Chapter 2493 Dove Spirit <TOC> Chapter 2495 Mastery of Measure
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Translator: SumTLMan
After all the apprentices were treated, Tree Spirit still hadn’t returned.
Angel pondered for a moment, but didn’t leave. Instead, he sat by the Life Pool and meditated quietly.
It was rare to visit the Life Pool; how could he not stay a while longer? Moreover, after extensively using the Green Rune System, Angel himself felt slightly fatigued. Being nourished by such pure life energy could help him recover more quickly.
As Angel quietly absorbed the life energy, Toby and Dangros were also not idle. Toby flew directly above the Life Pool, transforming into a massive griffin, circling continuously. Each flap of his mighty wings drew large amounts of life energy into his body.
Dangros didn’t have Toby’s abilities; like Angel, it simply breathed in the life energy quietly. Even so, Dangros felt a sense of fullness.
Though Angel was meditating, he was aware of Toby and Dangros’ movements, but he didn’t interfere. Previously, Dangros had secretly absorbed life energy from him, which Tree Spirit must have noticed. Since Tree Spirit hadn’t commented, it implied tacit approval of such actions.
As for Toby… although Angel felt that Toby, in his griffin form, sucking up life energy in such a wild manner was a bit much, compared to the wizards who had been hanging in the vine cocoons in recent days, it was relatively mild. Since Tree Spirit was not around, Angel believed that even if he discovered Toby’s actions upon returning, he would turn a blind eye.
With this thought, Angel no longer bothered about the two youngsters and continued his meditation.
Time passed, and after about an hour, Tree Spirit slowly made his way back. However, his presence was felt before he physically appeared.
Clearly, Tree Spirit was signaling to Angel that he had returned, and it was time to wrap up any minor mischief.
Angel tactfully ended his fruitful meditation and called out to Dangros to stop as well, but he received no response from Dangros. Turning around, Angel was puzzled to see that Dangros had somehow fallen from his shoulder and was now lying on the wooden floor beside the Life Pool, eyes tightly shut.
Angel’s heart skipped a beat, fearing that the life energy might not be beneficial for a fire elemental creature like Dangros.
After all, life energy was more suitable for living beings or wood elemental creatures. For a fire elemental creature, could it be a poison rather than a medicine?
Startled, Angel quickly picked Dangros up from the ground.
After a thorough examination, Angel discovered that Dangros was not in any danger; it was merely deep in sleep.
Moreover, the skin on Dangros’ palm was luminous and glowing, and the flames within it were circulating normally, even more actively than before, with no signs of trouble.
Angel breathed a sigh of relief.
If something had happened to Dangros here, he wouldn’t know how to explain it to Sage Magu. Moreover, he was still concerned about Dangros’ younger brother, Kolokcro. Without Dangros’ assistance, how could he capture Kolokcro?
Carefully, Angel placed Dangros into the bracelet space, then remembered Toby.
However, before Angel could call out to Toby, he heard footsteps behind him.
Tree Spirit had returned.
As Angel was about to turn and greet Tree Spirit, he suddenly heard a mournful howl from him. Striding swiftly, Tree Spirit rushed to Angel’s side and knelt beside the Life Pool, murmuring, “My Life Pool… My Life Pool… what’s happening… what is this?”
Tree Spirit’s gaze somberly turned towards Angel.
Angel then looked at the Life Pool in front of him. At first glance, there seemed to be no difference from before, but for some reason, the center of the pool was bubbling.
Watching the bubbles, a bad feeling suddenly rose in Angel’s mind.
Toby, where is Toby?
Wasn’t Toby just circling above the Life Pool in his griffin form? Where is Toby now?
As Angel called out for Toby in his mind, perhaps by some mental connection, Toby heard Angel’s call and slowly revealed himself.
However, the form Toby took this time made Angel’s eyes bulge out in shock.
A giant snake head, glowing faintly, slowly rose from where the bubbles in the center of the pool were emerging.
“T-T-Toby,” stuttered Angel.
Toby, with his head tilted, looked puzzled at Angel.
Angel said, “How did you turn into the serpent-bird form? Weren’t you fine in your griffin form, why go play in the water?”
“Play… water?” A cold, eerie voice came from the side.
Angel sneakily glanced at Tree Spirit and saw it glaring fiercely at him.
