"Once, when I was adventuring with Vay, I noticed a typical characteristic in his strategic planning. Whatever he considers, he assumes his opponents will consider as well. Therefore, he incorporates the premise that ’the opponent will consider my strategy’ into his own planning."
As Dox said this, he paused: "It sounds awkward, but it’s not hard to understand. Observing his actions clarifies it."
"Previously, when he was hiding in the Stone Prison Technique, he drank three potions in succession. The Glowing Fluff Potion was for healing, which falls within normal consideration; the Clarissa Antidote is also logical, considering the Shadow Series is known for ambush tactics, often maximizing attacks by adding poison, so preventive use of the Clarissa Antidote is indisputable."
"But the Pheromone Transmutation Water is quite interesting. Before, it seemed fine, but upon closer thought, it’s evident that the other two potions have concrete reasoning, while the Pheromone Transmutation Water reflects an ’extra’ layer of consideration from imaginary grounds."
Dox deliberately emphasized the word ’imaginary’ when he spoke.
Indeed, upon reflection earlier, Vay seemed prudent. But now as Dox points it out, it’s evident that the Pheromone Transmutation Water differs in its consideration layer from the previous potions. It’s more like a figment of Vay’s imagination that the opponent might use pheromones to track him, hence the preparation. While the Glowing Fluff Potion and Clarissa Antidote were purposefully targeted.
"When does Vay unnecessarily add this layer of consideration? It’s when he plans to do the same himself, making him think his opponent might do it too." Dox shook his head: "Over the years, this habit hasn’t changed. I used to tell him he was overthinking, risking revealing weaknesses, and it was a bad habit. Now it’s proven true; he indeed overthought; the Shadow doesn’t have the ability to track others via pheromones..."
Kaier: "That being said, noticing such minor details and spotting flaws is reserved for Master Red Sword."
Dox snorted once: "Exactly. If anyone knows Vay best, it has to be me."
Just after saying this, Dox seemed to recall something, glanced at the nearby Black Earl, then added: "Of course, his family is not included."
Dox looked triumphantly at Angel: "So, am I telling the truth?"
Seeing Dox’s expression like a triumphant rooster, Angel suppressed the urge to retort, chose not to argue, and nodded as agreement with Dox’s words.
Because indeed, as Dox said, Angel’s own analysis agreed that Vay used scent to locate the Shadow’s position and turned the tide.
However, Dox could deduce from Vay’s behavior when he initially conceived this idea, which Angel hadn’t anticipated.
Though Angel sensed through Hyper Perception that Dox’s reasoning evolved from unclear to clear, with his initial hesitation showing he was not entirely confident in Vay’s victory approach. His accuracy was likely a product of inspiration.
Nonetheless, since Dox was correct and comprehensive, arguing at this point seems pointless.
It’s clear that Dox’s inspiration talent is strong. Also, Dox deserves the title of Vay’s closest friend; he truly knows Vay well.
At this moment, both Vay and the Shadow were stepping down from the stage.
The Shadow was carried down by the Magic Elephant; his abdominal wound had been treated, and he wouldn’t die, but recovery would require some time.
Vay descended on his own, drinking a new potion as he walked. During the battle, perhaps his focus on the opponent masked the discomfort from those fungal spore infants, but post-fight, Vay felt itchy all over.
Internally, it felt like countless tadpoles were swimming through his veins.
Moreover, Vay learned from the Shadow’s mouth that he couldn’t immediately remove these fungal spore infants. However, since the Shadow had withdrawn the parent body, the fungal spore infants would die on their own over time, thus there’s no concern for lasting effects. If unbearable, they could be physically extracted one by one.
Right now, of course, that wasn’t possible, so in no other option, Vay continuously supplemented potions to numb the discomfort.
When Vay returned to the group, he was still actively triggering his Bloodline and Petrified Skin to prevent the expansion of the fungal spore infants.
"I made a fool of myself before you all..." Upon returning, Vay’s first words were of apologetic introspection.
"There’s been plenty of times we’ve laughed at you before." Dox responded casually.
Vay glared sideways at him, too lazy to engage verbally.
Angel provided affirmation: "No need to self-reproach; you performed impressively."
Vay scratched his head: "I just think I could’ve done even better."
"Indeed, if it were the former you, confronting such an Apprentice opponent, you would have formulated plans and controlled the entire scenario from the moment you stepped on stage, rather than dragging it to the end and even using yourself as bait." Undoubtedly, this was said by Dox.
This time, Vay skipped even responding with a glance.
However, although Vay avoided looking at Dox, Dox’s words resonated deeply.
Vay previously never thought that there was much difference between him and Dox. He remained at the Apprentice level due to practical hindrances.
Yet after this duel, Vay profoundly realized the widening gap between his perceptions and Dox’s. Despite also getting hit, Dox’s combat awareness and experience far surpassed Vay’s. Vay couldn’t even comprehend what Dox did during combat.
It’s worth noting that once, when Vay and Dox ventured together, Vay understood every combat detail of Dox and could infer Dox’s next moves from subtle changes in his expressions, actions, and eye movements.
The former Vay, regarding overall strategy, overshadowed Dox.
But now, a seemingly insurmountable chasm had formed between Vay and Dox.
During Vay’s period as a recluse, Dox advanced, while Vay not only stagnated but went backward.
Reflecting on this, Vay found his mood inexplicably low.
"Now is the time to end the pointless isolation." An incoming message directly reached Vay’s mind, delivered imperceptibly only by his lord... the Black Earl.
"You’ve had decades, and I thought you would’ve had an epiphany independently. Yet, you’re like those mediocre individuals, faltering advancement due to vague rumors. Ridiculously absurd." The Black Earl’s tone carried mockery: "If you don’t want Dox to leave you behind further, make changes swiftly."
"Of course, if you find comfort in a stable, mundane life, and don’t wish to leave this comfort zone, just ignore what I said."
Hereafter, the Black Earl ceased transmitting messages to Vay.
However, Vay now somewhat comprehended why the Black Earl previously wanted him to step up and prohibited the support from Master Chaowei.
Perhaps he wanted to seize this opportunity for Vay to face reality.
Vay could call Dox by name, without title, falsely thinking they remained equal. But truthfully, it’s merely Dox’s tolerance.
The so-called equality is but vain self-deception. Once power is unbalanced, it becomes difficult to discuss equality between them. Unless, as his lord mentioned, there’s a return to power balance, that would perhaps change the status quo.
But, does he have the right to step forward?
Is his master encouraging him to step forward, or is it a heartfelt advice because he can’t bear to watch any longer?
Vay suddenly felt a bit lost.