Chapter 992 The Purifiers <TOC> Chapter 994 The Worm Mother
Translator: SumTLMan
The lifespan of the Wasteland of Dreams may be ephemeral, but the data it leaves behind is sufficient for Sanders to recognize its merit.
Therefore, despite the vexation Sanders felt due to Angel stirring up another significant event, he was very much intrigued by the Wilderness of Dreams.
Subsequently, he began a meticulous inquiry into the intricacies of the Wilderness of Dreams.
As Angel narrated, Sanders produced a notebook, diligently documenting every detail.
When Angel had recounted most of the information, Sanders began addressing some areas of ambiguity, posing questions and personal suggestions.
There were three key areas Sanders inquired about: Initial Heart City, Dream Powers, and Infinite Alchemy.
During the exchange of questions and answers, Sanders’ expression gradually turned more solemn.
Previously, he had already been vaguely aware of the endless potential of the Wilderness of Dreams — how its news could be transmitted unbounded by distance. Yet, as Angel’s account unfolded, Sanders discovered even more profound elements.
He saw in the Wilderness of Dreams a complete system!
A system composed of creatures, habitats, and survival laws. Moreover, the power of the Wilderness of Dreams could be understood, and even bestowed, which is exceedingly similar to the law systems of various worlds.
It was the bud of a complete system!
This system, while apparently not offering any immediate advantages, gave Sanders an underlying feeling that it could be extremely significant in the future!
Now, while this system might not present any visible benefits, the value of Infinite Alchemy was readily discernible.
Infinite Alchemy wasn’t just for studying alchemy. Even ordinary wizards would consume various materials during their routine research. If one had access to unlimited materials, it would be enough to drive wizards mad with delight.
Furthermore, Infinite Alchemy could be a powerful tool for nurturing foundational talent!
For any wizard organization, the reservoir of foundational talent determines its future standing. Infinite Alchemy could maximally tap into this potential talent!
This feature alone is comparable to strategic-level Mysterious Objects!
Nevertheless, Sanders still had an inkling that the complete system constituted by the Wilderness of Dreams might have even greater potential than Infinite Alchemy.
Besides, what Sanders was most interested in was the “spiritual light” that shaped dream creatures. If properly utilized, it could virtually become an alternative path to immortality.
Sanders looked at Angel with a complex expression in his eyes.
“Indeed, quite a fascinating entity,” Sanders murmured to himself. If the Wasteland of Dreams was fully developed, it could be a groundbreaking concept with the potential to completely overturn the established order in the Wizarding World!
Though Angel had caused quite a stir, bringing with it a measure of trepidation, it also carried with it boundless delight!
Having processed this event for now, Sanders temporarily shelved the shock that the Wasteland of Dreams brought him. He then questioned Angel, “Don’t tell me, aside from this, you’ve also prepared other major plays?”
Angel paused for a moment, not quite understanding Sanders’ meaning.
“Do you have other matters to disclose?” Sanders rephrased.
Angel contemplated briefly before retrieving a research subject from his bracelet and handing it to Sanders, “Mentor, didn’t you previously request that I present a subject related to Nightmare Illusion and integrate it into —Mystery of the Nightmare Domain— within fifty years? What do you think of this?”
Sanders cast a glance at the cover: —The Power of Nightmare Illusion and Dream Spells—.
Simply by the title, Sanders could roughly discern what Angel aimed to study.
After perusing for several minutes, the content recorded inside was indeed as Sanders had anticipated: It was about variations initiated by Nightmare Illusion through dream spells.
Sanders pondered for a while, “It’s acceptable. However, your paper is mostly conjecture and lacks actual research, so it’s not quite complete.”
Angel nodded, understanding that his work was only in the initial stage, and that perfecting it would take a significant amount of time. Nevertheless, the generous time frame that Sanders had given, fifty years, should be sufficient for him to complete his mission.
After returning the research topic to Angel, Sanders asked again, “Surely you have nothing else to discuss?”
Even as Sanders asked, he did not notice the slightly cautious undertone in his voice.
Angel originally intended to disclose the matter of the Tidal Realm, but he could clearly discern a message from Sanders’ expression: “You had better answer: No.”
Angel hesitated, “Nothing else for now.”
Nothing else for now? Sanders could tell that Angel still had more to say, but given the number of shocks he had already received today, he decided to shelve whatever else Angel had for the time being.
With this in mind, Sanders nodded, picked up the notes he had made earlier about the Wilderness of Dreams, and resumed his research.
After an unknown amount of time had passed, Sanders suddenly heard Angel asking softly.
“Mentor, can Jon’s injuries be healed?”
Sanders looked up and saw Angel leaning against the window, staring at the inky sky outside with a contemplative look on his face.
