Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 3137: Chapter 3138: Universal

But will Angel really release a universal tool?

Midora wanted to ask, but felt it was inappropriate.

After all, they were both members of the Research and Development Institute, and asking about the specifics before someone else has launched a new product might arouse suspicion.

This caution stemmed from past experience.

Many years ago, a certain Alchemy Master was preparing to launch a new product, but the details were leaked to his rivals, who then hyped it up — not disparaging it, but excessively praising it and creating a buzz.

Anyone with insight could see this was a set-up for failure.

If in the end, he released the product as initially planned, the prevailing atmosphere would likely turn his launch into a laughingstock.

Luckily, the Alchemy Master changed his product last minute, and the new product was strong enough to avoid the trap, turning the tide in his favor.

Though it ended well, this incident led the members of the Institute to become wary of their peers. Before a product launch, they no longer inquire excessively.

Of course, this isn’t a strict prohibition; if one feels the relationship is good, they can inquire mutually.

Given the relationship between Midora and Angel, asking wouldn’t be a big deal... it’s just that he was too proud to do it.

While Midora was torn, Antonio spoke up: "Mr. Pat is about to release a universal tool?"

Antonio dared to ask because he felt no psychological burden. Moreover, as a guardian of the Divine Spirit, with Muse often secluded, he inherently wielded some of the City Lord’s authority. Should anyone try to sabotage Angel through overhyping, his current authority would easily pacify matters.

Furthermore, if Angel truly releases a universal tool, hyping it would be beneficial.

After Antonio spoke, everybody’s eyes focused on Angel.

After pondering, Angel nodded: "It’s somewhat of a universal tool, but spreading it widely is temporarily not feasible."

Universal, surely, as Angel still had dozens of Log-in Devices in his pocket. If he’s willing to invest time, he could easily refine thousands, even tens of thousands of them; if that’s not universal, what is?

However, other universal tools have corresponding refining methods. By signing a contract and paying some points, one can borrow from the Institute, thus gaining refining permission.

Meaning, as long as one’s alchemy technique is competent, anyone can refine.

Yet Angel’s Log-in Device, only he could currently refine... The Log-in Device lacks refining technology; the challenge lies in the Nightmare Illusion Dream Technique.

With Green Pattern and alchemy techniques, Angel could integrate the Nightmare Illusion Dream Technique into the Log-in Device, but other Alchemists couldn’t achieve this.

Even Sanders and Sumishe might use the Nightmare Illusion Dream Technique to enter the Wilderness of Dreams, but couldn’t attach it to a tool for others to use.

Thus, the Log-in Device is a universal tool, but due to the unique refining technique, widespread adoption isn’t possible yet.

"Universal, but not widespread?" Antonio and Midora exchanged a glance, each seeing confusion in the other’s eyes.

Still, they chose not to inquire further; knowing it’s "universal", or "semi-universal", sufficed.

Angel, after all, was very young. It’s his first product launch; failing to achieve complete universality is no issue.

Besides, he mentioned it’s "temporarily" difficult to spread, not "permanently". This indicates Angel has some production issues to resolve with the new product; once he completes the launch, he can post a task in the Institute, or seek Muse’s help to overcome these small issues.

Forgetting these minor hurdles, if Angel claims it’s a "universal" tool, this event might well be a historic moment again.

Thinking of this, Antonio couldn’t help but suggest again, should the launch be held at the Institute?

If such a memorable moment emerged in the Institute, it would definitely benefit the Institute greatly.

Antonio even offered the temptation of 10 points, trying to make Angel change his mind.

However... Angel still declined.

Since the tea party’s location had already been confirmed to be set in the Wilderness of Dreams, Lianna repeatedly reminded him before the tea party starts, not to widely reveal the existence of the Wilderness of Dreams.

To host an unprecedented, unmatched tea party, to pave the way for future tea parties in the Wilderness of Dreams, and... to capture recording of the other witches’ astonished reactions, Lianna didn’t want the Wilderness of Dreams to be spoiled too early.

Hence, the Log-in Device could only be launched at the tea party.

Moreover, trying to sway him for just 10 points vastly underestimated him. He once acted as a judge for the New Star Competition, earning those 10 points. Changing the launch venue to the Institute and offering 10 points, it’s too little...

But Angel misunderstood; it wasn’t that Antonio underestimated him. Purely, with his authority, offering 10 plain points without completing any task was already at the limit.

After all, the Institute’s points were extremely valuable, akin to around one thousand Magic Crystals per single point.

Thus, calculating this way, 10 points was equivalent to exchanging for ten thousand Magic Crystals, a value not trivial.

"For this product launch, does Mr. Pat need the Institute to do early publicity?" Antonio continued to inquire.

After considering, Angel shook his head: "No need, the tea party itself is a form of publicity."

Angel meant that once the witches entered the "real" tea party venue, they would naturally comprehend the Log-in Device’s value.

But Antonio understood it as Angel considering the tea party to be an advertising ground.

Though they interpreted differently, the outcome was the same. Antonio didn’t deny that the tea party was a good promotional site.

Since Angel had no intention for the Institute’s assistance, Antonio spoke no more and withdrew to the side.

Midora took a deep look at Angel, internally contemplating: It seems I must attend this launch.

During the conversation between Antonio and Angel, Midora remained silent, his inner emotions were turbulent.

A universal tool... this undoubtedly deserved to be showcased on the Institute’s display stage.

Even though he had numerous new potions displayed before, each of his developments spanned a century... Angel was incredibly young, being able to present a universal tool at such an age, despite its flaws, couldn’t help but stir a hint of envy in Midora.

Though feeling envious, Midora was genuinely happy for Angel.

Initially, Midora thought he wouldn’t enter Angel’s press conference; instead, he would let Yeliya transmit the images to him while he waited outside the venue.

