Chapter 2627 Target Achieved <TOC> Chapter 2629 Unbearable Stench
Translator: SumTLMan
As everyone followed the reappeared Angel across the square, their expressions were somewhat dazed.
Especially when they passed by the “pyramid” constructed by the Wizard Eye Ghosts. Looking up at that lofty special Wizard Eye Ghost who, even though it had turned into a shadow, was still posing coquettishly, they felt even more puzzled and an indescribable absurdity.
“You…” Daus hesitated for a moment but couldn’t help asking: “How did you do it?”
“Are you sure you want to know now? We’re about to reach the exit,” Angel said meaningfully.
Daus’ game with his inspiration hadn’t completely ended yet; only when they successfully reached the exit would it be finally settled.
And they were not far from that exit now.
After listening to Angel’s words, Daus was stunned for a few seconds, then whispered softly: “Indeed, the bystander sees most clearly.”
“Those involved are not confused either,” Angel casually replied. It wasn’t flattery; Daus had indeed become clear-headed earlier than he had imagined. Angel didn’t even know when Daus had regained his clarity; if it weren’t for the Black Count’s secret reminder, he would have thought Daus was still being led by his inspiration.
He had to admit, Angel had initially underestimated Daus. Or rather, relying on the wizard organization as his backing, he looked down on Daus with overflowing superiority, thinking he could see through everything, but in fact, the clown who was blinded was himself.
No wonder the Black Count had occasionally mentioned the base camp of wandering wizards before, suggesting that Angel could visit the Cross Headquarters when he had time. This was no longer a hint but a clear indication.
Although wandering wizards had their shortcomings, they were not entirely inferior to wizard organizations or wizard families; they must have their own advantages. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be so many fake wandering wizards mingling in the Cross Headquarters.
Daus smiled: “Alright, I won’t ask about other things for now, but there’s one question I must ask.”
At this point, Daus’ expression became solemn: “I want to know, does that special Wizard Eye Ghost truly have hidden dangers?”
Without a doubt, Daus needed a definite answer as the final proof in his game with his inspiration.
“Yes,” Angel said confidently: “It has an extraordinary item on its body, a product of enchantment alchemy, exceptionally exquisite. I didn’t look closely, but from the limited details, I can basically infer that the function of this alchemy item is to manipulate the mind and remotely transmit messages. The former is primary; the latter is just a small trick casually added by the maker.”
“You should be able to guess, although the former is important, what could truly cause us trouble is that additional small trick.”
Daus pondered: “Transmit messages, to whom?”
Angel said: “Here, there aren’t many targets it can transmit to.”
Daus looked at Angel and nodded solemnly: “I understand. Thank you, this information is very important to me.”
Angel nodded indifferently. If Daus could conquer his own inspiration, it would also be a happy event for them, so Angel didn’t mind helping Daus complete this last piece of the puzzle.
As they got closer to the exit of this office area, Daus became increasingly silent.
On the surface, he seemed fine, but there was no doubt that in his mind, in his heart, in his mental space, he was making the final presentation with his own inspiration.
Yes, presentation, not a final game. After all, inspiration was not Daus’ enemy. To put it bluntly, the previous misguidance by inspiration was actually caused by Daus’ own subconscious at work.
Battling with one’s own subconscious is an interesting yet difficult thing. And the game had already ended the moment Angel returned. What remained was no longer intense confrontation but reconciliation with oneself.
Because Daus had already entered the final stage at this time, the Black Count took the initiative to cancel the mental connection with Daus, then used the mental connection to say to the others: “Don’t disturb him until he wakes up.”
“I understand,” Kael and Vai nodded one after another. They had vaguely sensed something before. After hearing the conversation between Angel and Daus just now, although they didn’t point it out, based on their understanding of Daus, they basically knew Daus’ current state.
“Lord, can Daus succeed?” Vai walked to Angel’s side and asked through the mental connection.
Angel didn’t answer but glanced at the Black Count.
Then the Black Count’s exclusive “private chat” channel opened: “This kid Vai, I don’t know what’s going on; he suddenly started to admire you. This bastard, following me for so many years in vain!”
