Translator: SumTLMan
Upon confirming that Rhine Mute was aware of the issue with the Bud, Muse disclosed all the newly acquired intelligence to them.
Subsequently, their discussion transcended the mere topic of the Bud, adopting a visionary perspective to explore the potential conflicts and impacts this matter might have on the entire Wizarding World’s formation.
They delved into the era’s backdrop, discussing the torrent of worldly affairs and branching into various aspects, thereafter seeking solutions to the Bud issue across different layers.
Angel cataloged everything, what he knew and did not know, what he could and could not conceive.
The more he listened, the more Angel became aware of his deficiencies. Perhaps he had gradually climbed to the forefront in alchemy spells, but in terms of macro experience, organizational strength, strategic foresight, and the capability to handle details, he still faced a vast gulf compared to individuals like Muse and Rhine Mute.
It wasn’t that Angel’s vision was insufficient; it was merely that he lacked the seasoning that time bestows.
Some gaps can be bridged by talent; others require time to accumulate. Angel lacked the latter; he was too young. Even though he knew much, the depth of experience that comes with time was even less than some apprentices.
Previously, Angel thought he might have a role to play concerning the Bud. Indeed, there was space for him to act, but only in a limited capacity. To think he could resolve the Bud issue on his own was naïve. In contrast, the solutions Muse and Rhine Mute discussed, covering all bases to contain the Bud, were more robust.
Of course, if Angel could directly resolve the enigma of the Bud, then all problems could be addressed with ease. However, the Bud was an entity that had obliterated miracles, untouchable even by the members of the Orderly Guild; for Angel to think he could resolve it was virtually a dreamer’s fantasy.
Within the grand chessboard of this Formation, Angel now realizes his own insignificance; it’s better to leave the matters of the Bud issue to Rhine and Muse, the leaders of the major wizard organizations.
However, caution is still necessary, after all, it’s very likely that the followers of the Bud Cult might target oneself.
Muse and Rhine talked for roughly half an hour, and after discussing the general situation, Muse said, “After the Star Observing Day, I’ve decided to disclose this matter to several large wizarding organizations and covertly investigate whether the Bud belief has begun to spread in the Southern Region. As for the Song of the Deep Sea, I’m still unsure whether to contact them.”
“The situation with the Song of the Deep Sea is too complex; they have the support of other realms behind them. You’d best not tell them about this yet. If you must, contact the lineage of the Sea God Florenza, and don’t involve the people from the line of Ima Gan,” Rhine advised.
Muse nodded: “I understand.”
Rhine added, “Also, don’t forget about the Extreme Sect.”
A glint of sharpness passed through Muse’s eyes, and he nodded. The Extreme Sect, usually wreaking havoc in the Southern Region, imposing bans at whim, leveraging the favor of the World Will, made it difficult for the wizards to speak out. Now, the Bud Cult has become a genuine devouring menace. The major wizarding organizations need to mobilize, and the Extreme Sect must be involved, taking a leading role.
To continuously stand on the politically correct peak and gain benefits, one must do what politically correctness dictates.
Muse affirmed, “If I receive any new information, I will notify you using the signal tower.”
“If you can’t reach me through the signal tower, you can directly inform Horus; he has a way to contact me,” Rhine suggested.
Muse paused, surprised. Why wouldn’t the signal tower be able to reach Rhine?
Despite his curiosity, it wasn’t his place to pry further, so he simply nodded, “Understood.”
After Muse and Rhine finished speaking, they looked towards Angel and said, “By the way, the Star Observing Day is approaching, and you should prepare early. If you can’t find a prophecy wizard, I can help you contact…”
Before Muse could finish, Rhine interjected directly, “No need to trouble Director Muse, the Savage Grottoes will arrange for a prophecy wizard to be there.”
Muse looked at Rhine, said nothing more, simply nodded, and then turned off the signal tower.
At this point, Rhine looked towards Angel and said, “You don’t have to worry about the Crown Star Church; I will have Maya assist you on the Star Observing Day to predict whether the Bud harbors any malice towards you.”
Angel nodded in thanks. Rhine did not say, but he had actually planned to visit Maya as well. However, it wasn’t to seek Maya’s help but to consider if Totoro might have a solution.
Since Rhine had already stated that Maya would help, Angel was relieved.
Seeing Angel accept his suggestion without hesitation, Rhine was pleased. He had come to understand Angel’s character to some extent; Angel’s willingness to accept help unreservedly, from a certain perspective, also indicated his acknowledgment of the group, not overly calculating gains and losses.
Had Angel declined or suggested that he would find a way to compensate Maya, Rhine reckoned he would have been more troubled.
“The matter of the Bud is indeed very serious, and your choice to keep a low profile is correct,” Rhine even felt that Angel’s current measures were not yet sufficient: “The outside world knows you come from the Savage Grottoes, so if the Bud’s people try to locate you, they will likely start from the Savage Grottoes. Therefore, I think it’s not necessarily good for you to stay in the Savage Grottoes all the time.”
Angel was full of question marks.
Angel had initially planned to keep a low profile and cultivate quietly on Phantom Island, but now it seems that Lord Rhine suggests that he leave Savage Grottoes?
Indeed, Rhine does imply this. If it were a matter of direct combat, Rhine would not be afraid; however, if the adversary truly sets their sights on Angel, they would only need to pinpoint his location and “draw a target”; the Arrow of the Vanquished would then arrive. This is something not even Rhine can prevent. Therefore, to avoid such a situation, it’s best for Angel not to stay in the Savage Grottoes for long.
For this reason, Rhine had previously informed Muse that if they couldn’t reach him via the signal tower, they should contact Horus instead. This was Rhine’s way of indicating that he intended for Angel to leave the Savage Grottoes.
Of course, all these precautions are under the assumption that the opponent is indeed targeting Angel.
Thus, even if Rhine wants Angel to lay low for a while, it will have to wait until after the Star Observing Day.
“I will have your return kept under wraps for now,” Rhine stated.
Angel nodded: “Actually, there’s no need to block the news deliberately. Those in the know will guess as much; I think as long as I’m not conspicuous, there shouldn’t be a problem.”
Rhine agreed with a nod.
Indeed, making an overt effort could paradoxically attract more attention.
“Alright, you can judge the situation for yourself, and if there’s anything to be done, you can get in touch with the Tree Spirit.”
With these words, Rhine effectively delegated authority, which showed the high level of trust and importance Rhine placed on Angel.
After discussing the issue of the Bud, they both felt a certain heaviness in their mood.
However, the main reason Rhine summoned Angel was to ascertain his stance. So, after a period of silence, Rhine was the first to steer away from the somber topic and began to subtly inquire about Angel’s thoughts, particularly concerning his ideas about the Savage Grottoes.
These questions, although seemingly normal at first, touched upon Angel’s personal beliefs and thoughts.
Angel sensed something wrong but, confirming that it wasn’t a trap, decided not to dwell on it.