Chapter 287 Overreaching Ends in Failure <TOC> Chapter 289 Grandfather
Translator: SumTLMan
Angel’s eyes widened in confusion as he stared blankly at the unfolding situation.
The experiment had ended.
The opulent Nightmare Domain did not merge with the blank illusion realm as he had hoped, but there was an unexpected development.
A teacup, floating in the air and playing the piano, was dragged out of the opulent hall by Angel.
When the little fellow realized that it had changed positions and was without its companions, its already discordant piano tune became even more unbearable. The tangible musical notes transformed into something akin to a saw cutting through wood, full of jagged edges.
“Stop!”
Upon hearing Angel’s voice, the piano-playing teacup “humanized” itself, turning its “head” toward Angel, the heart drawn on its side facing him.
Seeing Angel, the teacup’s anxiety began to fade, and it shouted in a childish voice, “Shava!” before circling around Angel.
The cacophony of the piano was unbearable even from a distance, and it became even more unbearable up close. Angel’s ears couldn’t take it, so he gritted his teeth and dragged the teacup back into the opulent Nightmare Domain from the blank illusion realm.
Once everything had become silent, Angel stroked his chin, pondering the matter.
Although the effect of the opulent Nightmare Domain couldn’t be tested for now, this teacup ensemble could be utilized. Angel recalled that these teacups seemed to be immune to all attacks and could even retaliate, reflecting even a wizard’s attacks. If used well, they could become a powerful weapon that combines defense and lethality! Even a wizard might be defeated!
However, further verification was needed to confirm his thoughts.
Two hours later, Angel left the room with a disappointed expression.
A powerful weapon? Forget it; there was no such easy solution in the world. After spending more than two hours, he conducted detailed tests, not only measuring various data about the teacup ensemble but also testing the Red Wooden Toy Soldiers.
The results were not as expected.
Like every visitor from other worlds, under the firm laws of the wizarding world and the deterrence of the world’s will, their own strength was reduced to a mere fraction.
Perhaps it was because Angel had severed the connection between the Nightmare Domain and the Nightmare Plane that, upon arriving in this new world with different laws and rules, the Tea Cup Band and the Red Wooden Toy Soldier’s abilities had been significantly weakened.
The teacups could still prevent damage, but only to the extent of nullifying zero-level trick powers. Anything stronger, and they’d be ineffective. At least Angel’s mechanical crossbow was beyond their damage prevention capabilities. As a result, Angel accidentally broke a teacup handle…… Although the teacup didn’t react, Angel felt guilty.
As for the ability to reflect, they could still reflect attacks. The golden arrows shot by his mechanical crossbow could be reflected back. However, Angel didn’t dare to continue testing, so the maximum limit of reflection remained unknown. Angel estimated that at most, they could reflect level one or two tricks.
As for the Red Wooden Toy Soldier, its damage prevention capability was slightly higher than that of the teacups, as it could absorb some of the force into its weapon. However, overall, like the Tea Cup Band, it could only be considered a trivial asset.
Angel realized that relying on these magical creatures as secret weapons was no longer feasible.
David had already purchased the tickets and returned. Angel took the ticket and bid them farewell: “I have something to take care of, so I’ll see you on the airship later.”
Angel was too embarrassed to admit that he was actually going to see —Feast Dance Charm—, as it would tarnish his image.
Upon leaving, to avoid being recognized, Angel not only wore a large hooded cloak but also donned a face mask, keeping his head down as he hurriedly walked toward the market exit.
However, before he could leave the Wizard Market, he was stopped.
The newcomer had ill intentions.
This time, Twilight appeared in person, silently blocking Angel’s path, with a gloomy expression and not saying a word.
Angel’s face changed dramatically, as Twilight’s terrifying wizard-level aura suppressed him, rendering him unable to move.
As Angel’s mind raced, trying to think of an escape plan, Flora appeared, stepping directly between Twilight and Angel. Flora gave Angel a surreptitious thumbs-up, pushed him aside, and said to Twilight, “I told you, if you want to attack Angel, I’ll be your opponent.”
While speaking, Flora gestured for Angel to hurry away.
Angel didn’t know why Flora had suddenly come to his rescue. She hadn’t been so easy to deal with during the auction. Despite his doubts, Angel was well aware that he couldn’t contend with Twilight at this point unless he reopened the portal to the Nightmare Plane.
But after the lesson at the auction, would Twilight give him time to complete the whole process this time? Clearly not.
Therefore, after weighing the difference in strength, Angel stepped aside and then sprinted towards the white wall.
Just as Twilight was about to intercept him, Flora cut her off. A winding stream of blood energy emanated from Flora: “Hehe, it’s been a while since I’ve seen blood. Twilight, are you sure you want to fight me?”
Although neither of them possessed true knowledge, Twilight held the only mysterious artifact of the Shadow Demon Kingdom: Flare’s Tears, while Flora possessed the Blood Red Nightmare. It was uncertain who would win in a fight.
