Angel recounted the events he had experienced during this period in detail. He omitted certain undisclosable matters, such as Shava’s identity and the situation with the Dalmatian, but revealed the rest.
As for why the Nightmare Realm creatures did not harm him, Angel merely brushed it off with the words, "They probably mistook me for someone else."
However, most of those present did not believe this. In their view, given the Nightmare Realm’s powerful abilities, it would be hard to mistake someone. Though they had doubts, they didn’t voice them, silently speculating it might be due to the Nightmare Soul Body... After all, the greatest secret of Illusion Demon Island is its research on the Nightmare Soul Body.
Precisely because this might involve other people’s secrets, they dared not inquire further.
Moreover, rather than delving into these details, they were more focused on the situation within the ruins.
An hour later, Angel had almost completely recounted his experiences, using the Mirage Technique at times to recreate some perplexing scenes and address the group’s questions.
After he finished, the narrow office plunged into prolonged silence.
Everyone had imagined what the scenes inside the ruins would be like. After hearing Reeves’ account, they didn’t shy away from envisioning the most terrifying scenarios. But even after digesting Angel’s narrative, they still felt they had underestimated the situation.
The ruins were no longer what they had imagined but were instead an almost real Nightmare Realm world.
The Enigmatic Flickering Corridor, Duling Garden, Rainbow Mountain... incomprehensible eerie places.
Misty Goldlady, Black and White Maiden, Minister Nuka... formidable and terrifying mysterious beings.
Man-eating Mushrooms, Carlon Drizzlebug, Nightmare Light... utterly lethal dangers.
And Xinai’s descent, with an unknown target.
All these indicate that it’s not merely a mystic incident requiring urgent action; it has already begun evolving into a true disaster. What is more crucial is that while the disaster is yet to break out, with things seemingly calm, once all hell breaks loose, Barbarian Cave will be at the forefront of the calamity!
Even Rhein, at this moment, felt the path ahead was utterly dark.
Others remained silent. Though there were many things they wanted to say, numerous emotions they wished to vent, they suppressed them. For the energy generated by this matter, even just the fallout, went beyond what most present could objectively discuss.
Only after a long period of time did Rhein break the silence: "The events happening inside the ruins cannot be deduced by conventional logic. Their intentions, goals, and what will happen after Xinai’s descent are very difficult to fathom at present..."
Though Rhein didn’t state it outright, everyone understood that these inscrutable details would ultimately lead to something far from favorable.
It would certainly become even worse.
"I will ponder these issues more carefully," sighed Rhein, before continuing, "For now, let’s address the imminent crisis we might face."
"Mie Ying."
...
According to Blair the Bee from Duling Garden, and hints revealed by the Lunatic Tome, Mie Ying will soon replace Phantom Performance and begin spreading externally.
The spores released from Phantom Performance are the live wires.
While the disaster caused by Phantom Performance remains severe, due to Sanders’ presence, its intimidation factor has significantly diminished, posing almost no threat to Transcendents.
Yet with Phantom Performance’s retreat and Mie Ying taking center stage, a new crisis emerges.
They had personally witnessed Reeves’ soul mutation and heard of the changes he underwent due to Mie Ying’s corrosion. The soul-eroding terror of its ability left them all shocked.
Mie Ying is not only harmful to Apprentices but even Official Wizards find it difficult to escape its corrosion. Should Mie Ying be massively released into reality like live wires, it would become a more formidable disaster!
Moreover, as Angel observed, nurturing Mie Ying isn’t hard—Blair had already cultivated a large amount in Duling Garden, and it’s not far from unleashing Mie Ying upon the outside!
It can be said that all other dilemmas could be set aside, but not the Mie Ying crisis, which demands immediate attention.
"The solution to Mie Ying can only be found within Mie Ying itself. I obtained three Mie Ying larvas from Duling Garden, which I’ll take and hand over to Lord Reine later," Angel said.
Rhein shook his head: "No need. I’ll come directly to you. Besides, there are some other matters I wish to ask you."
Angel thought for a moment, then agreed: "Alright."
Upon saying so, Rhein gazed out the window. Beneath the clear blue canopy, secrets seemed endless.
The peak of the Mount Karalibben and the depths of Kurde Abyss are two typical dead zones in the Southern Domain. Rhein reflected to himself, his experiences today felt like traversing these absolute heights and depths, the Wilderness of Dreams and the Land of Xinai...
Rhein didn’t continue to inquire nor linger in the Wilderness of Dreams, but returned to reality first.
The others each made their choices.
Though the descent of Xinai stirred some emotions among them, since Rhein advised careful thought, they decided to set these matters aside, focusing on the fascinating exploration of the Wilderness of Dreams first.
Wallace decided to remain at the top of the Sky Tower, continuing to read Frode’s papers and research topics; Ironclad Granny did not mention her destination, only stated she would stroll around Originheart City, departing with Sanders from the Sky Tower; meanwhile, Tree Spirit and Lianna did not leave and intended to delve deeper into the Wilderness of Dreams, to better prepare for the Tea Party.
Once everyone set about their tasks, Angel prepared to leave the Wilderness of Dreams and head to the ruins to await Rhein’s arrival.
However, as Angel was leaving, a gray shadow suddenly darted into the room.
The successive crackling sounds startled Wallace, who was engrossed in reading, causing him to look up at the visitor.
"What is this..." Wallace asked, puzzled, looking at Angel’s arms.
Angel slowly opened his disheveled outer garment, revealing a trembling little gray seabird within.
Wallace, recognizing the visitor, chuckled quietly: "Didn’t expect you to bring it here too."
Wallace was naturally familiar with the little creature nestled in Angel’s arms—often perched on Angel’s shoulder. He remembered the bird’s name... Toby?
Toby’s presence was undoubtedly to seek out Angel, so Wallace refrained from further questioning and resumed his reading.
Angel, on the other hand, carried Toby up to the rooftop terrace, so as not to disturb Wallace’s concentration anymore.
"What’s going on with you?" Angel originally thought Toby hadn’t seen him for a few days because he missed him. But after a while of teasing, he discovered that Toby was trembling all over, as if he feared something?
Hearing Angel’s question, Toby lifted his little head, eyes full of grievances.