Chapter 2382 Water Trace <TOC> Chapter 2384 River Legacy Society
Translator: SumTLMan
“You old lecher, it’s all your fault, salivating like that, you couldn’t even hold it in.”
“How can you blame me? She took off her clothes without any warning, and I was shocked too.”
“Just you were shocked! Next time someone fights with you, if they throw a few beauties at you, are you just going to surrender immediately?”
One voice carried a tone of complaint, while the other tried its best to clear itself of any guilt, feigning innocence.
These two voices, to Number 03, sounded incredibly familiar.
Aren’t these the voices of Firo and Nisi?
Could they be here?
Weren’t they outside, raging impotently?
Number 03 couldn’t help but look towards the water mirror she had summoned earlier. In the mirror, Firo was still furiously burning the skull of the Wave Mechanism, while Nisi summoned countless ghostly fires, venting his anger through the burning of the ghost flames.
At first glance, everything seemed normal.
But soon, Number 03 noticed something was wrong because when she tried to put away the water mirror, she found it completely out of her control. It was as if she hadn’t summoned it at all.
A look of horror crossed Number 03’s face, and she couldn’t help but take a step back.
At the same time, a ripple appeared in the scene within the mirror. Firo and Nisi, who had been furiously smashing and burning moments before, suddenly froze in their actions. Then, like marionettes, they jerkily turned their heads, looking through the mirror to make eye contact with Number 03.
The two in the mirror simultaneously revealed eerie smiles.
At this moment, Number 03’s face turned pale.
Like a startled beast, she leaped up, frantically smashing everything around her, whether it was the golden pool or the crystal area’s tables and chairs. But after she smashed them, these things turned into smoke and quickly reformed, as good as new.
“Illusion!” The word she almost spat out through clenched teeth.
By now, Number 03 understood all too well. The anomalies and irregularities she felt, everything stemmed from an illusion. Not only was the golden pool fake, but everything around her was fake, even this Water Trace space was an illusion.
Everything around her was an illusory realm.
Such a realistic and delicate illusion that could even deceive her, there were only a handful in the Southern Region’s Wizarding World who could achieve this.
Certainly, it wasn’t Nisi and Firo.
This meant that there was someone else hidden behind these two.
Upon reflecting on the backgrounds of Nisi and Firo, Number 03’s face suddenly turned ashen, and a name slipped from her lips: “Lord Phantom Master?”
The only wizards from the Savage Grottoes capable of deceiving her senses with illusion magic were Sanders and Sumesh. She was aware of the good relationship between Nisi and Sanders, so she immediately thought of Sanders.
As for Angel… Although the base had already received intelligence on Angel’s advancement to the wizard realm, a wizard who had just advanced was unlikely to have mastered many spells, and Number 03 did not believe that such a person could deceive her with illusion magic. Moreover, Number 03 did not realize that Angel was an illusionist wizard; in her mind, Angel was an exceptionally talented alchemist.
Therefore, Number 03 had almost concluded that the visitor must be Sanders.
The presence of a second level pinnacle true knowledge wizard like Sanders would naturally not please Number 03.
However, due to her shock, Number 03 had not yet realized some details she had overlooked, such as: if it really was Sanders in person, there would be no need for concealment, nor any need for the previous act.
Having already made a decision on a cognitive level, the preconceived notion had already clouded the alarm of Number 03’s subconscious.
“To think that a wizard from the outer realms has heard of my name, should I take this as an honor?” A deep, hoarse voice resonated within the Water Traces.
“It really is you. I didn’t expect that even the esteemed Lord Phantom Master would take action to strike against our base,” Number 03 said through gritted teeth.
“Heh…” The laughter coming from deep within the throat echoed in her ears.
The longer the laughter lasted, the uglier Number 03’s expression became.
In her preconceived notion, since the other party had admitted to being Sanders, it must indeed be Sanders, without any doubt.
“Lady, are you sure you want to converse with me in this manner? I don’t mind, of course, but this just makes things easier for my old friend.”
Number 03 looked down and saw her own nudity, her face turning even uglier.
Had it not been for Sanders’ reminder, she would have forgotten that she was still naked.
With a wave of her hand, the blue scale dress that had fallen to the ground once again wrapped around her body.
After she was dressed, the space directly in front of her flickered, and three figures appeared before her.
