Chapter 908 Jon's First Encounter <TOC> Chapter 910 Subi
Translator: SumTLMan
Standing before the curtain, Jon did not lift it. Instead, he tapped rhythmically in tune with the melody he could hear, each beat an echo of the song’s pulse.
Separated by this layer of cloth, whether it was the individual within or the man keeping time outside, both were aware of each other’s identities. Yet, neither chose to disrupt this moment with a needless acknowledgement.
Alda and Sunny were also beside the curtain. Alda, driven by curiosity, wished to sneak a peek behind it, but was met with a gentle tap on the head from Sunny. As Alda’s eyes welled up with tears, Sunny silenced him with a playful “Shhh”.
Jon continued to tap, humming along to the music. As he did, he found himself transported back in time, to over a decade ago when he first taught Angel to play this very piece. Back then, Angel’s musical talent was far from outstanding; no matter how much effort he put into it, he could never seem to master it.
Nevertheless, Angel still loved when Jon played this piece for him. He enjoyed its bright and lively tune, and with the beginning of each prelude, it seemed to take him back to the joyful summer filled with laughter and song.
With the touch of sunlight and a whisper of breeze, the music cascaded to a close, and the curtain fell on the dancing notes.
Only then did Sunny and Alda work together to pull open the vibrant red curtain.
Seated before a dark piano was a handsome blond young man. He sat upright yet relaxed, his posture elegant and composed. His long fingers still rested on the black and white keys, their distinct joints accentuated.
Perhaps sensing the curtain being pulled open, the young man turned slightly, and his deep blue eyes shimmered with a subtle glow.
Looking at the young man before him, Jon burst into laughter.
This was Angel.
In his lucid dreams, he had simulated what Angel might look like as he grew up countless times. Yet, when he finally saw Angel in the flesh, all those prior images seemed to blur and fade. Only the figure before him was rendered with vivid clarity.
Laughing to himself, Jon suddenly felt a moist warmth in his eyes. The little boy from the past had indeed grown up, just as Jon had predicted – handsome and elegant.
Rising to his feet, Angel presented a noble gesture before acknowledging, “Mentor Jon.”
Jon nodded, acknowledging the salutation. Although aware that he would encounter Angel here, he was unable to subdue the thrill that surged in his heart, leaving him speechless for quite some time.
When Jon managed to compose himself, he discovered that aside from Angel and himself, everyone else had exited the Ocean Theatre.
“I asked Sunny and Alda to wait outside the door,” Angel elucidated in a soft tone.
Approaching Angel, Jon extended his hand, intending to tousle Angel’s hair like he did during their younger years. However, as he neared, he noticed that Angel had grown significantly taller and he could only touch Angel’s face with his hand fully extended. After a moment’s consideration, Jon withdrew his hand and instead gave Angel’s shoulder a supportive pat, remarking with a sense of nostalgia,
“Who would have thought, after growing up, you bear a striking resemblance to your father, Pat. Yet, those eyes are undeniably like your mother’s.” Pausing, Jon continued, “You’ve grown quite tall quite fast, almost 1.9 meters, isn’t it? Your older brother is also tall. But four years ago, he was much more robust than you, and I didn’t expect that even now you’re still leaner than him.”
“I’ll admit that I’m slender, but weak is something I won’t accept,” Angel grinned, showing a row of gleaming white teeth, “One day, I’ll bring my brother to meet you, and after a bit of a spar, you’ll see for yourself.”
“You’ve become a wizard, and you’re still thinking of bullying your older brother?”
“I’ve never bullied him. Also, my brother is on the verge of transcending the ordinary world. Moreover, his framework might be related to the Projection Bloodline,” Angel mumbled under his breath, “I should spar with him before he officially joins, or else I might not be able to win a close combat in the future.”
“Enough with your mumbling. Don’t bother bringing Leon in. Wait until everything outside has been sorted out, then he can enter,” Jon, aware of the current complexity of the Pat Manor—especially with a wizard residing there—advised.
However, Jon was not aware that not only was Eureka present, but Suis had also returned.
Suis was also considered Leon’s mentor, and for Angel to bring Leon into the Wilderness of Dreams, it required more careful consideration and balance than before.
“I understand,” Angel nodded in agreement, “By the way, the piano piece I just played should have been better than before, right?”
Jon nodded affirmatively, “Indeed, there has been some progress, but there are still some flaws. If I weren’t weakened, I could demonstrate it for you.”
Angel paused for a moment, “Mentor, you might try jumping.”
Jon was taken aback, not quite understanding what Angel meant. But subconsciously, he jumped. When he easily bounced up and landed back down, Jon seemed to grasp something.
“Your physical appearance now is the same as in reality. But you’re not weak at all, essentially on par with others in Initial Heart City,” Angel said.
Jon hesitated for a moment before sitting down at the piano.
