Additionally, numerous material compatibility studies, usually with very low success rates, could be continuously researched here, couldn’t they?
If we delve deeper, like Runeology, Ritual Studies, and most importantly Alchemy...
Rhein and Tree Spirit dared not imagine further; just with these disciplines, they already saw a future full of light!
They now finally understood why the Research and Development Institute of Sky Mechanical City spread the news that "mystery never gets dusty." At first, they thought it was merely a strategy by the institute to sell the Dream Conch at a high price, but now in retrospect, it seems reasonable—
All mysteries have their own value; if you think it’s superfluous, it’s only because you haven’t found the right way to use it.
Indeed, that is the case.
Is the Dream Conch superfluous? Until today, Rhein and Tree Spirit would have said the same: they’ve never seen a mysterious object more useless than the Dream Conch.
But now, looking at it, the Dream Conch is definitely not superfluous!
You could even say the potential of the Dream Conch has exceeded the limits of imagination; it can absolutely be called a strategic-level mysterious object!
Of course, all of this is contingent on aligning with the Wilderness of Dreams.
With this thought, Rhein couldn’t help but look at Angel. When Angel launched the Wilderness of Dreams, and wrapped in it the strategic impact brought by the Dream Conch, Rhein couldn’t imagine what the future would be like.
At this moment, Rhein’s heart surged with even more intense emotions compared to when he first learned about the Wilderness of Dreams yesterday.
The potential of the Wilderness of Dreams is for today, but with the Dream Conch, the Wilderness of Dreams is for the future.
In his astonishment, Rhein confirmed some of his assumptions from Angel’s mouth. Like the consumption of casting materials, and Alchemy... despite Rhein being prepared, receiving an affirmative answer still felt surreal.
"I need to go be quiet," Rhein could clearly feel that the radiant future had already begun, but how Barbarian Cave should enter this path, and which direction they should take, required deep contemplation from him.
Rhein looked at Angel: "I will temporarily leave for a while, please assist with entertaining the Mushroom Witch."
Angel could sense the uncontrollable light in Rhein’s eyes; he knew Rhein needed time to thoroughly process this news. So, he didn’t say much but nodded in acknowledgment.
Rhein turned to Tree Spirit: "If you’re free, come by Cloud Tower later."
With Mirror Lady in slumber and Book Elder in concealment, Tree Spirit, as one of the three Ancestral Spirits, must also share the burden of pondering future directions. After all, Rhein will leave Barbarian Cave some day, but Tree Spirit will always remain here.
Tree Spirit also nodded; he needed time to process and communicate.
Before leaving, Rhein looked at Angel again, remaining silent for a long time before exclaiming: "I feel immensely fortunate now that you’ve joined Barbarian Cave."
Angel: "It is my fortune as well."
Rhein patted Angel’s shoulder: "About the Dream Conch, it’s best not to rush informing others; we need to plan carefully. Also, protect the Dream Conch; it represents... hope."
Rhein left the Wilderness of Dreams, and also Angel’s dwelling at the ruins, returning to Cloud Tower.
He needed the comfort of the Crystal Ball, as well as quiet solitude.
After Rhein left, Angel returned to reality.
He sat silently at his desk, contemplating the events of today. The reason he chose to inform Rhein at this moment was also a matter of timing.
Originally, he intended to prepare for a while longer, letting Rhein first digest the news about Wilderness of Dreams, but did not expect today’s discussion about New City construction would prompt Tree Spirit to inquire about the source of materials.
At that time, with no outsiders present, only Tree Spirit, Rhein, and himself, coincidentally questioned about the materials. Angel thought it over, and took the opportunity to mention the Dream Conch.
The Dream Conch is very powerful, but fully utilizing its function by himself is challenging. Rhein, as the current Controller of Barbarian Cave, can mobilize an enormous amount of resources, thereby maximizing the potential of the Dream Conch!
So ultimately, it had to be shared with Rhein.
Angel had considered that revealing the Wilderness of Dreams to Rhein might mean losing the Dream Conch. But in hindsight, he realized he was being overly cautious.
Reflecting further, it indeed makes sense; the Dream Conch and Wilderness of Dreams are inherently paired. Angel has absolute control over Wilderness of Dreams; even if Rhein possessed the Dream Conch, without the ability to enter the Wilderness of Dreams, it’s meaningless, so Rhein wouldn’t take such actions.
Rhein’s final sentiment towards Angel also explained everything.
Though he was still in a state of bewilderment then, he understood well that in today’s entire affair, the central element was not the Dream Conch nor the Wilderness of Dreams, but Angel.
Angel is the key linking everything; there’s no need to offend Angel over mere immediate gain and end up at a loss.
Angel returned from deep thought. Now, after informing Rhein of the Wilderness of Dreams and Dream Conch, he believes that the future of Wilderness of Dreams, with Rhein’s support, will surely enter a rapid development phase. He is also eagerly anticipating what the future will hold.
However, even rapid development requires time to align. At present, instead of rushing, it’s better to quietly focus on the task at hand.
With this thought, Angel refocused his gaze on the fragmented Magic Pattern on the Knight’s armor.
...
Sunrise, sunset.
Another day passed, during which Angel not only repaired the Magic Pattern on the Knight’s armor, but also received information from Crown Star Church via the mini signal tower in the twilight.
The one communicating with him was Dororo.
He informed Angel that he and Maya would leave Crown Star Church today, and through the teleportation array, would arrive at Barbarian Cave in two days.
Angel was naturally very pleased and instructed Dororo to come to the ruins immediately upon return, for a chat on the prophecy he mentioned earlier, and also intended to give him the log-in device for the Wilderness of Dreams.
Dororo is one of the people Angel trusts most; he had long wanted to provide him the log-in device, but delayed slightly because of the observation day.
Additionally, Dororo mentioned the "surprise at the tea party" that Lord Reine told Witch Maya about yesterday.
Though Dororo didn’t explicitly state it, Angel sensed that he seemed to have already inferred what the surprise is...
After bidding farewell to Dororo, Angel originally planned to continue repairing the Magic Pattern, but then he sensed a wave of spiritual power outside the door.
This was a message from Tree Spirit.
The content of the message was very simple, just one line:
Regina has arrived.