Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 3235: Chapter 3236: Proving One’s Worth

Whether it’s the novels recorded in the Holographic Tablet, or the scripts and plays created by various countries in the Southern Domain, if it involves emotional drama, it always contains that classic line:

——Even if you get my body, you won’t get my heart.

Back then, back there, just like now, right here.

When Bimon said, ”The only thing I can give is myself, willingly,” Angel’s mind recalled that classic line.

Unfortunately, the Bimon in front of him wasn’t the bullied woman from the story but just a furry little mouse.

Still a male mouse.

Though he found the line familiar and a bit amusing, practically speaking, it must be said that Bimon had already offered the greatest price he could.

He himself had nothing, with nothing to give.

The only thing he could offer, which Luigi valued most, was Bimon’s brain, which presumably rivaled that of Pififi. It was his intelligence, and it was his inspiration.

But the brain is attached to Bimon’s neck; even if you bought Bimon, if he was unwilling to cooperate, there would be no way around it. Just like before, Zigua and its backing merchant guild might have gained Bimon, but Bimon kept feigning ignorance, and they couldn’t do anything about it, ultimately leading to a loss-sale.

If Bimon could genuinely cooperate sincerely and unleash his extraordinary wisdom and inspiration, then it would truly mean gaining Bimon.

Otherwise, it would just be an empty shell.

Therefore, the price Bimon was willing to pay was actually quite good.

At least in Luigi’s view, it was completely acceptable... After all, just spending two Crystalline pieces to buy Knockby and getting a willing Bimon is simply a bargain.

However, at that moment, Bimon was conversing with Angel, so his gaze was fixed on Angel.

What he sought was Angel’s agreement.

After all, Angel was the one who first delved into his mind.

Angel didn’t immediately agree to Bimon’s request like Luigi did... Though he was aware that Bimon’s request was quite simple for them, just two Crystalline pieces; but simplicity wasn’t the point, Angel wanted to take this opportunity to see how far Bimon could go.

”A willing version of yourself, that’s a vague answer; I still don’t know your limits or capabilities in any aspect.” Angel: ”Therefore, if you want me to agree, I can, but I need you to prove your value.”

About Angel’s words, neither mentioning Bimon’s reaction, Luigi felt puzzled first: Does such a simple matter need this formal proof?

But to Luigi’s surprise, upon hearing Angel’s condition, not only did Bimon not feel burdened, he even breathed a sigh of relief.

To him, if Angel agreed abruptly, perhaps he didn’t take this matter seriously.

Not taking it seriously meant not caring, if anything went wrong with Knockby, Angel might not even bother to solve it.

Thus, proving his worth meant Angel would value him more, which is beneficial both to him and Knockby.

Bimon said earnestly: ”How would you like me to prove?”

Angel hesitated for two seconds, and suddenly changed the topic, asking: ”Do you have any understanding of the Golden Silk Stomach Bag?”

Bimon: ”I haven’t had direct contact with the Golden Silk Stomach Bag, but I have read related papers.”

”As long as you have basic understanding.” Angel spoke while taking out the Golden Silk Stomach Bag he borrowed from Pixi from his bracelet.

Then, amid the intrigued gaze of those around, Angel laid out his test: ”Just a while ago, on the showcase platform, a Pirush Scholar exhibited his invention concept, changing the opening of the Golden Silk Stomach Bag from the mouth to the hand using medium interference. That Pirush Scholar named this invention concept—Golden Silk Glove.”

Angel gave a simple background introduction and then said: ”I don’t require you to research the Golden Silk Glove, but I need you to ponder one question. How is the opening of the Golden Silk Stomach Bag transferred?”

”You don’t need to act; you just need to express your thoughts.”

”There is more than one answer to this question, and more than one solution besides the Golden Silk Glove. If you say any solution, even if hard to realize practically, I will count it as a pass.”

After speaking, Angel placed the Golden Silk Stomach Bag in the mouse cage, handing it to Bimon.

”Before we leave the gathering, you can provide the answer at any time. As long as your answer is sufficient, we’ll immediately help you find Knockby and bring it before you.”

Implying that as long as Bimon thinks fast, he can meet Knockby sooner.

