Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 2103: Chapter 2104: Mien Crisis

Angel recounted the events he had experienced during this period in detail. He omitted certain undisclosable matters, such as Shava’s identity and the situation with the Dalmatian, but revealed the rest.

As for why the Nightmare Realm creatures did not harm him, Angel merely brushed it off with the words, "They probably mistook me for someone else."

However, most of those present did not believe this. In their view, given the Nightmare Realm’s powerful abilities, it would be hard to mistake someone. Though they had doubts, they didn’t voice them, silently speculating it might be due to the Nightmare Soul Body... After all, the greatest secret of Illusion Demon Island is its research on the Nightmare Soul Body.

Precisely because this might involve other people’s secrets, they dared not inquire further.

Moreover, rather than delving into these details, they were more focused on the situation within the ruins.

An hour later, Angel had almost completely recounted his experiences, using the Mirage Technique at times to recreate some perplexing scenes and address the group’s questions.

After he finished, the narrow office plunged into prolonged silence.

Everyone had imagined what the scenes inside the ruins would be like. After hearing Reeves’ account, they didn’t shy away from envisioning the most terrifying scenarios. But even after digesting Angel’s narrative, they still felt they had underestimated the situation.

The ruins were no longer what they had imagined but were instead an almost real Nightmare Realm world.

The Enigmatic Flickering Corridor, Duling Garden, Rainbow Mountain... incomprehensible eerie places.

Misty Goldlady, Black and White Maiden, Minister Nuka... formidable and terrifying mysterious beings.

Man-eating Mushrooms, Carlon Drizzlebug, Nightmare Light... utterly lethal dangers.

And Xinai’s descent, with an unknown target.

All these indicate that it’s not merely a mystic incident requiring urgent action; it has already begun evolving into a true disaster. What is more crucial is that while the disaster is yet to break out, with things seemingly calm, once all hell breaks loose, Barbarian Cave will be at the forefront of the calamity!

Even Rhein, at this moment, felt the path ahead was utterly dark.

Others remained silent. Though there were many things they wanted to say, numerous emotions they wished to vent, they suppressed them. For the energy generated by this matter, even just the fallout, went beyond what most present could objectively discuss.

Only after a long period of time did Rhein break the silence: "The events happening inside the ruins cannot be deduced by conventional logic. Their intentions, goals, and what will happen after Xinai’s descent are very difficult to fathom at present..."

Though Rhein didn’t state it outright, everyone understood that these inscrutable details would ultimately lead to something far from favorable.

It would certainly become even worse.

"I will ponder these issues more carefully," sighed Rhein, before continuing, "For now, let’s address the imminent crisis we might face."

"Mie Ying."

...

According to Blair the Bee from Duling Garden, and hints revealed by the Lunatic Tome, Mie Ying will soon replace Phantom Performance and begin spreading externally.

The spores released from Phantom Performance are the live wires.

While the disaster caused by Phantom Performance remains severe, due to Sanders’ presence, its intimidation factor has significantly diminished, posing almost no threat to Transcendents.

Yet with Phantom Performance’s retreat and Mie Ying taking center stage, a new crisis emerges.

They had personally witnessed Reeves’ soul mutation and heard of the changes he underwent due to Mie Ying’s corrosion. The soul-eroding terror of its ability left them all shocked.

Mie Ying is not only harmful to Apprentices but even Official Wizards find it difficult to escape its corrosion. Should Mie Ying be massively released into reality like live wires, it would become a more formidable disaster!

Moreover, as Angel observed, nurturing Mie Ying isn’t hard—Blair had already cultivated a large amount in Duling Garden, and it’s not far from unleashing Mie Ying upon the outside!

It can be said that all other dilemmas could be set aside, but not the Mie Ying crisis, which demands immediate attention.

"The solution to Mie Ying can only be found within Mie Ying itself. I obtained three Mie Ying larvas from Duling Garden, which I’ll take and hand over to Lord Reine later," Angel said.

Rhein shook his head: "No need. I’ll come directly to you. Besides, there are some other matters I wish to ask you."

Angel thought for a moment, then agreed: "Alright."

