Chapter 1802 Prophecy Method <TOC> Chapter 1804 Ananda's Hope
Translator: SumTLMan
“If you are willing to burn the radiance of life in exchange for a single rose. I suppose, you must be mad.”
Upon seeing this eloquently inscribed phrase on the wall, Angel knew they had arrived at Sridhar’s antique shop in Shepherd City.
The shop was adorned with various glass display cases, each filled with rare and unique treasures, a feast for the eyes. The harmonious shimmer of gold and silver, the blend of fantasy and machinery, as well as ancient stone tablets and time-worn scrolls.
The opulence and wonder were as always, and so was… the familiar introductory line.
“Those who step in surely have desires. Noble guests, are you planning to trade your lifespan or perhaps your soul…” Sridhar, having given himself such a grandiose introduction, gracefully approached the counter. However, before he could finish, he halted, exclaiming, “!!!”
“Why is it you again!” Sridhar exclaimed in disbelief.
Heat rushed to Sridhar’s face from embarrassment. This was the second time this year he had faltered in his performance. The first was also due to encounters with Sanders and Angel.
Why did he rashly come out from the back earlier? Why didn’t he use his mental powers to scout first?
After his awkward outburst, Sridhar let out an equally awkward chuckle.
“Ahem, please, take a seat.” Sridhar pressed a button nearby. The sound of gears and chains echoed from below. In a moment, the ground parted, revealing sofas rising from beneath, accompanied by matching low tables.
As everyone settled down, two mechanical puppets, holding hands, flew in from a side door with tea. Their demeanor seemed joyful, and one could almost hear soft laughter in the air.
“Inform Ananda to prepare a feast for our guests.”
The two mechanical puppets nodded in agreement. After setting down the tea, they left hand in hand through the side door.
Angel gazed quietly as the two lively mechanical magic puppets disappeared from view. A hint of bewilderment flashed in his eyes. The last time he was here, there was only one such puppet; now another had appeared.
“Is this the other son from the deal with that woman last time?”
“Yes,” Sridhar nodded, “I have to admit, that guest had a remarkable lineage and fortune. The twins she gave birth to both possessed unique souls.”
“Trading her own son for wealth. If that’s how one obtains luck, it truly is a human tragedy,” Angel remarked with a hint of melancholy.
Sridhar chuckled but said nothing. One of his strongest principles was the law of equivalent exchange. If the guest was willing to pay the price, offering them temporary happiness was not an issue. Besides, leaving those two children with their mother might be the real tragedy.
“Lord Phantom Master, and… the Super Dimensional Wizard. What brings you both here today?” Sridhar hesitated noticeably when mentioning the “Super Dimensional Wizard,” a mix of emotions flickering in his eyes. The last time he had seen Angel, he was but an apprentice. Now, not only had he become a formal wizard, but according to the intel Sridhar had, he had even created his own original spell and was close to attaining true knowledge.
And he had joined the Research Institute.
Having been in the wizard circles for centuries, Sridhar’s tone inevitably held more gravitas when addressing Angel now.
All these changes occurred within a year, and such drastic transformations left even Sridhar momentarily disoriented. However, his many years in the mortal world and interactions with various eccentric guests had substantially fortified his state of mind. Thus, he quickly subdued the tumult within.
Sanders interjected, “I have some questions for you.”
Sridhar inquired, “Lord Phantom Master, are you seeking specific information?”
Sanders shook his head, “I want to know: what’s your perspective on the balance of energy properties?”
Sridhar’s current path is one of pursuing absolute balance. This pursuit isn’t confined merely to transactions; he seeks balance in everything, encompassing even interpersonal relationships.
Sanders, these days, has been contemplating the energy structure of the “Wilderness of Dreams” based on Sridhar’s perspective on the balance of energy properties.
To Sridhar’s surprise, the question posed by Sanders was of a scholarly nature. Doubt flashed in his eyes, “Lord Phantom Master, don’t you despise the academic type like Lord Wallace? Why the sudden interest in academic research now? Could it be influenced by Angel?”
Although Sridhar didn’t voice his thoughts, Sanders immediately discerned them, stating calmly, “Even if one leans towards practical combat, there’s knowledge that requires in-depth study.”
“True as that may be, deep exploration into the balance of energy properties isn’t typically aligned with the combat-oriented,” Sridhar murmured under his breath. He then quickly composed himself, providing a detailed exposition of his views on energy balance.
In response to Sanders’ inquiry, Sridhar didn’t hold back any information. Firstly, their relationship was such that there was no need for secrets. Secondly, this content wasn’t extremely confidential. Given Sanders’ capabilities, even if he didn’t acquire the knowledge from Sridhar, he had other means to obtain it.
Moreover, their interaction was an “exchange” rather than a one-sided “impartation.” Such exchanges allowed for mutual enrichment and communication of knowledge. This not only benefitted Sanders but also augmented Sridhar’s own understanding. So, why not?
Angel sat nearby, gaining much insight just from listening to the exchange between these two veteran wizards on the properties of energy.
Time flew, and before they knew it, evening had descended.
Gloria, accompanied by Azaz, entered from the antique shop’s entrance. Since Sridhar had been forewarned of Gloria’s arrival, he wasn’t taken aback.
Sridhar said, “It’s about time. Let’s pause our discussion for now. Ananda’s banquet should be ready. Shall we resume after the feast?”
Sanders gave a nonchalant nod.
Guided by the twin mechanical puppets, they entered the grand dining hall.
The air was perfumed with a rich scent of roses. The bright candles adorned the dining area, giving it an incredibly dreamlike ambiance. The twin mechanical puppets hurriedly approached a side cabinet and opened an illusion music box.
Melodious tunes flowed forth.
In this comfortable setting, they took their seats. Before long, an elderly woman entered, pushing a dining cart.
As she approached each guest, she arranged the prepared food from the cart onto their tables. Throughout this process, the elderly woman avoided making direct eye contact with the guests. However, when she saw the twin mechanical puppets, she gave them a kind smile.
Soon, she reached Angel. Still avoiding direct eye contact, she neatly placed the dishes. However, at this moment, Angel softly spoke, “Ananda.”
The elderly woman paused, appearing slightly confused. When she raised her head and saw Angel’s face, it seemed she realized something.
“It’s been a long time.”
The elderly woman, with somewhat trembling hands and lips that quivered, simply whispered, “My Lord.” Then she continued, with a shaky stride, to the next person.
As Ananda left the dining area with the dining cart, Gloria curiously turned to Angel and asked, “Do you know that woman?”
Angel gave a slight nod, “I met her once in Shadow Demon City. She’s the childhood sweetheart of Wimbledon.”
Chapter 1802 Prophecy Method <TOC> Chapter 1804 Ananda's Hope