Chapter 2325: Chapter 2326: Deconstruction
In the Tidal World, Angel had been on the run for nearly a week.
First, he arrived at the Malaya Ice Mountain, then travelled west along the Gentle Wave Sea, reaching the Green Plains.
During this journey, they met with Frost Iser, Softer Urans, and Prolific Glimmer by the Lake of Birth deep within the Green Plains. Aside from Prolific Glimmer, Angel had quite a good friendship with them, so when Rhein and they had a discussion, it generally went smoothly. There were some minor disagreements in the details, but with the "Witchâs Confession" there, the disagreements gradually diminished through mutual probing of each otherâs bottom line.
As for the meeting with Prolific Glimmer, there was actually not much turmoil.
White Cloud Village is right above the Green Plains, and over years of interaction, the relationship between the Green Plains and White Cloud Village has always been good. They first met with Softer Urans and then went to the Lake of Birth. With Softer Urans as an escort, although Prolific Glimmer had some minor complaints, they were unimportant details, and eventually joined the mainstream named after the larger trend.
After dealing with Prolific Glimmer, they did not leave immediately but returned to Wind Island, where White Cloud Village is located.
Firstly, the schedule wasnât tight, and it was already close to the Region of Fire, so they could rest on Wind Island for a day or two; secondly, Angel still had some subordinates on Wind Island, and this time going there, he could take the opportunity to bring them along.
Another important reason for their stay was that Nami Midori and Frost Iser rarely set foot on Wind Island, and this time, taking the opportunity of going to the Region of Fire, they finally came to Wind Island. They all wanted to see those oil paintings that Feng had left behind back then.
Those oil paintings, although Sanders and Rhein had seen them in the Wilderness of Dreams, were constructed by Angel using illusion techniques, and were still somewhat different from the real paintings, so they were also curious whether there were any secrets hidden in those paintings that Feng left on Wind Island.
Everyone was willing to stay on Wind Island to rest and recover, so returning to Wind Island was also in line with the general mood.
Once they returned to Wind Island, aside from Angel, everyone else went to the Forbidden Land and found Fengâs studio.
Rhein and Sanders soon came back from the studio. Those paintings were indeed done by Feng, but they did not find anything unusual. The most unusual thing in the studio was the mysterious aura left by Feng when he carved the magic pattern.
Rhein and Sandersâ shapeshifting techniques had reached an advanced stage, and they easily found the source of the mysterious aura, also discovering the mysterious magic pattern carved by Feng.
Sanders recognized at a glance that the mysterious magic pattern was from the "Mad Hatterâs Coronation," but he didnât make a fuss, only lamenting in his heart: Fengâs magic pattern is really ugly; if Angel had drawn it, he would definitely not expose the essence of the mysterious magic pattern to be visible to the naked eye, nor would there be so many errors.
Rhein also noticed it, but he didnât know the essence behind the mysterious magic pattern, guessing that Feng might have a mysterious level paintbrush, using it to draw the magic pattern that exudes a mysterious aura â after all, Feng is a painter, having a mysterious paintbrush seemed reasonable.
Since Feng was no longer there, Rhein didnât pay much attention, and the matter passed quietly.
When they returned from the studio, they found Angel leaning against a pillar at the palace gate, gazing at the distant Cloud Sea.
"Didnât you say you were going to White Sea Bay to meet your group of subordinates?" Rhein asked Angel with confusion.
When they went to the studio, Angel had refused to go along, citing his need to meet subordinates at White Sea Bay. But upon their return, they found Angel still at the temporary palace stay.
"I sent Lobal to White Sea Bay first, to chat with that group of air-type creatures. Iâll go over tomorrow," Angel replied.
Hearing this, Rhein understood Angelâs thoughts: "Are you worried they wonât submit to you?"
"With the vow in place, even if theyâre defiant, theyâll need to comply with it," Angel said. "Letting Lobal go first is mainly to ease relations, avoiding future trouble."
After all, this group of subordinates would at least need to work for him for the next twenty years. Although he could mandate them, if he could have a more harmonious interaction, Angel naturally preferred the latter.
So, for the sake of twenty years of harmonious interaction, wasting a day now counted as nothing.