Upon saying so, Rhein gazed out the window. Beneath the clear blue canopy, secrets seemed endless.

The peak of the Mount Karalibben and the depths of Kurde Abyss are two typical dead zones in the Southern Domain. Rhein reflected to himself, his experiences today felt like traversing these absolute heights and depths, the Wilderness of Dreams and the Land of Xinai...

Rhein didn’t continue to inquire nor linger in the Wilderness of Dreams, but returned to reality first.

The others each made their choices.

Though the descent of Xinai stirred some emotions among them, since Rhein advised careful thought, they decided to set these matters aside, focusing on the fascinating exploration of the Wilderness of Dreams first.

Wallace decided to remain at the top of the Sky Tower, continuing to read Frode’s papers and research topics; Ironclad Granny did not mention her destination, only stated she would stroll around Originheart City, departing with Sanders from the Sky Tower; meanwhile, Tree Spirit and Lianna did not leave and intended to delve deeper into the Wilderness of Dreams, to better prepare for the Tea Party.

Once everyone set about their tasks, Angel prepared to leave the Wilderness of Dreams and head to the ruins to await Rhein’s arrival.

However, as Angel was leaving, a gray shadow suddenly darted into the room.

The successive crackling sounds startled Wallace, who was engrossed in reading, causing him to look up at the visitor.

"What is this..." Wallace asked, puzzled, looking at Angel’s arms.

Angel slowly opened his disheveled outer garment, revealing a trembling little gray seabird within.

Wallace, recognizing the visitor, chuckled quietly: "Didn’t expect you to bring it here too."

Wallace was naturally familiar with the little creature nestled in Angel’s arms—often perched on Angel’s shoulder. He remembered the bird’s name... Toby?

Toby’s presence was undoubtedly to seek out Angel, so Wallace refrained from further questioning and resumed his reading.

Angel, on the other hand, carried Toby up to the rooftop terrace, so as not to disturb Wallace’s concentration anymore.

"What’s going on with you?" Angel originally thought Toby hadn’t seen him for a few days because he missed him. But after a while of teasing, he discovered that Toby was trembling all over, as if he feared something?

Hearing Angel’s question, Toby lifted his little head, eyes full of grievances.

Just as Toby was about to speak, Angel felt the ground of the terrace shake under his feet. At the same time, Toby’s eyes changed again, and he buried his head into Angel’s chest pocket like an ostrich, leaving only his trembling tail feathers exposed.

Angel was puzzled when the ground shook again. Turning around, he saw a gigantic figure leap up from outside the Sky Tower, landing heavily on the terrace against the sunlight.

As the light halo from the backlight gradually dissipated, Angel could see the arriving person clearly.

A person dressed in a luxurious purple dress, holding a lace-edged folding fan... the Great Demon King of Flesh Mountain.

"Diamond Barbie" Greya!

A few days ago, Angel knew that with Sanders’ help, Greya had entered the Wilderness of Dreams. However, because Greya was dragged into Duling Garden by Misty Goldlady, this was Angel’s first time seeing her in the Wilderness of Dreams.

Greya opened the fan, covering her mouth and laughing softly. It appeared to be a very ladylike action, but done with her current physique, it was quite eerie.

"So it’s Angel, did you come in today too?" Greya said with a smile: "No wonder Toby ran so fast today, did he catch your scent?"

Greya didn’t engage much in conversation with Angel but instead looked at the ostrich-like Toby with a smile.

"Don’t think just because Angel is back, you can escape today. Come obediently with me, or else the punishment will double~" Greya took steps forward, each step causing a vibration, making Toby tremble even more, but his head was still buried in Angel’s arms, refusing to come out.

After approaching Angel, Greya used her fan to poke Toby’s tail feathers.

Toby immediately jumped up, letting out a wail.

Toby sneaked a glance at Angel, but Greya laughed: "I already told you before, no one can save you, not even Angel!"

Angel opened his mouth, intending to say something, but Greya shot him a glare.

Soon after, a Mind Ribbon connected to Angel.

Feeling the Mind Ribbon, Angel was startled.

