research.
Once his notes were safely tucked away, Angel’s gaze once again settled on the Solid Colored Softworm atop the lab table.
This creature, temporarily christened by him as the “Phantasmal Limb Softworm”, unequivocally represented a positive mutation! Surprisingly, not a trace of such a unique mutation could be found in Iscariot’s notebook.
At this moment, the hint of disappointment that once clouded Angel’s eyes seemed to wane, replaced by a stroke of serendipity.
Even if this Phantasmal Limb Softworm isn’t a Morphing one, and even if the Phantasmal Limb’s power wasn’t particularly formidable within it, the Softworm’s illusionary abilities it presented to Angel were remarkably invaluable. All in all, it was undeniably worth its weight in gold.
Next on his mind was the problem of how to accommodate it.
Given the strength of the Phantasmal Limb Softworm, incorporating it into the worm nest would spell doom for the Dreamweaver Ant in no time.
The Dreamweaver Ant itself is a rare gem, and its contributions to Angel’s discovery of the Wilderness of Dreams couldn’t be understated. Naturally, Angel wouldn’t let it meet a lamentable end.
After pondering, he resolved to temporarily house the Phantasmal Limb Softworm within the Insect Nest Pouch.
This pouch, a trophy from his victory in the Purification Garden against ‘Companion Swarm’ Isio, had spatial properties but could only accommodate insects.
Upon placing the Phantasmal Limb Softworm inside the Insect Nest Pouch, Angel also added a few droplets of Akeso essence blood as nourishment.
Simultaneously, within the Insect Nest, he cleverly used the carcass of a deceased ordinary Softworm, creating an imitation of the Phantasmal Limb Softworm’s corpse. He then imbued it with the unique pheromones from the Phantasmal Limb Softworm before strategically placing it outside the Worm Mother’s chamber.
In the meticulous notes of Iscariot, it is repeatedly mentioned that the behavior pattern of the Worm Mother is decipherable. If she perceives hatching a certain type of egg to be beneficial, she will strive with unwavering determination to perpetually hatch the same type.
The ultimate intent of the Worm Mother is to annihilate the Dreamweaver Ant. Creating the Phantasmal Limb Softworm is certainly feasible. However, to prevent the Worm Mother from becoming obsessively focused on creating Phantasmal Limb Softworms and to continue birthing new variants of Softworms, Angel simulated the corpse of the Phantasmal Limb Softworm to signal this to the Worm Mother.
Upon realizing that the Phantasmal Limb Softworm has perished, the Worm Mother will likely adopt the mindset: “Even the Phantasmal Limb Softworm cannot withstand the Dreamweaver Ant.” As a result, in the next spawning, the likelihood of birthing other Phantasmal Limb Softworm eggs would plummet considerably.
Only after ensuring that the Worm Mother perceived the “corpse of the Phantasmal Limb Softworm”, Angel proceeded to cleanse its remains from the nest. Following the steps outlined in the notes, he introduced new variables to stimulate variations in the Worm Mother’s spawning.
After all this, dawn was gradually breaking.
Casting a glance at the hourglass, Angel realized that observing and documenting the Phantasmal Limb Softworm had consumed a full day and night. It was now early morning of the subsequent day.
His initial plan was to meditate and then embark on constructing the Gateway Model. However, during this period, Leon rapped on the door.
Moments later, the two brothers, accompanied by White Bear, took seats at the dining table.
Servants, with well-practiced grace, began serving breakfast.
“Have you already summoned the servants back to the mansion?” inquired Angel with a blend of curiosity.
Leon shook his head, “They only come during daylight to tend to the somewhat neglected mansion. By nightfall, they still retire to Grud Town.”
“That’s a prudent approach,” Angel nodded in agreement, “Once our mentors return, we’ll discuss our next course of action.” At this point, there remains uncertainty if Eureka’s condition can be alleviated. The looming threat of the Scarlet Sovereignty still persists, so it’s best to proceed with caution.
Upon the mention of Sanders, Leon’s countenance faltered in hesitation, “It’s been a week since they left. Could something unexpected have happened?”
While it is indeed prolonged for just an errand to apprehend an apprentice, Angel doesn’t necessarily think that adversity has befallen them.
Disregarding the fact that Rolando is merely an apprentice, even if King Guman himself made an appearance, overcoming Sanders would practically be unattainable — a tie at best.
Perhaps some unforeseen matters have caused the delay. After all, Rolando is a cunning fox. His secretive maneuvers with the Scarlet Sovereignty didn’t even warrant his personal presence; he had a mere mortal handle the affairs, indicative of his cautious nature.
However, these are mere speculations from Angel’s end. The actual circumstances will only be clear when they return.
“What about you, White Bear? Using your prophecy vision, can you discern anything?” Leon turned his gaze to White Bear.
White Bear appeared wearied, showcasing his relentless efforts over the past days without rest. He paused momentarily before uttering, “Both Lord Redhead and Lord Phantom Master are of such a high realm that I cannot probe into their affairs. However, in recent days, I’ve tried other methods, such as discerning their fortune.”
“And the result?” Leon inquired with a blend of curiosity.
“The odds favor a favorable outcome,” responded White Bear.
His words were a breath of fresh air for Leon, easing his tension. Perhaps it was White Bear’s auspicious words that influenced destiny, for as dusk painted the sky, a falcon demon flew in from the confines of the manor.
At that moment, Angel was engrossed in his studies, analyzing his right eye and documenting the effects and transformations of his eye under the influence of magic and nightmare stimulations.
The sudden chirping from outside disrupted Angel’s intensive research.
Upon reaching the entrance of the mansion, he found Blaire in a standoff with a falcon demon. Blaire was Eureka’s magical companion, an owl adorned with a monocle. Though named “falcon”, its nature was a far cry from true birds of prey. However, this falcon demon was the genuine embodiment of a ferocious raptor.
Blaire, when confronted by the falcon demon, was visibly trembling.
The only solace for Blaire was that the falcon showed no signs of launching an attack. It merely perched atop a grand tree, pivoting its head with a look of disdain.
Both Leon and White Bear reached the entrance. Their reactions to the falcon demon were disparate; Leon was cautious, while White Bear appeared somewhat perplexed.
“Could this falcon demon possibly be…” murmured White Bear softly. He remembered that many such falcons were raised on Phantom Island.
Amid White Bear’s speculation, Angel arrived. Seeing this, the falcon demon transformed into a sharp arrow, shooting towards him. Leon, startled, attempted to intervene but was a beat too slow.
By the time Leon thought to warn Angel to keep his distance, he noticed Angel was gently stroking the falcon’s feathers, looking utterly familiar.
“Angel, do you know this creature?”
Angel nodded, “This is the falcon demon raised by my mentor.”
As Angel spoke, the falcon demon pressed its head against Angel’s forehead. Concurrently, a stream of information flowed into Angel’s mind.
Chapter 1310 The Solid Colored Softworm <TOC> Chapter 1312 A Second Personality