"I’ve already said everything I can about that Wood Spirit. It’s a coward and usually pretends to be the prison bars within the Hanging Jail Stairway... Oh, just a reminder, if you can’t find it, it’s best not to pry open the prison bars one by one. Such an action will not only expose your intentions but also make it even more afraid of you, making it impossible for you to persuade it."
"Most importantly, prying the bars might lead to unforeseen dangers."
Angel: "What kind of danger?"
Day shrugged: "I can’t say. Besides, I haven’t entered the Hanging Jail Stairway for a long, long ti. I’ve only heard rumors about its current state."
After listening to Day’s words, Dox pondered briefly and said: "He can’t say, due to a contract. Although I don’t know what kind of contract, in general, if the place being guarded has completely disappeared, then the contract will beco invalid. Since Day’s contract is still in effect, does that an the Hanging Jail Stairway still retains its past functionality?"
Dox squinted his eyes: "The so-called unpredictable danger, maybe there are so ancient monsters that have been alive for ten thousand years still imprisoned inside?"
It was rare for Dox to seriously analyze, and after listening carefully, everyone found it sowhat possible.
Angel hesitated for a mont and asked, "Did inspiration strike?"
Dox replied irritably, "Can’t I make a reasoned judgnt even without inspiration? You’re underestimating ."
After a pause, Dox suddenly changed his expression and jokingly said, "How about guessing whether I’m inspired now?"
Angel gave Dox a long look but didn’t play his guessing ga and instead turned to Day: "Is what he said possible?"
Day: "I don’t know, but he was wrong about the contract theory."
Angel: "You an your contract involves not only guarding the Hanging Jail Stairway but also other places?"
This ti, Day remained silent, his expression clearly resistant.
Angel pondered for a mont and felt that Day had already said a lot, with many answers clearly skirting the edge of the contract, or else Day wouldn’t always simulate the contract’s compatibility before answering.
Day’s current silence implied that this question directly touched the contract itself, not even skirting it.
Continuing to ask would probably yield no further intelligence.
Thus, Angel placed a hand over his chest and bowed: "Thank you for your answers, I think we’ve asked about everything we need to, and it’s ti to move on."
Day glanced at Angel and coldly snorted, "No need to thank , it’s just a trade."
Though Day said so, Angel felt his emotions weren’t calm, but slightly awkward. He must have deliberated hard over whether to say those words, and regretted it a little after saying them. Wanting to take it back but unwilling to lose face, his emotions beca awkward.
Angel deduced Day’s thoughts from the emotional shift, but the others didn’t know—Vay even comnted through the Mind Ribbon, "What a cold guy."
"You’re right, quite cold. However, it was rare to et soone we could communicate with, that was our luck." Angel also replied to Vay through the Mind Ribbon.
Vay, without thinking, imdiately shifted his stance, "You’re right, my lord!"
While Vay mindlessly praised, Angel said to Day, "Even though it’s a trade, I am still very satisfied. If I happen to et your descendant in the future, I will tell him about you."
Day was stunned for a while, then sneered and turned his head away, murmuring in a barely audible voice, "Busybody."
This ti, not needing Angel to read emotions, everyone could see Day’s awkwardness.
"Quite the tsundere, thinks he’s still young at heart?" Dox silently mocked in his mind.
Angel: "Sotis, you’re no different."
Dox, unfazed by Angel’s comnt, instead followed up with nonsense: "Compared to Day’s age, I’m not only young but also a little kid who can make unreasonable demands."
Seeing the twinkle in Dox’s eyes, Angel knew that he was waiting for the chance to respond so he could make "unreasonable demands."
Angel could sense Dox’s eagerness, so he turned away and told the group, "It’s ti to go. If the Wood Spirit path doesn’t work, we’ll have to co up with a new plan."
Angel spoke and took the lead, striding forward.
But Dox was a bit anxious, why wouldn’t he respond? No matter, if you won’t respond, I’ll just speak directly.