One was Firo, who looked calm as if pondering something; another was Nisi, wiping his mouth with a look of regret. As for the last person sitting on the sofa, dressed in a black suit, wearing a felt hat, and holding a short wand, he exuded the aura of a traditional nobleman.
Number 03 had seen portraits of Sanders, so she recognized at a glance that this man was the undefeated War God of the Southern Region, Sanders.
However, compared to Nisi and Firo, Sanders’ figure appeared somewhat ethereal, as if he was just an illusion.
“The esteemed Lord Phantom Master graces us with his presence, yet does not wish to show his true form?” Number 03 knew it was difficult to escape now and appeared even calmer than before.
“I am here; it’s just that you cannot see me,” Sanders said lightly.
Sanders’ words made Number 03’s gaze grow even darker, understanding the implied meaning behind his words. ——Not only now but also during her previous battle with Firo and Nisi, Sanders had been observing the fight all along; she just hadn’t noticed.
Sanders was pointing out the insurmountable gap between them.
This was a difference in status as well as in strength.
Of course, these were Number 03’s own conjectures. As for Angel, who had suddenly taken on the role of pretending to be his mentor, he hadn’t thought so much when he spoke those words… He was just trying to figure out how to act like his powerful mentor. To prevent Number 03 from seeing through the ruse, he ultimately chose a strategy: to be deliberately vague.
Angel’s words indeed had some effect. Number 03, filling in the gaps with her own assumptions, felt that Sanders not showing his true form was due to her own weakness, not his.
Thinking this, Number 03 did not further question why Sanders only showed himself as an illusion.
“Lord Phantom Master, I do not know why you insist on opposing the base, but since you are not from Flore or the Spring of the Departed, I believe our relationship can be reconciled, and we can sit down and talk,” Number 03 said, her attitude much more sincere than before when facing Firo and Nisi. After all, Sanders’ strength was evident, and even if Numbers 01 and 02 returned, it would be of no use.
So, at this moment, Number 03 truly hoped for a negotiation. At least to get through these two days, once the ultimate goal was achieved, they could withdraw directly from the Southern Region.
Nisi and Firo also noticed Number 03’s attitude. They appeared calm on the surface, but internally they were contemplating how to converse with Number 03 in this situation to maximize the intelligence gathered.
Angel’s decision to impersonate Sanders was a spur-of-the-moment idea, but could he convincingly maintain this facade in front of Number 03?
Nisi and Firo remained silent because with “Sanders” present, any interjection from them might give away the ruse to Number 03.
“Shall we talk?” Sanders asked with a disdainful smile, his slender index finger tapping lightly on his short staff, each tap resonating like a hammer to Number 03’s psyche, significantly amplifying her mental pressure.
After applying a bit of psychological suggestion, Angel, still using Sanders’ voice, continued, “Rather than talking with you, I’d much prefer to have the members of the Extreme Sect converse with you.”
“After all, I’m not interested in your actions, but they probably would be.”
Angel’s words indeed carried the implication of Bluffing, yet he wasn’t lying. If the real Sanders were here, he would likely say the same, given that Angel and Sanders had previously discussed matters related to the cavern altar, and Sanders had expressed the same disinterest and lack of concern.
Sanders had even suggested that Angel could share the intelligence with the Extreme Sect, letting them engage in a conflict amongst themselves.
Angel’s interest in the cavern altar affairs was only mild and not a priority. Had it not been for the sudden involvement of Nausica, he wouldn’t have bothered coming here at all.
Therefore, Angel could speak these words without any burden.
Previously, when Firo had mentioned the Extreme Sect in front of Number 03, she immediately became hostile, knowing well that if the base’s affairs got entangled with the Extreme Sect, those fanatics wouldn’t reason with them. Thus, it was crucial to detain Firo to prevent him from reporting back.
However, when Sanders mentioned the Extreme Sect, Number 03 didn’t dare to react negatively, understanding that while the base might stop Firo, they couldn’t stop Sanders.
“The Extreme Sect in the Southern Region often persecutes various wizard organizations. I believe, Lord Phantom Master, you understand that contacting the Extreme Sect is not the best approach,” Number 03 calmly stated.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s not the best approach. Isn’t it interesting to let you dogs fight amongst yourselves?” Sanders replied nonchalantly, raising an eyebrow.
Although being referred to as “dogs” was somewhat offensive to Number 03, she felt a slight relief inside against Sanders’ indifferent attitude.
