Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 2888: Chapter 2889: Angel’s Plan

”Want to go in and take a look?” Glaipnir said casually when he saw the curious look in Angel’s eyes.

Angel indeed wanted to go in and take a look. After all, all Witchcraft Gardens had special laws, and he was curious about the so-called Law of Memory.

But...

”Do I need her permission?” Angel pointed to Laplace who was sleeping nearby.

Glaipnir: ”Does her consent differ from mine?”

Angel: ”...” Here we go again.

Glaipnir: ”However, speaking of which, from what you’re saying, she asked you to bring the Forest of Memories but didn’t specify whether or not you were to enter? If so, why did she tell you about the Forest of Memories and have me bring it?”

Glaipnir quietly stared into Angel’s eyes. Although there was no energy fluctuation from her, Angel vaguely felt that if he lied, Glaipnir would definitely notice.

This must be the talent of an Astrologer?

Angel thought for a moment and said, ”I feel that it would be better for her to tell you this personally.”

Besides, aren’t you two indistinguishable? Why are you suddenly drawing a line now? Angel silently complained in his heart.

Glaipnir: ”Your thoughts are almost written all over your face.”

Angel: I did it intentionally.

Glaipnir was silent for a moment: ”However, what you said is still valid. It might be better if she tells me personally about this matter.”

After pausing, Glaipnir continued, ”But what I said still holds true. If you want to enter the Forest of Memories to take a look, I can agree.”

Angel pondered for a long time but eventually shook his head: ”Never mind, let’s not rush for now. However, I do have a question I’d like to ask.”

Glaipnir nonchalantly spread her hands, indicating to Angel that he could ask without hesitation.

”Laplace told me that the Forest of Memories is similar to a Witchcraft Garden.”

Glaipnir: ”Yes, you can completely regard it as a Witchcraft Garden.”

Angel: ”What I want to know is, if we consider it as a Witchcraft Garden, what level of Witchcraft Garden is it?”

Glaipnir thought for a moment, then replied, ”In the Mirror World, to the creatures here, the Forest of Memories could be considered a Strategic Level Witchcraft Garden. But by your Wizards’ Realm standards, it’s not quite High Order level.”

Angel: ”You mean the Forest of Memories is a medium to large-sized garden?”

Glaipnir nodded: ”It can be considered so.”

Glaipnir’s answer was uncertain because different worlds have different core laws, and naturally, the classification standards for Witchcraft Gardens vary.

On the other hand, upon hearing this answer, Angel felt secretly pleased.

His plan had a higher success rate for lower-level gardens. Angel had previously assumed that the Forest of Memories was a large garden, so he was apprehensive and full of doubts about its success. But now, Glaipnir classified the Forest of Memories half a level lower.

Although it’s just half a level, the difference is significant, representing a qualitative gap.

It’s like an apprentice at the peak might be called a ”Half-Step Wizard” because they’re just a step away from an Official Wizard. But can the peak apprentice really compare to an Official Wizard? No. An apprentice is still an apprentice, and even the strongest apprentice would be easily crushed by an Official Wizard. The so-called ”Half-Step Wizard” is just a flattering term.

That is to say, if the Forest of Memories is really just a medium to large garden, then Angel’s previously worried plan would have a much higher success rate. He couldn’t estimate exactly how much, but he was definitely more optimistic now than before.

Glaipnir glanced at Angel with some curiosity, sensing from his changing expression that his emotions had undergone a massive shift... why? Did she say something that caused such an emotional fluctuation?

Though Glaipnir had doubts in her heart, she didn’t ask, instead, she glanced at Laplace who was still asleep, and said, ”I’ll leave the Forest of Memories to you. I’ll head out first.”

”Just a final reminder, unless you have the assistance of me or Laplace, it’s best not to enter the Forest of Memories alone; otherwise, there’s a significant risk of abnormal changes in your memory.”

Angel: ”Abnormal changes in memory? What do you mean?”

Glaipnir: ”Like having your memory replaced by another creature’s or having your memory detached, resulting in mild or severe amnesia.”

Angel: ”The Forest of Memories is that terrifying?”

Glaipnir shook her head: ”As long as you don’t die, there’s nothing to fear... moreover, this is also the Forest of Memories’ self-defense mechanism. Without our help, any outsider entering the Forest of Memories will be subjected to the erosion by the Law of Memory.”

With that, Glaipnir nodded gently to Angel, bending her body slowly as she merged into the nebula behind her, disappearing amidst the starlight.

