Chapter 2669 Danger Perception <TOC> Chapter 2671 Immersive Broadcast
Translator: SumTLMan
“Heh heh, that one does have a slightly peculiar personality.” The Sovereign of Wisdom gazed into the distance at the Hanging Prison Stairs, the faint gleam on his lenses flickering constantly, as though he was observing the internal scenes through a magic formation.
After a good while, the Sovereign of Wisdom spoke softly: “Still, valuing one’s own life is not a bad thing in itself.”
Angel: “Valuing life, what a tactful way of putting emotional intelligence, Sovereign of Wisdom.”
Is it that mentors automatically view their disciples through rose-colored glasses these days? Admittedly, from a certain perspective, it could be regarded as valuing life, but Angel still could not empathize with the Wood Spirit that remained motionless, playing dead for decades.
“Emotional intelligence?” The Sovereign of Wisdom gave Angel a puzzled look.
Angel: “It refers to the wisdom used in dealing with interpersonal affairs.”
The Sovereign of Wisdom looked somewhat suspicious. Although the term sounded like praise, hearing Angel’s explanation left him with a sense that something seemed off. Was it just his imagination?
The Sovereign of Wisdom shook his head, not giving it more thought. Even if it was indeed praise on the surface but meant otherwise, it wasn’t anything to fuss over.
The Sovereign of Wisdom said: “It understands the preciousness of life more than many people do nowadays, and that, in my view, is a virtue.”
Angel did not respond this time. Although what the Sovereign of Wisdom said sounded perfectly fine, it felt as though he was not merely commending the Wood Spirit, there seemed to be a deeper undertone.
Who is not cherishing life? Was that directed at them? A warning against their brazen remarks?
Angel kept silent; the Sovereign of Wisdom did not mind and went on: “That trait also brings me convenience. If it left the Hanging Prison Stairs, I would be aware of it immediately; but it has never left, which means that at least for now, the Hanging Prison Stairs is safe, with no accidents having occurred…”
“You’re versed in rune arts, so you should know that this sort of large-scale magic formation has far too many alternate dimension spaces embedded within; occasionally it exhibits instability. The Wood Spirit’s presence can alert me, at any time, to changes in the magic formation within the Hanging Prison Stairs.”
Pausing for a moment, the Sovereign of Wisdom sighed: “Previously, failing to notice the changes in the magic formation led to the upper level of the Hanging Prison Stairs fracturing, and an increase in spatial rifts in the mid-level. Had the Wood Spirit been inside the magic formation then, perhaps it might have warned me in time to salvage something.”
“The upper level fracturing has nothing to do with the lower level. Why is the Sovereign of Wisdom so sure that the Wood Spirit would run out to warn you if that happened? Couldn’t it just hide in the lower level?” That manner of speaking was undoubtedly from Daus, whose “nitpicking spirit” was aflame once again.
However, this time, Daus had chosen the wrong target.
Before the Sovereign of Wisdom could reply, Angel explained on his behalf: “The Hanging Prison Stairs itself is attached to a large magic formation in the underground sewers, and the magic formation inside that alternate dimension space operates by drawing on external energy. If there is an energy imbalance, the magic formation will find a vent of its own. That vent cannot be channeled externally, because it would affect the external magic formation as well, so the unstable energy can only be vented within the alternate dimension space.”
“This release of generalized energy is like a torrent surging forth. In a very short time, it delivers a massive impact on an already unstable alternate dimension space. After a series of chain reactions, the final result is: spatial collapse. And that collapse causes a large number of spatial rifts.”
“The structure of the Hanging Prison Stairs appears to have been designed thoughtfully, enough to handle most disasters. Spatial rifts would ordinarily be a minor issue for the Hanging Prison Stairs, and it can even self-repair. But even if those spatial rifts are repaired, if the fundamental stability of the space is not resolved, new rifts will just keep appearing.”
“No one has done any maintenance here all these years, and with new and vanishing spatial rifts constantly occurring, if even one rift happens to connect to the void, it might trigger a massive catastrophe, a Void Storm.”
“The only cause I can imagine that could break the Hanging Prison Stairs apart is a Void Storm.”
At that moment, Angel looked at the Sovereign of Wisdom.
The Sovereign of Wisdom returned his gaze with some surprise for a moment before finally saying: “Yes, it was a Void Storm.”
Angel: “Imagine a sealed alternate dimension space suddenly inundated by a Void Storm. What do you think would happen?”
“That space energy rushing in would be enough to engulf the entire alternate dimension space.”
“It wouldn’t just shatter the upper level; it would be a case where one strand’s movement affects everything.”