Upon hearing this, Bimon showed no hesitation and nodded his little head: ”Okay.”

Angel gently shot a Nightmare Illusion light ball into the cage: ”When you touch this light ball, you can contact me directly, whether to submit results or request for help, you can ask through the light ball.”

Having arranged everything, Angel restored the Protective Cover over the cage and set up a soundproof Barrier outside the mouse cage, giving Bimon a quieter environment for contemplation.

After completing these tasks, Angel no longer paid it attention.

Since the transaction was complete, both Pierdan and Zigua did not stay longer and left after bidding farewell. Only Pixi remained by their side.

...

In the showcase area.

Angel crossed his arms, silently watching Pirush unveil creative concepts on the stage. Several ideas made Angel’s eyes light up.

This is one reason Angel remained here.

After the new round of concept exhibitions concluded, footsteps were heard nearby. Turning around, it was Luigi, gasping for air.

Exactly ten minutes ago, after finalizing the deal with Zigua and others, Luigi left alone.

He didn’t specify his destination, but Angel could guess it was the stall area where the parrot was.

Specifically, it was the Pirush vendor hosting the parrot.

Knockby was still in their hands.

Luigi had gone to buy Knockby.

Although Angel had made an agreement with Bimon that only after passing the test would they seek Knockby, Luigi worried there were others with foresight who might see Knockby’s uniqueness and intercept it midway.

To be safe, Luigi hurried back to the stall area to buy Knockby in advance.

”Did you get it?” Angel glanced at Luigi, who sat back beside him, asking casually.

Though his tone was casual, it carried a certainty of the outcome.

The reason was simple: to Angel, Knockby had no ”remarkable” traits whatsoever, no chance of attracting attention from others. Thus, Luigi’s ability to buy it seemed inevitable.

Indeed, just as he predicted, Luigi patted his chest and made a ”sorted” gesture towards Angel.

”I acted out a drama with the parrot and ultimately spent two Crystalline to buy it. Otherwise, if the shop owner knew I came specifically to buy Knockby, he might have raised the price on the spot,” Luigi said with satisfaction. In his eyes, exchanging two Crystalline for Knockby was a great deal.

However, in Angel’s view, if Knockby didn’t have the ”added value” of Bimon, nobody would want it even if given for free.

”I’ve already put Knockby in the space now. Once Bimon finishes solving the problems over there, I’ll take it out.” As Luigi spoke, he also perceived Knockby’s condition with spiritual power: ”The little fellow seems to really like the wheel. Previously, in the shop, it was oppressed by the shop owner and forced to run the wheel to drive the surrounding gears. But now that I’ve bought it, it’s still running on the wheel. It’s really in love with the wheel.”

Angel: ”Perhaps Knockby is just trying to show its value.”

For Bimon, its value lies in its brilliant mind; for Knockby, lacking a good brain, all it can do is run.

In Pirush’s shop, it could earn a meal by running on the wheel.

Now, bought by Luigi, it remains bewildered about its future, unsure of where Luigi will take it. All it can do is showcase its ”wheel running” value, hoping to earn Luigi’s favor through that.

Luigi thought about it, nodded, and said, ”That’s indeed possible.”

After a pause, Luigi looked at Angel: ”How about on your end? How’s Bimon progressing?”

Speaking of Bimon, Angel’s expression turned slightly odd: ”Over there with Bimon, I just sensed that it holds a pen, writing and drawing. The language it uses should be Pirush script; it’s hard to understand. But the diagrams it draws are very intricate, and from them, I can tell it’s improving the design of the Golden Silk Stomach Bag... And it’s not just one design drawing.”

”Even though I don’t know the final outcome, just looking at it now is better than I imagined.”

Luigi’s eyes lit up: ”So, Bimon really can rival Pixi’s intelligence?”

Angel grumbled: ”I’ve never met Pixi, how would I know?”

Luigi: ”Then the problem you posed earlier, do you think it’s difficult for its level?”

The research task ”Shifting the Opening of the Golden Silk Stomach Bag” seemed quite tricky to Luigi... Although he thinks he could research it himself, he would heavily rely on his unique power.

