Chapter 2202 Ancient Palace <TOC> Chapter 2304 A Musician
Translator: SumTLMan
Angel spent two days and two nights in the Toothpull Desert.
On the first day, he disclosed his purpose and handed over the shadow box to the sage, Kuplatinum.
On the second day, after obtaining Kuplatinum’s approval, Angel began to explore the palace, which was rumored to have existed since ancient times.
By the morning of the third day, Angel was preparing to bid farewell to Kuplatinum and leave the Toothpull Desert.
During his stay in the Toothpull Desert, Angel never encountered the monarch, Sandstorm Sandestorm. This was not because Angel did not seek an audience, but rather it was advice given by the sage, Kuplatinum.
Two days earlier, upon learning of Angel’s identity and purpose, Kuplatinum did not immediately relay the message to Highness Sandstorm, but instead requested to see the shadow box first. Thinking it made no difference whether it was viewed sooner or later, Angel played the shadow box.
Whatever thoughts Kuplatinum had after viewing it were unknown to Angel, but he directly suggested that it would be best for Angel not to meet with Highness Sandstorm.
Upon inquiring the reason, Angel understood the profound meaning behind Kuplatinum’s advice.
Sandstorm Sandestorm as described by both Magu and Bortia, was portrayed as a stubborn, obstinate monarch with a bit of a temper. Even in the imaginations of elemental sprites like Dangros, Sandstorm Sandestorm was a tyrant who could unleash terrifying sandstorms without a word.
Through Kuplatinum’s explanation, Angel came to realize that the widespread information was essentially true, but Highness Sandstorm was not ill-tempered or a true tyrant; rather, he was suffering from an illness.
Yes, this was something Kuplatinum had stated outright.
The stubbornness and bizarre rules set by Sandstorm Sandestorm the resistance to visits from elemental creatures from other domains, all stemmed from his illness.
His symptoms, put elegantly, could be described as extreme caution and meticulousness, or more plainly, as paranoia.
Sandstorm Sandestorm possibly influenced by experiences in its sprite phase, always feared that a terrible disaster was imminent, whether it be a natural disaster or an external enemy.
As a result, it began to emulate the practices of the Wild Stone Wasteland, fortifying the Toothpull Desert with multiple layers of defense. However, the natural conditions of the Toothpull Desert itself were already a formidable barrier, making it difficult for external enemies to penetrate, thus rendering such fortifications unnecessary.
Beyond these defenses, it also set numerous bizarre restrictions, such as forbidding any non-Toothpull Desert elemental creatures from flying over the desert, fearing “aerial attacks.”
The numerous rules stemming from its paranoid delusions were too many to count. Kuplatinum spoke of these conditions with a face of helpless bitterness.
Because of Highness Sandstorm’s Illness, Kuplatinum advised Angel that it would be best not to meet with it.
Kuplatinum could even foresee that once Highness Sandstorm saw Angel, a non-elemental “outsider,” even knowing he was of the same race as the savior, its first reaction would not be warmth but heightened vigilance, especially since humans represented an unknown and therefore the greatest fear to Highness Sandstorm.
If, at that moment, Angel presented the shadow box and His Excellency saw the “capture” of elemental creatures by humans and the immense power of human wizards capable of destruction on a cataclysmic scale, Kuplatinum did not need to say anything further for Angel to know that Highness Sandstorm’s paranoia, would reach its peak.
Given Highness Sandstorm’s neurotic way of thinking, it would not analyze the pros and cons of the situation; it would not listen to Angel’s explanations or attempts at persuasion, leading inevitably to direct conflict.
Sandstorm Sandestorm had control over all the elemental creatures of the Toothpull Desert, and it might even result in a full-scale pursuit and blockade.
Under these circumstances, Kuplatinum gave a sincere suggestion not to meet with Highness Sandstorm.
As for the matter of the shadow box, Kuplatinum assured Angel that after his departure, it would find an opportunity to inform Highness Sandstorm.
Kuplatinum was exceedingly familiar with Sandstorm Sandestorm, employing the precise rhetoric to guide the conversation, prompting thought in a specific direction. In the absence of “Disaster Incarnate” Angel, it was likely that Sandstorm Sandestorm would heed Kuplatinum’s words.
After considerable thought, Angel agreed to Kuplatinum’s suggestion.
