On the other side, in front of the entrance to the Hanging Jail Stairway. Everyone was gathered around the statue in the fountain.
"This little kid peeing looks much eerier than the one you simulated with illusions earlier," said Dox.
The statue that Angel previously simulated with Illusion Technique was a cute, bare-bottomed child, mischievously holding his little brother, with a stream of water arcing from it into the crystal-clear fountain.
Though the design seemed a bit odd, since it was just a little kid, even if naked, it didn’t stir any ulterior thoughts.
The statue, carved with masterful skill, clearly displayed the child’s playful, innocent, and harmless nature, evoking a knowing smile.
But the statue of the peeing child before them was different. The face that was originally smooth with a skin-like Colored Glaze now had its coating almost entirely peeled away, leaving only patches of white and black.
It looked like bruises.
The child’s mischievous smile had become somewhat sinister due to these bruises. Originally playful and innocent, it now seemed filled with malice—a creepy grin.
Along with the murky black water spewing from the child’s little brother, it was entirely unrelated to Angel’s illusionary statue.
"Time passes, and changes are natural." said Vay. "Moreover, wasn’t it previously suspected that the woman’s statue might be the Goddess of Prison Codex, representing judgment; while the child’s statue represents the Slayer."
"Now, with this eerie look, doesn’t it resemble the Slayer more?"
Dox hugged Vay and whispered through gritted teeth at his ear, "The bit about the passage of time made sense, but what’s this nonsense you spewed at the end? You’re being influenced by Angel, aren’t you?"
His last words were barely audible, seemingly a whisper.
But none were ordinary people here; everyone heard it.
An unexpectedly called out Angel looked bewildered: When did I influence Vay? Why say "again?"
What did Dox’s statement mean? Did he realize I had Vay work over the Black Earl’s Crystal Ball?
But that doesn’t add up; Dox has no involvement in that matter.
Vay: "I said it ’looks more like the Punisher,’ not that it should be this way!"
Dox: "Anyway, you’re just backing them up."
As Vay was about to say more, the Black Earl impatiently interrupted, "This topic is pointless; there’s no need to argue further."
Dox patted Vay’s shoulder, "See, even your master criticizes you; your words are pointless."
The Black Earl turned the slab towards Dox, snorting, "Your question is also pointless. The transformation of the statue isn’t the focus; the focus is the door beneath the statue."
The base of the peeing child’s statue was high; on one side of the base, there was an obvious door handle.
The door handle was slightly ajar, previously opened by the Black Earl’s Avatar to investigate.
"There’s nothing to investigate outside; I’ve searched it through before. Let’s go inside and see..." The Black Earl paused, turned to Angel: "I’ve informed you about the general situation inside; are you prepared?"
The others didn’t understand the Black Earl’s meaning, confusedly looking back and forth between Angel and the Black Earl. But Angel, being the principal person involved, understood the Black Earl’s meaning clearly.
The Black Earl was inquiring whether Angel had a contingency plan if the Wood Spirit wasn’t inside.
Angel: "I’ve got some ideas. But there’s no need to spell them out now; it’s not too late to discuss if the Wood Spirit can’t be found."
"Alright." The Black Earl ended the conversation without any delay.
Dox: "Hey hey, I’m also a key member of this group; keeping secrets from those two fools is fine, but don’t keep them from me. Tell me what’s up with this riddle?"
Dox released Vay and swiftly came beside Angel, attempting to hug Angel as he did Vay earlier.
However, Angel was quicker, dodging to stand next to the Black Earl.
"Hey, you guys could at least tell me in private." Dox didn’t want to approach the Black Earl, so he shouted from a few meters away.
Angel considered for a moment and thought it was fine to tell everyone, casually saying, "Nothing much, just that during our exchange with Cicia and Dong La previously, we overlooked an important issue."
At this moment, Kaier suddenly said, "Is the overlooked issue about time?"
Angel gave Kaier a deep look and nodded gently, "Yes, it’s indeed time."
Kaier noticing this wasn’t surprising; his inspiration might not be as strong as Dox’s, but his observation skills and mental acuity were quite sharp. These are essential qualities for a Wizard from the Academy Faction.
Throughout the journey, Kaier had been mostly silent, but that didn’t mean he lacked engagement. He frequently revisited Photostones, indicating he paid close attention to every detail.
Angel: "When Dong La and Cicia received the Wood Spirit information, it was already delayed intel; in this time, who knows if the Wood Spirit had sudden thoughts of leaving."
"So, the discussion between me and the Black Earl was about preparing a contingency plan if the Wood Spirit isn’t inside."
Everyone connected it to Angel’s previous response to the Black Earl, which expressed this meaning indeed.
It meant Angel and the Black Earl were already preparing further steps.
Now they somewhat understood why the Black Earl previously communicated solely with Angel; even informing them about these matters would only add to the confusion, so it was better not said.
Now, at the doorway to the Hanging Jail Stairway, it didn’t matter anymore.
"I see." Dox smiled, "Don’t worry, the Wood Spirit definitely hasn’t escaped!"
Angel looked skeptically, "How can you be sure? Did your inspiration return?"
Dox waved his hand, "It hasn’t returned. I just feel that the Wood Spirit can’t run far; it can’t return to the previous Other-dimensional Space. Even if not at the Hanging Jail Stairway, it’s nearby; it can’t have run far."
Angel calmly said, "The Underground Aqueducts are extensive."
Dox: "But there are Magical Creatures there, and it’s quite cowardly, right?"
Angel: "However, it’s good at concealing its Talent."