But now, Midora had decided that even if he had to disguise himself, he would sneak into the venue to personally witness this historic moment!

...

Midora: "Although I’m quite willing to continue discussing your new product, I think it’s best to leave some suspense for the press conference to reveal. For now, let’s return to the main topic. Since you don’t care about Dong La’s declaration, there must be something else you want from me?"

Angel nodded: "Yes, the main reason I’m here is for a friend of mine. Her name is Qi Li..."

Before Angel could finish, Midora interjected: "Qi Li? Are you talking about the student of Mr. Night?"

Angel nodded affirmatively.

Midora frowned: "I remember she seemed to have been in some trouble before..."

At this point, Midora glanced at Antonio next to him. Antonio seemed to understand what Midora was about to ask, and he explained in a low voice: "During the New Star Match, Qi Li fought fiercely with ’Son of the Ocean’ Jiebo in a public area, flooding multiple streets, including Fragrant Plaza."

Midora clapped a fist into his palm as if he suddenly remembered: "Right, the name sounded familiar."

"Last week, or maybe the week before, Yeliya mentioned her over dinner. Apparently, she’s been paying for the Fragrant Plaza incident, cleaning Resource Warehouse No. 1 at the academy every day."

Angel: "Yes, that’s her. I’m here to see Master Midora because of this matter..."

After hearing Angel’s explanation, Midora pondered for a moment: "You want me to plead on her behalf?"

Angel nodded.

Midora thought for a while: "This matter... is quite tricky. I can talk to the Fragrance Wizards at the academy for you, but I’m not a Fragrance Wizard myself. Even if the wizards at the academy are willing to listen to me, others may not be."

"After all, the statue Qi Li destroyed represents the spiritual faith of fragrance alchemists."

Although Angel had foreseen this situation, he still felt somewhat disappointed to hear it confirmed by Midora.

Midora: "There’s no need to rush; after all, it’s just Resource Warehouse No. 1, which is only foul-smelling; it won’t kill her. If she can really clean up Resource Warehouse No. 1, I believe the people in the Fragrance Circle might agree to forgive her."

... The problem isn’t whether he’s rushing; it’s that Kanter is anxious. Angel sighed helplessly.

"I’m somewhat familiar with Resource Warehouse No. 1; if Qi Li stays there for two or three years, her soul might even get tainted with its scent." Angel: "After all, she is a lady, and..."

Angel wanted to say that Qi Li’s personality was also a bit of a problem, too reclusive. But he held back, thinking that personality issues can be understood by family and friends, but outsiders, especially wizards, would not be moved by that.

Midora: "Indeed, Yeliya also felt sorry for her, a young girl having to face an entire resource warehouse by herself, and she’s also made a scapegoat. The fact is, it was something she and Jiebo caused together, and Jiebo is the true culprit behind the flooding of Fragrant Plaza. His absence has led the Fragrance Circle to direct all the blame at Qi Li."

Midora could sympathize with Qi Li, but even he found it challenging to resolve Qi Li’s issues.

Despite being part of the alchemy circle and potionology, the different branches and factions have distinct philosophies, making it unrealistic to rely on him alone to solve the Fragrance Circle’s resentment against Qi Li.

Midora even considered that Angel might have more influence in this matter than he did.

After all, although both are in the field of potionology, the vast difference in alchemical concepts has led to intense infighting. That rebellious nature still exists within them, and no one wants to listen to anyone else. In contrast, Angel, being from Metallography, might carry more weight, at least because the differences between Metallography and Potionology don’t lead to many philosophical disputes.

"I will try to talk to them, but you shouldn’t have high expectations." Midora said.

Angel understood the complexity of Qi Li’s situation and knew that Midora’s help was limited, so he stopped pursuing the matter further.

His real intent in meeting Midora was to gather information about Portia.

Just as Angel was contemplating how to ask about Portia’s information, Midora suddenly spoke: "In fact, the person who could help the most with this is Portia. Should I ask her for you?"

At this moment, Antonio chimed in: "Mr. Pat should have already decided to contact the Bosia Witch. He not only contacted you this time but also contacted the Bosia Witch."

Upon hearing Antonio’s words, Midora seemed to understand: "You contacted Portia too? Oh, I see, you actually want me to put in a good word for you with her?"

Angel shook his head: "Not exactly. I previously contacted Portia through the Mushroom Witch, but she didn’t express any stance. She only invited me to see her. According to the Mushroom Witch’s suggestion, Portia seems to have something to discuss with me."

When Angel said this, he paused.

He wasn’t sure whether he should mention the next part...

As Angel hesitated, Midora furrowed his brow: "She also has something to discuss with you?"

Angel nodded, puzzled, and asked, "Did Portia also look for you?"

Midora silently nodded: "She asked me for some favors, but you don’t need to know about those just yet. How about this: regarding Qi Li’s issue, I’ll stay here and talk to Portia for you later..."

Seeing Midora’s reaction, Angel understood that Midora must be aware of some inside information.

This meant he didn’t have to hesitate anymore.

With this thought, Angel said: "Is Master Midora worried that the Bosia Witch might propose some unreasonable requests to me? For instance... participating in Life Forbidden Zone research?"

Midora suddenly looked up: "You know?"

Angel nodded, musing: "I know a bit. Earlier, I happened to discover some rare mushrooms and invited Regina to the Barbarian Cave for research. While contacting Regina, she happened to be with Portia, and during that time, Portia and I had a brief private conversation."

"She consulted me regarding some strange magic pattern information."

Midora: "Related to Life Alchemy?"

Angel: "Yes."

Midora’s expression turned serious: "And did you tell her anything?"

Angel shook his head: "The magic pattern information she asked about is very obscure, and I haven’t found any useful information yet."