Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 2667: Chapter 2668: Entry Sequence

Angel: ”Since the Wise Sovereign has said so, it seems we can only give it a try?”

The Wise Sovereign smiled but did not respond.

Looking at the Wise Sovereign’s friendly smile, Angel sighed softly in his heart. As expected, Cicia truly understands the Wise Sovereign. Once the decision is made, he’s resolute.

Like now, although the Wise Sovereign seems to offer them options, after Angel’s probing, it’s clear he gives no room for maneuver.

The so-called additional conditions are actually mandatory tasks disguised as bonuses.

Cicia’s advice was correct; with the Wise Sovereign so deeply obsessed, it’s best not to let him know about the existence of the Wilderness of Dreams.

”Actually, it’s no harm to try, but the premise is, is the Wood Spirit really still in the Hanging Jail Stairway?” Knowing refusal wasn’t an option, Angel found a way to ease his own mind.

This time, the Wise Sovereign finally spoke: ”The Wood Spirit is still in there, but every time I leave, it moves its position, choosing a new place to rest. So, even if I enter, I must look for it anew. If you want me to tell you its exact location now, I can’t do that.”

Angel: ”As long as the Wood Spirit is still inside, we can give it a shot. Should we start now?”

The Wise Sovereign shook his head: ”Not you all, just you alone.”

”Me alone?” Angel looked at the Wise Sovereign in astonishment, confirming he hadn’t misheard.

”My student is peculiar, you should have heard from Cicia. It’s very timid, if all of you go in at once, it will be terrified.” After a pause, the Wise Sovereign continued: ”I’m not trying to make things difficult on purpose. The Wood Spirit’s concealment ability is incredibly strong, and from my observation, it enhances its ability to conceal each time it’s frightened.”

”Which means if you scare it enough, even if I go in next time, I might not find it.”

The Wise Sovereign spoke subtly, but bluntly, the Wood Spirit is a coward, the more scared it gets, the more it invests in its concealment ability. That’s why even a figure like the Wise Sovereign finds it increasingly difficult each time he searches for the Wood Spirit.

Seeing Angel’s pensive expression, the Wise Sovereign pondered and said: ”At most two people can go in, and if two, one must be an Apprentice.”

”I can give you three chances to go in and search, but the number of people can’t change.”

”Moreover, if that nose wants to go in, it must go alone.”

The Wise Sovereign pointed at the Black Earl. Although he was only a nose, he posed the greatest threat to the Wise Sovereign, nearly comparable to the level of a True Knowledge Wizard. So, the Black Earl’s nose was singled out.

Angel was silent for a moment: ”I need to discuss with my teammates.”

The Wise Sovereign: ”Okay.”

Angel shot a glance at the Black Earl, who immediately understood and set up a Mind Ribbon.

However, this Mind Ribbon included only Angel, the Black Earl, and Dox.

As for Vay and Kaier, it was better they remained expressionless because their lack of prowess meant any information they received might inadvertently be leaked, easily revealing their intentions to the Wise Sovereign.

Once the Mind Ribbon was connected, Angel did not immediately discuss strategies with the others but instead said something inexplicable: ”You can call me Gold.”

The Black Earl and Dox were no fools; after a brief pause, they came to their senses.

The Wise Sovereign still didn’t know who they actually were; even the true descendants of Noah hadn’t completely been confirmed. Using their names amongst themselves could easily expose them to the Wise Sovereign.

Having equal code names was much safer than using their real names.

After understanding, Dox immediately said: ”I’m Red.”

Black Earl: ”Black.”

The three used different colors as code names, with no hierarchy implied, facilitating concealment.

”Black, Red, if you have any ideas, feel free to speak out.” With their code names established, Angel skipped the formalities and addressed them directly by their colors.

Dox: ”I don’t have any thoughts for now, but are we sure our conversation is secure, Black?”

Black Earl: ”I can detect if the Mind Ribbon is being spied on. If it is, I’ll sever the connection.”

”Why sever it? Give us a signal, and if we’re being watched, we can just start babbling nonsense and maybe even spin him into confusion?” Dox suggested.

