Translator: SumTLMan
Upon leaving the High Cloud Tower, the outside world was still bathed in sunshine. However, as Angel began his descent through the mist, he noticed more and more leaves unfurling. The area centered around the Eternal Tree was now completely obscured by leaves, and the world below was enveloped in the pitch black of night.
Angel landed on a vast leaf hidden within the mists. Following the vein of the leaf for several dozen steps, he emerged from the mist-shrouded area onto a quiet, deserted platform.
This was the High Cloud Station, the highest platform accessible by the Vine Bus.
Angel stepped onto the platform and quietly awaited the arrival of the Vine Bus.
He had initially intended to fly directly to Phantom Island, but considering there was no rush, and his unfamiliar face might draw unwanted attention if seen flying, he opted to take the Vine Bus instead. Besides, it had been a long time since he had ridden the Vine Bus, and Angel found himself feeling nostalgic.
Soon, the Vine Bus approached, its ‘clack clack’ sound echoing as it hung from the winding vines, making its way to the Highland Station.
The bus carriage was empty. Angel found a window seat and settled in.
The bus slowly pulled away from the platform, meandering through the mist. It traveled from the daylight above the clouds to the night below, where the light changed, but the rustling cold wind remained constant.
Vibrant red hair fluttered in the wind, occasionally striking his lips and the corners of his eyes.
Angel leaned languidly against the window, gazing at the neon lights of the Central District’s Tree Spirit Court. At the same time, he pondered seemingly random thoughts, such as the new city construction in the Wilderness of Dreams. Jon’s design for the new city leaned towards a steam-fantasy punk style. Angel wondered, if the city’s transit system were modeled after the Vine Bus, would it be congruent?
As Angel’s mind wandered, he suddenly noticed a faint figure appearing on the seat opposite him.
Angel yawned lazily, casually brushing away the obstructing red locks that veiled his vision.
As the locks were brushed aside, Angel could now clearly see the seat opposite him. He hadn’t been mistaken before; indeed, there was an additional person.
A person whom one could hardly dare to look directly at.
The reason for this aversion was nothing more than a sheer embarrassment to make eye contact. After all, it’s quite awkward to find where to rest one’s gaze when confronted with a person unabashedly standing in front of you without clothes, their body gleaming with an oily sheen.
“Tree Spirit Lord,” Angel greeted with a lazy stretch of his hand towards the person across, waving nonchalantly as a form of salutation.
Tree Spirit raised an eyebrow and inquired, “Is this the persona you’ve adopted?”
Angel nodded indifferently, “To keep a low profile.”
Tree Spirit squinted at the languid red-haired man opposite him, suspecting that Angel’s choice to play this role was more likely an excuse to be idle.
Faced with Tree Spirit’s skepticism, Angel defended himself with dignity, “It’s not that I aim to be lazy, but rather to align with the temperament of this new identity I’ve assumed.”
“In the end, it’s still laziness,” Tree Spirit retorted.
Angel pursed his lips, declining to continue on that topic.
Tree Spirit didn’t press further, cutting straight to the main point: “I heard your entire conversation with Rhine.”
Angel’s expression remained undisturbed. Upon entering Rhine’s room, he had noticed the windows left ajar with a cluster of leaves fluttering at the edge, suggesting the presence of Tree Spirit nearby. So, it was hardly surprising that Tree Spirit was privy to their dialogue.
“The matter of the Bud Cult is indeed challenging; your choice to act discreetly is wise. I shall collaborate with you to ensure you are not disturbed by outsiders during this period,” Tree Spirit paused briefly: “Of course, my cooperation will be so subtle as to not arouse suspicion.”
Angel nodded: “Thank you, Tree Spirit Lord.”
“Regarding the Bud’s matter, I’m at a loss. However, Book Ancestor might know something. I will attempt to contact Book Ancestor soon, though he may not be willing to see me,” said Tree Spirit: “Since Rhine has granted you second-level access to High Cloud Library, you can also spend this time there. You might supplement your missing knowledge and possibly find Book Ancestor.”
Book Ancestor is one of the three Great Ancestral Spirits of the Savage Grottoes and is recognized for his profound scholarship throughout the Wizarding World of the Southern Region. However, he seldom meets with anyone, not even giving face to a fellow Ancestral Spirit like Tree Spirit.
Tree Spirit’s suggestion to Angel was due to the memory that shortly after Angel had entered the Savage Grottoes, he had encountered Book Ancestor. Perhaps, Book Ancestor would be willing to meet with Angel.
If Book Ancestor could offer advice to Angel, it would likely be more beneficial than what they could provide.
Angel nodded: “I’ll give it a try.”
Tree Spirit had come to Angel mainly to discuss these two matters, and after speaking, Tree Spirit didn’t leave but started to chat idly with Angel.
“How do you feel about the Two Matters Rhine has suggested you attempt?” Tree Spirit asked, curious about Angel’s thoughts.
Angel shook his head: “I don’t have much of an opinion.”
Tree Spirit asked, “Not interested?”
Angel nodded: “Not particularly.”
Tree Spirit suggested: “I think you might want to give it a try.”
Angel pondered for a moment, then replied, “The first matter, although not essential, if I truly find myself with idle time, I might consider looking into it. As for the second matter, better not.”
While speaking, Angel began to recall an event not long past——
“Which two matters are these?” Angel asked with some curiosity after listening to Rhine’s words.
Rhine answered with a smile, “Both matters come with rewards.”
Angel was no longer much interested in rewards; he wanted to know what the matters entailed.
“The first matter,” Rhine relayed, “is something Wallace wanted me to tell you; he hopes that if you have time, you would start a column in —Mirror—.”
This was the first matter Rhine spoke of. After hearing it, Angel asked with some confusion, “Why me?”
“It’s not an isolated incident to have a recently advanced formal wizard start a column in —Mirror—. Many wizards have done it, including your mentor.”
“Everyone understands the preciousness of knowledge. Hence, the so-called starting of a column isn’t about disseminating what you’ve learned and know; it’s about seeing your thought process and reasoning through your writings.”
Often, when some apprentices are stuck at a certain level, it’s not due to a lack of knowledge or strength, but because their direction of thought has hit a dead end. When one’s own cognitive patterns are at an impasse, looking at how others think might just yield some enlightenment.
And this is not just for apprentices; many formal wizards do the same. Whether it’s research, experiments, or scholarship, whenever they hit a stumbling block, they promptly consult various journals, using the wisdom of others to alleviate their own concerns.
Having heard this, Angel understood the significance behind the task.
After a moment of contemplation, he said, “If I find the time, I’ll give it a try.”
However, Angel felt that he might not necessarily have that free time.