"Since youâve already sent Lobal, what are you doing standing here?" With a good mood, Rhein followed Angelâs gaze.
This was the palace complex atop the highest mountain on Wind Island, arranged by Softer Urans as their residence. This palace complex, full of human style yet clearly non-human architecture, was also the most wondrous construction on Wind Island that evoked Rheinâs admiration.
Standing here, looking into the distance, what they could see was the silhouette of palaces on the mountain, and the eastern aspect of Wind Island enshrouded in a gentle morning mist.
"Iâm waiting for Kamil the Sage," Angel said.
Since their return to Wind Island, beside the initial negotiations, Angel hadnât had a private meeting with Kamil the Sage.
This time, it was Kamil the Sage who actively sought him out, hoping for a face-to-face meeting.
Angel figured that Kamil the Sage came regarding Cubicâs matter.
And indeed, Angelâs guess was accurate. Before long, Kamil arrived and had a private talk with Angel for about half an hour.
The discussion, apart from meaningless pleasantries, mostly revolved around Cubicâs issue.
Between the words, it was still hoped that Angel could continue to take Cubic along. â Angel let Cubic free just as he set foot on the island, so Cubic likely returned to Kamil the Sageâs side.
Throughout, Angel hadnât given a response, but his attitude clearly carried refusal. Although during this period of interaction, Angelâs view on Cubic had changed significantly, he didnât want to forcibly take Cubic away; a forced fruit never tastes sweet.
Moreover, Cubic himself preferred to stay by Kamilâs side.
Kamil probably understood where the issue lay and sighed deeply: "Iâll go back and talk with Cubic again. If it still doesnât want to, I will respect its decision."
Then, Kamil left.
Angel originally wanted to ask whether Cubic was the will born from Kamilâs avatar, but thinking that this involved Kamilâs privacy, he decided to leave it for now.
After Kamil left, Angel returned to the palace.
Sanders and Rhein were discussing Wind Island, primarily because Angel had expressed before that a branch of the Barbarian Cave could be established on Wind Island.
The reason Angel considered this was partly because it suited air-type creatures to reside here, and he planned to station that group of subordinates; another reason was... the scenery of Wind Island. This enchanting landscape was unique within the entire Tidal World. Beautiful scenery was also why Feng chose to settle here initially.
Moreover, Wind Islandâs geographical location was particularly special and relatively safe. So, at that time, Angel was struck by such a thought.
However, Angel realized that his earlier consideration was too simplistic, too idealistic, and self-centered.
Whenever a witcher organization establishes a branch, they wouldnât typically consider "scenery," "livability," or even discuss "safety," because if they couldnât handle safety, establishing a branch would be moot.
Establishing a branch or a station, for witcher organizations, only involves two conditions: alliances and interests.
Given this consideration, most witcher organizationsâ branches are established either in each Wizard Market or right under the jurisdictions of other witcher organizations. For instance, Extraordinary City like Winsbills or Sky Mechanical City.
In Rheinâs eyes, Wind Island really doesnât meet these conditions.
But since this was suggested by Angel, Rhein still considered it carefully. After all, Angel seemed to have received Heavenâs Mandate, so itâs possible his decision aligns with the grand scheme.
This is also why Rhein took this opportunity to discuss the issue of Wind Island with Sanders.
Angel was also there, listening to their conversation. As the intake of information increased, Angel realized that his offhand suggestion back then was somewhat irresponsible.
His experiences were still too limited, his perspective not yet mature, and his considerations too simplistic.
He hesitated about whether to retract his words.
Upon learning this, Rhein simply waved his hand: "Setting up a branch is itself one of our development strategies. Evaluating various places in the Tidal World is my duty. Heavenâs Mandate affects my decisions, but not greatly. If this place isnât suitable, I naturally have other plans."
Hearing this, Angel felt much more at ease.
In the subsequent conversation, disregarding the influence of Heavenâs Mandate, Rhein and Sanders began a thorough deconstruction of Wind Island, and even Gentle Wind Uranos joined in, as it concerned the future of Wind Island.
Through this deconstruction, Angel gained insights into areas of knowledge he had never focused on before, which was a rare experience for him.