This was because Angel learned from Lorca that everything Kuplatinum had said was true, Sandstorm Sandestorm was indeed afflicted with a deep illness! Originally, even Lorca’s attempt to study there was obstructed. If not for Lorca also being an earth elemental creature, and with the sage Kuplatinum persuading by saying, “Should a war break out with the Wild Stone Wasteland, Lorca in the Toothpull Desert could become a hostage in our hands,” it was these words that convinced Sandstorm Sandestorm to agree to Lorca’s study.
It is worth noting that the Wild Stone Wasteland and Toothpull Desert were “brotherly” in their diplomatic relations, deeper even than their ties to the Fire Domain. Yet, even so, Sandstorm Sandestorm considered the possibility of “war,” indicating a deep-seated paranoia.
Facing such a mentally ill individual, it was better to leave matters to the experts. Angel’s presence would surely become a trigger for the patient’s condition, hence Angel’s agreement to Kuplatinum’s advice.
…
When Angel was leaving the palace, Kuplatinum earnestly informed Angel: “Humanity is about to enter the Tidal Realm, a matter of great significance. I will do everything in my power to persuade Highness, to have it meet with Sage Magu as soon as possible for a deeper discussion on this irreversible trend.”
Angel nodded, “I hope Highness can come to understand sooner rather than later.”
After a pause, Angel hesitated, then ultimately asked Kuplatinum the biggest question on his mind these past few days: “Setting aside Highness’s thoughts, I am very curious about Mr. Kuplatinum’s own views on this matter?”
Kuplatinum smiled, “I trust Mr. Magu’s judgment, and I also think that cooperating with humanity isn’t too bad an option.”
“Why is that?”
Kuplatinum explained, “If there wasn’t a greater trend at play, I would definitely prefer a peaceful life without change. But since fate has chosen this path for us, we can only roll forward down the path. In the future that the Tidal Realm is about to face, our options are limited. The choices given by Mr. Pat seem quite excellent to me… and my perception of humans, contrary to Highness, whether it be the savior or Mr. Pat himself, I find both to be quite admirable.”
Angel was taken aback. It was one thing for Kuplatinum to speak well of the savior, but to suddenly mention himself… why?
Kuplatinum smiled, looking at Angel with a benevolent gaze, “Because those sprites are quite fond of you.”
It took a moment for Angel to realize that Kuplatinum was referring to the forty-odd elemental sprites he had brought back with him.
However, these elemental sprites liked him? Angel hadn’t noticed. If they really liked him, they wouldn’t be spitting sand on the Gondola…
After bidding farewell to Kuplatinum, Angel made a point of meeting with Lorca, who was preparing to stay and study.
Partly as a farewell, partly in gratitude.
Angel had a good impression of Lorca, having seen too many unruly young sprites, it was rare to encounter a normal elemental creature. By comparison, Lorca stood out positively.
Moreover, Lorca had facilitated an earlier meeting with Sage Kuplatinum, preventing a direct encounter with Sandstorm Sandestorm. This alone merited a special farewell and expression of gratitude from Angel.
Upon departure, Angel also painted a promising picture for Lorca, who was eager to learn.
“When the doors to the future Tidal Realm open, you are welcome to visit the Savage Grottoes. There, you’ll find an even broader and more comprehensive array of knowledge. I believe you’ll enjoy it.”
After the farewell, Angel boarded the Gondola and slowly sailed away.
Watching the majestic and solemn palace, imbued with an otherworldly religious aura, gradually disappear from view, Angel let out a long sigh of relief.
The journey through the Toothpull Desert had come to an end, with the only regret being that palace.
Perhaps too much time had passed, or maybe due to renovations and reconstructions, he spent an entire day there but couldn’t find much information in the palace.
The only potentially useful piece of information was found on a stone pillar right in front of the palace, where there was a mark resembling a badge.
The pattern depicted a simple wave, upon which floated a seven-stringed harp.
It appeared to be the emblem of some music academy.
Angel was seeing this pattern for the first time; he had no idea what it represented and could only note it down for future reference.
Below this emblem was a painting by Feng of a former desert monarch.
However, Feng’s painting had nothing unusual about it. Angel checked it several times and then moved on.
…
The Gondola leisurely sailed through mid-air, with a desert hawk soaring on wings spread wide ahead of the Gondola.
