Translator: SumTLMan
Tracing the lead, Angel continues his examination of the latter text.
According to Ivan, the “Wanderer of Balance”, the non-human entity that took the Mysterious Object was imbued with negative emotions of greed and rage. Alongside these, a faintly discernible damp and shadowy sensation also clung to it.
A realization dawns upon Angel; considering these prerequisites, it could not possibly be Toby.
“A shadowy dampness and full of negative emotions. Could it be some sea creature?” Angel queried, perplexed.
“There isn’t any certainty yet, but following the hypothesis, it seems plausible.” Sanders stroked his chin, “At the very least, you are likely to emerge unscathed from the maelstrom this incident has created. Once Maya returns to the Savage Grottoes, we can use Tulas as an intermediate clue and then examine which sea beast ultimately took Lucas’ Skull.”
Sanders clearly had not given up, and Angel himself was curious as to which non-human entity took the Mysterious Object.
The aftereffects of this prophecy temporarily halted here. It was only at this point that Angel, out of curiosity, asked, “Mentor, what is this ‘Star Observing Day’?”
The title itself bore the significant term “Star Observing Day,” which piqued Angel’s curiosity.
“It’s a ceremonial event of Crown Star Church. They unlock the Mysterious Object—The Mystery of Starlight. All prophecy wizards then interpret the future’s trajectory by observing this Mysterious Object,” Sanders provided a succinct explanation. “The Star Observing Day is a significant event that garners the attention of the entire Southern Region’s wizard community. For this very reason, prophecy wizards are dispatched to the Shining Plane for further studies.”
Sounds like a congregation of charlatans? Angel pondered inwardly.
“Besides this prophecy, are there any other prophecies for the Star Observing Day?” Angel inquired.
Sanders replied, “Why don’t you continue browsing?”
Having been granted permission to peruse the —Frost Moon Confidential—, Angel’s eyes lit up, and he began flipping through the pages right away, propped up against his desk. However, instead of flipping forward like Sanders, he flipped back a page.
The prophecy they had discussed earlier was the second one; he wanted to see what the first prophecy was.
The first prophecy included an image which Angel immediately recognized as the landscape of the Paramjit Plateau.
“Since it’s the Paramjit Plateau, could the first prophecy be about the fusion of the two planes?” With this assumption, Angel delved into the text with careful attention.
The first prophecy wasn’t long, and Angel finished it quite quickly. After he was done, he found that the core content of this prophecy was scant — it merely stated that the fusion of the two planes held a grand opportunity, and since the prophet could not see the entrance in the Paramjit Plateau, it was hypothesized that after the worlds merge, the entrance may not be located in the Paramjit Plateau.
“The prophecy has dealt a blow to the Savage Grottoes. If the entrance is on the Paramjit Plateau, we have the prerogative of first engagement. However, if it is far from the plateau, it would not be an easy feat for the Grottoes to seize the initiative.” Sanders pondered with a tinge of regret, attributing it all to the whims of time and fate.
After deciding to depart from the Wizarding World, Angel had not paid much heed to the fusion of the two planes, so he merely glanced at it before flipping the page.
The third prophecy was seen by the Observer known as “Azathoth of the Step After Past Life.”
Azathoth offered two prophecies: one good, one bad.
The ominous one stated: “The shadow over our heads has begun to gradually spread, eventually transforming into a thick cloud that shrouds the sky.”
Frost Moon analyzed this statement at length, concluding that Azathoth was probably referring to the descent of the Demon God. Other wizards panicked, but Frost Moon seemed relatively composed, suggesting that they must have successfully taken action against the Descendant of the Demon God. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have provoked the deity.
Witnessing the apparent joy in the written words, Angel started to question his own values. The fate of the Demon God’s descendant might lead to the upheaval of the Southern Region! The vision Sanders had once shown him was still vivid in his memory — the Feran Continent almost entirely drenched in blood, with other regions facing the threat of sinking.
Is it worth subjecting the Southern Region to such calamity for the making of a legendary wizard?
Furrowing his brows, Angel muttered softly.
“From the perspective of the living beings of the Southern Region, it’s not worth it. However, from Frost Moon’s perspective, as long as it benefits them, everything is worth it. After all, the Will of the World will eventually intervene to make corrections.” Sanders quietly said, “What’s worth it and what’s not depends on one’s interests.”
Wizards always seek their own interests, their values always centering on themselves.
Angel didn’t ask further but silently read Azathoth’s other prophecy.
“A magnum opus, capable of reshaping the status quo of the Wizarding World, is gradually coming into existence.” Angel read slowly, confusion flashing in his eyes. What could this magnum opus be—alchemy or something else? Azathoth didn’t seem to have recorded it.
In a matter-of-fact tone, Sanders said, “As mentioned later, not only Azathoth perceived this, but La Pluie also agreed, which indicates the extraordinary nature of this magnum opus.”
After a pause, Sanders continued, “I have a hypothesis that this magnum opus is very likely the Wilderness of Dreams.”
Taken aback, Angel looked up sharply at Sanders.
Sanders, his countenance ever impassive, asserted, “As I’ve mentioned before, the impact of the Wilderness of Dreams is immense and it would inevitably capture the attention of the prophecy wizards. At present, since the structure within it remains in its embryonic stage, the prophecys can only perceive its latent potential, which is sufficient to designate it as a magnum opus.”