Angel gazed at the ”cotton tree” in the flowerpot in front of him, falling into deep thought.

...

According to Glaipnir, the exclusivity of the Forest of Memories serves as a self-defense mechanism, with only Laplace and her three temporal bodies being immune.

If what she said is true, then Angel is more certain that the Mirror World strategically placed the Spider Magic Monster to lead to the subsequent Forest of Memories.

The exclusivity of the Forest of Memories allows it to become even more independent once it enters the Crystal Origin of Dreams.

If things develop normally, in the future, the Crystal Origin of Dreams will be dominated by the Forest of Memories, and the only one who can control it will be Laplace.

This positions the will of the Mirror World favorably in the ongoing strategic warfare with the Dream Realm, benefiting the Destiny’s Chosen in the end. It’s fair to say, that this strategic move is quite ingenious.

The only downside is that Angel would ultimately suffer a loss.

Angel vaguely sensed that once the Crystal Origin of Dreams was out of his control, he might suffer substantial losses. These losses might not be evident now, but in the future, if he expands the map of the Wilderness of Dreams to all worlds and finds out that a piece, the Crystal Origin of Dreams, is entirely beyond his control, he would inevitably regret.

Regardless of whether this premonition is true or false, Angel intends not to allow the Crystal Origin of Dreams to detach from his control. Even if the final controller is Laplace, someone Angel currently doesn’t dislike, or even likes, it’s still not acceptable.

Therefore, he must thoroughly control the Crystal Origin of Dreams under all circumstances.

As for the Wilderness of Dreams or its extended map, Angel’s stance remains: Authority can be shared to some extent, which will expedite the development of the Wilderness of Dreams, but the most core authority must be controlled by himself.

Better shattered than relinquished.

This time is no exception; Angel now agrees reluctantly to let the Forest of Memories enter the Crystal Origin of Dreams to deal with the Spider Magic Monster, under the premise that his plan will succeed. If not, he will decisively break the Crystal Origin of Dreams himself.

...

In the Crystal Origin of Dreams.

Nearly a quarter of an hour had passed, the Spider Magic Monsters in the sky had almost woven a hundred-mile net strip, yet Laplace still hadn’t seen the Forest of Memories emerge.

Just when Laplace suspected Angel had fled, his familiar figure finally appeared in the safety zone.

Angel ”logged in”.

Laplace didn’t ask Angel why he hadn’t logged in for so long, instead, after scrutinizing him, she said, ”You didn’t bring the Forest of Memories in?”

Angel nodded: ”Now is not the time yet.”

Not the time yet? Laplace looked up at the sky densely packed with webs and asked with a frown, ”Do you not care about them weaving nets?”

Angel: ”I care, but the territory of the Crystal Origin of Dreams is vast; as long as they don’t actively attack us, they can’t pose a significant threat in the short term. Letting them weave for a while longer is manageable.”

Laplace was puzzled: ”What do you mean?”

”Nothing significant, just waiting for the right time to deal with them.” Angel paused and didn’t continue this topic, but instead shifted the conversation, ”Since there’s no immediate issue, if you have any questions, you can freely ask them. Long as it doesn’t involve deeply hidden matters, I’ll make sure to tell you everything in detail.”

Laplace looked at Angel skeptically: ”I remember you saying not long ago that we’d discuss this after the current matters were dealt with. Why did you suddenly change that?”

”Not a change, it’s just that time was tight before and it wasn’t convenient to answer; but now... there’s still a little time.”

If Laplace wanted to ask now, Angel would judge the situation and answer accordingly. If not, then as initially agreed, they’d discuss it after current matters are settled.

Angel tossed the choice to Laplace.

Laplace was filled with confusion at Angel’s unusual behavior. However, after a moment of contemplation, she still chose to ask a question.

Her first question was not the curiosity about the Dream Crystal Origin that Angel had imagined.

”From what you said, has Glaipnir already brought the Forest of Memories to you? Since the Forest of Memories is in your hands, you should also know some of its effects; it’s absolutely beneficial against the Spider Monster... Why do you think now is not the right time?”

Angel originally didn’t want to answer this question, or rather, brush it off casually, but looking at the towering pile of corpses around, and then at Laplace’s heterochromatic eyes full of both confusion and expectation, Angel let out a soft sigh in his heart and replied, ”Because the Dream Crystal Origin is still incomplete.”

”Incomplete?” Laplace didn’t understand what this meant.

Angel: ”Just like different Witchcraft Gardens have different operating laws, the Dream Crystal Origin also has its own set of rules.”