This hawk, arranged by Kuplatinum to accompany the flight, received a message from Angel.
“Tired of flying? How about resting on the ship for a while?”
The hawk flapped its wings proudly, responding.
“No need, I can fly continuously in the Toothpull Desert without getting tired.”
Angel opened his mouth, wanting to say that he didn’t invite the hawk aboard because he was worried it would tire, but because it was flying too slowly!
The Gondola, appearing leisurely in its flight, owes its perceived nonchalance to the inadequacy of its companion, the desert hawk. Not that the desert hawk is slow by ordinary standards, it rivals the speed of Sanders’ falcon demon pet. However, when compared to the Gondola’s capabilities, it falls significantly short.
A distance the Gondola would cover in three hours, the desert hawk would need to exert itself for a full day or two to match.
If they continue at the current pace, reaching the edge of the Toothpull Desert would not be until the early hours of the morning.
Witnessing the desert hawk’s proud demeanor, Angel found it difficult to dampen its spirits and chose silence instead. Deciding to let it continue leading the way, Angel took this as an opportunity to take a leisurely break, which was also a perfect time for a visit to the Wilderness of Dreams.
Angel delegated Toby to steer and discreetly communicated with Eremy to be on alert before closing his eyes to step onto the Dream Bridge.
In the Wilderness of Dreams, at Initial Heart City, Angel arrived at the top floor of Azure Tower. Stepping through the balcony, he entered a room.
At this moment, Freud was seated at his desk, working diligently with a pen in hand.
However, unlike usual, Freud seemed somewhat distracted, occasionally glancing at a small circular disc to his left.
Freud only noticed Angel’s presence when he approached, showing a hint of embarrassment and standing up to greet him respectfully.
Angel nodded, his gaze briefly surveying the two items on Freud’s desk.
On the right was a research topic Freud was composing, clearly titled —A Report on the Application of Ghostly Obfuscation—.
This seemed to be Freud’s manual on the first of his Soul Trickery.
On the left was a black circular disc——the Mother Tree Communicator, with ongoing private messages visible on its screen. Freud’s absorption was likely due to the conversation he was engaged in.
“What are you working on?” Angel inquired with curiosity.
Freud: “I’ve been chatting with Jon…”
Freud explained that earlier in the morning, he was discussing Alda’s progress in piano lessons with Jon. Mid-conversation, Jon mentioned that Iron Armor Granny had visited.
Iron Armor Granny often visited the library to talk with Jon, so Freud thought little of it and prepared to end their private conversation.
Then, Freud began drafting the report on Ghostly Obfuscation, encountering some technical questions. Unable to find answers, he thought to ask Jon to consult Iron Armor Granny on his behalf.
Originally, it was just an inquiry with a glimmer of hope, unexpectedly, Iron Armor Granny actually responded, and very patiently analyzed the solution to the question comprehensively.
When Angel arrived, Freud was just looking at the message sent by Jon on behalf of Iron Armor Granny.
“So that’s how it is.” Angel said with a smile towards Freud: “Iron Armor Granny’s reserve of knowledge is probably second to none in the entire Savage Grottoes, you’re quite fortunate.”
Freud chuckled: “I didn’t expect to receive a response from Iron Armor Granny… But, this has led me to discover a particular function of the Tree Group.”
Angel: “A special function? Are you referring to remote mentoring?”
Freud nodded: “Sort of, but more important than mentoring to me, is the ‘remote’ nature of this function. If I were in front of Iron Armor Granny, I wouldn’t dare to make any request, but behind a screen, I found my courage greatly bolstered. Though I still wouldn’t dare to be disrespectful, I found myself able to seek help.”
Freud said this with a laugh, looking quite silly.
Angel shook his head, though that might be the case, Freud still had Jon convey the message. Iron Armor Granny had access to the Tree Group, and Freud still didn’t dare to chat privately.
Angel didn’t point this out, waiting until Freud had laughed enough, then asked: “How are things on your end? How are Alda and Sunny progressing with their training?”
Freud regained his composure and said: “I’m still near that cave altar, Alda’s situation doesn’t need to be worried about for now, his mood has been very stable, and he has completed the preliminary training. Sunny’s temperament isn’t as stable as Alda’s, slightly troublesome, but for now, she’s also in a calm state.”