“You can’t protect him forever. Just wait and see.” Twilight eventually gave up, flicking her sleeve and leaving.
Flora spat in her wake, saying loudly enough for Twilight to hear, “I never planned to protect him for a lifetime. If it weren’t for the mentor’s order, I wouldn’t even bother.”
Twilight understood Flora’s meaning: if it weren’t for Sanders’ instructions, she wouldn’t care about Angel’s life or death. If she were to forcefully kill Angel at this point, it would inevitably provoke Sanders’ backlash.
Flora was actually indirectly warning her.
Twilight had no choice but to take this warning seriously. She knew very well that the entire Twilight Auction House might not be able to withstand the wrath of Sanders alone.
Twilight clenched her fist. Just because she couldn’t kill him now didn’t mean she would let go of her hatred.
“Angel, huh? I don’t believe you’ll stay under Sanders’ protection forever,” Twilight muttered bitterly to herself.
……
Angel passed through the white walls and returned to the Shadow Demon City from the Wizards’ Market.
Upon returning to Shadow Demon City, Angel finally caught his breath and found a secluded corner to calm his agitated body.
The power of a full-fledged wizard was too terrifying. Angel cowered in the corner for nearly half an hour before his heart rate gradually returned to normal.
“Being too weak is a sin,” Angel murmured softly, resting his head between his legs against the wall.
Facing Twilight, he couldn’t even muster the will to resist because he knew that no matter how he tried to fight back, he couldn’t overcome that insurmountable wall.
He couldn’t even defeat a third-level wizard apprentice now, let alone a full-fledged wizard.
When would he truly be in control of his own life? Angel closed his eyes and remained silent for a long time.
It wasn’t until Angel heard the commotion coming from the Enchanting Fragrance Grand Theatre that he slowly stood up and left with a slight stagger.
When Angel arrived near the Enchanting Fragrance Grand Theatre and saw the lively surroundings with bright lights and a bustling atmosphere, he finally let go of his worries.
People who came to see —Feast Dance Charm— typically arrived in pairs, wearing knowing smiles. They were all dressed in their finest, as if they were truly attending a ball.
In contrast, Angel’s hooded cloak appeared somewhat odd, attracting frequent glances from others.
Impatiently, Angel pulled down his hood, wearing only a mask, and strode inside.
Since Angel had a ticket, the attendant, though disapproving of his attire, did not stop him and let him enter the opera house’s inner court.
As he walked, Angel removed his outer cloak.
He had been stopped twice today, so the hood clearly wasn’t very effective. Twilight could find him through various means, such as tracking, divination spells, predictions, pheromone detection, and so on.
Thus, regardless of whether Angel covered his face, the outcome would be the same.
Angel thought to himself that once he returned this time, he would search for the blueprint of a wizard’s robe. He seemed to recall having recorded related books, but he had always considered tailoring a woman’s task and paid little attention to it.
After this experience, however, Angel urgently wished to create a wizard’s robe with high concealment, anti-reconnaissance, and anti-prediction properties, or else he wouldn’t feel safe wherever he went.
Angel’s seat was in a remote corner, close to the theater’s main entrance and the wall, and in an inconspicuous spot. To see the stage, one would need excellent eyesight.
Before the opera even began, various disturbances arose within the theater, and people were already passionately kissing not far away. Three meters above Angel’s head was a second-floor box, and with his keen hearing, he could even hear the heavy breathing inside.
Originally, Angel had come with the intention of observing, but now he found himself blushing.
Fortunately, he had worn a mask, and fortunately, he had come alone; otherwise, it would have been incredibly awkward.
At precisely 7 o’clock, —Feast Dance Charm— officially began. Angel watched the performance intently, but soon his brow furrowed, growing deeper, and his expression shifted from initial anticipation to excitement, then to astonishment, followed by a blank stare, and finally, disgust.
It was a story without twists and turns, simply recounting how the female protagonist navigated her way through several men. Accompanying this were some scenes designed solely for applause, which Angel found overall to be nothing but greasy and repulsive.
It was essentially a female version of a harem story.
Halfway through the plot, Angel left directly.
The entire theater had already degenerated into a debauched party, and if he didn’t leave now, Angel felt his values would be shattered.
It was nearing 8 o’clock when Angel stepped out of the inner court of the theater, intending to head directly to the train station. There was still some distance from the train station to the airship terrace. To avoid missing the boarding time and to leave the troublesome place as soon as possible, Angel chose to leave during the most indecent part of the opera.
As he stepped out of the entrance of the Enchanting Fragrance Grand Theatre, Angel exhaled deeply.
Just as Angel was about to enjoy the night breeze and walk towards the train station, someone stopped him again.
Chapter 287 Overreaching Ends in Failure <TOC> Chapter 289 Grandfather