Chapter 1779 Flyers <TOC> Chapter 1781 The Sacrifice
Translator: SumTLMan
“It’s rather intriguing that someone chose to stage a Magic Show in Sky Mechanical City, a place teeming with exceptional individuals,” remarked Apulia with a brief chuckle, shaking his head. “The show is scheduled for… today? Oh, it starts in just two hours?”
Turning to face Angel, Apulia observed his gaze was also on the flyer. “You seem interested in the magic show, Super Dimensional Wizard. Are you planning to attend?”
Angel shook his head. “No. Rather than this magic show, I’m more eager to receive good news from Antonio soon.”
After a pause, Angel countered, “What about you? Are you planning to watch?”
Apulia instinctively wanted to decline. He had no intention to watch any magic show and wasn’t the least bit curious about magic. In fact, for extraordinary beings who know the real tricks and spells, magic shows seemed like child’s play, hardly captivating.
That’s why Apulia was quite surprised that Shirley would rent a large theater for a magic show which might not attract much audience.
However, just as Apulia was about to decline, he felt an unusual clarity in his heart, as if… destiny was guiding him towards something.
As a prophecy wizard, Apulia’s perception of omens in the spiritual world was many times sharper than that of ordinary wizards.
He often sensed various omens, which helped him immerse more authentically into the role of a prophecy wizard, appearing to outsiders like he was flawlessly playing the part of a “charlatan.” Of course, these omens often brought him benefits and helped him avoid potential dangers.
Now, Apulia sensed such an omen. It felt like an invisible force was compelling him to watch this magic show.
But why? What’s so special about this magic show?
Apulia gazed down in puzzlement, scrutinizing the promotional poster before her, hoping to glean some hint from its surface.
Angel found it odd. Such a straightforward question “to go or not to go” why would Apulia ponder it for so long?
Is it a common trait among prophecy wizards? Overthinking even the simplest of matters… Thankfully, Totoro isn’t like that.
Apulia took his time, remaining silent, and Angel didn’t find it appropriate to turn away and leave. After all, he was the one who posed the question to Apulia, so he patiently stood by awaiting his response. Three minutes passed before Apulia finally lifted his gaze from the poster.
“I believe I might need to attend,” Apulia declared with a serious expression.
Angel inquired, “Why? What’s so compelling about this magic show?”
Apulia shook his head, “I’m not certain, but it’s as if the Goddess of Fate is whispering in my ear, urging me to venture inside.”
After a brief pause, Apulia’s focus returned to the poster, eventually settling on the five playing cards being held in Shirley’s hand. “These peculiar cards seem to hold some intrinsic logic, as if they are what fate wants me to notice.”
“Playing cards?” Angel arched an eyebrow in curiosity.
“These are called playing cards?” Apulia looked to Angel in bewilderment, “Does the Super Dimensional Wizard know something about them?”
Angel shook his head with an odd expression, “Not really, just that they’re used in a card game.”
A card game? Apulia still seemed at a loss, pondering further. “Perhaps I should see for myself at the grand theater what secrets these… playing cards truly hold.”
With that, Apulia nodded to Angel and, without waiting for a response, began to make his way across the square in the direction of the grand theater.
Angel gazed at Apulia’s retreating figure, his expression growing ever more perplexed.
He recalled his younger days when, whenever he was troubled, Jon would always say, “Clear your mind and let’s play a game of Gwent.”
Of course, Gwent and poker are different card games. However, Angel always had this peculiar feeling: Could poker possibly become popular in the Wizarding World in the future?
Angel looked down at the flyer in his hand, Shirley’s flamboyant smile seemed to pierce straight through the portrait and into one’s soul.
Shirley had mentioned before that she had been touring various major cities in the Gloriosa Kingdom to perform for a long time. Those were all mortal cities, so deceiving ordinary people was not a problem. But the audacity she had to perform in Sky Mechanical City! Ordinary magic tricks would not turn heads there. He surmised that her main attraction this time might be poker card magic.
Angel heaved a deep sigh.
Oh well, let her enjoy her game. After all, the deck of poker cards was a reward for her.
Angel shook his head, left the plaza, and seamlessly blended his figure into the shadows.
Upon returning to the mansion, Angel informed Sanders about the matter concerning the Bud. Sanders offered no particular opinion on it. After all, traces of the Bud had appeared twice consecutively in the Gloriosa Kingdom. The first appearance might be overlooked, giving them time to consider their response; but upon the Bud’s second appearance, they had to notify the higher-ups of Sky Mechanical City.
After discussing further with Sanders, Angel silently awaited news from Rosen.
During his wait, Angel noticed that, exceptionally, Gloria and Azaz had left the mansion. And when they departed, they held in their hands a familiar flyer… it was the promotional leaflet for Shirley’s magic show.
Only in the wee hours of the following morning did Gloria and Azaz return, continuously engrossed in some discussion.
Angel did not eavesdrop on their conversation but continued his patient wait.
When the morning star pierces the profound obscurity of the night, and the first light of dawn gradually emerges on the horizon, the communicator that has been silent throughout the night finally produced some activity.
Angel promptly activates the device, and a soft blue luminescent spirit appears before his eyes.
Antonio says, “Good morning, Lord Pat.”
“Good morning,” Angel courteously replies to Antonio’s greeting, and without further ado, he eagerly inquires about the situation with Rosen.
Antonio replies, “All is going well. If you wish to understand the specifics, perhaps you might want to come over and see for yourself.”
…
By the time the first rays of dawn fully illuminate this sky fortress, Angel has already reached the top floor of Infinite Battle Tower——the metallic hall where Rosen resides.
The petrification traces left by Toby in the metallic hall the day before have been thoroughly cleaned up.
Rosen sits in front of a sleek experimental table, engrossed in writing something. Antonio, having transformed into a luminous spirit, quietly stands by his side.
Hearing Angel’s footsteps, Rosen lifts his head, materializing a metal chair as a gesture for Angel to sit.
“I’ve heard,” Angel starts, “that Lord Rosen’s recent endeavors have been quite successful.”
A hint of a rare faint smile appears on Rosen’s usually calm and impassive face, “There were some unexpected twists along the way, but overall, it was successful. Shortly after entering the void, I located them.”
Instead of immediately inquiring about the fate of those who seemed to be followers of ‘the Bud’, Angel first inquires about Silkvine.
“Silkvine is still alive,” Rosen answers, “I’ve already allowed her to leave.”