Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 3338: Chapter 3339: The Dog Deacon’s Journey Begins in Dreams

"Do you remember the ’assimilation’ ability?" Laplace did not explain immediately but asked Angel in return.

Angel nodded: "I remember, it’s the skill of the Dragon-Eating Sunflower, and it was the reward Kukurus received after clearing the Dragon-Eating Sunflower challenge from Yevelan."

If Kukurus can truly pass the statue challenge, he will obtain the first directly issued enchanted ability of the Dream Crystal Origin—the assimilation skill.

However, Kukurus has not succeeded in the challenge; he went offline after failing the statue challenge the first time and hasn’t been online since.

Precisely because Kukurus hasn’t logged in, Angel could not understand why Laplace suddenly brought up the "assimilation" ability.

Laplace: "Since you remember the assimilation ability, you shouldn’t forget that you once asked me whether the assimilation ability, if acquired by Kukurus, could influence reality."

Angel nodded; he indeed asked Laplace this question.

Moreover, he remembers that when he asked, Laplace almost immediately answered: "It’s difficult. Even if ’assimilation’ is delivered as knowledge, it may not be applicable in reality because of the difference in heritage."

After saying this, Laplace muttered, "If it really could affect reality, creatures from the Mirror Domain would probably flock to Dream Crystal Origin..."

At the time, although Angel felt Laplace’s answer was somewhat definitive, he didn’t rebut it.

Because Angel also endorsed the idea of "different heritage."

The Dragon-Eating Sunflower is an Abyssal Creature, even though it’s tainted with the "Dragon’s heritage," the "Dragon" here refers to the Abyssal Dragon.

While Kukurus is also a "dragon," the Mirror Dragon and the Abyssal Dragon are completely different creatures.

This is similar to the Eastern and Western Dragons recorded in the holographic tablet’s Earth mythology; although both are called "dragons," they fundamentally are two entirely different beings.

Since their races are not the same, their bloodlines must also be vastly different.

Can the Mirror Dragon’s bloodline learn the bloodline talents of the Dragon-Eating Sunflower? It’s basically impossible.

This has been the consensus between Angel and Laplace, and that’s why Angel is perplexed as to why Laplace brings it up again now.

Laplace: "It’s good that you remember... I know you are puzzled now, and I’m puzzled myself because just now Glaipnir told me that Kukurus has started to enter the ’assimilation’ rhythm."

Paused for a moment, and under Angel’s stunned gaze, Laplace added, "Not in the Mist Isle Dragon Tomb, but... in reality."

Angel: "???"

Already starting to enter the assimilation rhythm in reality? This means that Kukurus has begun learning the assimilation ability and has made some progress?

How is this possible?!

This completely overthrows their previous consensus!

While Angel is internally shaken, even Laplace’s eyes reveal astonishment... Even though she already knows this information, upon recalling it, she still finds it unbelievable.

Kukurus has actually replicated the "assimilation" ability of the Dragon-Eating Sunflower in reality, indicating that the Dream Crystal Origin has already begun influencing reality!

Angel actually knows the Dream Crystal Origin can affect reality, as Uriel’s true body dreams into the Immortal Realm, which does affect reality. Nevertheless, faced with Kukurus’s situation, Angel is still shockingly overwhelmed.

After quite a while, Angel finally returned from his wanderings, full of confusion: "But, Kukurus clearly failed in his first challenge of the Dragon-Eating Sunflower statue... Without acquiring assimilation, how can he enter the assimilation rhythm in reality?"

Laplace: "Indeed, it didn’t acquire all the assimilation information, but did obtain quite a bit of assimilation knowledge, which subconsciously influenced its talents."

"Based on the information from Glaipnir, it hasn’t gained the complete assimilation ability but can already see a glimpse of its embryonic form."

The assimilation talent of the Dragon-Eating Sunflower is a special concealment ability, allowing the Sunflower to blend into the color of its surroundings, even matching its aura completely.

And now Kukurus, without even realizing it, has entered a semi-integrated state with its surroundings, greatly lowering its sense of presence; if not observed carefully, one might really not be able to find it.

This is the "assimilation" ability Kukurus has comprehended; it initially didn’t even realize and unconsciously exercised it.

