Chapter 1389 Footprints Match <TOC> Chapter 1391 A New Direction
Translator: SumTLMan
Kimberly, naturally, hoped to employ the alchemy weapon to vanquish the specters of the departed; yet, exchanging knowledge of alchemical techniques was also one of her primary intentions.
The alchemical lineage that Kimberly acquired hails from a millennium ago. Not everything that’s ancient is necessarily superior, especially in the realm of alchemy. Undoubtedly, the more cutting-edge techniques best represent the zeitgeist of the present era.
In Kimberly’s mind, Angel was a prodigious alchemist. However, due to the wear of years, perhaps his alchemical prowess might not be at its peak. But judging by his prior feat of repairing Natasha’s mechanical half, it’s evident that he’s brushed with the avant-garde techniques of mechanical alchemy. Such an exchange would also fast-track her understanding of the current landscape of mechanical alchemy.
Yet, Kimberly never anticipated that Angel, in fact, had limited encounters with the forefront of mechanical alchemy. The swiftness with which he repaired Natasha was solely rooted in his profound alchemical foundation.
“Should I converse with Kimberly?” Internally, Angel was certainly keen; for in the dance of alchemical techniques, progress thrives in exchange.
However, given that he accompanied his mentor, his power stands leagues apart from Kimberly. Perhaps only Sanders stood as her equal in discourse.
Angel cast a glance back at Sanders, pondering his opinion.
To his surprise, at some unnoticed moment, Sanders had already taken to the couch, drifting into a light slumber.
Momentarily taken aback, Angel instinctively sensed the power of the Gate of Dreams. Indeed, just moments ago, Sanders had embarked on a dream journey through the ethereal, venturing to Initial Heart City.
Judging by Sanders’ demeanor, he seemingly adopted a laissez-faire stance.
Upon this reflection, Angel gave Kimberly a nod, “Very well.”
They chose neither time nor place, launching their discourse on alchemy right in the heart of the grand hall, albeit slightly removed from the central sofa, so as not to disturb Sanders.
In this symposium on alchemy, perhaps the most delighted was Natasha.
For neither Angel nor Lady Kimberly gave her a wide berth. As a semi-mechanical being, Natasha frequently underwent maintenance and replacement of her mechanical organs. The conversation between Angel and Lady Kimberly revolved around mechanical alchemy, and they even cited Natasha as an example, enriching her experience immensely.
However, as the dialogue evolved, shadows of confusion deepened in Natasha’s eyes.
She observed that initially, it appeared Lady Kimberly was elucidating her stance. But as the conversation flowed, Angel took the reins. Each of his words not only ignited epiphanies for Natasha but also enlightened Lady Kimberly, as if a veil had been lifted from her understanding.
It became increasingly evident to Natasha that Lady Kimberly was now less expressive of her alchemical philosophies, instead incessantly seeking Angel’s insights. Their interaction mirrored a classroom setting, with Angel as the ever-responsive instructor and Kimberly as the eager student.
Had roles subtly reversed somewhere along the line?
Although Natasha found the dynamics slightly off-kilter, acquiring knowledge was the paramount priority. Setting aside her musings, she was wholly engrossed in Angel’s elucidations.
As sands in the hourglass trickled away, the wall clock’s hands covered a significant arc.
Angel, noting Sanders’ return from the Wilderness of Dreams and feeling the dryness in his throat, remarked, “For today, let’s conclude here. We can continue discussing other perspectives next time.”
A tinge of regret painted Natasha’s demeanor, but she knew her place too well to object.
Lady Kimberly, equally disappointed, especially given the pivotal nature of the topic at hand, nodded in acceptance. “Very well,” she acquiesced, “we can resume our exchange next time.”
After Kimberly had spoken, she instinctively looked up to check the time.
Had six hours truly passed? Kimberly was taken aback, scarcely aware that time had flown so swiftly. In her mind, it felt like mere minutes.
She couldn’t resist reflecting on their prior exchange. As she did, she became engrossed once more in the innovative insights Angel had continuously shared.
When she snapped back to the present, another ten minutes had slipped by.
Kimberly sighed involuntarily. She had initially surmised that Angel was an alchemist of creativity, talent, and fortune, perhaps not as adept in the actual craft of alchemy as herself.
She had planned to offer guidance to Angel during their discourse, intending to ask for a favor, perhaps the use of an alchemical weapon, in return.
But to her surprise, Angel’s alchemical framework was thorough, and his grasp of knowledge was both solid and vast.
Instead of guiding Angel, Kimberly found herself enlightened by him.
This left Kimberly in a delightful dilemma.
The joy lay in acquiring vast alchemical knowledge and fresh perspectives; their brief exchange had been more enlightening than months of Kimberly’s introspection.
Her vexation, however, stemmed from the awkwardness of approaching Angel now, with a request to borrow his alchemical weaponry.
Having been the beneficiary of wisdom, could she genuinely face Angel with such a request?
For now, Kimberly decided to hold that thought, contemplating letting Isabella be the one to make the appeal. After all, when tracing back the significant upheaval of Black Castle, Isabella seemed to be the root cause.