Hence, if the Wood Spirit really had been in that alternate dimension space at the time, there was no way it would remain in the lower level; it would surely head straight for the exit.
Daus murmured inwardly after hearing Angel’s explanation: he had basically received a free lecture, but why did he feel like he was the one being lectured?
The Sovereign of Wisdom, too, was somewhat surprised by Angel’s words: “I knew you understood rune arts, but I did not expect you’d also researched overlapping spatial circles?”
Angel: “It’s just basic knowledge.”
The Sovereign of Wisdom knew this was a fundamental concept related to space systems, but if he recalled correctly, it was a fundamental concept only accessible to a formal wizard. Generally, non-space wizards only study apprentice-level spatial fundamentals; how had it become “basic knowledge” in Angel’s case?
Or could it be that fundamental knowledge outside had changed from what it was in his own day?
The Sovereign of Wisdom pondered and decided not to ask further. If the outside world really had changed, questioning it would only make him seem old-fashioned.
Nonetheless, the Sovereign of Wisdom had come to terms with it, whereas Daus, on the other hand, looked even more crestfallen.
It was already awkward enough to be lectured. Yet from Angel’s remarks, if Daus understood correctly, Angel was suggesting: “Isn’t it perfectly normal to learn this fundamental discipline?”
——Normal, my smelly sandworm. Only you would know this stuff!
At least Daus had never heard of it, so why bring it up after I tried to argue a point, aren’t we on the same side?!
While Daus silently fumed inside, the Sovereign of Wisdom and Angel’s rapport suddenly shifted, and the previous tension seemed to dissipate.
Angel himself had not changed; the one who changed was the Sovereign of Wisdom.
In the Sovereign of Wisdom’s view, Angel, who possessed background, knowledge, and ability, was worthy of his notice.
Just like Margaret long ago, although her power was meager, her talents in enchantment and rune arts were quite remarkable. Even the Sovereign of Wisdom could gain something from interacting with her.
Someone so capable and talented like Margaret naturally received the Sovereign of Wisdom’s acknowledgment.
As for Angel, although the Sovereign of Wisdom had no idea how deep his foundation was, from all the minute details thus far, it was evident Angel was far from mediocre. Such a person, even if he was not yet fully recognized by the Sovereign of Wisdom like Margaret had been, was still preferable to Daus or the Black Count, who had not shown anything noteworthy.
And so, the Sovereign of Wisdom willingly softened the atmosphere, making it less fraught, even going along with Angel’s words and chatting about the past.
“You are correct. When the Void Storm broke in, it did not just split the upper and lower sections; it caused violent upheaval across the entire alternate dimension space. Even the lower level was not spared. The extensive destruction we are seeing in the lower level now is indeed a continuation of that disaster.”
“Though it’s been repaired and has regained its stability for the time being, returning it to its former grand state is impossible.”
As the Sovereign of Wisdom finished speaking, his voice grew slower, tinged with helplessness and sorrow.
He had witnessed the Hanging Prison Stairs at its height of splendor; seeing it now, scarred and broken, naturally filled him with emotion. It was akin to an aged elder who had once seen the kingdom flourish in all its might, erecting tall towers, then later watched its demise, rising smoke, and crumbling buildings.
Such was the reflection of time’s ceaseless passage for the Sovereign of Wisdom.
Angel paused in silence: “Being able to restore the lower level’s stability is already a pretty good fix.”
The Sovereign of Wisdom shook his head: “I didn’t repair the Hanging Prison Stairs. My abilities are insufficient for such a task.”
Angel: “Is there another rune master here?”
In response to Angel’s question, the Sovereign of Wisdom gave a cryptic smile: “You’ll meet them.”
We will meet them?
While everyone was still puzzled, the Sovereign of Wisdom changed the subject: “So, about that rune master, Noah descendant, rest assured, the Wood Spirit is definitely in there. But whether you find it depends on your own abilities.”
The first part of that was directed at the Black Count; the latter part used the phrase “depends on your own abilities,” implying that the Sovereign of Wisdom did not believe the Black Count alone could locate it.
The Black Count obviously picked up on the insinuation but chose not to respond, not even offering a retort.
Yet the Sovereign of Wisdom did not let him off so easily and continued his one-sided chatter.
“Didn’t you come this way before? Do you really need to do it all over again?”
“There’s a spatial rift ahead on your left. Do you really think my lovely disciple would stay near that?”
“Keep flying a bit farther and touch that picture frame. There’s a surprise waiting for you.”
