Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 1969: Chapter 1970: The Second Exchange Conference

The second day of Starwatch Exchange has already started.

So, shortly after Angel returned from the Wilderness of Dreams to reality, Sanders and Rhein arrived at the ruins.

Based on past experiences, the content of the first day of Starwatch Exchange is always quite heavy, so Rhein is most concerned about the first day. As for the exchanges in the following days, they are not as urgent. We can wait for Maya to come back and slowly discuss them.

However, this Starwatch Exchange is slightly different. Although there are more Observers participating than in previous years, hardly any prophecies were expressed on the first day. Everyone speculated that maybe during the second day’s exchange, these Observers would finally speak up. Therefore, Rhein was paying special attention to the second day’s exchange for the first time.

Sanders and Rhein did arrive at the ruins, but they didn’t immediately proceed inside. Instead, they stopped at the corridor on the first floor.

When Angel entered the corridor, he saw them standing at the entrance, looking at the three-dimensional map projected from the magical energy array on the door. Tree Spirit was beside them, explaining some information about the three-dimensional map in a low voice.

As Angel approached, Sanders and Rhein only nodded to him without speaking, then continued to focus on the map. While they watched, they extended their spiritual power tentacles, exploring the ruins.

Sanders was the first to retract his gaze.

Angel looked at him with anticipation, but Sanders replied with a helpless shake of his head. Clearly, it’s difficult to find any clues just from this map.

After a while, Rhein also withdrew his spiritual power. However, Rhein was somewhat different from Sanders; his brows were furrowed, as if he had thought of something.

Everyone, including Tree Spirit, eagerly awaited an unexpected answer from Rhein.

When Rhein looked up at the group, Tree Spirit was the first to speak: ”How is it? Did you find the entrance to the hidden room?”

Looking at Tree Spirit’s expectant, bright eyes, Rhein moved his lips and, after a long silence, finally spoke: ”No. My findings are likely the same as yours.”

Upon hearing this familiar answer, Tree Spirit’s gaze dimmed slightly. Turning to face Rhein, whose expression was calm, Tree Spirit said irritably: ”I saw you think so seriously, with your brows furrowed so high, and thought you had discovered something. Turns out, you were just acting... the Peach Heart Theater will soon descend upon the Southern Domain, are you perhaps preparing for a stage performance there?”

Angel had never known who dared to provoke Rhein in the Barbarian Cave before, but now he finally saw a brave soul.

Rhein wasn’t upset, for he understood Tree Spirit’s temperament. Despite seeming nonchalant about the world, he truly was nonchalant.

Also because of this, among the three Ancestral Spirits of the Barbarian Cave, Tree Spirit was the one who could blend with everyone the best.

So when he babbles nonsense, one should just listen; there’s no need to ponder deeply.

”I did think of some things, but they have nothing to do with this ruin.” Rhein hesitated slightly as if deciding whether to share what he had thought.

Eventually, he spoke: ”What I was actually thinking about was that ruin.”

The term ”that ruin,” although Rhein didn’t directly name it, everyone present knew that he was talking about the ruin he was suppressing—currently a gathering point for creatures from the Nightmare Realm.

”Do you mean to say that this ruin and that ruin are related?” Tree Spirit’s voice suddenly rose.

If they truly are connected, that would not be a small piece of news.

Rhein shook his head: ”They likely have no relation. I just noticed the patterns on the door and thought of the similar broken magic patterns on the door of that ruin. If there were a three-dimensional map displaying in that ruin as well, that would be perfect.”

Everyone: ”...” So you were silent thinking about these useless things?

Tree Spirit: ”...Almost all ruin doors have defensive magic patterns, but that doesn’t mean they share the same creator.”

”Indeed, that’s why I said they likely aren’t connected. It’s just a sigh,” Rhein said with a slightly awkward smile, hesitating initially because he knew this fact.

Tree Spirit took a deep breath, wanting to vent about wasting everyone’s time thinking about useless things. Ultimately, he restrained his urge to comment, staying silent.

Seeing the slightly awkward atmosphere, Angel attempted to ease it: ”Although I haven’t seen that ruin, I feel there are some common factors between the two. Neither ruin was built by the predecessors of the Barbarian Cave, perhaps they both drifted in from the Void.”

After Angel spoke, everyone quietly looked at him, saying nothing but expressing with their eyes: And then?

Angel had nothing further to add. He simply wanted to alleviate the awkward atmosphere, but now it seemed even more awkward.

”Ahem, when I go to check out that ruin later, I’ll fix the damaged magic patterns on the door; maybe there really is a map?” Angel proposed. ”After all, Lord Reine suddenly brought it up; perhaps it’s some sort of subconscious inspiration.”

After Angel spoke, the atmosphere indeed eased a bit. If it’s explained as a prediction based on inspiration, it seems plausible. Everyone began pondering this possibility.

Angel inwardly breathed a long sigh of relief... In the future, it’s best not to try to smooth things over; if the atmosphere is awkward, let it be. Anyway, being awkward doesn’t concern him. If he speaks and fails to resolve it, drawing attention without clearing up the situation, he himself becomes the awkward one.

”It’s worth a try,” Tree Spirit thought for a moment and said.

Sanders nodded as well, even if he thought it likely wouldn’t help. Trying doesn’t have any downside.

Rhein also looked at Angel with appreciation in his eyes: ”Regardless of the outcome, it’s always an opportunity to try. If you need any materials, directly apply to Tree Spirit, and he will fetch them from the material library for you.”

Angel felt that Rhein’s appreciative look might simply be because he relieved his awkwardness.

...

The three-dimensional map offered no definitive clues to explore. Ultimately, they were regretfully abandoned.

The map merely indicated the room’s existence, but how to enter was left for them to solve. Currently, they’ve explored the ruins extensively with spiritual power without finding anything amiss, so they have no solution.

The only unresolved clue is the knight’s armor.

And the puzzle of the knight’s armor is clearly only Angel, proficient in magic patterns, can solve. As for them, it’s beyond their capability to help.

After giving up on searching for the hidden room, they reunite in the study on the negative second floor.

Though the mini signal tower is already neatly placed, there’s still some time before the exchange ends.

They didn’t idle; Rhein used the mini signal tower to connect with two City Lords of Sky Mechanical City, while Angel was beside him, asking about the content of Rhein’s meeting today.