Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 2788: Chapter 2789: The Mask’s Ownership

Perhaps noticing Angel’s gaze, the Black Earl remarked lightly, "You don’t need to worry too much. Even if Laplace didn’t remind you about Earl Mi’s situation, I’m sure Rhein would have told you."

"Based on my understanding of that old friend, since he entrusted Earl Mi to you, he would have naturally considered all the potential hidden dangers. If there are truly doubts, you could ask Rhein after you return."

At this point, the Black Earl sighed slightly, "I didn’t expect that old fellow Rhein was sneaky enough to find a way to control the awakened demons. If this gets out, it could definitely stir a storm... It seems like I’ll have to see him once I leave."

For the kind suggestion from the Black Earl, Angel could only respond vaguely with an "mm-hmm."

Earl Mi’s origins are easy to explain, but how to control Earl Mi is harder to explain. So previously, Angel shifted it to Rhein, which was sanctioned by Rhein himself.

From the Black Earl’s perspective, what he said wasn’t incorrect. But from Angel’s side, Rhein probably can’t resolve the Earl Mi issue.

To truly solve it, they likely need to visit Xinnai Land.

Xinnai Land...

Thinking about Xinnai Land made Angel’s calves tremble slightly. Had it not been for the Dalmatian, he wouldn’t have known how to face Minister Nuka in an oppressive state last time.

Although there are powerful figures like Nuka in Xinnai Land, as long as Angel can find a way to solve the pressure problem, he still has some confidence to ’fool’ Shava.

Moreover, Earl Mi’s issue is bound to be resolved.

Alas, I can only take it step by step. But what Angel doesn’t know is why Earl Mi had a second awakening during this period? Could it be that the Seed of Distortion has a catalytic effect?

Angel immersed his thoughts into Earl Mi’s shadow, ensuring that Earl Mi shouldn’t have any problems in the short term, which temporarily put his mind at ease.

"Let’s continue forward. Unless there are unexpected circumstances, the ’test’ should be coming soon." Angel raised his head and looked toward the depths of the tunnel.

After resuming the journey, perhaps the mysterious nature of what Laplace mentioned, combined with the Mirror Domain being new to them, loosened their tongues a bit.

Their conversation mainly revolved around Laplace, the Thief of Time, and the Mirror Domain.

When asked, Angel occasionally replied but spent most of the time in contemplation.

This time, he’s not pondering over Earl Mi.

He’s considering how to distribute... the Shepherd’s Mask.

He does have some desire for the Shepherd’s Mask, but this desire is mainly in the context of future research in the Mirror Domain, where entering the mirror world would require the mask to connect with Laplace.

This is actually an unknown proposition. The future is unpredictable for Angel. If he doesn’t plan to study the Mirror Domain, obtaining the mask is pointless.

Besides, he doesn’t necessarily have to get the mask. As long as there’s an agreement in place, borrowing it from whoever has it wouldn’t be a problem for Angel.

But this is Angel’s personal inclination. How others feel and who else wants the mask might require further discussion.

Angel coughed twice, interrupting everyone’s chat: "Let’s talk about something serious now, the Shepherd’s Mask. Who among you wants it?"

After a pause, Angel specifically looked at Kaier: "Do you have any thoughts about the Shepherd’s Mask?"

The reason Angel asked Kaier personally is that the present interests would roughly be divided into four camps: the Dox camp, Angel with his own camp, Vay and the Black Earl in one camp, and Kaier in another camp.

The first three camps all have Official Wizards, so when distributing the interests, there’s generally no need for courtesy. If there’s no interest, it’s directly refused; if there is, it’s stated before engaging in further discussion and distribution.

Only Kaier stands alone, and as an apprentice, he doesn’t dare to fight, especially when facing several Official Wizards, so there’s a high probability he would yield.

That’s why Angel asked Kaier separately.

"The key itself is yours. Whatever you want in the Underground Aqueduct should not weigh heavily on you." Angel said, "I suspect that Lord Esos wouldn’t allow his apprentice to be bullied."

This statement by Angel seemed to suggest that Esos would back Kaier, but it actually meant that Angel would support him.

This is both Angel’s promise to Kaier and what Kaier rightfully deserves. Without Kaier’s information and drawings, this expedition wouldn’t have been possible.