Dox turned to Day: "By the way, Angel ntioned sothing through the Mind Ribbon, but he’s too shy to tell you. So I’m relaying it."
Angel stopped dead in his tracks, turned around, and squinted at Dox.
Dox was utterly unafraid, addressing Day: "It seems soone from the rchant Organization has co after us. If they do arrive, please don’t reveal our whereabouts. Better yet, bring out that little piggy to show them and let them weigh their own strengths."
Dox added, "Oh, you might not know the rchant Organization. Let educate you: they’re quite the evil organization..."
Before Dox could finish, Day interrupted him: "I’m familiar with the organization. Their people have been deeply excavating these ruins for profit. However, they also maintain order in the City of the Lost. Without their maintenance, the underground magical creatures and the corrosive gas from the sewers would have leaked out long ago. So, while we hold no affection for the rchant Organization, we feel no animosity either."
"By the way, the sa goes for that one. As long as you don’t provoke that one, that one won’t act against the rchant Organization."
When Dox heard Day’s words, his expression changed imdiately, "Actually, we also maintain a friendly and harmonious relationship with the rchant Organization... If we disguise ourselves as part of the rchant Organization, would that one also spare us?"
Dox’s abrupt change in tone left Day dumbfounded.
The others were even more exasperated, with Vay particularly exasperated, fearing Angel might mistakenly think he was as shaless as Dox.
After Dox asked that question, Angel stepped forward, conjured a Hand of Magic, and grabbed Dox by the collar, tossing him back.
He then apologized to Day, "Don’t listen to him; he’s just spouting nonsense. In our team, he’s just a mascot. A decoration."
After Angel spoke, he bowed again, "We’ll be going now. If anyone cos afterward, handle them as you see fit and don’t consider Dox’s opinion."
Dox was unhappy and shouted from behind. Fortunately, they were still within the realm of the illusion, so Angel muted the area where Dox was, nodded to Day, and prepared to leave.
But Day suddenly spoke, "Actually, I think his way of living is quite genuine."
Angel smiled, "That’s why I said he’s the mascot of our team. Not an insult, but a complint."
Upon hearing Angel, Day laughed for a rare mont, "In recognition of having a mascot and you telling these things, I can give you one last tip."
All the commotion stopped instantly, and everyone turned their gaze to Day.
"That one, a hundred years ago, after leaving the Hanging Jail Stairway, told us. The higher you go, the more dangerous it gets because..."
Day’s face turned red, clearly reaching the contract’s bounds.
Angel quickly interjected, "We understand, you don’t have to say anything."
But Day persisted, his eyes blazing red, "It’s alright; I’ll just say one last thing."
Day turned to look at... Kaier.
"If he were a bit stronger, perhaps you could go further up the Hanging Jail Stairway..."
After delivering this profound statent, Day transford into a fla.
"Are you alright?" Angel asked with so concern.
"Don’t worry, I’m just skirting the contract’s bounds. It’s fine. I hope you understood what I ant."
With that, Day slowly morphed into a blue mimicry fla and returned to the candlestick on the wall.
Angel sensed it slightly and confird there was no strong contract feedback in the surroundings, finally relaxing. Master Ye was good to him, and encountering a Dante clan mber was rare, so Angel hoped Day wouldn’t just vanish inexplicably.
After one last glance at the candle fla, Angel told the group: "Let’s go."
This ti, as they passed through the narrow path, nothing obstructed them.
On the surface, everyone was silent, but the Mind Ribbon was filled with clamor.
Dox argued against the "mascot" label; Vay tried using various roundabout phrases to assure the others that he and Dox weren’t that close; Kaier kept questioning, "What did Day an with what he said to just now?"
Everyone talked over one another, making the turmoil in their minds even more vexing than noise in their ears.
"Everyone, be quiet, let’s first discuss Kael’s matter." The voice of the Black Earl directly enters everyone’s mind, while their Mind Link turns one way—they can only listen, not speak.