Angel shivered and quickly said, “Toby, you’ve been too naughty. How could you go into the Life Pool without Tree Spirit’s permission? Come up quickly and apologize to Tree Spirit.”
With that, Angel took a slight step back.
He planned that as soon as Tree Spirit became enraged, he would immediately open the Gateway of Fantasy, and once his bracelet reduced his presence, he would make a quick escape.
As for Toby, he was on his own. Tree Spirit probably wouldn’t kill Toby, at most it would administer some punishment. After Tree Spirit’s anger subsided, Angel would come back for him.
Toby, unaware of Angel’s thoughts, obediently flew up into the air, shook himself slightly, and a rich life energy overflowed, some droplets falling on Angel, immediately making him feel the longing vibrations of the vitality within him.
This showed that the water in the Life Pool and the life energy emanating from it were of entirely different quality levels.
The more Angel thought about it, the more complex his feelings became.
Initially, he thought that Tree Spirit might just punish Toby a bit, but now, seeing the quality of the pool’s water, he felt that even if Toby died, it might not quench Tree Spirit’s fury…
After coming out of the pool, Toby did not revert to his seabird form but remained in his massive serpent-bird form, elegantly soaring above the pool. The streamlined curves were a display of elegance.
Angel was still softly calling Toby, urging him to come back, but after carefully observing Toby, he suddenly froze.
“Is your serpent-bird form… all right?” Angel exclaimed in surprise.
Toby’s serpent-bird form was not a normal derivative; it came into being due to an encounter with an Abyss Demon Serpent and was influenced by the aura of the Harbinger of Doom, ultimately setting off an indescribable chain reaction.
Because it was an abnormal birth, Toby’s serpent-bird form, even after receiving treatment, had many side effects. For instance, once transformed, the intense, clammy, dark, and negative emotions could form a cloud of gloom so dense that even Toby himself would be affected, making it nearly impossible to utilize in actual combat. However, the serpent-bird form was now only emitting a faint trace of these negative emotions, which was more a reflection of the serpent-bird’s capabilities.
After all, this form was known as——the Serpent-Bird of Resentment.
This form allowed Toby to become a true master of emotional manipulation, especially in stirring up resentment, which was the core ability of this form. Thus, the subtle negative emotions it emitted were inherent to its abilities.
“Hiss——tweet——” The serpent-bird made a bizarre sound.
This language was clearly unique to the serpent-bird, but Angel and Toby, having spent a long time together, understood perfectly what the serpent-bird was trying to convey.
As Angel had guessed, Toby was informing him that he had gained further control over his serpent-bird form.
Although he couldn’t maintain it for long periods, using it occasionally wouldn’t compromise Toby’s essential nature.
The catalyst for all this was, evidently, the water from the Life Pool.
Angel felt genuinely happy for Toby, as resolving such an issue was beneficial for Toby’s future development. However, feeling Tree Spirit’s icy stare, he couldn’t quite bring himself to rejoice.
“What were you two discussing just now?” a ghostly voice emanated from Tree Spirit.
Angel coughed twice and briefly explained how Toby’s complication had been temporarily resolved.
Before Tree Spirit could react, Angel quickly added, “Thanks to the graciousness of Tree Spirit Lord, otherwise, it would have taken much longer to resolve Toby’s serpent-bird form’s issues.”
As he spoke, Angel subtly gestured to Toby to come forward and give thanks.
Initially puzzled, Toby, sensing the subtle tension between Angel and Tree Spirit, seemed to grasp something.
With a graceful turn, the massive serpent-bird transformed into a tiny seabird and flew onto Angel’s shoulder, bowing his head to Tree Spirit alongside Angel, chirping: “Chirp chirp.”
Angel quickly translated: “Tree Spirit Lord, Toby is also thanking you.”
Tree Spirit, looking at Angel and Toby, knew all too well that these two rascals were intentionally placing him on a pedestal to turn the situation into a fact.
Observing the noticeably lowered water level in the Life Pool, Tree Spirit was seething with anger. He had been silent for a long time, actually implying a sort of favoritism toward Angel, but unexpectedly, Toby had thrown him a curveball.
It was just a thin layer of the Life Pool’s water, but it represented centuries of his savings!
What Toby did had consumed more than what all the previous afflicted patients combined had.
