Chapter 1387 Precise Location <TOC> Chapter 1389 Footprints Match
Translator: SumTLMan
In no time at all, Angel felt the stirrings of spatial fluctuations at the formation node.
With a shimmer of luminance, an elegantly poised silhouette, peculiar in its proportions, gracefully stepped out from the radiant glow.
Angel had initially wondered about the odd curvature of “heavy head” and “light feet” in the silhouette. But upon the figure’s emergence, he had an epiphanic realization.
Standing before him was a woman of indiscernible age, donning immaculate makeup and clad in the epitome of regal splendor.
Setting aside her exquisitely embroidered gown adorned with magical runes, what truly caught Angel’s attention was her ornate hair accessory.
Her hair, a deep shade of brown, was incredibly long. However, it wasn’t left loose; it was styled atop her head in an extravagant fashion, accentuated with jeweled magical ornaments, resembling the intricate layers of a mystical forest.
Indeed, her hair was sculpted into a veritable mountainous forest.
This “forest” was at least thrice the size of her face, explaining the peculiar proportions observed in the luminous silhouette.
Furthermore, within this hair-constructed forest, various flower fairies flitted and danced, vibrant butterflies fluttering their wings, giving the semblance of an authentic forest.
As the lady gracefully approached, a fresh, woodland fragrance reminiscent of the aftermath of rain enveloped the surroundings.
“Are you Lord Phantom Master?” Her impeccably arched brows lifted slightly, a commanding aura gradually emanating from her. Yet, before this aura could reach Sanders, it was dispersed by a brisk, cold breeze.
“Your strength is indeed formidable,” she whispered.
Turning her gaze to Angel, she scrutinized him from head to toe for a moment, “You’re the alchemist Natasha mentioned? What might your name be?”
From the very instant Angel felt the force of her clash with Sanders, it was evident that this woman possessed a power of immense magnitude.
In fact, it felt as if she might have set foot on the path of truth!
Confronted by such a formidable witch, Angel found evasion unseemly. He offered a respectful nod, introducing himself.
“Angel… a name I find familiar,” she mused, a glint of recognition in her eyes. How could she not recognize it? After all, this was the name spoken by the Twilight Queen, Isabelle.
Furthermore, according to Isabelle, this very Angel had touched the realm of the mysterious. Had Isabelle not intervened, perhaps Angel might already be a mysterious alchemist!
“So it’s you,” she recalled, thinking of Natasha’s prior words. Initially skeptical, her doubts seemed to fade now.
If it were this Angel that Natasha spoke of, claiming he possessed an alchemical weapon attuned to ghosts, it was indeed plausible.
Angel asked, “Do you know of me?”
“I’ve heard,” she responded, “I now consider myself an apprentice in alchemy, and I hope for an opportunity to share insights with you.” She offered Angel a gentle nod, her tone markedly more cordial than when she addressed Sanders.
Upon hearing her allude to being an alchemist, a name instinctively sprang to Angel’s mind.
“Are you Kimberly?” Sanders turned his gaze to her.
She nodded in affirmation, “Indeed, I am Kimberly.”
“You appear somewhat different from the portrait I saw at the House of Lilith,” remarked Sanders nonchalantly.
Upon hearing the name “House of Lilith”, a fleeting shadow, rich with a tapestry of emotions, darted across Kimberly’s eyes. However, she quickly furrowed her brow and lowered her gaze, concealing the storm of feelings within.
Kimberly remarked, “I had long heard whispers of the deep ties between the House of Lilith and Phantom Island. But I never imagined Canter would go so far as to display my portrait for all to gaze upon.”
Sanders interjected, “Canter merely hung your portrait in his room. Anyone who enters can lay eyes upon it.”
Kimberly’s eyes momentarily narrowed, and after a brief pause, she let out a soft sigh, “Let’s put irrelevant matters aside for now. I’m already briefed on your unsanctioned intrusion into Black Castle. It’s time to discuss the purpose of your visit.”
While their intrusion was undeniable and had its reasons, Sanders didn’t feel the need to justify. Instead, he retorted, “Do you have the authority to decide on such matters?”
Kimberly responded, “Lady Isabella is presently engaged and cannot attend to you. Thus, for now, I have the full authority to represent the will of Black Castle.”
“And where is Isabella?”
At the mention of Isabella, a hint of disdain flashed in Kimberly’s eyes. Still, considering Isabella held the real power in Black Castle, Kimberly took a moment before replying, “She is currently by Lady Isabelle’s side.”
Not wanting to be ensnared in further conversations, Sanders cut straight to the point, “Our visit to Black Castle is to seek out Gloria.”
“And then?”
“Gloria is not of Black Castle. The reasons for our search shouldn’t concern you, should it?” Sanders paused, adding, “Of course, if you really wish to know, I can enlighten you. But it pertains to some of Gloria’s secrets. Are you sure you want to hear them?”
Their quest for Gloria revolved around two main issues — the first was related to Toby, and the second stemmed from a promise Sanders had made to Gloria: to assist her in reclaiming her physical body.