Reflecting upon her thoughts, Kimberly no longer dwelled on the matter, instead engaging in light-hearted banter with Angel about the quirks of daily life.
Her demeanor contrasted starkly when dealing with Sanders and Angel.
Sanders offered her little, but Angel ignited intellectual sparks within her, bringing immense spiritual satisfaction. Naturally, her fondness for Angel grew at an accelerated pace.
Even if Angel’s capabilities weren’t particularly exceptional, his prowess in the realm of alchemy left Kimberly thoroughly impressed.
Angel didn’t decline the conversation, finding that a casual chat can indeed be a breath of fresh air.
As their chitchat wound down, a modestly-dressed female servant entered, whispering, “Honored witch, the meal you ordered from the kitchen is ready.”
Acknowledging her with a nod, Kimberly gestured for the servant to leave, then warmly suggested, “It’s time for dinner. How about we continue our conversation in the dining room?”
Angel initially thought of refusing, but Kimberly added, “While it’s not crafted by Gloria, it’s the work of a gourmet apprentice borrowed from the Candy House. I believe you’ll find it to your liking.”
Given that it was prepared by a gourmet witch, Angel naturally couldn’t refuse.
The dinner was delightful. While the dishes didn’t captivate Angel’s palate as Gloria’s did — rendering him a slave to the flavors — he still lavished them with praise.
Moreover, upon concluding the feast, Angel felt a slight enhancement in his sensory perception. He was momentarily cloaked in a holy aura that mildly counteracted the undead. For Angel, possessing the Prelude of Reincarnation, this was of minimal use, but it was a pleasing bonus nonetheless.
After dinner, Kimberly decided to proactively seek out Isabella to update her on the situation. Before leaving, Kimberly signaled Natasha to guide them to their designated guest rooms.
They were accommodated in an intricate underground courtyard chamber, located in one of the side corridors of the Soul Domain, complete with its own living room area.
The room has already been arranged. Natasha remarked, “If there’s anything you require in the room, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.”
In the living room now, except for Sanders, no one else was present. Thus, Angel asked Natasha, “I don’t need anything. However, do you still remember what we discussed earlier?”
Natasha paused for a moment, nodding slowly, “As long as it doesn’t touch upon forbidden knowledge, I can answer.”
A hint of unease flashed in Natasha’s eyes, fearing Angel might ask something she couldn’t, or wouldn’t dare, respond to.
“Rest assured, it’s likely not forbidden,” Angel paused briefly. Under Natasha’s intent gaze, he subtly snapped his fingers.
Following the faint sound, an illusory performance manifested from its source.
A flash of blinding light caught Natasha off guard, prompting her to instinctively close her eyes.
While her eyes were shut, Natasha felt a touch on her hand, which was resting by her side…
A hand? Was it Angel’s? Natasha’s heartbeat quickened.
But before her imagination could take her further, she noticed a cold, tiny hand clasping hers — clearly not the hand of an adult.
With a hint of puzzlement, Natasha opened her eyes and glanced to her side.
The moment she looked down, she was greeted with a radiant smile.
It was a girl, seemingly younger than ten, dressed in a canary-yellow dress. Her golden curly hair, emerald eyes, flat nose, and the freckles on her cheeks rendered her appearance both endearing and quirky.
At this moment, the little girl, gripping Natasha’s hand, squinted with glee, her eyes almost forming a single line from her wide smile.
Natasha gazed at the young girl, a blend of astonishment and bewilderment in her eyes, “Hana, what brings you here? Didn’t Lady Isabelle caution you against wandering about?”
Natasha’s utterance prompted a shared glance between Angel and Sanders.
Having transformed into a soul, Sparrow Blossom lost many of her mortal memories, even forgetting her very name. Thus, when Angel initially encountered Sparrow Blossom, he affectionately named her… Hana.
Earlier, their connection was merely speculative, but now, Natasha’s words indisputably linked her to Sparrow Blossom.
She was the very woman from the painting who had taken Sparrow Blossom away!
Yet, something intriguing lingered in Natasha’s spontaneous comment.
“Lady Isabelle cautioned you against wandering about” — this implied that Sparrow Blossom’s disappearance wasn’t entirely Natasha’s doing but might have been orchestrated by Isabelle herself. But why would Isabelle give such directives?
Moreover, was Sparrow Blossom truly residing in Black Castle now?
If Sparrow Blossom’s Whereabouts were intertwined with the enigmatic Queen Isabelle’s intentions, could it possibly be a silver lining?
In a heartbeat, a whirlwind of thoughts swept through Angel’s mind. On the other hand, Natasha quickly discerned something wrong with Hana, noticing her benign smile and absence of response, which was uncharacteristic.
As Natasha grappled with her bewilderment, the illusion of Hana evaporated.
“It was merely an illusion,” Angel clarified. “But my inquiry is intrinsically tied to this illusion.”
Chapter 1389 Footprints Match <TOC> Chapter 1391 A New Direction