Tree Spirit clenched his fists, trying to calm the storm within, yet his eyes involuntarily kept drifting towards Angel and Toby.
Angel was immobilized, with the entire Savage Grottoes standing behind him. Furthermore, the appearance of the Wilderness of Dreams alleviated Liana’s covetousness towards the Life Pool, significantly aiding Tree Spirit.
However, Toby’s situation was different…
Tree Spirit glared fiercely at Toby, who felt a chill run down his spine.
Just when Angel and Toby thought Tree Spirit might erupt in anger, Tree Spirit suddenly retracted his outward emotions and turned to look at the group of wizard apprentices who had been healed.
“Not bad, they have all recovered,” Tree Spirit nodded, “Since they are well now, let’s send them off.”
As he spoke, Tree Spirit snapped his fingers, and the former patients were swallowed by the wooden walls around them. When they awoke, they found themselves outside the Eternal Tree.
These matters aside.
Once Tree Spirit had sent these patients away, the space was left with just him, Angel, and a trembling Toby.
Angel understood that retribution might just be a second away.
“Tree Spirit Lord, I believe Toby didn’t do it on purpose, as you mentioned before, it’s instinct. The inherent risks of his serpent-bird form drove Toby’s instincts to enter the Life Pool. It definitely wasn’t intentional.”
“Chirp chirp,” Toby nodded repeatedly, although what Angel said wasn’t the truth, it had to be the truth at that moment.
Hearing Angel’s sophistry, Tree Spirit simply smiled warmly, “What are you worried about? I’m not blaming anything, I’m keeping you here because there’s something I need to discuss with you.”
For some reason, seeing Tree Spirit’s radiant smile, Angel felt no warmth, but instead, a sense of a great conspiracy hiding behind that smile.
Angel hesitated, then softly said, “Tree Spirit Lord, what did you want to discuss with me?”
Tree Spirit continued smiling, “Actually, it’s nothing major. You saw earlier, I went out for a bit, actually to see Rhine.”
Pausing for a moment, Tree Spirit looked at Angel, “You must have met Aesop before, right?”
Angel nodded, “I met Lord Aesop at the Star Pool Ruins.”
Currently, Aesop was still at the Star Pool Ruins, repairing the Light Barrier.
“Aesop and Rhine have known each other for many years, good friends for many years, so when the ruins underwent changes, Rhine was able to call Aesop right away,” Tree Spirit explained. “However, friends or not, the cost of repairing the Light Barrier must still be paid.”
“Rhine had originally prepared something for Aesop, but Aesop refused it. He said that he came to help for another reason this time.”
“He hopes to borrow an alchemist from the Savage Grottoes to assist his disciple in crafting something.”
As Tree Spirit spoke, Angel already understood what was being implied.
“Is Lord Rhine planning for me to go?” Angel asked.
Tree Spirit shook his head, “Lord Rhine asked me over just to post this mission at the Mission Hall to see which alchemist would be interested.”
“The mission has already been posted, and I even notified Liana in advance, but Liana showed no interest.”
Tree Spirit, with a smile, looked at Angel.
In the past, there were few apprentices in the Savage Grottoes studying alchemy, but now there are quite a few, especially after Angel became a member of the Research Institute, many are eager to learn alchemy. However, their skills are barely a tenth of Promi’s standards; how could they possibly be sent to assist Aesop?
Sending these alchemy apprentices would just embarrass the Savage Grottoes.
The only competent alchemists from the Savage Grottoes are Angel and Liana, and it’s normal for Liana to be busy with the tea party and not want to leave, so that leaves only Angel.
If Angel had been asked before, his choice would have likely been indifferent to going or not going.
But now, as Tree Spirit gazed at him, occasionally glancing at the nearby Life Pool, the implication was clear.
How could Angel refuse?
He spoke softly, “About the Tidal Realm…”
“The Tidal Realm can wait, Rhine will wait for your return before proceeding. And with your level of alchemy, it shouldn’t take too much time,” Tree Spirit said leisurely.
Angel asked, “What exactly does Lord Aesop’s disciple need to craft?”
Tree Spirit shrugged, “I don’t know, Rhine has asked as well, but Aesop himself doesn’t know much, as the blueprint is in his disciple’s hands and it comes from a mysterious source. Upon examining, Aesop found that there seems to be a special mechanism within it.”