The end result of the deconstruction was that Wind Island was indeed not quite suitable as a branch location.
Unless Wind Island could detach from the Green Wilderness, floating in the air across the entire continent. In that case, it could take advantage of the terrain, with a mobile wizard market built upon it, allowing profit distribution for the branch establishment.
But to make Wind Island completely separate from the Green Wilderness and enter the drifting era, itâs not a decision Rhein can make alone. It also requires consideration of the sentiments of the wind-elemental creatures and the multilateral relations with various element territories.
Moreover, would the wind-elemental creatures have no opinions about a wizard market being built on their territory?
Thus, this is not only a "civil" issue but also a "diplomatic" one. Even Gentle Wind Uranos could not give an immediate answer.
Gentle Wind Uranos left solemnly, and before leaving, it also stated that "it would seriously consider." As for the outcome, none, including Angel, were very optimistic.
The conversation then shifted to other topics, mostly revolving around matters of the Tidal World.
During the chat, Angel suddenly paused.
"Whatâs wrong?" Sanders was the first to notice Angelâs anomaly.
Angel: "Itâs nothing, it seems Tullas has something to discuss with me."
Just before, Angel sensed Tullas logging out of the Wilderness of Dreams and sending a weak signal to Angel through the bracelet space.
"I suppose Nisâs stone slab exploded again," said Sanders.
Rhein also nodded, having heard about this from Ironclad Granny. He knew that Nis had been researching the stone slab, hoping to lock in the coordinates of the Quest World from the constant oscillations within the slab and open a channel to this Soul Plane.
The channel to the Quest World had always been held by three powerful soul families, who had grown increasingly powerful and rivaled some Witcher Organizations by exploiting the profits gained from the Quest World.
Such a channel alone was enough to achieve this, naturally making many Witcher Organizations envious.
If Nis could truly open such a channel, Rhein would undoubtedly support it with both hands.
"I think so too." Angel summoned Tullas out from the bracelet space and also took out the stone slab and Dream Conch...
Unexpectedly, when Tullas appeared, he did not mention Nis.
"... Frode has something to discuss with me?" Angel asked in confusion, "Didnât you come because of Nis? Hasnât Nisâs stone slab exploded yet?"
Tullas shook his head: "Not yet."
"Alright then, what does Frode want from me?" Angel asked, puzzled.
"Itâs probably about little Samâs situation." Tullas didnât know precisely but had heard Frode mention little Sam.
Angel speculated it might be related to the lead on the ghost of the farmer, but why did Frode insist on meeting him for something he could handle himself? Moreover, why travel from Originheart City to New City just to have Tullas convey a message?
Although puzzled, Angel did not hesitate and directly entered the Wilderness of Dreams with Tullas.
A moment later, Angel awakened from the Wilderness of Dreams.
Seeing this, Sanders said offhandedly: "Did something happen on Frodeâs side?"
"Sort of." Angel nodded: "A special undead appeared near Star Lake Castle."
Angel briefly explained the situation, including the details of the special undead, and the slave incident related to the sacrificial ceremony in the cave thirteen years ago, discovered by the Silver Heron Royal Knights Order.
After hearing Angelâs account, Rhein couldnât help but sigh: "Special undead are rarely seen, yet a little Sam who hasnât even entered the circle of apprentices has attracted two in succession. Itâs no wonder heâs a Near-Spirit Body."
Sanders: "Are you planning to go over?"
Angel nodded: "Yes, special undead are rare, especially this scarce Mirror Grudge. Since Tullas hasnât practiced Soul Trick, he can try to absorb the Mirror Grudgeâs special energy and see if he can gain the Soul Interference ability."
To let Tullas absorb the Mirror Grudge, itâs naturally necessary to make a trip to Star Lake Castle.
Moreover, the Mirror Grudge is obviously targeting little Sam, and considering itâs already at the foot of the mountain where Star Lake Castle is located, it means time is pressing.
If I am to go, I probably should set off now.
Rhein and Sanders had no objections to Angelâs decision.
"Iâll make sure to return as soon as possible."
Rhein nodded: "No worries, as long as youâre back before the gathering at the Region of Fire."
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