When Angel opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was the symbol mark floating not far away.
It quietly emitted a crimson glow, a dark, blood-like light that, in various creations, always accompanies misfortune, malice, and charm.
But the red light before him brought Angel not a hint of evil intent, but a strong sense of safety.
The red light still enveloped his surroundings, the Magic Rune Scroll hadn’t been triggered, and there were no signs of the illusionary realm being destroyed... Angel finally relaxed and let out a breath.
Normally, Angel would only enter the Wilderness of Dreams in an absolutely safe environment or when surrounded by powerful protection. Just like before on the platform where Cicia was, Angel dared to enter the Wilderness of Dreams because the Black Earl and Dox were nearby.
This time, entering the Wilderness of Dreams was a spur-of-the-moment decision, surrounded by the void, where there were clearly some bred magic monsters. So, even after preparing, Angel was still a bit uneasy.
Fortunately, Cicia didn’t deceive him. As long as the mark was around, he needn’t worry about danger.
Just as Cicia had mentioned earlier at Pat Manor, magic monsters in the void wouldn’t attack beings within the mark. To them, beings on the ladder are masters, while those who fall off are food thrown by the master.
The magic monsters’ simple thinking created the unique ecosystem of this other-dimensional space.
Angel put away the various defensive tools and withdrew the illusionary realm. Instantly, the area ahead transformed from gray-white mist into dark void. Meanwhile, the red mark began to slowly move forward, and as it advanced, the virtual staircase in front gradually turned real...
He resumed his ladder-climbing journey.
...
The Mind Ribbon was as lively as ever. Especially when Dox, following the Black Earl, was the second to discover the exit. He, like the Black Earl, sat on the staircase at the exit, sharing his leisure with others, pitifully watching those still climbing the ladder.
This feeling of deriving joy from others’ suffering was immensely satisfying to Dox, even though he himself had climbed the ladder for quite a while.
"Lord Black Earl saw the exit first, and I was the second to see it. Is this ranking by power? Then by this logic, Angel should be the third to see the exit?" Dox, with nothing better to do, began his speculation. And this speculation also served as a way to flaunt his strength... Dox’s usual tactic.
"All you do is boast! I don’t believe you could ever defeat Lord Chaowei!" The one who dared to counter Dox and fervently supported Angel, undoubtedly, was Vay, Angel’s little fanboy.
"You, a little apprentice who doesn’t even dare advance, know nothing! Come and judge only when you’ve become an Official Wizard." Dox retorted immediately.
Undeterred, Vay began listing Angel’s skills, including Earl Mi, Speedy, Alchemy Tools, Alchemical Potion, Illusion Technique, Magical Energy Array...
"Have you forgotten who your true friend is? Are you Angel’s spokesperson now? Angel himself hasn’t spoken, yet here you are, enthusiastically listing his skills." Dox remarked sarcastically, continuing, "The Demons of the Panic Realm and Speedy don’t count as Angel’s strength. I’m comparing individual strength."
Vay: "Then what about Summoning Wizards? Are their summons excluded too?"
Dox: "Those are entirely different. Summoned Creatures rely on the wizard’s own energy to exist. Once without the wizard’s protection, they’d be annihilated by the Great Will if they forcefully stayed in the Wizards’ Realm. So, this counts as individual strength. But Angel’s Panic Realm Demon doesn’t need energy from Angel; it can resist the Great Will’s erosion and transmute energy independently. This can’t count as individual strength; it’s simply an ally."
What Dox said made some sense, but it was merely a comparison of individual strength in one dimension. A comprehensive comparison would require considering multiple dimensions.
Vay: "By your standards, only what’s personally yours counts as individual strength. Then don’t use a sword in battle; you didn’t forge the sword, while Lord Chaowei can use alchemy weapons because he made them himself, so they count as individual strength. Also, you can’t use potions, but Lord Chaowei can..."
Vay had clearly begun to engage in sophistry, making it simpler for Dox to counter.
However, Dox ultimately didn’t refute because Vay’s last words directly broke through Dox’s defenses.
—"Lord Chaowei could crush you with mere Magic Crystals!"
This remark conjured a scene in Dox’s mind. To his left, himself; to his right, Angel.
On the left, he was destitute, running a rundown tavern, wasting away each day.
On the right, Angel was wealthy, skilled, powerful, and well-connected.
As they fought, Dox on the left performed various dashing moves and powerful techniques, appearing dazzlingly brilliant. Meanwhile, Angel on the opposing side casually took out a stack of Magic Rune Scrolls, one after another...
Ultimately, no matter how dashing and powerful the techniques, they were eventually buried by the endless snowflake-like Magic Rune Scrolls.
Of course, this was merely Dox’s imagination.
In a real battle, it definitely wouldn’t be turn-based. Even if Angel wanted to use massive Magic Rune Scrolls to crush Dox, he would still need Dox to give him the opportunity to throw them, and even if he managed to throw them, there’s no guarantee they’d hit Dox.
After all, the power of the bloodline is recognized, with a body strong in all aspects. Speed, strength, and combat control far exceed Angel’s.
Even understanding this scenario, Dox still felt a bit downcast.
He recalled the events in Princess Town, where he learned of the imminent upheaval in the Gumman Kingdom, eager to seize a share amidst chaos. Yet Angel was utterly indifferent, leaving without a second thought, not valuing the minor gain.
In comparison, Dox felt his own ambitions were too limited. What he desperately pursued might be deemed trivial by Angel, insignificant and dispensable.
This was the reason for Dox’s sudden silence.
Reflecting on himself, he found it utterly tragic, involuntarily moved by emotion.
However, Dox’s mood shifts quickly, both arriving and departing fast. He was adept at self-consolation; his pursuits differed from Angel’s, no need for comparisons. He possessed a "freedom" beyond Angel’s imagination, and that was enough.
Freedom, hooray!
"I can’t be bothered arguing with you; we’ll see soon enough. If the next person to emerge is Angel, then my prediction was correct." Dox decided that using facts to counter Vay was more effective than verbal debate, which was pointless.
Just as Dox confidently declared this, he heard Vay’s pleased hum: "I’ve already seen the exit; just two more steps and I’ll be out. Do you still think your prediction is correct?"
Dox was speechless this time, remaining silent. He was quietly guessing if Angel had already arrived but just chose not to speak up.
Vay, feeling triumphant, sat with the Black Earl and Dox on the ladder at the exit, continuing to tease Dox through the Mind Ribbon.
As for why they were all sitting on the suspended ladder and not leaving, the reason was simple: once anyone went out, the exit would immediately close and the Mind Ribbon would be cut off. They wouldn’t be able to know what happened to the others. So, they simply sat at the exit, waiting for everyone to find their own exits before leaving together.
A few minutes later, Kaier’s voice rang out: "I see the exit too."
Now, only Angel hadn’t appeared.
Dox broke the silence: "Could Angel have encountered an accident? I feel like he hasn’t spoken the entire time."
Dox’s words instantly made everyone tense. Indeed, even the Black Earl had spoken up, but ever since Angel parted ways with Vay, there was no information from him.