”However, the Dream Crystal Origin has been birthed for such a short time, these rules have not yet fully manifested.”

”And what I’m waiting for is a moment when the rules manifest.”

To put it simply, Angel is waiting for the Nightmare Realm’s aura to continue to diffuse, for its concentration to increase, until the Principal Body of the Nightmare Domain of the Dream Crystal Origin appears; this would be the right time Angel needs.

Currently, the Principal Body of the Nightmare Domain of the Dream Crystal Origin hasn’t appeared, and those newborn tendrils on the Ability Tree are hidden in the shadows, if the Forest of Memories is drawn into the Dream Crystal Origin at this time, with the powerful Law of Memory inside, it would be sufficient to upend the Dream Crystal Origin’s own operating rules.

This would result in one outcome: the Dream Crystal Origin would be usurped by the Forest of Memories.

And once the occupation succeeds, the running rules of the Dream Crystal Origin will be replaced, and whether the Principal Body of the Nightmare Domain can appear then becomes a question.

Therefore, Angel must wait for the Principal Body of the Nightmare Domain to appear now.

Moreover, Angel has no other way to resist the Forest of Memories, his only reliance is to counteract the Law of Memory through the authority within the Principal Body of the Nightmare Domain.

In Angel’s mind—

He would wait until the moment the Principal Body of the Nightmare Domain is born, and using the Scroll of Fortune’s blessing, release authority from the Principal Body sufficient to suppress the rules of the Forest of Memories.

Undoubtedly, with Angel’s strength, he certainly could not bear such authority.

However, even if he cannot bear it, it’s okay, at worst, he would let it take its course and allow this authority to be absorbed by the Dream Crystal Origin.

Just like how in the Wilderness of Dreams there are also many abilities, such as Celestial Alternation, Mist of Sin, Tree Civilization...etc., which are also left for the world to digest.

Returning authority to the world, although a bit of a loss, is much better than having the world controlled by others.

Thus, Angel is determined to release authority to deal with the Forest of Memories once the Principal Body of the Nightmare Domain appears.

Another possibility exists that if there is no authority within the Principal Body of the Nightmare Domain of the Dream Crystal Origin to counter the Forest of Memories... then he would choose destruction.

Whether it can be rebuilt after destruction, similar to whether the Wilderness of Dreams in the Abyss can be rebuilt after being destroyed, Angel does not know, but even if it cannot be rebuilt, it is better than completely losing control.

On the other side, Laplace still didn’t understand what ”rule manifestation” meant.

”What kind of rules would manifest? And since you think that rules manifesting can handle the Spider Monster, why didn’t you wait for rule manifestation with those magical creatures of the Dream Realm before?”

Angel: ”To answer your second question first, because at that time the number of Eliminators in the Dream Realm was massive, if not resolved quickly, they would destroy the newly born Dream Crystal Origin at the fastest speed. So at that time, I wouldn’t choose to wait for rule manifestation.”

”Now, it’s different, the attack desire of the Spider Monster has lowered, it’s just weaving a net in the sky. I can’t see that the net it’s weaving would cause any devastating blow to the Dream Crystal Origin, so since there is no immediate concern for the Dream Crystal Origin being damaged, I will choose to wait for the rule manifestation.”

Angel paused: ”As for your first question, it’s difficult for me to answer now because the specifics of what rules will manifest will only be clear at the time, I can’t predict them now.”

After saying this, seeing that Laplace still looked puzzled, seemingly ready to continue asking questions, Angel quickly said: ”Although I don’t know what rules will manifest, I can tell you a story related to another place similar to Dream Crystal Origin. There were also Eliminators there, and rules manifested there, perhaps after hearing it, you can draw on it.”

Laplace: ”Another place?”

Angel: ”Yes, that is a place both similar and distinct from Dream Crystal Origin. It’s called Wilderness of Dreams.”

...

The Wilderness of Dreams will soon manifest, and it can’t be hidden from Laplace.

Therefore, Angel never intended to conceal the existence of the Wilderness of Dreams. He had been delaying mentioning it while thinking about how much to reveal.

If understanding of the Wilderness of Dreams were to be tiered, currently it can be divided into five levels.

Level 1, is knowing the existence of the Wilderness of Dreams. For instance, many Apprentices of the Barbarian Cave know about its existence, but they haven’t truly entered the Wilderness of Dreams.