Since he appeared so unconcerned, it at least indicated that there was no direct and profound enmity between Sanders and them.
Even though Number 03 was unsure why Sanders targeted the base, the absence of direct animosity meant there was room for negotiation.
“Even if it’s amusing, it’s merely a pastime and won’t yield any substantial benefits,” Number 03 said. “There’s a misunderstanding between us that can be resolved. If there’s a better way, why choose a lesser option?”
Sanders gave Number 03 a deep look: “Benefits are common, but fun is rare.”
“Greater benefits might be worth your amusement,” Number 03 quickly responded, catching Sanders’ implied meaning.
Sanders offered a faint smile and, with a gentle snap of his fingers, a chair materialized beside Number 03.
Hesitating for a moment, Number 03 eventually took a seat.
Only after Number 03 had seated herself did Sanders speak, “Alone, you cannot make the final decision.”
“I believe Number 01 and Number 02 would make the same choice as I have.”
Sanders did not comment on Number 03’s statement, merely saying lightly, “Let’s start with something simple, then. For instance, talk about yourselves.”
Number 03 remained silent.
Sanders’ gaze narrowed slightly, “It seems we cannot reach an agreement. But of course, daring to smuggle yourselves into the Southern Region for so many years, your ambitions couldn’t possibly be modest.”
At Sanders’ words, a chill ran down Number 03’s spine. Though Sanders hadn’t specified anything, the mention of the Extreme Sect, coupled with references to smuggling and scheming, was essentially a threat.
The thought of possibly provoking the Extreme Sect sent a shiver through Number 03.
After a long contemplation, she finally spoke, “Bound by an oath, there’s much I cannot reveal. Should I speak, not only would my soul instantly perish, but Lord Phantom Master, among others, would be detected by them.”
“Them?”
“I cannot answer that.” Number 03, glancing at Nisi, added, “Lord Redemption of the Dead should know, his soul hand ventured to my soul realm and encountered a barrier. It could be described as a soul barrier, but also a prison for souls. Should they wish, those souls imprisoned can be arbitrarily slaughtered.”
“Did they create it?”
Number 03 nodded.
Number 03’s demeanor was transparent, showing no resistance even when Nisi covertly employed a truth spell. Evidently, her words, at least on the surface, were truthful.
“Do Flore and the Spring of the Departed bear a grudge against those you mention?” The question came from Firo, who, given the use of a truth spell, assumed Number 03 had accepted Angel, posing as Sanders. His interjection at this point likely wouldn’t raise suspicions.
Number 03 nodded, “Yes.”
Firo pressed, “Then what are Flore and the Spring of the Departed?”
Number 03 looked at Firo, her expression tinged with scorn, “As I said, those who know will know; those who don’t, will never know.”
Firo retorted, “How will I know if you don’t tell me?”
Number 03’s gaze remained disdainful, “Unnecessary. Even if I told you, you wouldn’t understand.”
Firo, frustrated by Number 03’s evasive answers, couldn’t help feeling irritated but knew better than to act on it. He involuntarily turned to look at Angel, who was impersonating Sanders.
After all, the linchpin now is “Sanders.”
Sanders, after a moment of silence, said, “Is it related to Steffi?”
As soon as these words were spoken, Number 03 suddenly looked up at Sanders, seemingly in disbelief.
After a long time, he nodded and said, “It’s no wonder, coming from Lord Phantom Master himself, to even know this… Indeed, the matters of Flore and the Spring of the Departed are related to Steffi.”
“Since it’s known to be related to Steffi, I believe Lord Phantom Master would understand me. Their information is bound by laws, and I can only express it in their language, which I fundamentally cannot speak.”
Number 03’s explanation was vague, and Firo didn’t understand it at all.
Nisi, however, understood.
The so-called Steffi refers to the Steffi Soul Safe Zone, located in the Qwest World. It was information disclosed by Iron Armor Granny.
The symbols on that stone slab are said to be from the Steffi Soul Safe Zone.
If Flore and the Spring of the Departed are major forces within the Steffi Soul Safe Zone, given Nisi’s understanding of the Qwest World, it’s indeed possible that a soul shackle has been set up. To understand them, one must use the language of the Qwest World, and if spoken in reality, it’s likely to be forgotten the next second.
So, what Number 03 said before was also correct: those who know will definitely know, and those who don’t, even if told, won’t understand.
Chapter 2382 Water Trace <TOC> Chapter 2384 River Legacy Society