Toby’s matters are inconsequential when spoken aloud. However, regarding the pursuit of Gloria’s true body, a profound secret looms large. Sanders is unsure of the consequences if this secret were laid bare. Still, Black Castle had sought Gloria for a purpose, and damaging the bond with her would be detrimental to the fortress itself.
Indeed, after Sanders expressed this, Kimberly hesitated, fearing further probing.
The secrets concerning Gloria are grave. If Kimberly’s relentless curiosity were to drive Gloria away from Black Castle, it would be a case of losing more than what’s gained.
An unsettling silence fell between Kimberly and Sanders. Just as the atmosphere turned palpably awkward, a ripple emerged from the passage behind them.
A woman, adorned in an elegant gown, gracefully stepped out from the passage.
Upon emerging, she stood beside Kimberly and courteously nodded to both Angel and Sanders.
This lady was no stranger; it was Natasha, who had previously departed. However, her attire then was tattered, revealing more than intended. Now, Natasha donned a fresh dress and had even restored her synthetic skin on her right side. Clearly, she had taken a detour not only to change her outfit but also to replenish her power source.
Letting her hair down, Natasha, once appearing strict and professional, now exuded a demure elegance.
“Lady Kimberly,” Natasha whispered, “I’ve informed the Queen, but there’s no response yet.”
“And what of Gloria?” Kimberly inquired.
“They’re in the underground sixth floor Ice Cavern. Communication remains a challenge at the moment,” replied Natasha.
After a moment’s contemplation, Kimberly addressed Sanders, “Gloria is currently engaged in an experiment with Felicia, making her unreachable for now.”
Sanders mused, “Patience is a virtue I possess.”
Kimberly cast a lingering glance at Sanders, her gaze then slowly drifting towards Angel. It was as if a light bulb had clicked on, “In that case, let’s seek refuge in Black Castle for now.”
As Kimberly made the call, Natasha promptly retreated to the passage, initiating a connection with its counterpart, enabling multi-person teleportation.
After verifying everything was in order, the passage was activated.
Kimberly was the first to step into the passage, disappearing in a blink. Natasha turned towards Sanders and Angel, giving a courteous bow, “Please, follow me.”
With Angel and Sanders in tow, Natasha stepped into the spatial passage.
As the luminous glow faded momentarily, they found themselves in a brightly lit cavern. Off to the side, two witch apprentices, clad in witch robes, were deeply engrossed in monitoring various passages linked to Black Castle. Catching sight of Sanders and company, they stood up in acknowledgment, before resuming their tasks.
Natasha intoned, “Lady Kimberly awaits in the main hall.”
As she spoke, Natasha continued forward. But as her eyes met Angel’s, she deliberately looked away. For reasons unknown, she felt like she was walking on eggshells. On closer observation, she realized Angel’s unwavering gaze was fixed upon her.
And this gaze remained unbroken till now.
Flustered, Natasha wasn’t sure how to react. After all, he was just looking, not making any move. But the more she tried to brush off the feeling, the more her thoughts veered in that direction. A torrent of questions swirled in her mind: Why is he watching me? Is it because of my changed attire? Or does he have some ulterior motive?
The more Natasha pondered, the stiffer her actions became, as if wrestling with the shackles of her own thoughts.
Eventually, even Sanders couldn’t help but notice the unfolding situation. With a fleeting, dismissive glance towards Angel, he silently established a mental connection, bridging their thoughts like a whispered secret in a crowded room.
“Is this the type of person you’re fond of?” Sanders inquired, his voice a tranquil pond masking ripples beneath. Turning to meet his gaze, Angel noticed the stark seriousness in Sanders’ face, yet within the depths of those eyes, a playful, teasing glint betrayed his thoughts.
“Not at all,” Angel responded through their shared mental connection.
“Your gaze belies your words, don’t you think?”
Angel shook his head, “I bear no ulterior motives. It’s just that she looks eerily familiar… Mentor, don’t you think she bears a resemblance to The Woman in the Drawing?”
The woman in the drawing? Sanders cast a swift glance at Natasha and immediately grasped Angel’s insinuation.
It was the very woman illustrated on the last page of Sparrow Blossom’s diary.
They had previously ascertained that Sparrow Blossom had chosen to leave the deep well of her own volition. However, the one to escort her away was a woman draped in a skirt.
Upon first encountering Natasha, her disheveled appearance, tattered clothing, and the sparks from her mechanical half rendered Angel blind to any resemblances. But after she tidied up and changed into a skirt, a pang of recognition hit Angel.
He had been observing Natasha, realizing the uncanny resemblance between her silhouette and the one Sparrow Blossom depicted.
However, Angel remained hesitant to draw conclusions. After all, Sparrow Blossom’s artistic strokes were still rather naïve, and a two-dimensional portrayal can scarcely capture the depth and nuances of a three-dimensional world.
Chapter 1387 Precise Location <TOC> Chapter 1389 Footprints Match