Chapter 2664 The Visitor <TOC> Chapter 2666 Necessary Condition
Translator: SumTLMan
When everyone hears the Wise One’s question, their emotions fluctuate somewhat. However, none of them were ordinary, so they quickly suppressed the turmoil within.
Previously, Angel had mentioned to them the Wise One’s related information that Cecia had revealed. Anyone who could be called a “Wise” was already known to be exceedingly clever… or perhaps one could say cunning.
In the presence of the Wise One, any emotion you revealed, any behavior, and even actions you believed innocuous, could be interpreted by the Wise One and analyzed for more intelligence.
Hence, Angel had reminded them that when they finally met the Wise One, it was best to do nothing at all, treat themselves like emotionless, unfeeling gargoyles.
Of course, doing absolutely nothing would also allow the Wise One to glean certain information, but that was far less than what could be gleaned from emotional leakage.
Across from them, when the Wise One saw everyone’s emotions shift from surprise and apprehension to sudden calm indifference, he raised an eyebrow slightly, already making some deductions in his heart.
“It seems my judgment was off by a bit. You not only know who I am, but you also have deeper knowledge… Who could have told you?”
The Wise One paced back and forth within a small area, as though in thought.
Because the Wise One had not come to destroy the dome, Angel did not activate the planar passage. After all, they had planned to meet the Wise One at some point; since he had come early and appeared willing to talk, there was no harm in waiting for a moment.
“Many people in the distant past knew me,” said the Wise One: “but those who knew I was still alive and remained near the Hanging Prison Stairs were few.” He looked at the group, as if searching their eyes for some clue, yet none of them betrayed any sign of emotion.
Only the Black Count was there, offering nothing but a pair of nostrils pointed in the Wise One’s direction. Unfortunately, no matter how shrewd the Wise One might be, nothing could be deduced from a pair of nostrils.
Seeing no one respond, the Wise One continued: “I can think of only a handful of individuals, and even fewer who would willingly inform you about me. The only one who might have told you of my presence is… Cecia, correct?”
When he mentioned Cecia, he finally saw someone’s eyes flicker for an instant.
That was a man concealed behind layers of illusions. Even though the Wise One, by seeing through part of the illusions, could tell there was a red-haired, golden-eyed figure within, the overlapping illusions made it difficult for him to ascertain the individual’s true appearance.
And speaking of illusions… it had to be that illusion wizard capable of casting a moving illusion realm.
Naturally, the Wise One’s attention fell on Angel.
He scrutinized Angel carefully, but other than that earlier flicker of the eyes, Angel displayed no other outward emotion.
“Am I correct?” asked the Wise One softly, still staring at Angel, because only Angel had given him any noticeable response. Perhaps he could break through his mental defenses and glean more clues.
Nobody else said a word, not even the Black Count. At last, Angel responded.
“Sovereign of Wisdom, must you pursue such a trivial question? Let’s return to your initial topic: You wish to speak with the Noah family about something?”
Angel changed the subject lightly.
The Wise One frowned. Angel’s shifting of the discussion was far too natural, suggesting that it truly was a minor issue to him. This hinted at a certain nonchalance, and behind that nonchalance perhaps lay a truth.
He might have been wrong, maybe Cecia hadn’t been the one to betray that information. Or, more precisely, Cecia wasn’t the only source of intelligence.
The Wise One’s thoughts spun rapidly, but he replied quickly: “Are you from the Noah family?”
“Whether I’m of the Noah family depends on what you want to talk about.”
This time Angel did not hold back his expression. He vividly showcased his emotions on his face: If the Wise One was coming to discuss something beneficial, Angel would reluctantly claim membership; but if the Wise One’s aim was to slaughter them in some sacrificial rite, then Angel had been unrelated to the Noah family for eight generations.
In truth, the Wise One generally appreciated ambiguous replies, those who sought to hide something often gave away even more.
But this time, the Wise One found it difficult to interpret.
