Chapter 2993: Chapter 2994: Starlight
"That entity frequently operates near the Gumman Kingdom?" Kaier was also a bit surprised.
You should know, Sandworm Market is located in the neighboring Laksum Principality. If what Angel said is true, doesnât that mean the Preacher might even be in the Laksum Principality?
Angel: "Iâve only heard rumors, whether itâs true... why donât we ask?"
At this, Angel glanced at the Natural Sprite walking ahead.
The Natural Sprite seemed to sense being watched, paused slightly, and turned to gaze at Angel.
"Iâve heard that the Starlight Caravan often operates near the Gumman Kingdom. Some even say, the Preacher might be in the Gumman Kingdom." Angel: "Is this true?"
When talking to Kaier, he didnât take any measures to shield their conversation, so the Natural Sprite obviously heard their dialogue.
The Natural Sprite was silent for a moment before slowly responding: "I donât know about that. If you two want to know more, you can ask my master."
Angel: "So the Starlit Inn you mentioned is really a store under the Starlight Caravan?"
The Natural Sprite originally didnât want to answer, but since Angel already knew its origin, it was meaningless to hide it. Besides, when they reach the inn, even if it doesnât say, Angel can figure it out himself.
Thinking about this, the Natural Sprite nodded in agreement: "Yes."
Angel continued to ask: "Is your master the Preacher?"
The Natural Sprite shook its head: "No."
Regarding questions about its master, it certainly wasnât lying. Its master indeed wasnât the Preacher.
Angel continued to ask several more questions, specifically asking about the identity of the Natural Spriteâs master, but whenever it came to questions about its masterâs identity, it cautiously avoided them.
Angel didnât mind too much, since the Natural Sprite previously mentioned that if they wanted detailed information, they could ask its master, its master must be nearby. It might even be possible to see its master at the so-called "inn."
However, some of the Natural Spriteâs answers attracted Angelâs attention.
Although it didnât reveal its masterâs identity, from some details it was clear it was dispatched by its master to guide guests.
Angel was unsure if it was specifically sent to guide him and Kaier? If so, what does its master mean? Did it possibly recognize his identity?
â To know, after leaving the Subterranean Ruins, Angel used a Shapeshifting Technique to change back to his red-haired, golden-eyed appearance, with a layer of Nightmare Illusion over it. Logically, no one should recognize him.
If the Natural Spriteâs master was the Preacher, Angelâs identity might be exposed. But the Natural Sprite denied this point, which made Angel puzzled.
Perhaps, once they reach the Starlit Inn, everything will be resolved.
Soon, the Natural Sprite led everyone to... the Bilun Tree Court.
To be precise, it was a nearby entrance to the Bilun Tree Court.
The majority of entrances to the Bilun Tree Court are in dense forests, with different methods of entry. But they generally follow a principle: find the Bilun Tree Courtâs emblem, activate it with Magic Power, and chant "Forest of trees, vast tree court," to enter the Bilun Tree Court.
The entrance they were facing was a century-old tree, lush and vibrant.
In the middle of this tree, there was a fist-sized hole.
Such tree holes are common in forests, mostly pecked by birds, most end up as nests for forest birds, though some may house venomous snakes.
Thus, ordinary people, even with intentions on the tree hole, would probe it with a stick first. Few would directly reach in.
But this tree hole must be reached into.
Because, deep within the tree hole is where the Bilun Tree Courtâs emblem is.
Just as Kaier was about to reach in, the Natural Sprite suddenly spoke: "The Birlos Family has always been looking to find the hidden Starlight within the Bilun Tree Court, and I, due to frequent visits to the Bilun Tree Court, my identity is likely suspected by the Birlos Family."
Kaier looked puzzled at the Natural Sprite: "What do you mean by that?"
The Natural Sprite glanced at Angel and said softly: "Iâll change to a new form later, pretending to be the guestâs Elemental Companion, is that alright?"
Before Angel could respond, Kaier frowned first: "Youâve always been hiding in the Bilun Tree Court? Not discovered by the Birlos Family?"
The Natural Sprite nodded: "Yes."
Kaier: "Why do this? Even if discovered by the Birlos Family, they shouldnât chase you away."
The Natural Sprite tilted its head, thought a moment, and said: "Being discovered wouldnât be problematic, but the master dislikes being disturbed. Moreover, if the Birlos Family confirms the Bilun Tree Court has Starlightâs property, they would definitely publicize it, which isnât what the master wants."
In the past, the Bilun Tree Court didnât need promotion to attract many Wizards, as it housed The Garden Labyrinth Ruins.
But as The Garden Labyrinth Ruins were "thoroughly developed," there were hardly any finds remaining, the Bilun Tree Court gradually declined.
To attract Wizards, the Birlos Family started using odd gimmicks for promotion.
Including the rumor about the birth of Natural Sprites here, spread by the Birlos.
If the Birlos Family knew Bilun Tree Court had Starlightâs property, they would likely use it for promotion. After all, behind Starlight stands the Observer of the Crown Star Church!