Even though the mental connection couldn’t directly transmit voices, Angel still felt the Black Count’s anger from the fluctuating information flow in the private chat connection.
Thinking about it, it’s normal… The question Vai asked could have been directed to the Black Count, but he deliberately came to ask Angel, making the Black Count lose face.
However, Vai admired himself? Angel was a bit puzzled. He seemed to have done nothing; how could Vai admire him?
Or was it that Vai didn’t actually admire him but wanted to use him to confront the Black Count?
The reason Angel had this thought was because Daus had told him before about the Black Count’s avatars and the “conspiracy theories”; Vai himself was probably also a supporter of conspiracy theories. He both respected his own ancestor and felt that his ancestor had ill intentions, so he stayed in Mesomiya all year round without going out, becoming a true shut-in.
However, even shut-ins have their own little schemes. It’s normal that Vai wanted to use Angel to confront the Black Count, given his mindset.
Personally, Angel tended to believe that Vai didn’t admire him.
After all, Angel himself was actually someone who liked “conspiracy theories.”
“My lord, why be angry? Perhaps precisely because he is too close, he feels embarrassed to ask,” Angel replied.
The Black Count: “I know exactly what he’s thinking.”
After a pause, the Black Count added: “I also know which direction your mind will guess.”
Angel: “…”
The Black Count snorted coldly: “I just disdain to explain. He doesn’t think; without me, he would have died countless times. If I really wanted to harm him, would I agree to let him stay holed up in Mesomiya?”
“As for you, don’t overthink. This bastard just inexplicably admires you.”
At this moment, Angel was full of questions. Vai really admired him? What had he done to make Vai admire him?
“The avatars of the lord have always been scattered among the descendants; I suppose it’s not just for protection?” Since the Black Count had taken the initiative to bring up this topic, Angel also wanted to know what was going on with the conspiracy theories that were circulating outside.
But the Black Count did not give a direct answer, only said in a meaningful tone: “To gain something, one must give something. This is the law of nature.”
Although the Black Count said nothing, Angel’s understanding was: The Black Count protected his descendants and kept guiding them with various knowledge. Even considering the variable of “family affection,” the contribution far outweighed the gain. Therefore, he must be getting something from his descendants.
As for what it was, Angel didn’t know.
In this way, the conspiracy theories were not entirely wrong. The Black Count was obviously making some arrangements.
Vai inherited the Death Scent, so the Black Count followed him with his nose; if others inherited corresponding talents, the Black Count would let the corresponding body parts follow. There must be some kind of connection in this.
Perhaps the Black Count was cultivating something using this method. However, the Black Count had previously stated firmly that “he hadn’t harmed Vai,” which should also be true.
It’s just unknown what the Black Count was doing and how he balanced things in between.
Angel didn’t pursue further because the Black Count’s ambiguous words just now were actually indirectly reminding Angel not to cross the line.
If he really wants to know the answer, Angel could simply go and ask Lord Rhine.
Given the relationship between Lord Rhine and the Black Count, he probably knows some of the inside story. With Angel’s current standing in Rhine’s eyes, if he wants to inquire about such outsider gossip, unless bound by an oath, Rhine shouldn’t refuse Angel.
“You’re absolutely right, lord; that’s a very correct reasoning.” Angel casually complimented and then fell silent.
The Black Count didn’t dwell further on the topic but said: “That bastard is still waiting for your answer. Are you really going to stay silent?”
Angel replied: “I’m afraid that if I answer, it would be disrespectful to you, Lord Black Count.”
The Black Count let out a cold laugh: “No matter, I permit you to answer. I want to see what kind of tricks you can come up with.”
Unhurriedly, Angel said: “Then I’ll speak.”
“Speak directly.”
Hearing the Black Count’s straightforward response, Angel couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly. He quickly composed himself, adopting a thoughtful pose, as if he had been pondering Vai’s question all along.
After contemplating for a few seconds, Angel slowly said: “Regarding your question…”
Vai looked at Angel with sparkling eyes, his entire expression filled with anticipation.
“Ahem, I don’t know the answer either.” The next second, the breath Angel had gathered dissipated as he shrugged.
The Black Count: “…” This is the trick you came up with?
Vai: “…” My idol thought for so long, only to give me this empty answer?