As the aged hands touched the keys, a beautiful succession of notes flowed out…
At the entrance of the theater, Sunny suddenly paused, turning her head towards the grand hall.
Alda also looked over at that moment, “It seems to be —That Summer— again, but it sounds much better than before, as if… I really see the sunshine.”
“Is the maestro musician performing?” Unbeknownst to them, Labu had appeared at the entrance of the ocean theater, asking Sunny, “Who’s playing inside? This level of skill… it’s simply astonishing.”
“How did you get here again?” Sunny replied with a hint of annoyance.
Labu chuckled, “Initial Heart City is so small, I wandered over. Could it be the old man… cough, grandpa who was playing?”
Sunny shrugged, “Who knows?”
…
Angel spent most of the afternoon with Jon, talking about the rules of the Wilderness of Dreams and some bizarre things from the Wizarding World, before returning to reality.
Angel wasn’t too worried about Jon. With Freud’s care and the social formation of Initial Heart City gradually improving, Jon should quickly adapt to life there.
After Angel woke up, he sat at his desk, contemplating.
Now that Jon seems to be doing well in the Wilderness of Dreams, it’s time to consider his physical state.
Jon’s fallback plan was to become a denizen of the Dream Realm and settle down in the Wilderness of Dreams. However, if there is any chance of saving Jon’s physical body, Angel naturally would prefer Jon to survive in his entirety.
Regrettably, at the moment, Angel seems incapable of restoring Jon’s body. Even Eureka and Suis seem to be at a loss. Angel is contemplating whether he should inform others about Jon’s situation.
Previously, Suis suggested that Angel could seek help from Midora, who is a master of potions. Perhaps he might have a method to save Jon.
Setting aside for now why Suis’ attitude towards Jon has changed, Angel had genuinely considered his suggestion.
Jon’s fallback plan is now established. If his physical body could be saved, it would be beneficial. The worst-case scenario would be Jon’s identity being exposed.
However, Jon’s identity has already been laid bare in the eyes of Eureka and Suis.
A secret known to one person remains a secret, but once it is known to two or three people, while it may not be common knowledge, the secret can no longer be hidden.
Perhaps it’s better to take a gamble.
Nonetheless, Angel dares not make a rash decision. Before implementing anything, he needs to seek consent from Jon himself. Previously, he discussed a similar topic with Jon, but Jon had too much to consider at the time, so he declined.
Now that Jon can temporarily stay in Initial Heart City, Angel is uncertain whether Jon’s attitude will change.
Angel did not immediately enter the Wilderness of Dreams to ask for Jon’s opinion. There’s no rush for this matter, letting Jon acclimate to life in Initial Heart City before proceeding isn’t too late.
Angel checked the time. It was three in the afternoon, and he was preparing for his routine meditation.
Time passed steadily, and by six-thirty in the evening, Angel opened his eyes. He felt the increment of magic source after a cycle of magic power, which sent him into a moment of deep contemplation.
With the increase of Projection Bloodline within his body, his current meditation efficiency has improved once more.
Originally, he thought it might take one to two weeks to reach the peak of apprenticeship, but with this efficiency, he would only need three more days. After digesting that strand of bloodline, he could attain the peak of apprenticeship.
Angel found himself in a state of conflicting emotions. On one hand, he was elated, for in just three days, he would be capable of taking on a new ability. Yet, the speed of his progression was a source of anxiety. While no significant issues had arisen yet, the potential risks were abundant – such as a shaky foundation from moving too fast.
Heaving a sigh, Angel thought, “I can only play it by ear for now.”
Rising from his seat, Angel proceeded to open the large door of his room.
Standing just outside was Ollie, holding a parchment scroll in her hands.
Upon concluding his meditation, Angel had sensed Ollie’s presence outside his door.
“What can I do for you?” Angel asked.
“Lord, the Viscount has awakened. Maid Head Mana asked me to inform you,” Ollie paused before extending the parchment scroll in her hand to Angel, “This is from Miss Blaire. She said you were meditating and to give it to you once you’re out.”
Angel nodded, “Understood. I will go right away.”
On his way to Leon’s room, Angel unrolled the parchment scroll to have a glance at it. It contained a conceptual drawing of a monocle, likely from the hand of Eureka. It resembled the monocle Blaire had previously worn.
A line of text was attached below: “Blaire’s glasses originally possessed the abilities of Eagle Eye and Energy Sensing.”
In other words, he needed to craft a monocle that enhances vision and perception? Angel pondered this for a moment. It didn’t seem too difficult. If he crafted an alchemical structure featuring composite runes, he could achieve that.
As Angel virtually finalized the structure of the monocle in his mind, he had already arrived at the door of Leon’s room.
The door was left ajar.
Upon entering, Angel’s gaze was instantly drawn to a striking red figure. It wasn’t Leon.
A vibrant, crimson-furred two-headed dog stood on the balcony, looking down with an air of majesty at Leon, who lay in the bed.