Moreover, finding Starlightâs fixed property means the Starlight Caravan isnât far away.
Such good promotional material, the Birlos Family would definitely utilize.
Of course, if the Birlos Family chooses not to promote, ignoring Starlightâs property, Starlight wouldnât mind being known by the Birlos Family, they might even assist.
Currently, though, the Birlos Family hasnât gained Starlightâs trust... after all, Bilun Tree Courtâs competitiveness in similar Wizard Markets is still too weak.
"Since you think Bilun Tree Court isnât great, why still establish Starlightâs property here?" Kaier asked puzzled.
The Natural Sprite shrugged: "I donât know either, all decisions are made by the master."
At this moment, Angel suddenly spoke: "Iâve heard that Starlight secretly owns properties in most Wizard Markets in the Gumman Kingdom, is this true?"
The Natural Sprite glanced at Angel and replied lightly: "Rumors are always mixed with truth and falsehood, who can say for certain."
Angel paused: "Your memory is quite good."
That was clearly a remark he made to Kaier, unexpected for the Natural Sprite to use it now.
Natural Sprite: "Our conversation seems to drift. Why not return to the main topic? Does the guest agree with my earlier proposal?"
Angel: "Pretend to be my Elemental Companion? Itâs possible, but Iâm afraid my Elemental Companion might get jealous."
As Angel spoke, he casually pulled Dangross out of his bracelet, and also released Speedy.
Dangross was bewildered, unaware of the situation. Speedy, always by Angelâs side, understood Angelâs intent and summoned a gust of wind, seemingly in "jealousy."
The Natural Sprite ignored Dangross, and looked in shock at Speedy.
It hadnât sensed Speedyâs presence the entire way, indicating Speedy is definitely matured. Such powerful aura is not typical of ordinary Elemental Creatures.
With such a strong Wind Element guarding, who is this Human Wizard? This confusion also arose in the Natural Sprite.
While the Natural Sprite was shocked and confused, Angel casually pushed Dangross back into the bracelet and gestured for Speedy to settle down.
Once the surrounding air calmed, Angel said to the Natural Sprite: "See, itâs not that I donât want to, Itâs that theyâre not letting me."
After pausing momentarily, Angel added: "However, if you just donât want the Birlos Family to discover you, I can help conceal you."
The Natural Sprite was silent for a moment: "How to conceal?"
Angel lightly snapped his fingers, and a mist appeared from nowhere, covering the Natural Sprite. Simultaneously, Speedy summoned a breeze, constantly turning within the mist.
Creating the illusion of a Wind Elemental inside the mist.
"This will do. A simple Illusion Technique."
The technique itself wasnât difficult, and it didnât integrate Nightmare Illusion, so the concealment effect wasnât great. But having Angel as an "Wizard" accompanying, a Wind Elemental Creature concealed by illusion would deter anyone with normal intelligence from probing. Unless, they wanted to provoke Angel.
The Natural Sprite understood the implication, nodded, and thanked Angel. It acquiesced to enter the Bilun Tree Court in this guise.
After dealing with the Natural Sprite, Angel signaled Kaier to activate the emblem.
Kaier chanted "Forest of trees, vast tree court," while activating the emblem deep within the tree hole.
As a faint light flickered within the hole, beside the tree, the air began to twist.
After a while, a Light Gate appeared out of thin air.
Standing in front of the Light Gate, one could clearly see the hustle and bustle inside; it was the Bilun Tree Court, from which they had been away for several days!
The group walked through the Light Gate.
After entering, apart from catching the attention of some guards, they didnât draw any other attention. After all, the Bilun Tree Court had many entrances and exits, with people constantly coming and going, so the locals were used to this scene.
The guards, noticing that Angel was an Official Wizard, didnât dare to look too long and gave a distant salute before withdrawing their gaze.
Once confirmed that the guards were no longer paying attention, a voice from the Natural Sprite emerged from the mist, "Gentlemen, please follow me."
Next, the Natural Sprite floated ahead, swiftly leading the group through the streets of Bilun Tree Court.
In no time, they arrived at the southwest corner of the Bilun Tree Court.
This area wasnât teeming with people, but it held a significant building: The Birlos Logistic Support Department.
Wizards who accepted tasks from the Birlos Task Hall, if needing logistical support, would come here to seek manpower and collect supplies.
Therefore, the Birlos Logistic Support Department not only served the Birlos Family but also catered to all the Transcendents visiting the Bilun Tree Court.
It could be said that it was an extremely important department.
However, Angel noticed that the Natural Sprite headed straight for the Logistic Support Department...
A few minutes later, the group entered a nondescript cleaning room behind the Logistic Support Department, pushed open a door deep inside, and found themselves in a new world.
A hidden district concealed behind the Birlos official buildings...
"This is the property of Starlight; you can call this place: Starry District No. 13."
...
Looking at this desolate district, Kaier was still in a daze.