Angel cheerfully patted Vai’s shoulder: “Think about it, I’m not a prophecy wizard, nor do I have Daus’ powerful inspiration. How would I know whether he’ll ultimately succeed?”
“However, he’s already taken ninety-nine steps; he’s just one final push away. But this last step is fraught with risks and variables. Think about it yourself: when you’re practicing tricks, conducting experiments, or completing family tasks, don’t you often get stuck at the very last step?”
Vai recalled carefully; it indeed seemed so.
“So, the probability is fifty-fifty. Either he succeeds or he fails.”
Vai subconsciously nodded, agreeing with Angel’s assessment.
But the Black Count grumpily remarked: “How is this any different from saying nothing?”
Angel replied: “Of course there’s a difference. I at least explained why I don’t know the answer, and provided the most standard and unquestionable response.”
“Right, Vai?” Angel glanced back at Vai.
Still somewhat confused, Vai instinctively responded to Angel: “Yes. Everything you say is correct, lord.”
Angel turned back to the Black Count: “See, Vai is also satisfied with my answer.”
The Black Count: “…Now, there are two bastards.”
Angel smiled: “I was just wondering why you hadn’t counted Daus earlier; he should have been occupying that spot all along.”
The Black Count looked at the faint smile on Angel’s lips, feeling a surge of frustration but unsure where to vent it.
“You’re starting to resemble that scoundrel mentor of yours,” the Black Count nearly spat out through gritted teeth.
“I can take that as a compliment,” Angel said nonchalantly.
Utterly exasperated, the Black Count turned away, deciding to ignore everyone.
…
Without the interference of Wizard Eye Ghosts, they quickly crossed the square. From here, they could see the direction of the twin towers in the distance. However, they didn’t need to go through the twin towers; they just needed to traverse this final narrow path to reach the entrance to the depths.
As they walked this narrow path, everyone slowed their pace.
Not because of danger, but because Daus was dragging his feet. To accommodate him, everyone had to slow down.
Fortunately, there was no danger in the narrow path, and they didn’t see many Wizard Eye Ghosts.
The likely reason was that they were close to the entrance, and the stench of the sewers was already assaulting them. Although Wizard Eye Ghosts weren’t as sensitive as the Black Count’s nose, they also disliked staying in foul places.
As for that preening Wizard Eye Ghost earlier, perhaps the reason it attracted so many “fans” was because it carried a pleasant scent.
Thankfully, Angel had cast several layers of purification fields; no matter how bad the smell, it couldn’t penetrate. Otherwise, with the Black Count’s short temper, how could he tolerate Daus moving at a snail’s pace here?
Thus, they followed the slow-moving Daus, leisurely strolling forward.
As nearly twenty minutes passed, Angel’s initial guilt over delaying the group to retrieve a useless item began to dissipate.
After all, he had only spent about ten minutes, but Daus had taken twice as long just to walk this narrow path.
Everyone was wasting the team’s time; since Daus wasted more, Angel naturally felt more at ease.
Although comparing faults wasn’t commendable behavior, Angel personally believed that his own feelings were more important than whether the behavior was right or wrong.
Besides, all these thoughts were in his own mind; he hadn’t voiced them. Whether he wanted to compare for better or worse was his own business and wouldn’t affect others’ perspectives.
Finally, after nearly half an hour, they left the narrow path and arrived at one of the only two labyrinth passages in the entire area.
Although they knew there might be a path ahead leading to the Hanging Prison Stairs, standing before this passage and feeling the sewer wind blowing towards them, everyone’s expressions soured.
As for why, under the purification field, they still looked pale and were sweating profusely, the reason was simple——
“Lord, is the passage to the Hanging Prison Stairs inside the sewer?” Vai’s sense of smell was inherited from the Black Count, so he naturally disliked foul odors. Hence, he was the one to speak up. His question was the reason for everyone’s unpleasant expressions.
It was truly because it smelled terrible here; saying that inside was essentially a sewer wouldn’t be an exaggeration.
Did they really have to search for the path to the Hanging Prison Stairs inside a sewer?
Chapter 2627 Target Achieved <TOC> Chapter 2629 Unbearable Stench