There was no doubt, the Mind Ribbon was released by Greya. The reason for Angel’s surprise, however, was because it was his first time connecting to a virtual magic-constructed Mind Ribbon.

It must be said... there’s really not much difference from the Mind Ribbon in reality.

However, the Mind Ribbon is a pseudo-third-level Trick, and Greya has only been in here for mere four or five days, yet she’s able to use virtual magic to perform a third-level Trick? That talent, truly fitting for the flagbearer of the Culinary Branch.

"Don’t speak for Toby." Greya’s mental wave transmitted from the other end of the Mind Ribbon.

Angel wanted to ask why, but before he could speak, Greya continued: "I’ll deal with you later. I let Toby stay with you because he progresses fast around you; but look, what have you done recently, just letting Toby sleep every day, and play crazily in the Wilderness of Dreams. If I hadn’t come in, Toby would probably have turned into a wasted bird by now. I’ll definitely keep this account!"

Angel originally wanted to say a few words for Toby, but hearing Greya’s words, he shut his mouth immediately.

Although Greya’s words were somewhat exaggerated, she wasn’t wrong either. Recently Angel indeed let Toby be, not minding what he did. Given Toby’s personality, it’s normal for him to play wildly in the Wilderness of Dreams.

Now that Greya has decided to take control, Angel dared not object.

Seeing Angel "behaving," Greya then looked at the shivering Toby with a smile: "It’s better for you to obediently take the punishment and come with me to train. Without any energy constraints here, it’s a perfect place to purely train your reaction speed and precise control over magic power."

Understanding that relying on Angel is impossible, Toby couldn’t help but let out a few aggrieved cries.

"What’s that? You say you want to leave the Wilderness of Dreams and return to reality?" Greya concealed a chuckle behind her fan, uncaringly saying: "Then that’s even better. Your Snake Bird form has probably been dormant for a long time. How about I come over to train your Snake Bird form?"

Toby’s eyes dulled, and it took a while before they dimmed slowly, emitting low cries.

From the sounds, it was apparent that he had resigned himself.

Greya nodded with satisfaction and took Toby from Angel’s arms, holding him by the scruff of his neck: "Let’s go, we’re heading to the stone pillar arena in Southern City. Coincidentally, there’s a Demon Hunter on duty there, and its Demonic Fiend is your favorite Ammonite Flower form.~"

After speaking, Greya nodded at Angel, then prepared to turn and leave with Toby.

Before leaving, Greya glanced at the office behind the terrace, meeting Wallace’s gaze.

Unfazed, Greya withdrew her sight and looked at Angel: "You’ve already informed the Barbarian Cave about the Wilderness of Dreams?"

Angel nodded: "Yes, you should also have heard from Frode, regarding the Tea Party."

Because it’s essential to use the Tea Party to publicly reveal the existence of the Wilderness of Dreams to a small extent, collaboration with the Barbarian Cave is necessary. After all, using Dream Conch to pull into the Wilderness of Dreams requires Lord Reine’s approval.

"I heard. I have to say, your ambition is quite large." Greya chuckled softly: "However, I also support it because the beauty of the Wilderness of Dreams is only understood by those who have experienced it."

Greya waved her finger casually, dispersing beautiful magical colors. These colors melded into Greya’s dress, instantly making its color more splendid.

Greya looked at her body in admiration, then at the color of her dress: with the existence of the Wilderness of Dreams, she was once again able to see her magnificent body and finally had the mind to dress herself up.

"Now I increasingly regret that I didn’t bring you into Candy House and let Sanders seize you first." Greya sighed.

"From what Greya said, you really want to taste my Magic Bread again?" Angel made a black, foul-smelling lump with a reverse hand gesture.

Greya jumped back several meters, disdainfully glancing at the "inferior Magic Bread": "Don’t overthink, there are non-culinary wizards in Candy House too."

Angel kept smiling silently.

Greya spoke with mild irritation: "Fine, I’ll take Toby away first."

As Greya’s figure vanished, her voice floated back on the wind: "The Wilderness of Dreams is splendid, I hope to witness the dawning of a new era..."

Angel softly murmured: Rather than blessings, I desire practical action. We desperately need a head chef for the Tea Party banquet. Interested?