The Starlight property the Birlos Family had long sought was actually right behind their official buildings!
Is this what they mean by the darkest place is under the lamp?
The people of Starlight indeed have bold spirits...
While Kaier was still in bewilderment, the Natural Sprite had already moved forward, passing through a few obviously locked small houses, and arrived at a Magic Power building with a wide-open door, illuminated warmly with soft yellow light.
A sign was hung above the door of this building, resembling a neon sign, flashing with red and blue light.
"Starlight Hostel."
The brilliant radiance and vibrant colors composed the shifting characters of this inscription.
As they gazed at the sign, a somewhat lazy voice sounded from the side: "Bubble has brought new guests again? What excuse did you use this time?"
The speaker was a woman leaning against the entrance of the hostel.
She wore a soft-armor long dress with a golden cloak, her figure was curvaceous, and a head of brown curls draped down her fair neck.
Because she wore a half-mask, her facial features were unclear, but her overall style suggested a youthful, somewhat heroic witch.
"Iâm not Bubble, please call me Buru." protested the voice from the mist.
The armored witch glanced at the mist, "So you were brought in by an Illusion Technique. Tsk tsk, looks like your excuse didnât succeed this time."
The Natural Sprite Buru remained silent.
The armored witch raised an eyebrow, "Oh, you failed but still managed to bring people in, I feel shortchanged... at least give me some compensation, right?"
Buru: "I donât know what youâre talking about, please step aside, I have guests to take into the inn."
The armored witch twirled a lock of hair at her ear, "Am I really to be treated this way as a 1999 Magic Crystals VIP?"
Buru snorted coldly, "Youâve only spent 99 Magic Crystals so far."
Armored Witch: "But I plan to consume 1999 Magic Crystals."
Buru said irritably, "Letâs wait until youâve indeed consumed 1999 Magic Crystals. Please step aside."
The armored witch shrugged and didnât argue further, stepping aside to clear the door.
The group followed into the entryway.
As Angel passed by the armored witch, she whispered, "Using Illusion Technique to keep Buru away is indeed a simple yet effective method, Iâve learned it."
Angel glanced at the armored witch, smiling lightly without speaking.
The armored witch continued, "However, the Natural Sprite is adept at detecting pheromones; though itâs avoided this time, it might find another excuse to approach you later."
Angel chuckled but still said nothing.
The armored witch shrugged, murmuring "boring," and then left the innâs door.
Meanwhile, Kaier belatedly exclaimed, "Extracting pheromones?!"
Kaier abruptly turned to look at the Natural Sprite in the mist, "You were trying to pretend to be the adultâs elemental companion to get close to the adult and extract pheromones?"
Buru remained silent for a moment before saying, "Even if Witch Sharon didnât mention it, I would have told you shortly. Indeed, I was tasked by my master to guide guests and during the guiding process also extract pheromones. However, extracting pheromones bears no malice; itâs only for tracking and recording, allowing you two to freely roam other Starry Districts in the future."
Kaier: "I donât believe it."
Kaier snorted twice, looking at Angel, trying to find agreement from him.
However, Angel said, "I believe it."
Kaier was stunned: "My lord...?"
Angel smiled at Kaier, "If it got close to me and extracted pheromones from me, would I not be aware of it?"
Kaier reconsidered, seemingly acknowledging... right.
A Formal Wizardâs perception is very powerful; if Buru were to extract pheromones from Angel, it would definitely be noticed.
Of course, thatâs a major reason. Another reason is that Angel had been observing Buruâs emotions all along, clearly knowing it bore no malicious intent and wasnât lying when it explained the pheromone extraction.
Buru also said, "Indeed, before extracting pheromones, I would communicate with this guest. The method, extent of pheromone extraction, and its usage would all be detailed to the guest at that time."
Kaier frowned, "But you didnât succeed just now."
Buru: "If I fail to approach the guest, I will desist; subsequent matters will be handled by my master."
Kaier still didnât quite understand the implication.
But Angel roughly understood; this appeared to be a kind of "eligibility test" of sorts?
Kaier scratched his head, "If thatâs the case, the witch we met before should have known all this too, so why did she..." speak so obscurely?
Buru: "Witch Sharonâs personality is just like that."
Kaier: "Huh?"
Angel then explained for Buru, "Perhaps because, letting people misunderstand and speculate is quite entertaining?"
Buru suspiciously looked at Angel, "Have you heard of Witch Sharon?"
"I havenât heard of her." Angel shrugged, "Just a wild guess. After all, there are quite a few fun people in the Wizardsâ Realm."
Though Buru was unfamiliar with the term "fun people," it understood.
"Witch Sharon indeed enjoys finding amusement. However, she has her own boundaries."
ââThe supposed boundaries being, if you donât pay attention to Sharon Witchâs playful acts, she naturally loses interest in you.
Buru paused, briefly cleared its throat, "Since you two guests are now aware of the pheromone affair, are you planning to rest first or meet my master?"