Kaier understood the implication in Angel’s words and directed a grateful look towards Angel before saying, "The Shepherd’s Mask, if it’s truly related to the Shepherd Family, holding onto it would only become a curse for me. I can’t always stay with my mentor and rely on him for protection because I have my own path, and my mentor has his. So, I have no intention towards it."

Angel agreed with Kaier’s perspective; this is essentially the danger of possessing something valuable. However, Angel still offered the opportunity to Kaier because investing in staying with Esos wouldn’t make holding the mask bad. But Kaier was clear about his path; it was Angel who overthought it.

With Kaier turning it down, it was now the others’ turn.

Dox was the first to express his desire for it, which was no surprise to Angel, who noted it down.

Then, Angel looked at Vay.

Vay glanced at the excited Dox beside him, hesitated for a moment, and said, "I want it too."

Angel wasn’t sure of Vay’s reasons for wanting it, but it didn’t matter. After all, Vay was backed by the Noah Family; if the Shepherd Mask is truly related to the Shepherd Family, having the Black Earl would not only ensure no loss but possibly earn them a fortune.

Having asked Vay, it wasn’t necessary to ask the Black Earl.

Because whether Vay gets it or the Black Earl, it makes no difference.

However, to show fairness, Angel still looked towards the Black Earl.

The Black Earl snorted dismissively, "What’s the use?"

Angel paused, wanting to inquire what he meant, only to realize the Black Earl addressed it to Vay. His question was indeed aimed at Vay.

Vay opened his mouth, unsure of what to say until, after a long pause, he finally squeezed out a comment: "I think the mask might be useful for researching materials and perhaps could even be exchanged with the Shepherd Family in the future..."

The Black Earl mocked, "Is that something you should be worrying about?"

Vay remained silent, acknowledging that the reasons he gave were indeed not his concern. If it needed considering, it should be his lord’s responsibility.

The Black Earl continued, "Your thoughts are simple: either competing with Dox or, like Dox, being captivated by the hunt."

Nearby, Dox, who was unintentionally snubbed, felt a bit displeased but didn’t dare complain in front of the Black Earl, only managing to say awkwardly, "Vay must really care about me."

Vay rolled his eyes at Dox and, when facing the Black Earl, quickly put his expression away and stood properly.

The Black Earl asked, "Is it beneficial or harmful for you to focus on something that’s of no use yet holds your thoughts?"

Vay hadn’t opened his mouth to answer yet, when the Black Earl turned to Angel and said, "He doesn’t need it, nor do I. However, if it truly is one of the God of Shepherd’s divine equipment, it’s best not to give it to Dox; he wouldn’t be able to withstand those old fellows of the Shepherd family."

Dox was on the verge of tears: Why am I being mentioned again?

Naturally, the Black Earl’s thoughts were known to him. However, he thought quite openly about it; even if he couldn’t handle the Shepherd family, he could secretly find a market channel to sell it!

He’s been operating at the Sandworm Market for so many years, not for nothing. He has plenty of hidden channels.

While Dox was thinking this, the Black Earl seemed to see through his thoughts: "If you’re looking for a channel to sell it, do you believe that the Shepherd family will definitely find you? They’ll then use every method to pry open your mouth... The art of truth-telling might not work, but they have faith in brainwashing techniques, extracting memories straight from your mind. The specifics of the operation, and eventually the outcome you face—I guess you wouldn’t want to know."

Dox: ...

Dox wanted to say something to refute, but facing the "authority" like the Black Earl, could this grassroots individual really escape the Shepherd family’s tracking through private channels?

Dox thought carefully, and indeed found no way.

Should he just give up this mask?

While Dox was wrestling in his heart, Angel spoke up: "Actually, Lord Black Earl need not worry about this."

Angel paused for a long time before continuing.

The Black Earl snorted from his nose, seemingly enlightened: "Indeed, if he goes to Illusion Demon Island, these problems wouldn’t be a concern."

The Black Earl: "Let’s leave it at that; both Vay and I will give up the mask. You and Dox can handle the allocation."

The Black Earl made the final decision directly, and arranged everything clearly for Vay.

It wasn’t that the Black Earl was uninterested in the God of Shepherd’s dual faces; rather, it’s because... they can continue moving forward, accompanying them to the remnants site, and the Black Earl already felt he got a good deal. Yet if he had to share the other treasures obtained here, where would his dignity lie?

