Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 3297 -3298: Phantom Leopard

After getting a rough understanding of Kross’s identity and strength, Luigi didn’t forget to ask about the purpose of Kross founding the Mansion of Everything.

This was something Angel was curious about as well.

However, when it came to this question, no matter what methods Luigi used to probe the Dog Butler, the Dog Butler never provided a sufficiently scrutinizable answer.

It’s not that the Dog Butler was unwilling to answer; rather, it too didn’t know the details.

Luigi: “Why did Kross create the Mansion of Everything, and what exactly does he want to do? It’s a mystery.”

Not only is Kross’s purpose a mystery, but he himself is shrouded in many enigmas.

What is his background? What is his race? Why is he gathering Empty-hearted People to be investigators?

The Dog Butler is also unaware of these various mysteries.

The only thing it knows is that Kross’s appearance resembles humans, but whether he is actually human is hard to say. ℯℯ𝘭.

“However, the Dog Butler did mention one point.” Luigi: “The Goose Butler often goes to the real world with Kross. The relationship between the Goose Butler and Kross should be closer than that of other stewards.”

The Mansion of Everything has three stewards in the open: Dog, Ghost, and Human.

There are also three stewards hidden in the dark: Goose, Vine, and Blood.

Among them, the Vine Butler and Blood Butler are responsible for the commissions of the Gloomy Mirror Domain, so they have been stationed in the layered Ghost Phantom for many years. As for the Goose Butler, it is most like Kross; every time it returns to the Mansion of Everything, it leaves in a hurry, heading to unknown places. The only known thing is that it does not stay in the Mirror Domain, but travels to other worlds.

However, the Goose Butler is slightly better than Kross. Kross disappears for over a decade or even decades without being seen, while the Goose Butler returns every few years. In fact, in recent years, it has returned annually, staying at the Mansion of Everything for a week or two to handle accumulated old commissions along with other stewards.

Due to this, the Dog Butler’s understanding of the Goose Butler is deeper than its understanding of Kross.

Having confirmed this, Luigi also attempted to learn about Kross through understanding the Goose Butler.

The Dog Butler also saw through Luigi’s intentions and cooperatively shared information about the Goose Butler. But neither Luigi nor Glaipnir could discern anything unusual about the Goose Butler, let alone trace any information about Kross through it.

As for why the Goose Butler is named “Goose,” the Dog Butler hasn’t asked in detail but speculated through observation that it might be because the mask the Goose Butler usually wears is goose-shaped, and its hands are replaced by fluttering white wings, resembling a pair of goose wings.

Regarding the Goose Butler’s power level, the Dog Butler hasn’t seen it firsthand but can generally determine from stewards’ conversations that it’s similar to the Vine Butler and Blood Butler, around the Second Level of True Knowledge.

However, it can be confirmed that the Goose Butler is not skilled in the Aggregation Energy System; it uses an Outer Domain system of abilities.

Aside from that, there are some peculiarities in the Goose Butler’s speaking, thinking patterns, and behavioral logic.

Through Glaipnir’s analysis, the Goose Butler is likely from a highly collective, morally guided group with advanced civilization development, similar to Wizard Civilization.

Beyond this, it’s hard to judge further.

As for finding traces of Kross in the Goose Butler, it’s virtually impossible.

The only speculation is that the Goose Butler might originate from the same civilization as Kross, but just from surface information, it’s hard to analyze what this civilization is.

“That’s all I’ve shared.” Luigi shrugged, “Don’t look at the scant detailed information; I’ve gone through great lengths to piece together information bit by bit.”

Angel: “Are you the one who’s gone through great lengths or is it Glaipnir who did? This is another discussion.”

“Anyway, I’ve put in my effort; who did more is not important.” Luigi didn’t care about Angel’s teasing, “Weren’t you just brainstorming? Now you can continue.”

Angel: “…”

The thoughts to brainstorm had already been scattered during Luigi’s narration. Now, Angel couldn’t really guess why Kross established the Mansion of Everything, nor the significance of the Mansion of Everything’s existence.

He could only silently look towards Laplace, who was well-versed and might have new conjectures?