Hearing Dox’s suggestion, Black Earl chuckled coldly: ”I won’t bother explaining, Gold, just get to the point.”

Dox seized the opportunity to avoid addressing the Black Earl with courtesy and was about to retort when Angel intervened: ”Red, don’t underestimate the Wise Sovereign. Disrupting things occasionally might shift his focus, but intentionally acting chaotic before him will only allow him to parse more useful information.”

Not giving Dox time to respond, Angel immediately moved to the main topic: ”The Wise Sovereign could have directly stated the necessary conditions, yet he insists we go to the Hanging Jail Stairway. The purpose isn’t just to bring out the Wood Spirit.”

Black Earl: ”... He’s observing.”

Angel: ”I agree with Black. The Wise Sovereign might not believe we can bring the Wood Spirit out of the Hanging Jail Stairway; he’s doing this mostly to observe us for more accurate information.”

Dox: ”But what intelligence does he need from us?”

Angel paused momentarily: ”Specific reasons are unclear for now, but it probably relates to Augustine’s legacy site.”

Dox voiced his biggest question: ”What’s there exactly?”

Angel: ”I don’t know. But from his reactions, it seems there might be intelligent life, and some form of connection exists among them.”

After a pause, Angel said: ”We’ll discuss specifics later.”

”Alright then,” Dox knew now wasn’t the time for this discussion, suppressing his curiosity: ”What should we do now?”

While Angel was contemplating, Black Earl spoke first: ”Do as the Wise Sovereign says. Gold, arrange the entry order.”

The reason Angel sought time from the Wise Sovereign was to coordinate entry with Black Earl and Dox. However, Black Earl having Angel sort it himself left him slightly conflicted.

Dox: ”I don’t mind; any order suits me, you decide. By the way, best not to let my old friend go with you. Once he enters the site, he starts acting up, and following you will surely expose more clues.”

Angel looked puzzled at Dox: ”Acting up?”

”Yes, acting up.” Dox: ”Don’t worry; just team him with me. Order doesn’t matter.”

The Mind Ribbon then fell into a lasting silence. Dox and Black Earl were waiting for Angel to finalize the entry order.

Angel himself was conflicted.

Though Black Earl didn’t say it directly, his suggestion to arrange order was a hint.

The Black Earl intends to enter first.

The reason is simple; his sense of smell far exceeds his current realm. His olfactory prowess ranks at the top in the Southern Domain.

Therefore, the likelihood of the Black Earl relying on his sense of smell to locate the Wood Spirit and bring it out is greatest.

If Black Earl goes first to find the Wood Spirit and succeeds, subsequent entry by others might avoid the Wise Sovereign’s prying, revealing less information.

Furthermore, the Black Earl was restricted to enter alone, which was the least likely to leak information.

Angel received the suggestion, but he had some other thoughts of his own.

Because no one else knew, the Wood Spirit was likely transformed from Sanders’ wand. Therefore, Angel, as Sanders’ disciple, personally felt... if he entered, he might have a greater chance of finding the Wood Spirit.

Everything hinges on the Wood Spirit’s ability to discern Sanders’ aura.

So, purely from this perspective, Angel preferred to enter the Hanging Jail Stairway first.

However, there is another problem inside.

If the Wood Spirit really was transformed from Sanders’ wand, and it recognized Sanders’ aura, it would undoubtedly expose Angel’s identity.

The Sage originally had doubts whether Angel was part of the Noah Clan, but as long as Angel truly relied on Sanders’ connection to lure the Wood Spirit, then disguising as Noah Clan would almost certainly fail.

Thus, these opposing outcomes left Angel feeling conflicted.

Should he let the Black Earl go first, or should he go himself?

”Still can’t decide? Why don’t I go first and scout the way for you guys?” Dox seemed eager.

From his expression, it appeared that he was more interested in treasure hunting than scouting.

Angel also realized he was taking too long, which might arouse the Sage’s suspicion.

Angel closed his eyes, took a long breath inward, and then spoke in the Mind Ribbon: ”Black, first. Me, second. Red, last.”

In the end, Angel decided to let the Black Earl go first.

Maybe the Black Earl could truly find the Wood Spirit and succeed in persuading it?