“In due time, I will return to the Wizarding World. At that point, I will check on his condition first.”
The matter of the Wilderness of Dreams was crucial, and Sanders was eager to whisk Angel away from the Abyss and away from this perilous location. Unfortunately, the situation in the Abyss had been rapidly changing recently, and the demon city had begun to impose martial law. Given the current circumstances, he might need to stay a bit longer.
Seeing the worry on Angel’s face, Sanders said casually, “In the coming days, you can stay here for the time being, crafting the sequel to the Monument of the Strange Ring. It just so happens that I can critique your illusion.”
At this, the contemplative look on Angel’s face paused momentarily.
…
Silent moments, fleeting as they were, dissipated in a blink.
It had not been a full day since their last council, and Sineva had summoned them once more. The crux of the discourse was the subsequent aid for the wizards ensnared in the Backwater Basin Region.
News relayed by Samantha indicated a demon army hot on their heels, with at least two major demons amongst them!
Samantha was about to traverse the layer, returning to the third layer of the Abyss, but there was a need to dispatch a wizard to Downfallen Forest for a Final Sweep mission.
The sweep mission indubitably necessitated the strongest amongst them, particularly when a major demon was part of the pursuit. As Sineva’s words resonated in the room, they exchanged apprehensive glances, ultimately landing their collective gaze on Sanders.
The most potent combatant present was, without a doubt, Sanders. Moreover, being an illusionist, he was adept at beguiling and entrapping enemies, making him the prime candidate for the rearguard duty.
Considering the arrangement, Sanders pondered for a moment, choosing not to reject the proposition.
Post-meeting, the attendees dispersed. Sanders was the last to depart, encountering Canter by the doorway.
“Just now, I noticed Sineva holding you back. Did she assign you any clandestine missions apart from rearguard duty?” Canter asked, a hint of suspicion in his voice.
“No, she simply inquired about the location of the Soul Returning Sand.”
During the previous meeting, Sanders had informed Canter about the Resting Ground, so Canter quickly grasped the implications. “Is Sineva planning to negotiate a deal with Balalaika?”
Sanders nodded in affirmation. “Correct. Likely aiming to lift the curse she carries.”
“She may also be trying to extract information about the Demon God’s Descendent.” Canter snorted dismissively.
“Regardless of her intentions, they won’t impact us at this stage. Plus, procuring Soul Returning Sand isn’t a straightforward mission,” Sanders paused, before adding, “Forget about her. I’m heading to Downfallen Forest soon. Keep an eye on Angel for me.”
“Look after Angel? He should be safe at the fortress,” Canter replied, puzzled.
Sanders’ concern wasn’t about Angel’s safety; rather, he feared Angel might stir up trouble in his absence. Opting not to voice his worries, he merely responded vaguely, “Just stay alert to his actions.”
Canter agreed without hesitation.
By noon that day, Sanders departed from the Watchtower Fortress.
Before leaving, he instructed Angel to continue his research on the sequel of the Monument of the Strange Ring, hoping for a finished product by his return.
Sanders’ intention was clear — he wished for Angel to immerse himself in research and alchemy, refraining from any mischief.
Angel nodded in agreement and, following Sanders’ departure, diligently began sourcing materials from his bracelet in preparation to commence alchemy.
However, as he was procuring materials, his mental tendrils inadvertently made contact with the Dreamweaver Ant’s nest.
The nest rolled a few times before landing on the ground.
A few droplets of Akeso’s essence spilled from within, but curiously, the Dreamweaver Ant was nowhere to be found.
Angel retrieved the Dreamweaver Ant’s nest and probed inside, indeed finding no trace of the Dreamweaver Ant. His heart missed a beat as he considered a possibility.
Earlier, the Dreamweaver Ant showed no particular fondness for its own nest, instead opting to encroach on the Softworm’s nest.
Initially, Angel didn’t pay this much mind, as he noticed the Dreamweaver Ant willingly providing the Akeso essence to nourish the Softworm eggs. It was only later that he discovered the Dreamweaver Ant wasn’t a “farmer” at all, but rather a “butcher,” lying in wait for the piglets to grow, its knife ready for the slaughter.
As soon as the Softworms hatched, the Dreamweaver Ant would murder them, thoroughly draining them of their life essence.
Considering this, Angel felt a surge of unease.
Could it be that the Dreamweaver Ant had once again migrated to the Softworm’s nest?
Rushing, Angel fetched the Softworm’s nest. He wasn’t particularly fond of the Softworms, but he was quite intrigued by a particular egg.
If the transformed Softworm that emerged from that egg ended up being slain by the Dreamweaver Ant, it would constitute a significant loss.
Angel placed the Softworm nest on the table, then extended his mental tendrils into it for an exploratory probe.
After a moment, a peculiar expression emerged on Angel’s face.