Angel was also there, listening to their conversation. As the intake of information increased, Angel realized that his offhand suggestion back then was somewhat irresponsible.
His experiences were still too limited, his perspective not yet mature, and his considerations too simplistic.
He hesitated about whether to retract his words.
Upon learning this, Rhein simply waved his hand: "Setting up a branch is itself one of our development strategies. Evaluating various places in the Tidal World is my duty. Heaven’s Mandate affects my decisions, but not greatly. If this place isn’t suitable, I naturally have other plans."
Hearing this, Angel felt much more at ease.
In the subsequent conversation, disregarding the influence of Heaven’s Mandate, Rhein and Sanders began a thorough deconstruction of Wind Island, and even Gentle Wind Uranos joined in, as it concerned the future of Wind Island.
Through this deconstruction, Angel gained insights into areas of knowledge he had never focused on before, which was a rare experience for him.
The end result of the deconstruction was that Wind Island was indeed not quite suitable as a branch location.
Unless Wind Island could detach from the Green Wilderness, floating in the air across the entire continent. In that case, it could take advantage of the terrain, with a mobile wizard market built upon it, allowing profit distribution for the branch establishment.
But to make Wind Island completely separate from the Green Wilderness and enter the drifting era, it’s not a decision Rhein can make alone. It also requires consideration of the sentiments of the wind-elemental creatures and the multilateral relations with various element territories.
Moreover, would the wind-elemental creatures have no opinions about a wizard market being built on their territory?
Thus, this is not only a "civil" issue but also a "diplomatic" one. Even Gentle Wind Uranos could not give an immediate answer.
Gentle Wind Uranos left solemnly, and before leaving, it also stated that "it would seriously consider." As for the outcome, none, including Angel, were very optimistic.
The conversation then shifted to other topics, mostly revolving around matters of the Tidal World.
During the chat, Angel suddenly paused.
"What’s wrong?" Sanders was the first to notice Angel’s anomaly.
Angel: "It’s nothing, it seems Tullas has something to discuss with me."
Just before, Angel sensed Tullas logging out of the Wilderness of Dreams and sending a weak signal to Angel through the bracelet space.
"I suppose Nis’s stone slab exploded again," said Sanders.
Rhein also nodded, having heard about this from Ironclad Granny. He knew that Nis had been researching the stone slab, hoping to lock in the coordinates of the Quest World from the constant oscillations within the slab and open a channel to this Soul Plane.
The channel to the Quest World had always been held by three powerful soul families, who had grown increasingly powerful and rivaled some Witcher Organizations by exploiting the profits gained from the Quest World.
Such a channel alone was enough to achieve this, naturally making many Witcher Organizations envious.
If Nis could truly open such a channel, Rhein would undoubtedly support it with both hands.
"I think so too." Angel summoned Tullas out from the bracelet space and also took out the stone slab and Dream Conch...
Unexpectedly, when Tullas appeared, he did not mention Nis.
"... Frode has something to discuss with me?" Angel asked in confusion, "Didn’t you come because of Nis? Hasn’t Nis’s stone slab exploded yet?"
Tullas shook his head: "Not yet."
"Alright then, what does Frode want from me?" Angel asked, puzzled.
"It’s probably about little Sam’s situation." Tullas didn’t know precisely but had heard Frode mention little Sam.
Angel speculated it might be related to the lead on the ghost of the farmer, but why did Frode insist on meeting him for something he could handle himself? Moreover, why travel from Originheart City to New City just to have Tullas convey a message?
Although puzzled, Angel did not hesitate and directly entered the Wilderness of Dreams with Tullas.
A moment later, Angel awakened from the Wilderness of Dreams.
Seeing this, Sanders said offhandedly: "Did something happen on Frode’s side?"
"Sort of." Angel nodded: "A special undead appeared near Star Lake Castle."
Angel briefly explained the situation, including the details of the special undead, and the slave incident related to the sacrificial ceremony in the cave thirteen years ago, discovered by the Silver Heron Royal Knights Order.
After hearing Angel’s account, Rhein couldn’t help but sigh: "Special undead are rarely seen, yet a little Sam who hasn’t even entered the circle of apprentices has attracted two in succession. It’s no wonder he’s a Near-Spirit Body."
Sanders: "Are you planning to go over?"
Angel nodded: "Yes, special undead are rare, especially this scarce Mirror Grudge. Since Tullas hasn’t practiced Soul Trick, he can try to absorb the Mirror Grudge’s special energy and see if he can gain the Soul Interference ability."
To let Tullas absorb the Mirror Grudge, it’s naturally necessary to make a trip to Star Lake Castle.
Moreover, the Mirror Grudge is obviously targeting little Sam, and considering it’s already at the foot of the mountain where Star Lake Castle is located, it means time is pressing.
If I am to go, I probably should set off now.
Rhein and Sanders had no objections to Angel’s decision.
"I’ll make sure to return as soon as possible."
Rhein nodded: "No worries, as long as you’re back before the gathering at the Region of Fire."