“What kind of mechanism?”
Tree Spirit shook his head, “Unknown, but it’s because of this mechanism that Aesop hasn’t even seen it himself. I suspect it might self-destruct upon activation? Anyway, it’s better to find a suitable alchemist before attempting to open it.”
Seeing Angel furrow his brow, seemingly skeptical of the blueprint’s mechanism, Tree Spirit continued, “Don’t worry, the blueprint isn’t dangerous. Its special mechanism derives from the alchemical runes inscribed on it. Although Aesop is a master of runes, he only understood part of it and confirmed that it’s not of an offensive nature; there’s no danger.”
If there were any real danger, Rhine wouldn’t have hinted to Tree Spirit to assign this mission to Angel.
After a pause, Tree Spirit added, “Oh, there’s also a reward for this mission, provided by Aesop’s disciple.”
If it were a reward offered by Aesop himself, Angel might have been curious; but a reward from Aesop’s disciple didn’t pique his interest.
Noticing Angel’s disdain, Tree Spirit smiled and said, “This reward might indeed seem trivial to you. It’s said to be a notebook from Aesop’s apprenticeship days.”
“Aesop’s apprenticeship notebook?” Angel was momentarily stunned.
Tree Spirit nodded, “Yes, Aesop’s disciple didn’t learn Aesop’s rune capabilities but is a rare space apprentice. Therefore, Aesop handed over his notebook containing insights on space theories from his apprenticeship days to him. Now, that notebook is the reward.”
At this point, Tree Spirit sighed, “If only Aesop’s rune training notebook was the reward, that would have been useful for you. Shall I ask again for you?”
Upon hearing it was Aesop’s apprenticeship insights on space theories, Angel’s eyes lit up! Although he had previously acquired extensive space knowledge inside the spotted puppy’s body, it was too conceptual. Having guidance from a senior experienced in space theories would indeed be like adding wings to a tiger.
The opportunity lay within Aesop’s notes!
Angel quickly said, “There’s no need to trouble Lord Aesop. I already have runes and don’t need any other notes. Just this one will do!”
Tree Spirit smiled and said, “So, you’ve decided to take on this mission?”
Angel quickly nodded. Perhaps previously, the condition of the Life Pool had compelled him to accept; but now, he was genuinely eager to take on the mission.
Tree Spirit said, “Since you’ve accepted, I’ll take on the mission for you. I’ll send you the details later, you can set off today or tomorrow.”
Angel nodded in agreement.
“Oh, by the way.” Tree Spirit added, “You’ll go alone this time.”
Angel looked at Tree Spirit, puzzled. He usually operated solo, so why the sudden specification?
Tree Spirit explained, “What I mean is, Toby won’t be going with you.”
Angel glanced at the cheerful Tree Spirit and then at Toby, who seemed a bit ruffled, and felt a sudden pang in his heart as he quietly asked, “Why is Toby staying behind, Lord?”
Tree Spirit chuckled, “Well, you know Gloria has just recovered from a serious illness and is currently recuperating; she really needs the company. I just spoke with Gloria, and she asked for Toby to stay with her.”
As he spoke, Tree Spirit waved his hand and an image appeared before Angel.
Gloria was sitting at a table, talking to the opposite Butler Goode about something; sensing someone watching, she turned: “Oh, it’s you, Angel.”
“Tree Spirit Lord must have told you already. I heard you’re temporarily leaving for a mission, so you’ll go alone this time. Toby will stay here to keep me company.”
Gloria blinked, “Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of Toby.”
“Also, I know it was you who saved me. I’ll thank you personally when you return, and I’ll have other things to discuss with you then. That’s all for now.”
The image then vanished.
Tree Spirit looked at Angel, “See, it was Gloria’s idea to have Toby stay.”
Angel looked deeply at Tree Spirit. He believed Gloria’s message was genuine, but suspected that it wasn’t her decision to keep Toby behind, surely Tree Spirit was manipulating behind the scenes.
Clearly, Tree Spirit was not planning to let Toby off easily.
However, considering the covert signal Gloria had sent him before, with her care, Tree Spirit likely wouldn’t be too harsh on Toby.
With this thought, Angel could only nod, “Alright, I’ll take Toby to Gloria’s place later.”
Chapter 2493 Dove Spirit <TOC> Chapter 2495 Mastery of Measure