Angel appeared totally composed, while the others, though expressionless, seemed to relax the moment Angel spoke. This signified that Angel might be the central figure of this group, perhaps its leader.
And if the Noah family had appeared here to seek the location of Her Highness the Goddess, it would make sense that the person who put together this team could be someone from the Noah family.
In that light, Angel truly might be a member of the Noah family.
Yet there were many things about Angel that did not fit the typical profile of the Noah family. For instance, the Wise One’s intelligence suggested that most of the Noah family were earth elemental wizards, whereas Angel showed no sign of an earth elemental wizard’s power. Instead, he seemed like an illusion wizard. Conversely, it was that bizarre nose on the slab, the Black Count, who had shown obvious earth elemental energies when creating the dome shield.
The Wise One thought for a moment before turning toward the Black Count: “Aren’t you going to say anything?”
“There’s no need to test me. I can admit straight away that I come from the Noah family. However, I think you should speak with him first, he is our leader,” said the Black Count, indicating Angel with the pronoun “he.”
The Black Count’s words did nothing to clear up the Wise One’s confusion. Rather, it grew deeper. The Black Count had used “come from the Noah family” instead of “belong to the Noah family,” creating further ambiguity around his identity.
Crucially, the Black Count had acknowledged Angel as the leader. That confirmed the Wise One’s suspicion that Angel was indeed the core of this party, thereby increasing the probability that Angel belonged to the Noah family.
Another point of note: among those present, the one who posed the greatest threat was the nose on the slab, followed by the bloodline wizard, and only then the illusion wizard. Yet the Wise One sensed something hidden on Angel’s person, so threatening that even the Wise One felt uneasy.
One guess surfaced in the Wise One’s mind: this illusion wizard must have an extraordinary identity. Otherwise, he couldn’t possibly carry something that would threaten me himself.
If the Noah family sent a younger member to explore the underground sewers, they would have given that young wizard the best support, likely some clan treasure. So if Angel was that younger wizard, the presence of some hidden threat on him made logical sense.
Moreover, the nose on the slab possessed a formidable aura and openly claimed to be from the Noah family, yet deferred to Angel. That nose might also have been entrusted by the family to guard their junior.
This line of thinking formed a coherent picture. The possibility of Angel’s membership in the Noah family rose yet further.
As for the rumor that the entire Noah family consisted solely of earth elemental wizards… Well, rumors are often inaccurate or exaggerated in the retelling. It would be unusual for a powerful wizard family to reach the pinnacle of the Wizarding World relying on a single branch of magic.
Thus, it stood to reason that the Noah family could also have wizards of different specializations.
Hence, Angel’s odds of being part of the Noah family edged higher still.
In just half a second, the Wise One’s mind ran through several scenarios. But in nearly all of them, Angel could very well be from the Noah family, though it wasn’t absolutely certain.
Nevertheless, if the nose that “comes from the Noah family” was pushing Angel to the forefront, the Wise One might as well treat him as a Noah descendant for the time being.
“Shall we talk now?” Angel looked at the Wise One, his gaze sincere.
The Wise One regarded Angel: “Fine. For now, I can assume you’re from the Noah family…”
The Wise One did not finish before Angel quickly cut him off: “Wait, don’t do that just yet. First tell me if there’s something good or bad in store. It’ll help me switch my identity as needed.”
Angel laid bare his “rogue” attitude for all to see, leaving the Wise One a bit exasperated. Of course, the Wise One could also act roguishly, but given that his identity was already known, being from an older era millennia ago, he still preferred to maintain a bit of dignity.
Offering a courteous smile, the Wise One said: “You’re a cunning child.”
“It’s not cunning. I just don’t want to end up buried in some random spot here. I’ve still got so much potential ahead of me,” Angel said sincerely, and it was indeed how he felt.
The Wise One pondered for a moment, eyeing the others, including Daus, and said: “Let’s discuss it for now. But are you sure you want to talk about it right here?”
His meaning was quite clear: these are matters for the Noah family, do you really want outsiders to listen?