But Angel tasked Bimon with finding a general approach suitable for most people, not relying on a unique method.

If Bimon can develop a solution, it would be considered good, right?

Angel: ”This topic can be as difficult or as simple as you make it. There are many solutions, let’s see what Bimon chooses in the end.”

Luigi muttered: ”Your words are just like the Ancient Tooth Fairy, always beating around the bush, saying nothing at all.”

Angel ignored Luigi’s complaint: ”The results aren’t in yet, how would I know? I don’t have foreknowledge. But in terms of research methodology, Bimon’s performance is quite good.”

Just from the draft paper used by Bimon, one can see its research method reflects professional influences and its own innovative ideas, not limited by form, daring to innovate boldly.

It’s a researcher with ideas.

Buying a pretty decent researcher in all aspects for just five hundred Crystalline, it’s definitely not a loss.

”Research methodology isn’t something an ordinary Invention Mouse can grasp,” Luigi said, noticing Angel looking at him strangely, he quickly added, ”Don’t look at me with doubt. Although I don’t like research much, I’ve spent many years with Baba Ragon; I still have some insights into research.”

Luigi: ”In any case, mastering research methodology shows Bimon has ideas of its own as an Invention Mouse. Helping me write poetry should be no problem at all.”

At this point, Luigi discreetly muttered again: ”Speaking of it, even though I paid for it, why do I feel it’s closer to you, barely even looking at me.”

Angel: ”Maybe because I guessed its thoughts first.”

Luigi sighed, not wanting to press further. No matter who Bimon prefers, as long as Knockby is in his possession, he doesn’t have to worry about Bimon not helping him with the poetry.

Only, Bimon’s research talent has already been proven, but its poetry writing skills are yet uncertain.

How about, after Angel’s test is over, he poses his own test?

The topic would be: ”The Poem of Farewell.”

Writing a poem about farewell.

If Bimon’s writing isn’t to his liking, then it and Knockby could truly say goodbye forever.

Angel didn’t know about Luigi’s thoughts, and even if he did, he wouldn’t care. Because poetry writing is always seventy percent talent, thirty percent interpretation.

If Bimon’s talent falls short, just find someone adept at understanding to interpret. Through over-interpretation, even the bad can be said to smell delightful.

Thirty percent interpretation, twenty percent support.

Ultimately, even bad work can be praised as avant-garde poetry.

More than having Bimon write poetry, Angel now is pondering another matter: ”What is the relationship between Bimon and Knockby?”

Bimon’s concern for Knockby surpasses its concern for the entire Invention Mouse clan.

Or perhaps, compared to the entire Invention Mouse clan, the only thing Bimon cares about is Knockby.

What does Knockby have that attracts Bimon? What kind of connection exists between them?

Angel finds it hard to imagine how Knockby, such a foolish mouse, managed to captivate Bimon? Bimon even personally gave it a name... although Knockby didn’t accept it.

Angel puzzled over this without relief, maybe only Bimon can provide the answer.

”Actually, there’s another method,” Luigi said after hearing Angel’s confusion.

”What method?”

Luigi didn’t reveal the answer immediately, but smiled mysteriously and then took out a cage holding Knockby from his space.

The cage was covered with a cloth, but it was semi-transparent, unable to see outside from inside, but able to see outside from inside.

Even through the transparent cloth, one could clearly see the clumsy figure inside the cage.

The small Knockby, just as Luigi described, was still tirelessly running on the drum at that moment. From its diligent expression, it seemed completely unaware it had left Pirush’s shop.

”Want to know the relationship between Bimon and Knockby? It’s simple. While Bimon can’t come out temporarily, why not just directly ask Knockby,” Luigi revealed the answer with pride.

Angel: ”...Your idea is very viable, but are you sure Knockby can talk?”

Knockby’s appearance is atavistic, but that doesn’t mean its intelligence is.

The other Invention Mice have learned to speak, but Knockby still can’t speak yet.

Luigi: ”I know about that, of course. If it can’t speak, then find a way to make it learn to speak.”

Luigi smiled mysteriously again, then took out another item from his space.

”Take a look, what do I have in my hand?”