Though there remains a significant gap between the current and the complete version of "assimilation," through the lens of "learning," it is already considered as having entered the threshold.

Once entrance has been made and there is a comprehensive knowledge foundation, mastering it completely becomes a matter of time.

Angel: "...Is this why the Mystic Book Dragon proactively contacted Glaipnir?"

Laplace nodded affirmatively: "Yes."

Angel now also understands why once the Mystic Book Dragon arrived at Crystal City, its first action was to converse with Glaipnir—no doubt the Kukurus had let the word slip.

Kukurus had divulged its ability to use "assimilation" to the Mystic Book Dragon.

With the wide-ranging knowledge of the Mystic Book Dragon, a glimpse would reveal the whole picture.

It is certain that the Mystic Book Dragon could assess the boundless potential of the "Dream Crystal Origin."

Thus, despite other clans being in a state of observation, it engaged in urgent discussions with Glaipnir to quickly understand the details of Dream Crystal Origin and seize the first opportunity with the log-in device.

After hearing the whole matter, Angel silently sighed: "Originally, I thought that the log-in device needed the Ghost Phantom incident as a catalyst for a complete breakthrough; but seeing the current situation, once the story of the Mystic Book Dragon spreads, it could attract countless people..."

After all, no one would dislike having more talents.

Laplace also agrees with a nod: "Indeed. But this attraction will likely only last temporarily."

Kukurus learned the ’assimilation’ talent by virtue of the Mist Isle Dragon Tomb. The Mist Isle Dragon Tomb only permits entry to the Dragon Clan; even if other clans enter the Dream Crystal Origin, they will lack a path to acquire talents.

When more people know the truth, the allure will naturally decline.

Angel: "Although that’s true, who can be certain that other clans won’t have corresponding enchanted realms..."

Because of Baba Ragon’s appearance, the Mist Isle Dragon Tomb was revealed. If Pirush enters, an enchanted version of Pipi Castle might appear, wouldn’t it?

Laplace: "What you’re saying can only be confirmed when more clans enter. For now, only the Mirror Dragon Clan benefits."

"Still, it’s good to have the Mirror Dragon benefit. After all, if we want to promote the log-in device, the assistance of the Mirror Dragons is an essential aspect."

Angel also nodded. This time, Kukurus’s acquisition of "assimilation" was an unexpected move for all of them; even though the prelude and subsequent steps of this move are unknown, the current feedback suggests it’s undoubtedly a good move.

It was precisely because of this move that the Mystic Book Dragon took such interest, and hastily communicated with Glaipnir, immediately inviting them to exchange ideas at the Hundred-Dragon Divine Kingdom’s base...

Originally, it might have taken a week, or even half a month, to settle things, but now it reached near completion in one afternoon. Isn’t this a good move?

Angel: "However, speaking of it, once the precedence of fairyland skills affecting reality is set, the future development will be unpredictable..."

Laplace: "There’s no need to ponder too far ahead. Even fixed plans can be unexpectedly changed; let alone the distant future, there are many variables along the way."

Angel understood Laplace’s meaning and nodded in agreement.

While they were having this conversation, the Dog Deacon was listening, but a question mark hung on its forehead.

Every word they said, from a logical standpoint, the Dog Deacon could understand; but they spoke only of logic, not details, which confused it greatly.

For example, Angel repeatedly mentioned the "Ghost Phantom matter". From their tone, it was certain that this "Ghost Phantom matter" wasn’t good, but they didn’t mention what was specifically bad about it, nor did they reveal any details.

Also, Laplace mentioned "fairyland skills affecting reality", which it could comprehend as learning some knowledge in the fairyland, then reflecting it in reality.

In the Dog Deacon’s view, the logic chain was perfectly closed—using knowledge to enhance one’s ability, isn’t that quite normal?

Even if the knowledge came from the fairyland, what difference does it make? As long as knowledge is knowledge, the source shouldn’t matter, right?

In short, the Dog Deacon listened to Angel and Laplace’s conversation, understood every word, but couldn’t grasp what they were astonished about?

Furthermore, even Laplace showed an astonished expression, which the Dog Deacon truly didn’t understand.

