Even if the old fellow was scheming and seeking a pawn, he would not choose a bird with such peculiar aesthetics.
Since Toby was likely not part of the old fellow’s machinations, where could it have come from?
Odeclass was not unfamiliar with human Wizards; he had even cohabited the Ice Valley for a few years with a human who went by the name “Feng,” and this crystalline palace was Feng’s handiwork. Later, with Feng’s help, he painted that mural he had been longingly contemplating.
For this reason, he and “Feng” made an agreement: as long as humans did not provoke him, he would not initiate harm against them.
During his time with Feng, Odeclass also came to understand the Wizard’s system. He knew among the three major structures of Wizards there was one called Bloodline side, capable of hosting the bloodlines of other creatures within themselves, seizing their abilities, and integrating them.
Perhaps this bird had assimilated a part of the old fellow’s Bloodline?
However, with such a dense aura, it seemed a lot of the Bloodline was fused in. But then, why was its strength so weak if so much was integrated? Was it sealed?
Odeclass’s thoughts spun through numerous cycles, yet his expression remained unchanged.
These memories, at most, allowed him fleeting nostalgia, but they hardly stirred his emotions.
…
After Angel finished explaining his intentions in one breath, he anxiously watched Odeclass.
What kind of character was Odeclass? There was no consensus on that yet.
Would his plea stir antagonism from the other party? This, too, was a source of unease for Angel.
Odeclass paid no heed to Angel’s fluctuating emotions. However, seeing some connection between the bird and the old fellow, he spoke indifferently.
“If you can bring back a complete Fire Transmission Stone, I can lift the curse from it.”
He seemed to speak these words nonchalantly, but behind this brief statement lay a multitude of thoughtful considerations. Odeclass, having resided in the Ice Valley for many years, could scarcely replenish his flame energy, which instead was replaced by a cold that turned into ice flame—harmful to him, even though with his current physical form the damage was negligible. However, the cumulative toll taken during his extended stay in the Ice Valley had compounded to a level that could potentially injure his strength.
And since the Calamity Curse was of an extremely high level, he wouldn’t be able to lift it unless his strength was restored to its peak.
There were many ways for him to regain his strength, such as leaving the Ice Valley to spend a few years in a volcano, where the inner chill would naturally dissipate. But with Binaqionse still in deep slumber there, he could not afford to stray even for a moment.
Thus, he chose to tell Angel of another method.
There were numerous other methods as well, like bringing some fire-related secret treasures that might restore his strength. But he didn’t believe that with such items alone, he could be persuaded to lift the Calamity.
“Feng” had once told him of a default rule among Wizards known as equivalent exchange. What you receive, you must pay for in kind. Naturally, this Law of equivalent exchange is judged by the “more powerful party.” For example, trading a copper coin for an orange is an equivalent exchange, but this is a commercial norm within an economic society. In the Wizards’ Realm, however, there’s a supply-demand relationship and a hierarchical increment Law.
The demanding party is naturally weaker than the supplying one. The more powerful dictate the terms of the equivalent exchange.
For the powerful, trading a copper coin for an orange isn’t fair. What they perceive as fair is exchanging a copper coin for an entire orchard full of oranges.
Once Odeclass learned of this exchange Law, he felt it aligned well with his interests. If Angel could present something so compelling that it even moved him, Odeclass wouldn’t mind taking the time to free Toby from the Calamity.
The Fire Transmission Stone, a legendary Demon artifact, was of significant use to him.
It could not only restore his strength but also provide an immeasurable enhancement.
That’s why he made this offer. Although, he didn’t really expect this human, barely stronger than an infant, to procure the Fire Transmission Stone.
As for the layers of thought behind his offer, he was too indifferent to explain, nor did he find any need to do so.