“So, how about that surprise? It’s a trap that hasn’t been triggered for ten thousand years… I’m also reminding you that there’s a trap in this room, so it’s unlikely the Wood Spirit is here.”
“That room ten meters to the right that’s been cut off? There’s a trap there.”
“You really don’t want to check? Actually, that trap is already defunct.”
“You’ve got a keen nose, being able to smell even the Shadow Wraith remains up on the ceiling?”
The Sovereign of Wisdom chatted at ease and managed to trip up the Black Count multiple times, while the Black Count said nothing. The Sovereign of Wisdom, however, was entirely unperturbed, as though it were all a game.
Angel and Daus, on the other hand, sighed inwardly.
Just because the Black Count wasn’t responding didn’t mean he wasn’t angered… if the Sovereign of Wisdom kept provoking him, once the Black Count’s nose took things seriously and forced him to self-destruct, the Black Count’s true body would descend shortly thereafter.
Though in the underground labyrinth, the Black Count’s true body might not be able to do much to the Sovereign of Wisdom, the Black Count’s connections were extensive enough to find someone to destroy the labyrinth’s magic formation.
He could also manipulate the Bylron family behind the scenes, eroding the underground labyrinth bit by bit. That would be a slow but relentless method of dealing with the Sovereign of Wisdom.
Hence Angel and Daus were genuinely on edge.
“Heading to the third level now? There are still a few places in the second level you haven’t visited, and though those spots are dangerous, perhaps the Wood Spirit caught wind of your search and hid there. Are you sure you don’t want to check?”
Hearing this, Angel casually remarked: “If the Wood Spirit really were using itself as bait to lure others into dangerous areas, it wouldn’t match the Sovereign of Wisdom’s claim that it values life so highly.”
“After all, not everyone can be reborn by courting death.”
The Sovereign of Wisdom: “Who can say anything for certain when it comes to the unknown?”
Angel: “If you were the one searching for the Wood Spirit, Sovereign of Wisdom, would you head to the dangerous areas you mentioned before?”
The Sovereign of Wisdom fell silent for a moment, then answered honestly: “No.”
Angel showed no outward reaction to this double standard. He simply took the chance to change the subject to something similar, in order to divert the Sovereign of Wisdom’s attention and prevent the Black Count from truly being provoked to a breaking point.
“Was the Wood Spirit’s temperament innate?”
“Hard to say. Among spirits, its personality is unusual,” the Sovereign of Wisdom replied, still uncertain: “Perhaps it has something to do with its main body?”
“Its main body is…?” Angel asked, following up.
The Sovereign of Wisdom: “It never mentioned it. But in the Southern Region, the birth of a spirit is closely tied to humans. So its main body is most likely linked to humanity, some clues suggest it’s an object intimately associated with people, possibly jewelry, weapons, or some sort of craftwork. Personally, I lean toward something handheld, like a staff or a vine chain.”
Hearing this, the group instinctively recalled the staff Angel had once conjured as a simulation.
It seemed Angel had guessed correctly, a staff was highly probable.
Angel: “Jewelry, weapons, craftwork… none of these seem related to personality.”
The Sovereign of Wisdom: “Those things themselves may not, but what if it concerns the people who made or used them?”
Angel hesitated for a moment: “Sovereign of Wisdom, you’re suggesting the personality of whoever created or wielded the Wood Spirit’s main body ended up influencing it?”
The Sovereign of Wisdom nodded: “That’s more or less what I mean.”
Angel: “…”
If that were truly the case, then maybe Angel’s earlier guess was off… perhaps the Wood Spirit was unrelated to Sanders?
After all, for Sanders to have made a name for himself in the Southern Region, his personality definitely bore no resemblance to the Wood Spirit.
“You want to track down the Wood Spirit by investigating its main body?” The Sovereign of Wisdom looked at Angel.
Angel: “That was my plan.”
The Sovereign of Wisdom: “Then good luck to you.”
With that, the Sovereign of Wisdom ceased speaking with Angel and directly addressed the Black Count through the mental connection: “Come back. You’ve reached the boundary. The Wood Spirit absolutely won’t venture any farther ahead.”
His words declared the Black Count’s search a failure.
The Black Count decisively turned back, not saying anything about searching again.
Once he emerged from the Hanging Prison Stairs, the stone slab faced Angel. The Black Count relayed all the information he had discovered.
He withheld nothing from the Sovereign of Wisdom, either. After all, the Sovereign of Wisdom would be watching Angel’s movements inside anyway, so it hardly mattered.
Chapter 2669 Danger Perception <TOC> Chapter 2671 Immersive Broadcast