The Dog Deacon knew Laplace well; her emotions have always been calm, regardless of crises. Yet, due to some ambiguous words, she displayed astonishment, which definitely indicated something was amiss.

Were there hidden clues in the details?

The Dog Deacon felt a tickling curiosity; it even considered using the Mind Reading Technique to dispel confusion but, mindful of Laplace’s status, ultimately suppressed its curiosity and adopted a humble attitude, hoping Angel and Laplace would help clarify things.

Angel and Laplace exchanged a glance but said nothing.

Its identity wasn’t suitable for clarifying, and the Dog Deacon’s identity was special, being both Laplace’s former temporal body and the new deacon of the Everything House; within such multiple identities, Angel wasn’t sure what should be said and what should be avoided for now.

Therefore, he chose to keep silent and handed the task to Laplace.

Laplace thought for a moment and said, "The Ghost Phantom matter is not a good thing, you don’t need to probe nor check the Consciousness Cloud; you’ll find out soon enough."

"As for the ’assimilation’ ability being used by Kukurus, this I can share with you..."

Previously, Luigi had already informed the Dog Deacon of the Mist Isle Dragon Tomb’s unexpected trigger by Baba Ragon, though he hadn’t revealed the specific operations of this fairyland.

This time Laplace detailed the various rules of the Mist Isle Dragon Tomb, covering its restrictions, challenges, and rewards.

She also mentioned that the first statue Kukurus challenged was the Abyss’s Dragon-Eating Sunflower.

After listening from beginning to end, Luigi finally understood that his previous assumptions had completely deviated...

This was not about "learning knowledge", but directly "loading" the Abyssal Dragon’s ability into the Mirror Dragon’s body. And before completely loading was accomplished, Kukurus already used the power of "assimilation" in reality with fragmented knowledge, which was incredible.

Previously, the Dog Deacon found it difficult to judge the Dream Crystal Origin without having truly entered it.

But now, it could confidently say that with the means of "loading talent and affecting reality", the potential and value of the Dream Crystal Origin would not be less than the flower seeds and stele towers brought by Yusen and the Singer Clan, and might even be higher.

Hence, the Dog Deacon grew ever more eager to explore the Dream Crystal Origin.

...

After informing the Dog Deacon of the situation, their matters in the Dog House concluded completely.

Luigi began inquiring through the Mind Ribbon about "when to leave".

Laplace responded that leaving could happen at any time.

Angel indicated it was immaterial to him, they could leave right away, or linger for a while. If they stayed longer, he wanted to see what the Dog Deacon’s Training Dungeon was truly like.

Of course, provided the Mystic Book Dragon’s side wasn’t urgent.

"No need to hurry to the Mystic Book Dragon’s invitation; Glaipnir can handle it alone. Furthermore, she intends to have a separate communication period with the Mystic Book Dragon first..."

Glaipnir planned to discuss trade matters with the Mystic Book Dragon, until she reached her achievable "bottom line".

After Laplace arrived, they would then squeeze the "bottom line" further with Laplace’s identity.

This way, benefits would be maximized.

Thus, Glaipnir didn’t wish for them to enter so promptly, even advising Laplace to let Angel and Sipolov handle the heart fire matters with the Yingji Clan first.

Only after dealing with the heart fire should they come to her, which wouldn’t be too late.

Since the Mystic Book Dragon’s invitation wasn’t urgent, Angel decided to linger for a while longer, waiting to witness the Dog Deacon’s entry into the Training Dungeon before departing.

The Dog Deacon itself was greatly curious about the Dream Crystal Origin, and upon hearing Angel say that he and Laplace would accompany it into the Dream Crystal Origin, it immediately consented.

However, the Dog Deacon didn’t forget the critical matters.

Little Red had already entered the Dream Crystal Origin and hadn’t awakened yet; if all of them went inside, there’d only be Sipolov left outside, wouldn’t there?

That didn’t seem very safe, did it?

Facing the Dog Deacon’s worries, Laplace calmly replied, "There’s no need to worry, Luigi will stay outside."

The Dog Deacon was stunned for a moment, "Why doesn’t Luigi enter?"

Laplace: "Even if he enters, he won’t be in the same place as us. He’s currently stuck in a fairyland instance and temporarily can’t get out. Therefore, there’s no need for him to come along..."