Arnott’s answer left Angel puzzled.
Earlier, that massive whirlwind made a point of mentioning Hurricane’s name before dissipating, suggesting that it was not a weakling; perhaps even quite renowned on Wind Island.
But Arnott’s answer indicated that it had never heard of Hurricane?
That’s very strange.
Even if Arnott is reclusive, having lived on Wind Island for so many years, it’s hard to believe it wouldn’t have heard of a strong figure on the island. Unless this Hurricane is not actually a strong figure? But that doesn’t align with the aspirations left behind by the whirlwind upon its demise.
Or perhaps this Hurricane is powerful, but like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, doesn’t like to flaunt, hiding its true strength? This could be plausible in the World of Wizards, but in a world dominated by elemental creatures, where the strength of elemental energy is quite obvious, hiding one’s strength is nearly impossible.
Are there any other possibilities beyond these two?
"I was thinking, could it be..." The speaker was Jack the bean vine, who stopped halfway and shook its head: "Probably not."
"What are your thoughts, feel free to share?" Angel looked at Jack the bean vine, thinking perhaps as fellow elemental creatures, its insights might be valuable?
Jack hesitated for a moment: "Since Arnott doesn’t recognize Hurricane, I was thinking, might Hurricane not be from the White Cloud Village?"
"Not from the White Cloud Village? Are you suggesting the whirlwind betrayed Wind Island, conspiring with outside forces?" Dangross questioned.
Jack shook his head: "Not just that, I was thinking, since that whirlwind and Hurricane are in cahoots, what if neither of them is from Wind Island."
Dangross was taken aback, understanding Jack’s implications. Wind-element creatures are not exclusive to White Cloud Village. Jack was suggesting that Hurricane and the whirlwind might both be wind-element creatures from afar. If so, many details would make sense.
However, Dangross was still uncertain: "If they truly are foreign wind-element creatures, why would they come to White Cloud Village and act so arrogantly?"
This was the part Jack couldn’t figure out, which is why it hesitated earlier.
Angel spoke up then: "Perhaps it has something to do with the current strange events in White Cloud Village?"
Angel also agreed with Jack’s view, because not only did Arnott not know Hurricane, but seemed unfamiliar with that whirlwind as well.
Moreover, previously White Cloud Village exhibited strange behaviors, summoning all wind-element creatures back without notifying their green fellow-guardians, and even rejecting the assistance proposal from Prosperous Glem.
At that time Angel suspected it might be internal conflict. Only in matters of internal strife would Gentle Wind Uranus be embarrassed to spread family feuds outside.
Even if the whirlwind and Hurricane were not born in White Cloud Village, since they are both wind-element creatures, it could still be considered a form of internal conflict to some extent.
So, based on this premise, it seems very likely they hail from other wind-element territories.
Angel shared his speculation.
Dangross: "Sir means, could White Cloud Village be at war with other wind-element territories? Hence the current situation?"
"It might not be a war, but rather an internal struggle?" Angel speculated.
Confusion flashed in Dangross’ eyes: "Is that really the case? I’ve attended classes by Teacher Magu, and it always emphasized that the domain of Fire and other fire-element territories are closely allied. Just like the Baya Desert and Wild Stone Wasteland, both earth-element creatures, they maintain a good relationship too."
"Having good relations is one thing, but occasional disputes are another." Angel sighed. If Dangross understood human history, it would see many allied nations profess love and unity, but secretly harbor competition. Even within the same camp, internal conflicts exist, let alone different camps, how can they forever remain united.
"Perhaps... you might be right." A soft, slightly tearful voice suddenly reached their ears.
Angel looked down to see it was Arnott speaking.
It tilted its head, looking toward the silver white flying fish still trapped in the illusionary realm, with a complex expression in its eyes.
"Is there something wrong with this flying fish?" Angel noticed Arnott staring at the silver white flying fish and asked.
Arnott nodded, then shook its head: "I don’t know if there’s anything wrong, but when I first saw it, I vaguely felt its wind differed from mine."
Initially, Arnott didn’t realize the problem until it sensed the Wind’s Force within that mighty whirlwind.
The wind from the whirlwind, and that from the flying fish, both gave it the same sense of anomaly, not like the wind from White Cloud Village.
Reflecting on Jack’s earlier speculation and Angel’s added insights, Arnott just realized, perhaps they are not winds from White Cloud Village?
"Is this flying fish also from another wind territory?" Dangross asked in surprise, "But if it’s truly an internal conflict, why would they bring an Elemental Sprite here? And casually place it in the White Cloud Sea?"
Arnott: "I’m only suspicious."
If what Arnott said is true, Angel doesn’t understand why they would bring an Elemental Sprite to White Cloud Village. However, he has a theory about why they left the silver white flying fish in White Cloud Sea—
Because it’s an Elemental Sprite.
Like how, even when a couple is estranged, their children might remain a mutual weak spot. The Elemental Sprite, sharing the same attribute, is precisely that common denominator.
Even if recognized by White Cloud Village’s wind-element creatures, they wouldn’t harm it. Just like how Gentle Wind Uranus summoned all wind-element creatures back but left the Elemental Sprite untouched, because it knows, even adversarial wind territories wouldn’t harm an Elemental Sprite, it’s a tacit understanding.
"For now, let’s not think too much about the origin of the silver white flying fish." Angel said, "Let’s proceed to Wind Island and see the current situation. As for these Elemental Sprites, I believe His Highness Gentle Wind will arrange for them when the time comes."
After saying this, Angel began to navigate the Gondola.
"Let’s continue forward."
The Gondola set off again. Besides Angel and Toby, the other elemental creatures looked at the looming nightfall and cloud with solemn expressions.
Is White Cloud Village truly fighting with other wind territories?
If indeed wind-element creatures from other domains have arrived, how many are there?
Has Hurricane already learned of the whirlwind’s demise, and might he be lying in wait ahead?
The thoughts of all the elemental creatures were complex, especially Arnott. It understood that as the Gondola pressed onward, the truth would inevitably be revealed. Regarding the impending truth, alongside anticipation, there was also fear and dread.
"If they really are wind-element creatures from another domain, where might they be from?" Dangross shattered the silence on the Gondola.
Arnott shook its head, as it rarely visited The Sage and knew little of external affairs.