Dox, as a Bloodline Wizard, has always held his battle strength in high regard. So, when he saw the questioning eyes of the Wise Sovereign, his pride was deeply hurt.
"I have never been afraid nor timid in the face of battle; this time there was a special reason!" Dox declared with emphasis.
Vay, who was beside him, nodded in agreement: "That’s right, he’s always been fearless in battle."
Dox was moved as he looked at Vay, proving once again that true friends shine in times of adversity.
However, Vay’s next statement felt like an arrow to Dox’s chest.
Vay: "The reason he is fearless and not timid in battle is due to his intuition, which is quite good. If he feels he can win, he’ll go for it; if not, he won’t provoke. So indeed, there’s no issue of cowardice or fear."
Dox: "..."
Vay: "As for why he changed his mind this time, he’s right, his inspiration talent was damaged, so he couldn’t foresee whether this battle was worth fighting, leading to his bold words."
Vay accurately revealed Dox’s inner thoughts, and most importantly, was almost spot on, truly worthy of a long-time friend.
With Vay’s reasonable and evidence-supported explanation, Dox’s attempt to refute became noticeably weak.
Dox stared at Vay hatefully, grinding his teeth, wishing he could pulverize Vay at that moment, this guy only undermines, no respect for seniors!
While Dox was in a predicament, the Black Earl, who usually didn’t get along with Dox, surprisingly spoke a few words on his behalf.
"Dox’s main bloodline is the Sword-backed Sandworm bloodline." Black Earl: "While Grey Merchant’s bloodline is the Gem Earth Dragon, a bloodline that naturally suppresses all earth-element bloodlines."
Thus, the Black Earl’s implication was that Dox was just unlucky.
Everyone thought carefully and realized this indeed made sense. The Sword-backed Sandworm, within the sandworm bloodline, is the strongest branch. Moreover, Dox is skilled in swordsmanship; the Sword-backed Sandworm can control the sword spine for attacks, highly compatible with Dox’s combat style and rhythm. Together, Dox’s battle strength is definitely not weak.
As for Grey Merchant’s strength, it’s still unknown. But since he hasn’t stepped onto the path to True Knowledge yet, their combined strength shouldn’t differ much from Dox’s.
Dox’s disadvantage is in the bloodline suppression.
The importance of a Bloodline Wizard’s main bloodline is undeniable. If one’s bloodline is naturally suppressed, then Dox’s chance against Grey Merchant significantly reduces.
With a simple sentence, Black Earl resolved Dox’s dilemma. Grateful, Dox turned to Angel: "How about I face the Wicked Woman, and you take on Grey Merchant?"
Just moments ago, Dox suggested the Black Earl and Grey Merchant should face off; now with Black Earl speaking for him, he did not hesitate to change his stance.
"Alright then." Angel nodded ambiguously. He actually advocated the Black Earl remaining out for now; the Black Earl is considered a trump card, and being a descendant of Noah makes him an absolute target for ’that one.’ If he goes up, it’s possible an Out of Discussion blow might strike from above.
Angel wasn’t worried about the Black Earl’s safety; rather, he was concerned that if the Black Earl’s nose avatar perished, the True Body would arrive. Would they then have to bother Ironclad Granny?
Better not.
After discussing the Official Wizard of the Merchant Organization, Kaier weakly raised his hand: "Should we discuss their apprentices? I feel like we might lose just between you and me."
Vay also nodded in resignation: "Why don’t we just concede?"
Vay has been a recluse for so long that his remaining combat strength is a mystery. But his desire for battle is undoubtedly the lowest among those present. So his suggestion is understandable.
However, Kaier was not willing to give up, even if alone, he wanted to fight against the four apprentices of the Merchant Organization.
For historical ruins, especially places like the Remnant Land, Kaier truly didn’t want to miss out.
Faced with the differing opinions of the apprentices, Angel and the others fell into contemplation.
Actually, their thoughts were that even if the apprentices lose, as long as the Official Wizards win, they can still venture into the Remnant Land, and the Black Earl can represent Noah’s descendants to enter.
But now that Kaier expressed a desire to visit the Remnant Land, Angel had to consider carefully.
Kaier is the origin of this relic exploration, and in Angel’s mind, his opinion surpasses others’.
But how to make Kaier and Vay win the apprentice battle?
This question feels even more mentally taxing than achieving their battle victory.
The silence of the Wizards caused Kaier’s gaze to dim slightly. Judging by the present situation, he was already convinced that entering the Remnant Land might not be possible this time.
This isn’t anyone’s fault; rather, the arrangement by ’that one’ in the mirror set truly unfair rules. Apprentices are human too...
While Kaier was internally lamenting, Angel spoke up: "It’s too early to concede."
Vay and Kaier were taken aback, raising their heads to look at Angel.
Angel, however, turned to the Wise Sovereign seriously and said: "Isn’t it quite normal for a wizard apprentice to have a wind-type creature as a partner?"
Wise Sovereign: "???"
...
Several minutes later, the Wise Sovereign quietly said: "They’ve arrived."
As his words fell, everyone heard the sound of footsteps echoing from the direction of the door of the Hanging Jail Stairway.
Vay, perceiving the vibrations of the earth, sensed the distant sounds: "Why are there only four sets of footsteps?"
Soon, Vay’s question was answered.
A group of people slowly emerged from behind the door of the Hanging Jail Stairway.
Leading the group was a man resembling an iron tower, wearing a gray mask, with a gray cloak enveloping his body.
Undoubtedly, this was Grey Merchant. Based on appearances, aside from his abundant blood energy and robust physique, there was nothing particularly extraordinary about him.
However, behind Grey Merchant was a woman of exceptional strangeness.
This woman hovered in mid-air, her knee-length purple-red hair flowing freely. Her figure was graceful, but half of her body was wrapped in bandages, even the bandages on her ankles were directly connected to Grey Merchant’s wrist, appearing as if Grey Merchant was flying her like a kite.