Level 2, can freely enter and exit the Wilderness of Dreams and participate to some extent in its construction. Nowadays, most of the Wizards and Apprentices in the New City are at this stage, equipped with the Log-in Device, allowing them to freely enter and exit the Wilderness of Dreams. Additionally, through some Extraordinary Materials and Magic Rune Scrolls, they plan and construct the New City.

Level 3, understanding how the Wilderness of Dreams operates. The number of people reaching this level is fewer, mostly those familiar with Angel and Illusion Demon Island, like Wallace, Lianna, Nis, etc... They know some secrets of the Wilderness of Dreams and are aware that for its operation, the Dream Conch, Angel, and the Secret Technique of Illusion Demon Island are indispensable.

Then Level 4, is knowing parts of the truth about the Wilderness of Dreams and those who know about or even possess the Nightmare Realm Power. People at this level basically include Rhein, Ironclad Granny, Frode, Sumishe, Greya... This group has been genuinely considered by Angel as ’his own people’.

Finally, Level 5, is knowing all the truths of the Wilderness of Dreams. The essential difference between this level and Level 4, lies in whether they understand the nature of Authority, know the relationship between the Nightmare Realm and Angel, and whether they know about the existence of ”Shava”.

Currently, it’s only Angel and Sanders who simultaneously satisfy these three conditions at the final level.

Although Angel’s tiering seems rather crude, it nonetheless follows a progressive path, which is both an advancement in ”degree of understanding” and in one’s relationship with Angel.

Based on this tiering, Angel has formed an intuitive understanding of Laplace’s ranking.

Upon first meeting Laplace, Angel considered bringing her into the Wilderness of Dreams, envisaging her at Level 2, being able to freely enter and exit but unaware of the secrets.

However, over time, Angel’s thoughts evolved.

He’s now inclined to categorize Laplace as Level 3.

The reason is simple; Laplace was involved in this defense of the Crystal Origin of Dreams, regardless of the final success, she has witnessed many things, and even knows the critical item ”Dream Conch of Moonlit Coast”.

Thus, even if Angel doesn’t inform Laplace of the secrets, when the Tea Party is held and the Wilderness of Dreams is truly opened, she herself can piece together most of the puzzle.

This is a crucial reason Angel assigns Laplace to Level 3.

However, the above are just prior thoughts.

After the appearance of the Spider Magic Monster, the mentioning of the Forest of Memories, and when Angel was convinced of understanding the Mirror World’s intent and devising a ”plan”, his thoughts began to shift.

——Maybe, elevate Laplace to Level 4?

Level 3, although seemingly comprehending the operational rules of the Wilderness of Dreams, compared to Level 2, only enhances ”user engagement”. Whether or not to enter the Wilderness of Dreams, and if one wishes to construct it together, the choice, in fact, still rests with the Login.

But Level 4 is different. It has a significant gap from Level 3 in that Level 4 is already involved in the core affairs of the Wilderness of Dreams and is a stakeholder. People at this level generally wouldn’t choose to withdraw unless they voluntarily give up such a big share of the pie.

Yet, this share of the pie currently belongs to an empty but promising domain.

As long as there’s any rationality, one wouldn’t choose to abandon it.

Angel does plan to let Laplace also enter this level, after all, she has witnessed the birth of the Crystal Origin of Dreams, and has intelligence that even Sanders doesn’t yet know. In the future, even if Angel shares this information with Sanders, Sanders will likely urge Angel to keep silent and not spread it further.

However, it’s already impossible to ”silence” Laplace; how to make her willingly swallow this intelligence and not inform the outside world, Angel can think of only two methods. The first, kill Laplace... This, Angel could not do, the scale is too immense, and until now, he has only seen three Temporal Bodies of Laplace, and this body’s ”mental avatar”, who knows how strong her principal body is? Moreover, her principal body never leaves the Sea of Void Mirror, attempting to kill a ”Child of Destiny” in the Mirror World is basically as challenging as confronting a Legend.

Thus, only the second method remains: elevate her to Level 4, making Laplace have shared interests with him, so many issues can be resolved smoothly.

However...

Regarding whether to elevate Laplace to Level 4, Angel still wouldn’t make an immediate decision. He still needs to watch one last indicator: whether the Authority released by the Principal Body of the Nightmare Realm at the Crystal Origin of Dreams can suppress the Forest of Memories.

If it can’t, and the Forest of Memories continues to prevail, then let the Crystal Origin of Dreams be destroyed...

At that time, Angel will also tell Laplace some ”truths” according to the agreement, but these truths would at most be on the basis of Level 3, supplemented by some inconsequential information.