As long as there were no outsiders, it wouldn’t matter much to take advantage. But Angel was here, and behind Angel stood Rhein and Sanders. If those two knew about what happened today, Rhein would surely still wear a smiling facade, but there would definitely be hidden daggers in his words, full of sarcastic undertones; whereas Sanders, there’s no need to mention—he’d surely rush over with his Nightmare avatar without hesitation.

Therefore, for the sake of reputation, the Black Earl wouldn’t take it, nor would he let Vay take it.

Since everyone else refused, the ownership naturally fell to Angel and Dox to decide.

Dox had heard the Black Earl’s words just now; if standing behind him was Illusion Demon Island, he indeed wouldn’t face danger, yet if he truly wanted to follow Angel for a period, he also didn’t want to stay long-term in Barbarian Cave... after all, he still had the Cross Tavern.

While Dox hesitated, Angel directly tossed the God of Shepherd’s dual faces to him.

Dox was stunned for a moment, looking at the two different boxes in his hands, the thoughts in his mind vanishing in an instant.

He looked at Angel with confusion: "You, you don’t want it?"

Angel: "I didn’t say I don’t want it, I just entrusted my portion to you. You also heard earlier, if I suddenly wish to research the Mirror Domain in the future, I’ll have to retrieve it from you."

Dox: "Then why don’t you take one now?"

Angel crossed his arms, smilingly said: "Hot potato, of course it’s better to have one person holding it."

Dox: "..."

Vay looked at Dox’s stunned appearance as if struck by lightning, snorted coldly: "Same as before, foolish like a blind snake."

Confronting Vay’s taunt, Dox seemed to have developed "muscle memory," and reflexively replied: "Blind snakes aren’t foolish."

Vay chuckled coldly: "They’re not foolish, but without eyes, unable to see the world, they may do foolish things. For instance, mistaking their own tail as an enemy and taking a bite."

Dox: "Are you saying I’m reaping what I sowed?"

Vay: "I didn’t say it, you did yourself. I’m curious to see if you have the guts to market the God of Shepherd’s dual faces; I’ll definitely keep following!"

Dox had nothing to say, realizing now he’s truly reluctant to circulate the mask, not daring even to show it off to outsiders.

He seemed to understand the meaning behind Angel’s "hot potato" and vaguely grasped the Black Earl’s sentiment of "thinking incessantly, emotionally invested, yet rendered useless upon acquiring."

Did he profit, or did he lose?

Leaving aside whether it’s profit or loss, Dox could only shake off the feeling of being duped by Angel once again.

Yet, inspiration hadn’t warned him.

Is it because inspiration sided with Angel from the start?

Dox let out a sigh in his heart, ultimately said nothing, and stored the two boxes in his spatial container.

After distributing the God of Shepherd’s dual faces, everyone’s topic of interest continued undiminished, discussing in the Mind Ribbon.

However, Dox, known for his verbosity and love of arguing, was silent. Perhaps, still entrapped in complex emotions.

"Actually, I’m quite concerned about Laplace’s words to Kaier," Vay looked toward Kaier: "What are you really thinking? Do you plan to continue fulfilling the illusory soul’s obsession after knowing the truth?"

Kaier was silent for a moment, then said: "I don’t know... I’m more concerned about the ’bond’ she mentioned."

Kaier gazed blankly at the interminable distance, murmuring softly: "Is the remnant soul attached to me truly the aid in becoming a Transcendent? Is the bond she spoke of true?"

This question, based on Vay’s vision, couldn’t be answered. He could only comfort: "As long as your heart remains unburdened, the bond, whether real or not, hardly matters."

Kaier hesitated and said: "But if the reason I became a Talented One was truly due to his contribution... I would likely still choose to fulfill his obsession."

Speaking to this, Kaier muttered lowly: "Actually, even now, I don’t know if exploring the relic is his obsession or mine. Did he notice my yearning for the unknown and curiosity, choosing me; or did choosing me influence my exploration of the unknown?"

Vay: "Such question is akin to the chicken or the egg; there’s no need to dwell on it."

After Vay finished his words, no response came from Kaier for a long time.

Curiously looking back.

Only to discover Kaier was no longer behind... he seemed to have vanished, disappearing from the team.