Dox sees this and is about to open his mouth. The Black Earl imdiately turns the slate towards him: "Don’t let hear your voice."
Dox pouts in discontent but ultimately remains silent.
The Black Earl’s voice echoes again within the Mind Link: "Although Daymouth didn’t say it explicitly, pointing out Kael was already quite indicative."
Angel: "The Hanging Jail Stairway is broken, perhaps causing certain space issues."
Black Earl: "It might be a Space Rift, or perhaps space collapse. He specifically ntioned Kael because he’s the only one from the Space Series."
"This ans that the known danger within the Hanging Jail Stairway is spatial problems. According to Daymouth, the higher the level, the greater the danger. If we can bypass or solve the spatial issues, we should still be able to reach higher levels."
After speaking, the Black Earl releases Kael’s Mind Ribbon Constraint.
"I know you cannot resolve a Space Rift or spatial collapse, but can you foresee space issues in advance, especially so concealed twisting gaps?"
Kael thinks for a mont: "Yes."
Kael’s answer is confident, without hedging. This makes the Black Earl look at Kael with admiration: "You do have so of Esos’ charisma."
After a pause, the Black Earl adds, "It seems Esos has taught Bazel’s Twisting Secret Technique to you?"
Kael nods: "I’ve learned most of it."
Black Earl: "That’s good. As long as we can anticipate problems, avoiding or solving them is a minor issue."
"So, did Daymouth misjudge?" Vay speaks, not through the Mind Link but in her heart, talking to the Black Earl.
The Black Earl replies indifferently: "It’s just that Daymouth isn’t familiar with the posthumous space study; who would have thought that a Bazel would erge after millennia?"
Twisting Great Wizard, Bazel.
A thousand years ago, the Space Mage, a true spatial genius, almost single-handedly elevated the concept of spatial study in the Southern Domain to a new level.
"Twisting Theory," "Entanglent Theory," "History of Space Expansion"... these famous works were all authored by Bazel.
With Bazel’s ergence, his concepts influenced many future Space Mage practitioners, like the travelogue-loving Fiewenda.
Fiewenda’s "Strange World," "Reverse Journey Through Space," "On the Infinity of Layers," all bear many traces of Bazel’s impact.
However, in later years, Bazel seldom published works on spatial concepts, possibly reflecting more on the pros and cons of "Conquest of Planes" after seeing many different worlds.
Subsequently, Bazel left the Southern Domain and has not returned to this day.
Kael’s ntor, the "Voidwalker" Esos, accidentally acquired Bazel’s inheritance, which is now in Kael’s possession.
With Bazel’s foundation, Kael dared to confidently reply to the Black Earl’s inquiry with, "Yes."
His response reflected both confidence and the splendid glory of Bazel’s legacy from a thousand years ago.
Kael: "Although I cannot handle severe space disasters, with Lord Chaowei present, I believe everything will be fine."
Kael’s sudden proclamation draws everyone’s gaze to Angel.
Under the expectant eyes of Kael, Angel’s heart is full of wry smiles. Although he knows Kael ant no harm in ntioning him, it feels like he’s been placed on the spot. Despite knowing many spatial secrets, these are gifts from the Dalmatian, mostly conceptual at the mont, not yet practical!
Black Earl: "Did you study spatial theory across disciplines?"
Angel dare not pretend, candidly stating: "Theory knowledge is abundant, practice is scarce."
The Black Earl wasn’t surprised, noting Angel’s young age, understanding dry space series theoretical knowledge is already comndable, with practice depending on talent.
"If you notice any anomalies, let know, and I’ll handle it," says the Black Earl.
Angel nods, appreciating the courtesy in the Black Earl’s offer, despite knowing it’s just a polite gesture.
Not wanting to dwell further on this topic, Angel quickly changes the subject: "Regarding Daymouth’s last statent, we’ve generally clarified. The specific situation will only unveil once we enter the Hanging Jail Stairway."