Laplace hesitated: “Although the Mansion of Everything is primarily an organization for handling commissions, its investigators not only collect information from the Daylight Mirror Domain under the guise of commissions but also interfere in wars between various groups, similarly under the guise of commissions.”

In a sense, the Mansion of Everything is gradually stepping into the domestic affairs of the Daylight Mirror Domain.

The investigators of the Mansion of Everything play roles as mediators, disruptors, confusers, helpers… Many roles seen from either side of the events are mutually contradictory.

As a result, it’s hard to discern their inherent stance from their commissions.

The only noticeable thing is that they continuously intervene in various affairs, turning original bilateral discussions into trilateral or even multilateral dialogues due to the Mansion of Everything’s existence.

In a subtle way, the Mansion of Everything is embedding its presence into various groups within the Daylight Mirror Domain.

And they’ve indeed succeeded well.

From this gathering, where the Mansion of Everything’s position is right next to the main display stage, it’s apparent their status has become pivotal in the minds of various groups.

Luigi: “In other words, the Mansion of Everything is constantly enhancing its presence… What is this for?”

Laplace paused and spoke in a speculative tone: “Perhaps for… discourse?”

“To seize more discourse?” Luigi: “If the Mansion of Everything were a group native to the Mirror Domain, that might make sense. However, their investigators are all Empty-hearted People, and of the three stewards in the open except for the Ghost Steward who has some semblance of life within the mirror, the others are all outer domain creatures.”

“Why would a bunch of outer domain beings want to seize the discourse of the Daylight Mirror Domain?” Luigi was still puzzled.

Laplace also fell silent. She could perceive that the Mansion of Everything indeed has some unknown purposes, but what exactly they want to do is hard to fathom in a short time.

Due to being unable to figure out Kross and the Mansion of Everything’s purposes, after talking for a while, they finally decided to take a break.

Laplace and Luigi continue to watch the main display stage.

Angel lightly snapped his fingers, enveloping himself in a Mist.

The others, seeing this, though curious about what Angel was doing within the Mist, considered it a personal privacy and said nothing.

Several minutes later, Angel dispelled the surrounding Mist.

The Dog Butler and Sipolov showed restraint, not actively conversing with Angel.

Laplace also remained silent, only Luigi didn’t care about etiquette, approached Angel, and asked what Angel was secretly doing earlier.

However, Luigi also asked privately through Mind Ribbon, not in public.

Facing Luigi’s inquiry, Angel didn’t hide it and frankly said: “Nothing… Just checking the Goose Butler’s identity through some channels.”

The so-called “channels” actually refer to using Heideland to contact Wang Wang.

Being the “leader” of Void Travelers, Wang Wang can connect with other Void Travelers and knows a lot of information. Therefore, Angel thought about asking Wang Wang for information about the Goose Butler and Kross.

“You have such channels? Did you find out the Goose Butler’s identity?” Luigi’s eyes lit up, curiously looking at Angel.

Laplace also looked over, previously she did not ask because of etiquette and status; now that Angel himself brought it up, she naturally was curious about the inside story.

Facing the gazes of Luigi and Laplace, Angel shrugged: “Didn’t find out anything.”

Wang Wang’s intelligence is widespread, but it is only some very simple information, how could it possibly reveal anything.

Luigi showed a disappointed expression, but upon thinking, he felt it was normal; not finding out is the norm, finding out would be unusual.

Just as Luigi was thinking this, Angel suddenly changed the subject: “Although I haven’t found out anything, it’s only because the intelligence is too little. If you can find a way to get the true appearance of the Goose Deacon or Kros, maybe I can obtain some extra information.”

Void Travelers are inherently timid and generally won’t make contact with other life forms, at most they just observe some void lives from afar.

Angel can hardly make them understand by mere verbal description.

Especially since Void Travelers are not very intelligent, many times it requires Wang Wang to explain in between.

Moreover, even Wang Wang might not be able to handle all text information.

However, images are different.

Void Travelers possess insight. If provided with “images,” they don’t need Wang Wang’s explanations at all and can directly anchor their memories with cognition.

This is why Angel suddenly suggested Luigi go find the appearance of “Goose Deacon and Kros.”