If one were to consider Sanders’ remarks, it’s quite plausible that they’re referencing the Wilderness of Dreams.
From a certain perspective, the Wilderness of Dreams could indeed be characterized as a magnificent work capable of transforming the prevailing status quo of the Wizarding World.
Noticing Angel’s momentary abstraction, Sanders said nonchalantly, “There’s no need for concern. Even if they’re indeed referring to the Wilderness of Dreams, they won’t be able to identify you in the short term.”
Even though they couldn’t detect him yet, the seeds of discovery had been sown, merely awaiting the blooming and fruition.
“It seems Mentor is rather composed. It appears this prophecy is not of great consequence?”
“It’s only to be expected that the Wilderness of Dreams, a matter of such significance, would be detected by the prophecy wizards.” At this juncture, Sanders displayed a peculiar expression. “However, I had previously assumed that it would be inferred from everyday prophecies. That it’s now uncovered through the Mystery of Starlight and the gleaned information is substantially less than anticipated, is quite surprising.”
“Judging by their progress, it will take several years at least to unearth the Wilderness of Dreams. The time required to truly comprehend the Wilderness of Dreams will be even more protracted. Therefore, you have more time at your disposal than I had initially estimated,” Sanders stated nonchalantly.
Sanders’ reassurances lent Angel a modicum of tranquillity.
“Rather than this prophecy, you might want to peruse the final one. That prophecy bears an intimate connection with you and me,” Sanders abruptly stated.
With curiosity piqued, Angel turned to the following page.
The culminating act of Star Observing Day was naturally the true luminary of the Crown Star Church: “The Immortal Crown Bearer” — La Pluie!
La Pluie’s prophecy was the focus of everyone’s attention and was also the most extensively analysed by Frost Moon Alliance. La Pluie’s prophecy consisted of merely one statement, yet Frost Moon’s analysis took up nearly half of the book.
“Compared to the menace of the Demon God descent, the matters pertaining to the Eternal Night Kingdom and Fairytale World could potentially herald even greater disasters…”
These were La Pluie’s original words.
Having read this, Angel understood Sanders’ previous comments. This prophecy indeed had a close relevance to them. Moreover, he himself had been the one to initially unlock the cage.
If he hadn’t released the fox harpist and frog chanter, none of these subsequent events would have transpired.
Angel thought that things would eventually improve, but according to La Pluie’s words, this incident might even surpass the terror induced by the descent of the Demon God.
Seeing Angel’s guilt-stricken face after reading, Sanders said softly, “Although this matter does involve you, its relationship isn’t as closely tied to you as you might imagine.”
“Disregarding the existence of the Colorful Dragonfly Nest in the subterranean abandoned village of Hippocrates in Fairytale World, it is evidence that the Nightmare Plane has been laying its groundwork in the Wizarding World for quite some time. Moreover, not long ago, the Talmage Forest Sinkhole in Noonfield Principality, the Plato Mountain Range on Prison Island, and the Stone Mulberry Dynasty of Sevengen Continent all unveiled Colorful Dragonfly Nests.”
“Consequently, the presence of the Nightmare Plane won’t shift due to your arrival; it has been ominously suspended above us for a considerable time.”
The calamity currently faced by the Wizarding World is not the fox and frog but the Colorful Dragonflies. It’s the innumerable parasites spawned in the nests of these dragonflies that have orchestrated the current crisis.
Seeing Angel’s face shadowed with worry, Sanders reassured, “For you, the damage caused by the Nightmare Plane’s descent shouldn’t be too severe. What you should genuinely fear is the descent of the Demon God.”
…
Angel engrossed himself in the study of the —Frost Moon Confidential—.
Although the prophecy of Star Observing Day is the highlight of the —Frost Moon Confidential—, the document also contains many secret anecdotes and provides a clear depiction of the various situations on the Abyss frontline.
Residing in the Abyss, Angel naturally wanted to grasp the occurrences surrounding him.
Interestingly, the —Frost Moon Confidential— also accounted for the martial law imposed on the demon city beneath Downfallen Forest, showing the swiftness of Frost Moon Alliance’s execution.
As Angel was engrossed in the intriguing contents, Sanders abruptly looked up, his gaze drawn to the window.
Inside the room, a fireplace was burning, creating a cozy warmth, in stark contrast to the frigid snowscape outside. The white expansiveness was being whipped into snow dust by the howling cold wind.
Sanders peered out of the window, his eyes tinged with confusion.
After a short while, a stooped figure materialized amidst the snowstorm, gradually advancing into Sanders’ territory and directly heading towards Sanders’ mansion.
A plump sand rat was leading the way in front of the figure. Sand rats usually enjoy the heat and dread the cold, but this particular one didn’t seem to mind the heavy snow at all. It was hopping and skipping through the snow, while people usually leave footprints, the sand rat was marking its path with small craters.
The trail of craters stretched all the way to the front door.
The door opened automatically, and the figure, seemingly unsurprised, stepped in along with the sand rat.
The sound of footsteps outside the study made Angel look up in confusion.
As the door opened, a visitor, shrouded in snow and frost, appeared in the doorway — an Unexpected Visitor indeed.