Deep in the black market, in Kaier’s earth cavern.
Although being interrupted during alchemy made Angel quite displeased; the short sword’s embryo was formed, and it needs time to cool. Additionally, Dangross, who had been efficiently using fire, also needed a short rest.
Thus, the timing was just right to spare some time to meet Dox, who urgently sought him out.
Even so, Angel’s mood remained somewhat sour.
Upon meeting Dox and Kaier, after listening to Dox’s guilt-ridden explanation, Angel’s mood worsened.
"Adding one more person? Who is Vay, I don’t know him, and yet you want to bring him along?" Angel rubbed his throbbing temples, already exhausted, now compounded by emotional fatigue.
Before exploring the relic, due to lacking any spiritual perception, he asked someone to predict whether there would be danger, but ended up being entangled by the other party.
What kind of incompetent teammates are these?
"Vay is an old friend of mine, I know his character well, he personally doesn’t want to go, but the main issue is with the Black Earl behind him..." Dox sighed helplessly.
"Let’s put aside Vay and the Black Earl for now. I just want to ask you, I know your wizard premonition is strong, your spiritual perception often proves effective, but relying on spiritual perception for everything, don’t you feel it makes any endeavor dull?"
"Previously, when you followed me to the Princess Castle, I thought you seemed quite fearless, but turned into a coward once you had no premonition."
Dox shook his head: "I’m not afraid of death, even if my spiritual perception tells me this is extremely dangerous, I would still go. Only by probing the edge of death can one find a chance to breakthrough, which has always been my belief."
"This time, however, the sudden failure of spiritual perception made me feel strange, prompting me to approach my old friend Vay. Through his death sense, check whether my spiritual perception is acting up."
Dox’s explanation was sincere, Angel believed it partially: "Then did you notice any issues?"
"Vay also smelled our mixed blood, but couldn’t detect any scent. This suggests both his talent and my spiritual perception experienced similar issues, meaning the issue isn’t with spiritual perception, but perhaps something peculiar about this relic exploration."
"Perhaps it was this peculiar nature that caught the attention of the Black Earl, thus leading to Vay joining the exploration."
Dox stated his conjecture.
Having heard this, Angel was barely convinced by Dox’s words. At least from the textual standpoint, there appeared to be no issues, and the logic was feasible.
Dox was visibly guilty: "Even if we refuse Vay, as the Black Earl is aware of this matter, he would have other means to follow up. This time was my mistake."
"I asked Vay for a day to consider, sought you out to discuss further."
"With the Black Earl involved as a variable, let’s cancel this journey altogether. Regarding your alchemy, I’ll compensate for all materials."
Dox figured, if Angel wouldn’t go, no matter what plot or scheme was involved, it would be hard to proceed.
Since others were unaware of the short sword’s corresponding location.
Also, the short sword was yet to be refined, meaning it could be canceled mid-way.
Previously outside, Dox had discussed with Kaier, and Kaier agreed to Dox’s proposal of compensating materials, now only needed Angel to agree, then the matter was concluded.
Regarded as if nothing happened.
Angel pondered for a moment; if it earlier, he might have accepted Dox’s proposal. After all, it was just an alchemy task, as long as the reward was sufficient, skipping it was fine.
But now realizing, this task might involve the space behind the wall in Naraku City, Angel couldn’t suppress his curiosity.
He genuinely wanted to see whether the wall existed in the real Naraku City, and what lay behind it.
However, unforeseen circumstances made Angel consider other variables.
The Black Earl... Angel wasn’t familiar with this wizard, only knew he was a major figure, standing at the pyramid’s pinnacle, with even his mentor Dox respectfully addressing him as Lord.
The Black Earl now focused on this matter, even if it’s only his apprentice, still equipping the Black Earl’s nose.
This indicates possible unexpected circumstances may arise during this exploration.
"You all step out first, I need some time to think and make my decision," Angel silently stated to Dox and Kaier.
Although Dox had more to say, after thinking it over, he realized he said all he had to. Ultimately, it depended on Angel’s decision. Hence, he nodded and, along with Kaier, temporarily left the earth cavern.
As for Angel, he stood up, picked up Dangross lying atop the quenching liquid, and placed it near the short sword embryo.
Instructed Dangross to watch the cooling process, if rapid cooling occurred, to apply some heat to slow down the cooling. It was a way to gain more time to handle other matters.
Dangross understood Angel’s serious expression, didn’t have any reluctance, and nodded: "Okay, it’s not difficult, leave it to me!"
Seeing Dangross patting its "chest"—or rather "palm"—with a little finger, Angel, for the first time, felt this little creature seemed dependable.
With Dangross watching over, Angel didn’t hesitate, immediately sitting on the sofa, entered the Wilderness of Dreams.
Around half a day later, Angel once again encountered Ironclad Granny.
This time, Ironclad Granny was alone, seated in the Rose Garden of the New City, overlooking the increasingly wondrous city.
"Rarely see Granny not drinking tea at the water pavilion." Angel’s voice echoed from behind Ironclad Granny.
Ironclad Granny turned: "Apart from the water pavilion, I often come here too. Watching this Extraordinary City being built bit by bit, it’s a feeling beyond words."
In the Southern Domain, establishing an Extraordinary City consumes unimaginable wealth. For example, Sky Mechanical City took countless years to improve gradually. Mesomyia’s renowned Quicksand City also required silent effort from multiple super families and organizations to build.
Now, in their Barbarian Cave, due to Angel’s influence, they almost spent nothing and built an Extraordinary City. Moreover, this city rivaled any city in the Southern Domain, not only using the most luxurious materials but also featuring an extremely unique style.
This feeling brought Ironclad Granny indescribable joy.
Even though it’s in the Wilderness of Dreams, not in the real world. Yet, Ironclad Granny sees the potential of the Wilderness; it could become a second world.
By then, it could still be a city not less dazzling than reality.
"If you want to build such a city, you can do it anytime. Next time, Granny can design one too." Angel, however, doesn’t share Ironclad Granny’s sentiment and cannot understand the significance of an extraordinary city to the Witcher Organization.