"Now, let talk about that particular presence."
The crowd imdiately focuses their attention; previously, Daymouth had said, "You know, why ask?" Clearly, Angel understands that presence.
This raises the question among them—does Angel have secret knowledge or has he encountered that presence?
"Firstly, let be clear, I’m not deliberately hiding anything. In the intelligence I received, this presence was rely ntioned in passing, thought to be on par with Ghosteye Witch, a Low-level Monster, insignificant."
Seeing disbelief in their faces, Angel sighs inwardly and continues: "Once I na the race of that presence, you’ll understand my perspective."
"This presence isn’t what you previously guessed, an ancient race sought by the Carabits, but an inhuman Magical Creature."
"Magical Creature? A creature can beco the dominator of Naraku City?" Kael exclaims in surprise.
With his Mind Link freedom restored, Dox quickly retorts: "That statent completely disregards Summoning Wizards. The creatures summoned by Summoning Wizards are many, intelligent and relatable. So, a creature becoming a dominator is no surprise, besides, it’s just a dominator, not a City Lord."
After comnting on this, Dox adds: "Of course, so creatures are extrely smart yet very obnoxious, like a certain Crowned Parrot."
Upon ntioning the Crowned Parrot, Angel senses a clear sense of killing intent... Apparently, Dox can’t stand that Crowned Parrot of Abulei.
"If any of you want to be muted again, don’t stray off-topic and engage in idle chatter, let Angel continue," the Black Earl’s voice arrives precisely, causing Dox and Kael to instantly shut up.
Angel finds their conversation amusing, and while walking this long road, enjoys a bit of humorous dialogue as a pasti.
However, he doesn’t forget to relay what needs to be said.
"That creature, I’ve already ntioned its first na." Angel: "You all should rember, right?"
"Triclops!" Vay raises a hand, her face expressing a "Praise , praise " expectation.
Angel clears his throat: "That’s correct, Vay is right."
Not only Vay, others also recall "Triclops," but there are many creatures with three eyes. For example, Qi Li’s Black Cat Luna is a "Floating Night Savage Cat" with three eyes.
Moreover, many creatures in the Void have nas too lengthy, so Wizards simplify them by using physical features as nas—there are plenty starting with "Triclops."
Thus, solely hearing "Triclops" makes it hard to determine the specific creature.
At this mont, everyone awaits Angel to reveal the final answer, as they each harbor a "Triclops" creature na in mind, including the Black Earl.
As Angel discloses the answer, however, they all stand stunned—because their guesses were indeed wrong.
Angel: "Triclops Blue Demon."
They imagined many potentially powerful or ordinary triclops creatures, yet never considered the final answer as Triclops Blue Demon?!
Triclops Blue Demon, a Low-level Monster... uh, even lower than the Ghosteye Witch.
Appearing enormous, with blue skin, and muscles seemingly bulky, but in fact, its combat prowess is weak. With remote attack skills, even humans with an agile archer can slowly wear it down.
It may have large build, yet slow speed, its intellect even on par with a Ghoul.
No, Ghouls might possess higher intelligence than Triclops Blue Demon. At least Ghouls would flee when outmatched, whereas Triclops Blue Demon, acting purely egocentric, believes itself invincible, can fight anyone, and ends up dead.
An impressionably clumsy, giant, low-level monster returned as Daymouth’s Sage and Dominator?!
"You, are you sure that highly wise, alchemy-skilled being, capable of various skills, is a... Triclops Blue Demon?" Dox stamrs, showing imnse shock.
Angel nods: "If there are no mishaps, I’m sure."
The air becos still.
At this mont, without needing Angel’s explanation, they sowhat comprehend Angel’s previous remarks. Why hadn’t he ntioned it in earlier intelligence sharing? Because it... genuinely fell below even the Ghosteye Witch, why bring it up?
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