Luigi didn’t understand what Angel wanted to do, but since Angel spoke up, it indicated there must be something mysterious inside.

Without thinking, Luigi got up, dragged the Dog Deacon, and ran into the Pumpkin House.

Dog Deacon was still shouting: “Changhuo Clan people are coming soon, if there’s something let’s discuss later…”

But Luigi completely ignored it, dashed into the Pumpkin House, and shut the door.

A few seconds later, Dog Deacon’s head popped out from the window, he gestured to Little Red outside, mouthing: “Someone’s coming soon, you help me greet them first…”

Little Red didn’t know why, but obediently put the fox mask on her forehead, ready to conceal her face at any moment.

…

On the main exhibition stage, the groups exchanged one after another, but the heat pillar always remained low, wandering between 20% to 30%.

Perhaps this was the residual impact from “Broken Mirror and Barrier Break.”

Time passed slowly, and the main exhibition stage was about to enter the second half.

Every time the second half begins, it triggers successive climaxes. Because almost all top groups usually appear at the end.

This time, the Red Mirror Priest from Everstanding King City, Jasmine from Hundred-Dragon Divine Kingdom… will appear in the second half.

However, from the positioning arrangement, it looks like it will take a while before they take the stage.

Currently, it’s still some small to medium-sized groups on the stage.

Their inventions or research, some are pretty good, at least, in Angel’s view, they are worth noting. But none truly moved Angel.

Angel silently watched the various groups on the main exhibition stage.

Until a series of footsteps outside the Dog House caught Angel’s attention away from the stage.

Upon hearing the footsteps, Little Red immediately wiped her mouth, donned the fox mask, and approached the Dog House door, awaiting the visitors.

If no exception, the visitors should be the Changhuo Clan prepared for mind-reading by Dog Deacon this time.

From the sound of the footsteps, one could hear a heavy footstep, and another very strange yet rhythmic faint sound.

Angel initially didn’t understand what was happening, until Little Red welcomed the visitors into Dog House, and then he understood the reason.

There were two visitors, one was a tall and erect dark-skinned youth, and the other was a Dark Panther accompanying the dark-skinned youth.

The faint sound Angel heard earlier was the Dark Panther’s footsteps.

And this dark-skinned youth was the one set to perform the mind-reading ceremony for the Changhuo Clan this time.

Angel was not unfamiliar with him, he had seen him outside before.

He was the Phantom Leopard from the Shadow Lineage — Nahuat.

Also, he was the disciple of the Phantom Clan leader Narudo.

Changhuo Clan sent Nahuat for mind-reading, which showed they were sincere.

Once entering Dog House, Nahuat first saw the fairy tale style setting around, and Angel’s group he had met outside.

Although Nahuat did not know Angel and the others’ identity, he saw Gutalace beside them before, suspected they had a noble identity.

He held his chest, giving Angel’s group a half-bow.

Judging solely from his proper etiquette, it was hard to tell Nahuat came from the widely condemned Changhuo Clan.

Angel nodded back, as a gesture of acknowledgment.

Among those present, Sipolov was the only one who didn’t look at Nahuat. Nahuat didn’t mind this; he could see Sipolov was a Knight from the Yingji Clan. The Yingji Clan often got provoked by Changhuo Clan, inciting wars; it was normal for Sipolov to dislike him.

Nahuat cautiously observed around, wanting to see where the “Great Demon King” Dog Deacon was.

However, he looked around and didn’t see Dog Deacon.

Just when Nahuat felt puzzled, a nearby, dreamy-looking Pumpkin House suddenly opened its door.

Nahuat glanced over, and first saw Luigi with a strange expression.

He similarly saluted Luigi, but Luigi didn’t put his eyes on him at all, once out the door, he ran to Angel, whispering privately.

Nahuat felt it odd but was embarrassed to ask any questions.

At that moment, the Pumpkin House’s door showed movement again, he focused his gaze, a small dog dressed in robes walked out from inside.

As expected, this should be Dog Deacon.

Nahuat could clearly notice, Dog Deacon seemed to want to present a serious appearance, but helplessly it staggered while walking, its cheeks a bit flushed.

Simultaneously, a faint wine scent lingered in the air.