In order to show solemnity, Angel removed his disguise during self-introduction to reveal his true face.
With golden hair dazzling like sunshine and clear emerald eyes, the vibrant youthful aura was undeniable, even before noticing the subtle patterns on his skin. This was in stark contrast to the previous disheveled red-haired youth.
Though they appeared around the same age, the stale air of decay was replaced by a lively spirit, akin to the rising sun, vigorous and fervent.
This obvious sense of youth didn’t even require spell techniques to discern; one could tell that Angel was undoubtedly quite young.
Angel’s gaze swept across the room, eventually landing on Olao, and he began his self-introduction.
Although it was Adanis who suggested self-introduction and Augustine who controlled the scene, Angel chose to look at Olao. The reason wasn’t hard to infer; everyone else would eventually leave, only Olao would follow Angel in the future. Regardless of whether Olao wanted to follow Angel now, Angel wanted to express his importance to him.
This was a form of respect. If he hoped Olao would follow him and collaborate on research projects, then lowering his stance to share his identity and the skills he possessed with Olao was paramount.
Especially in terms of "skills," Angel emphasized this during his introduction.
Previously, his introduction was always "Barbarian Cave, Angel," or expanded with titles, mentor affiliations, etc....
But this time, based on that foundation, Angel specifically pointed out another identity: "Alchemist, member of the Research and Development Institute."
Upon stating this identity, Olao’s eyes visibly widened; evidently, he was aware of the significance of the Research and Development Institute.
Once confirming Olao’s understanding of the Institute, Angel further explained why he could become a member.
From accidentally engaging with the mysterious levels in Black Castle to all that occurred later in Sky Mechanical City, Angel explained in meticulous detail.
Many details within were unheard of even by those typically well-informed like the Black Earl and Dox.
While narrating these events, Angel maintained an air of casualness on the surface, though internally, he felt a bit embarrassed. There was a slight sense of boasting, which didn’t entirely align with his personality.
Yet to ensure Olao understood that he had the capability and the willingness to refine mysterious objects, these details had to be shared.
Simply put, it was to tell Olao that following him wouldn’t be a loss.
Of course, Angel didn’t intend to force Olao to stay; if Olao was genuinely unwilling to follow him or had better options, Angel would let him go freely.
This was a process of mutual selection, necessitating a respectful route to freely decide one’s path.
Angel’s introduction wasn’t long, as he concluded with: "Influenced by age and perspective, my experiences aren’t numerous; what I’ve shared constitutes most of my experiences. What I haven’t mentioned is mostly unnecessary, and of what can’t be shared, it is largely irrelevant to the present occasion. Hence, they are temporarily omitted."
After Angel finished his introduction, the others were still in a slight daze, while Olao drifted into contemplation.
Olao hadn’t anticipated that Angel would introduce himself so formally to him. Since Angel was so earnest, Olao naturally needed to give a formal response, which was beyond Augustine’s orders.
Therefore, Olao had to ponder deeply to ascertain his true thoughts.
After snapping back to reality, the others noticed Olao’s contemplative expression and fell silent, providing him ample time for reflection.
Although they didn’t verbally interrupt Olao, their meaningful glances darted around.
For instance, Adanis, who questioned Angel’s identity, found her face expressing a fascinating range of emotions. Initially, Adanis intended to critique Angel through skepticism to sway Augustine and Olao’s stance. However, she didn’t expect Angel’s introduction to be so targeted.
The entirety of the introduction resonated with Augustine’s "vision."
It also touched upon a yearning within Olao’s heart: while he missed and wished to see his brother Adigu, he didn’t want to meet him in such a humbled state, nor fully be overshadowed by him.
Originally, Olao hoped Augustine would "refine" him, but Augustine clearly stated that if he intervened, Olao would only become a second Adigu, rather than remain as the first Olao.
In his quiet desolation, Angel’s introduction gave Olao a spark of hope.
Based on Adanis’s understanding of Olao, she was almost certain Olao wouldn’t refuse Angel.
Despite numerous doubts surrounding Angel that went unexplained—such as the origin of alchemy, how his youthful age balanced alchemy and strength, and why the Maneater Flower showed reverence towards him—these mysteries only enhanced Angel’s enigmatic appeal without affecting Olao’s judgement.
Moreover, if these were indeed Angel’s fortuitous occasions, it’d be typical not to disclose them outright. Those who advance to Official Wizard tend to possess their own fortunes; hence, it’s reasonable not wanting them revealed.
Additionally, Angel himself stated "matters that can’t be spoken about are unrelated to today’s affairs," thus pursuing them further seemed baseless.
From Adanis’s perspective, Angel’s self-introduction starting from when addressing Olao, seemingly built a defensive wall. Now it’s formed an imposing barrier, making any attempt to find chinks for attacks challenging.
This complexity in Adanis’s expression was owing to the feeling of weaving one’s own trap—failing to obstruct Angel, instead aiding him. This led her to self-reproach.
Apart from Adanis, Augustine’s gaze was also noteworthy.
Augustine previously claimed indifference towards Angel’s identity or origin; however, after completing his introduction, Augustine couldn’t help but nod continuously.
Angel’s demeanor carried youthful vigor, complemented by an unspeakable "etiquette."
This "etiquette" encompassed openness, freedom, inclusiveness, respect, and self-control... perhaps even more.
Although many seemed contradictory, in Angel they blended seamlessly, devoid of any sense of dissonance.
It might sound trivial, yet it represented unprecedented refinement requiring an environment of cultivation and growth. An environment where such manners could flourish and bear fruit was remarkably rare across the Pan-Dimensional Plane.
This demeanor resembled what belongs to an old wise man who’s discerned the true nature of black and white over the years.
Yet Angel’s youthful spirit remained so exuberant; though ostensibly contradictory, it was harmonious. This is why Angel appeared so unique.
What Augustine valued wasn’t Angel’s skills, as he was already aware of his competencies, thus listening casually to his introduction. He prioritized Angel’s principled conduct—in plain terms, his worldview, values, and understanding.
Now it seemed Angel’s values and understanding had already exceeded Augustine’s expectations, with only his worldview needing further broadening through experience.
Overall, Augustine was finding more satisfaction the more he observed Angel.
He was already anticipating a future where Olao and Adigu could truly become genuine embodiments of the Twinborn Mirror, illuminating the infinite void, shining forward into both past and future.
Elsewhere, Kaier and the others were also watching Angel.
Yet Kaier and Vay looked at Angel with reverent gazes; although they likely knew some general information about Angel, hearing such detailed accounts directly from Angel himself was unprecedented.