If the Black Earl succeeded, Angel’s identity could remain hidden. Conversely, if the Black Earl failed and Angel’s identity was exposed, at least he could help conceal Vay’s identity, so he chose to go second.

If neither he nor the Black Earl could find the Wood Spirit, it would be pointless for Vay and Dox to enter.

At that point, Vay and Dox could simply explore and exit without interaction, just marking the mission as a failure.

”Making me go last... I really don’t mind being at the front.” Upon hearing Angel’s arrangement, Dox was somewhat reluctant.

”I assure you, the Sage has a way to monitor your actions after entering. If he sees someone merely treasure hunting instead of searching for the Wood Spirit...” Angel paused, pointing sharply at Dox.

Dox declared righteously, ”How could I commit such an unseemly act at such a tense moment?”

Angel: ”Should I put you first then?”

Dox was silent for two seconds: ”Well, forget it. Let’s go with your plan.”

Angel chuckled lightly, turning to look at the Black Earl. They didn’t speak, merely ”glanced” at each other, then looked away.

Having reached a decision, they didn’t elaborate further, but turned to the Sage.

”I’ll go first.” The Black Earl announced directly.

The Sage nodded indifferently, ”Alright.”

The Black Earl did not leave immediately but reinforced the Earth Loop Wall repeatedly in front of the Sage. The reason was simple: in case the Sage chose to act against the group when the Black Earl left, at least the Earth Loop Wall could buy them time to escape.

The Black Earl stacked nearly eight layers of the Earth Loop Wall.

Despite careful observation, the Sage still couldn’t decipher how the Black Earl achieved this.

It’s important to note, the Earth Loop Wall isn’t a mere trick but a spell approaching the Second Level. Stacking spells can introduce many variables, and any structural error can result in a spell backlash.

Although official wizards have many ways to deal with spell backlash, they can only guarantee they won’t die or be near death; injury is certain.

For ordinary official wizards, stacking two Level 1 spells is challenging; the Black Earl managed to stack eight times.

This stacking effect isn’t a mere simple addition but directly altered the essence of the Earth Loop Wall, turning a spell close to Second Level into a Third-level Spell.

The effect enhancement was exponential, and it directly leaped across a major level.

This led the Wise Sovereign to have doubts about the Black Earl’s identity.

The Sage previously judged that this odd nose might have come ”from” the Noah Family, but wasn’t necessarily a member, possibly a guard of a Noah descendant.

Otherwise, upon initial meeting, this nose wouldn’t seem ready to die at any moment.

Yet, now it seemed he might have misjudged.

A guard willing to sacrifice at any time, capable of such exquisite skills?

This nose... who is it? A Shapeshifting Technique? Or possibly part of someone else?

The Sage expected suspicions to arise, and the Black Earl anticipated this as a necessary process. Although the Sage didn’t seem inclined to act now, no one could be certain if he would reveal his tusks to the others once the Black Earl entered the Hanging Jail Stairway.

The Triclops Blue Demon, by nature, was a creature that devoured. Awakening intelligence doesn’t eliminate primal desires, does it?

At such a time, cynically considering the other as threatening is evidently safer than trusting their rationality and goodwill.

Besides, the Sage hasn’t shown much goodwill so far.

”Who are you?” For the first time, the Wise Sovereign seriously examined the inconspicuous nose on the stone tablet.

Black Earl: ”Who am I? As I’ve mentioned before, I’m from the Noah Clan; my name is insignificant.”

After speaking, the Black Earl gently released his aura. While it seemed to unify the Earth Loop Wall’s power more cohesively, it made the Sage sense a hint of threat.

Is this... a warning?

Upon interpreting this information, the Wise Sovereign was not angered but rather intrigued.

What qualification does this nose have, to dare issue a warning to him? The only answer beyond a fool’s arrogance is that the other possesses matching courage.

Whether this courage stems from personal strength or a powerful figure behind them, this is hard to say.

But, regardless of which possibility, it seems to make this drama more fascinating.

The Sage chuckled lightly and ceased his inquiries.

The Black Earl also disregarded how the Sage felt, nodding lightly to Angel, before controlling the stone tablet to fly into the Hanging Jail Stairway.