Warlock Apprentice

Angel observed for an entire morning.

The researchers in the Demonic Fiend Laboratory would occasionally show signs of slight laxness, which was quite normal. Amid the tension of intense work, a moment of relaxation was understandable, as long as they could complete their tasks in the end. Occasional breaks fell within reason.

However, Labu was different. Frode had assigned him observational experiments and data research tasks, with additional assistance from Researcher Clares in the data analysis. Overall, Labu’s work was relatively light. Yet, throughout the morning, he wasn’t distracted in the slightest, devoting all his focus and energy to his experiment.

Even though no one was monitoring him, Labu still adhered strictly to discipline.

Some may call this rigidity, but in this line of research work, such dedication and sense of responsibility are crucial.

From Angel’s brief observations, Labu’s performance was commendable. At present, he indeed appeared qualified to inherit the Mist of Sin Authority. However, Angel still planned to consult Frode before making any decisions.

Frode finally logged back into the Wilderness of Dreams after leaving for nearly half a day.

When he arrived at the Sky Tower, there was a touch of fatigue in his gaze. Angel assumed something had gone awry, but a quick inquiry revealed the truth—earlier, Frode had returned to reality to host a group of Talented Ones.

Since Frode began managing ”Dead by Daylight: Nightmare Orphanage,” Guides had gradually started bringing Talented Ones into the Orphanage for trials.

After all, this kind of trial not only reveals the temperament of Talented Ones but also maximizes their safety, naturally earning widespread acclaim.

During this period of running the Orphanage, Frode had encountered all types of Talented Ones.

But this morning, Frode met someone who truly exhausted him.

Because Frode was on good terms with Neya from the Silver Heron Royal Family, Neya knew Frode was running the Nightmare Orphanage, and to relieve his workload, she dispatched an elderly Apprentice from the Silver Heron Witcher Group to assist Frode.

With the aid of this elderly Apprentice, Frode rarely returned to reality—until today, when something unexpected occurred.

”The Talented Ones who entered the Nightmare Orphanage this time were almost entirely wiped out.” Frode rubbed his temples and sighed, ”Seven Talented Ones in total. In the end, only one came out alive.”

Angel’s expression showed some shock. He had set up the Orphanage’s Illusionary Realm himself; dangerous it might be, but it wasn’t to the extent of this outcome, was it?

”The trial participants this time were members of the ’Kingdom of Sky’ Wizard Family. It’s considered an established lineage and has collaborated with our Orphanage multiple times before without any incidents. But this time, out of seven members who came, six were killed. It naturally enraged their Guide.”

The elderly Apprentice from the Silver Heron Witcher Group couldn’t handle it, eventually prompting Shanni to summon Frode back to reality.

”Originally, I thought the process had encountered a snag or that Shanni had lost control and gone on a rampage. But after investigation and questioning Shanni and Adar, the result turned out to be something else entirely.”

Angel did not believe the Illusionary Realm had issues, so it had to be a human factor: ”Was it the survivor who killed the others?”

Frode froze for a moment before nodding, ”You’re absolutely correct. It was indeed the survivor who killed the others.”

At first, Frode assumed the survivor harbored personal grudges against the others and used the Nightmare Orphanage trial to secretly eliminate them.

But later, he discovered the survivor bore no animosity toward the others. He killed them simply because... he wanted to kill.

These seven Talented Ones were peers, and after beginning their cultivation, they would inevitably compete for the resources allocated by the family. By killing them in advance, he could monopolize the resources that would otherwise be distributed among them.

Frode understood his reasoning. In the cruel Wizard World, far worse things had happened before. However...

”Of all times, he chose to act during the Orphanage trial.” Frode sighed, ”The Orphanage is known for having trials with the highest survival rates, but it was disrupted by this guy.”

Damage to reputation aside, what most displeased Frode was that the guy tried to attack Shanni and Adar in his effort to cover up the murders.

Shanni was naturally unbothered, but Adar was terrified by his cruelty and still hadn’t shaken off the lingering fear.

This was also the aspect Frode found most infuriating.

”Sigh, after this incident, I’d wager it’ll be a while before any Witcher Organization sends Talented Ones here.” Frode shook his head, ”But perhaps it’s for the best. It’s just a bit of Magic Stone income lost. Less is better. It leaves more time to focus on the Wilderness of Dreams.”

”Speaking of trial survival rates for Talented Ones, if the Wilderness of Dreams is opened in the future, perhaps we could have them experience even more terrifying nightmares here.”

Angel remained noncommittal about Frode’s suggestion. The future was for the future to decide.

After his complaints, Frode moved onto the main topic. Angel shared his assessment of Labu, which Frode agreed with, affirming Labu’s sense of responsibility and offering further positive remarks on his disposition.

However, when Angel proposed granting the Mist of Sin Authority to Labu, Frode hesitated and intervened.

Frode intended to ensure Labu was truly qualified by designing a trap to test him.

Angel attentively listened to Frode’s trap design. At its core, it involved feigning a Demonic Fiend outbreak and forcing Labu into various dilemmas, such as choosing whether to save his companions or confronting his own life-or-death decisions in the face of danger.

A series of life-threatening ”either-or” scenarios would be used to evaluate Labu.

If he passed, he could be entrusted with the Mist of Sin Authority.

Frode expounded on his testing method with pride, expecting Angel’s praise. Instead, Angel calmly responded, ”Tomorrow, I’ll take some time to grant the Mist of Sin Authority to Labu. Please let him know in advance.”

Frode froze for a moment. ”You’re not going to test him?”

”No.”

”Why not?” Frode frowned. ”Is there something wrong with the testing method?”

”There’s nothing wrong. It’s just unnecessary.”

Human nature is fragile under scrutiny. Failed tests aside, even passing them might plant a seed of resentment in Labu’s heart. Initially insignificant, that seed could grow wild, accumulating over time and potentially turning into genuine hatred.

Moreover, matters requiring tests of human nature would inherently be significantly weighty.

In Angel’s eyes, he could retrieve the authority granted through the Ability Tree at any time. Given such convenience, why go to great lengths to test human nature?