Chapter 1741 Fishbone Stuck in the Throat <TOC> Chapter 1743 Harbingers
Translator: SumTLMan
Once Toby took over the primary consciousness of the Serpent-Bird’s body, the changes in the outside world became extremely apparent.
The dark fog no longer churned and began to fade at a visibly rapid rate. In a flash, over half of the dark fog had disappeared.
And not just that——
“The surge of negative emotions has also vanished,” murmured Gloria, “Could it be…”
A glint of joy flashed in Gloria’s eyes. All these signs seemed to indicate that the Tribulation of the Five Flavors had come to an end?!
Unable to contain her curiosity, Gloria turned to Angel, wanting to hear his opinion. However, when she looked over, she found that Angel was deep in thought, his brow furrowed.
“What’s wrong?” Noticing Angel’s troubled expression, the elation in Gloria’s heart felt as if it had been doused in cold water. “Could it be that Toby failed?”
Angel took a moment before noticing Gloria’s suspicion. He quickly shook his head, “No, judging by the current situation, the Tribulation is nearing its conclusion. Since the negative emotions haven’t spread further, it implies a high likelihood that Toby was successful.”
Hearing Angel’s words, Gloria’s anxiety began to ebb slightly, “If that’s the case, why did your expression seem so off just now?”
Angel paused for a moment before replying, “I was just pondering what tribulation Toby might face after this current Tribulation of the Five Flavors.”
“Considering a new Tribulation of the Five Flavors already? Don’t you think it’s a bit premature?” Gloria looked perplexed. She wasn’t even certain if Toby had truly succeeded in the current tribulation, yet Angel was already contemplating the future.
Angel chuckled softly, “I too feel it’s premature, but for a fleeting moment, I sensed an emotion that didn’t belong to the Malevolent Thoughts of the Tribulation of Resentment. Its intensity didn’t fall short when compared to those Malevolent Thoughts. I have a feeling that it might be…”
Though Angel didn’t complete his sentence, Gloria grasped his insinuation, “You’re suggesting… a harbinger of a new tribulation?”
Angel responded, “You sensed it earlier too, didn’t you?”
Reflecting on her prior sensations, Gloria paused for a moment and then nodded, “Indeed, an emotion distinct from jealousy and resentment briefly surged forth, but it vanished soon after,” she expressed, now unable to perceive it at all.
Gloria turned her head in contemplation, “The so-called ‘Tribulation of the Five Flavors’ refers to the five emotions symbolized by ‘sweet, bitter, sour, spicy, and salty,’ which correspond to ‘Love, Hate, Resentment, Rage, and Grief.’ Till now, Toby has endured the tribulations of Rage and Resentment. If, as you suggest, that fleeting emotion was a precursor to a new tribulation, then it could only herald the tribulations of Love, Hate, or Grief. Which of these three do you think that emotion belonged to?”
After mulling it over, Angel shook his head, not necessarily implying the emotion didn’t belong to one of the three but rather conveying his uncertainty.
Although the ‘Tribulation of the Five Flavors’ denotes five distinct emotional tribulations, in reality, each encompasses more than one sentiment. For instance, the current Tribulation of Resentment not only includes feelings of resentment and jealousy but also harbors hatred and rage. It’s multifaceted and variable, with resentment at its core.
The emotion they had just sensed was no different, teeming with complexity and contradiction. Moreover, the three tribulations that Toby has yet to face are intricately linked.
Hate born of Love, Grief stemming from Love.
Love, Hate, and Grief might all manifest simultaneously. Thus, discerning which emotion dominates and which plays a secondary role is indeed challenging.
“Let it go and don’t overthink it,” Gloria, noticing Angel’s conflicted expression, comforted, “Even if it truly is an omen of a forthcoming tribulation, the eruption should be far off. We have ample time to consider our response.”
Gloria paused, then with a teasing twinkle in her eye, remarked, “At the very least, there’s your Dream Initiation trial, right?”
Angel cast a glance at Gloria, replying seriously, “The effects of the Dream Initiation trial on Toby are already evident. I believe it will be of great use in the next trial.”
If Toby successfully overcomes this challenge, Gloria believes that at least 80% of the credit goes to Angel. However, she remains somewhat skeptical. What exactly is this enigmatic Dream Initiation trial?
“I’m really curious about experiencing this so-called Dream Initiation trial. Do I stand a chance?” Gloria inquired with curiosity.
“You’ll get the chance,” Angel casually replied. As for when she could experience it, that remained uncertain.
Amidst their conversation, the distant dark fog had completely vanished.
With the dissipation of the dark mist, the “creature within the fog” that Gloria had been skeptical about began to reveal its form.
It was a serpent that gave off a sensation of sliminess and coldness. Visibly massive, its size rivaled that of Akeso. Its tail was hidden in the dark void, and its full length was hard to discern at a glance. If it were to coil around the Infinite Battle Tower, it might come up a bit short. However, wrapped around a standard Wizard Tower, it would coil several times over.
The serpent was adorned with dark patterns, and on its head was a crimson fleshy growth that resembled a crown. Along with its moist scales, the sight could make anyone with a fear of snakes faint on the spot.
But unlike common serpents, this behemoth had a pair of dark wings. They were currently folded, but Angel had seen it spread them out before, wide enough to eclipse the sky.
This monstrous creature, half-serpent and half-bird, appeared as if it were dead at the moment, its eyes closed and utterly motionless. Only the occasional wisp of black mist emerging and receding from its nostrils indicated it was still alive.
Gloria stared blankly at the colossal entity in the distant void and murmured, “This is… The Serpent-Bird of Resentment.”
Hearing Gloria’s call, the slumbering Serpent-Bird’s tightly shut eyes snapped open.
A layer of white, viscous substance coated its massive eyes, but as its eyelids blinked, the substance gradually dissipated, revealing a pair of cold, Vertical Pupils.
The moment its eyes opened, they shimmered with a haunting glow of cold indifference and predatory intent.
As the Serpent-Bird’s gaze settled upon her, Gloria felt a nameless flame ignite within her heart. The sensation reminded her of the burning envy she felt hundreds of years ago, during her days as a witch apprentice, when she coveted the accomplishments of her peers.
Unable to resist, Gloria turned her gaze to Angel, and their eyes met instantly. From the depths of Angel’s eyes, she could tell he felt something similar.
“Its gaze… can ignite the flames of jealousy within one’s heart,” Gloria remarked slowly.
Angel nodded in agreement, “Without any discernible energy fluctuations, just its gaze alone can stir one’s emotions…”
“It’s powerful!”
Fortunately, both Angel and Gloria were formal wizards with tremendous self-control. Had it been an ordinary apprentice, this mere glance would be enough to drive them mad.
Moreover, the power exuded by its casual glance was comparable to masters who could manipulate emotions. One could only imagine the magnitude of its power if it chose to exert control deliberately.
Chapter 1741 Fishbone Stuck in the Throat <TOC> Chapter 1743 Harbingers