Angel, fully embracing the role of “Schrödinger’s Noah,” replied without hesitation: “Of course we talk here. I’m way too afraid of dying.”
“As for secrecy, the ones who need to know will learn it eventually. And those who don’t, well, there’s always a way to make sure they don’t.”
Angel was referring to memory-wiping or binding oaths if necessary, but the Wise One took it as: if they don’t need to know, then they won’t continue to exist.
“That does align with the style of the Noah family,” the Wise One whispered softly.
Angel, oblivious to the Wise One’s misunderstanding, pressed on: “So, may I ask now what you want with the Noah family?”
The Wise One met Angel’s gaze, and the air grew faintly heavier. After a moment, the Wise One spoke:
“The Noah family has no business coming here.”
Without hesitation, Angel responded: “Ah, then I’m not from the Noah family. You’ve got the wrong person. He’s the one from the Noah family. If it’s sacrifice and slaughter you’re planning, he’s your guy.”
As he spoke, Angel pointed directly at Daus.
Daus’ eyes widened: “You…”
He had barely uttered a word before an “X” sealed his lips, silencing him. There was no question the Black Count was responsible.
Yet the Black Count’s silencing of Daus only further cemented the Wise One’s belief that Angel truly belonged to the Noah family.
Angel understood that the Black Count had done it deliberately, but he had no way to explain. If he was putting on this act, he might as well keep it up to the end.
“There’s no need to assume it’s bad news,” the Wise One said to Angel.
“If it’s not bad news, then why did you say that the Noah family shouldn’t be here?” Angel raised an eyebrow.
“I know what you came for,” the Wise One said, ignoring Angel’s question. He also knew full well that they were probing each other’s knowledge and motives.
“I’d like to see you prove that,” Angel grumbled under his breath: “You’re not a prophecy wizard,” then spoke aloud: “Then tell me what we’re here to do right now?”
“What you’re doing here doesn’t matter,” the Wise One answered: “Your destination lies elsewhere.”
Angel said: “Then tell me where our destination is.”
“No need to keep testing me,” replied the Wise One: “My connections with your Noah family are by no means shallow.”
“Ever heard of poker?” Angel suddenly changed the subject: “I’m guessing you haven’t, since it’s a more recent popular pastime. But let me tell you: many different games can be played with poker, yet they all share one principle, whoever reveals their hole cards first often loses the advantage. Sometimes, falling behind by a single step can spell total defeat.”
The Wise One, watching Angel’s continued probing and frank statements, felt a twinge of weariness. He had spent consecutive days working within Younus’ body, which had exhausted him. He truly would not have stirred had he not been summoned.
This crafty young man refused to tip his hand, and the Wise One was likewise disinclined to keep wrangling over details. He decided to reveal a bit himself.
“Are you seeking the legacy of that person?” asked the Wise One.
Noting the Wise One’s shift in attitude, Angel followed up at once: “And who might that person be, O Sovereign of Wisdom?”
The Wise One closed his three eyes for a few seconds before reopening them: “Augustine.”
He watched Angel carefully, expecting him to once again dodge with ambiguous replies, verifying details before giving a half answer.
This time, however, the Wise One guessed wrong.
Though Angel did not speak plainly, what he offered was not especially vague: “We do have some inclination in that direction.”
“Are you certain you’re going?” the Wise One asked once more.
Angel responded: “Is that for me to decide? That depends first on your stance, O Sovereign of Wisdom.”
The Wise One paused, realizing the truth behind Angel’s words: if they truly intended to pass into that place, they would have to traverse his great hall. Whether he let them pass was his decision to make.
At that, the Wise One gave a small laugh: “I thought you would circle around the issue, yet you’re straightforward this time.”
Angel said: “Because the choice this time is in your hands. If you, Sovereign of Wisdom, refuse to let us pass, then we can only leave.”
As for where they would go, that was none of his concern.
When Angel finished speaking, he locked eyes with the Wise One, his meaning plain: Now the choice is yours to make.
Chapter 2664 The Visitor <TOC> Chapter 2666 Necessary Condition