"The victor takes the spoils, that’s a rule even the Honorable Judge acknowledges. What right do you have to demand them?" Vay chimed in.
Since the one voicing opposition on the other side was Fenmo, it would indeed be unbecoming for their side to have Wizards argue; thus, Vay eagerly stepped up to become the forefront of the mouth battle.
Of course, Vay wasn’t considering this at all. He stepped forward merely to defend his idol.
"Furthermore, life’s uncertainties are commonplace on the arena. The lord could have directly killed Grey Merchant, but chose to spare him, merely taking one item as a spoil. You don’t express gratitude and instead dare to steal?"
"The Sunlight Sanctuary you previously enjoyed also belonged to the lord, who graciously permitted your use. Yet after benefiting, you now turn your back?"
"Additionally, we initially suggested to the lord to destroy the Underground Church’s Magical Energy Array, but the lord not only preserved it but also left clues for your benefit. Just to caution against haphazard modifications leading you into spatial rifts. Yet now, you show no appreciation and bite back at the lord? I’ve never seen such shameless people as you!"
Vay didn’t give the opposition a chance to speak, unleashing a barrage of sharp criticism.
While Vay cursed, he also disclosed some information.
This caused Dox nearby to sigh, holding his forehead.
Fortunately, the information wasn’t critical, at most it let the other side deduce that Angel understood Magical Energy Arrays and could be a White Wizard. Beyond that, it was trivial...
In connection with the Illusion Technique used in the arena, others might link it to Angel. However, external impressions of Angel, or stereotypes, primarily view him as an Alchemy Master. As for combat prowess... A Wizard training for less than ten years, focusing on Alchemy, and also excelling elsewhere? How impossible!
So, Angel’s identity should remain concealed.
Vay’s barrage of words momentarily left Fenmo speechless.
In terms of "emotion," they bore no love or hatred, yet consistently showed goodwill along the way. — Most importantly, they were strong Wizards who didn’t exert force but acted courteously, which is incredibly rare.
In terms of "logic," they violated no arena rules. Plus, the spoils acquired were limited, and they refrained from touching Spatial Equipment, showing significant restraint.
Therefore, whether emotionally or logically, they hadn’t erred in any respect. This left Fenmo, who typically resorts to unreasonable assaults, unable to retort.
Unable to find grounds for rebuttal, Fenmo nearly bit through their teeth.
Thankfully, at this moment, Grey Merchant awoke and stepped into the center of the confrontation.
Grey Merchant naturally heard Vay’s series of well-reasoned rebuttals. His initial indignation at having been tricked by the opponent’s Illusions dissipated.
Vay’s words largely affirmed White Merchant’s speculation that their initial interaction with the Merchant Organization held no malice. It even began with goodwill.
Moreover, Vay was correct. Whether it’s Dox or the self-proclaimed Earl Mi Wizard, they had opportunities to kill, but chose restraint.
In comparison to the opponent’s actions, their own side appeared unreasonable.
Considering this, as Grey Merchant appeared, he first approached Fenmo, gently tapping her, sealing her mouth with a layer of crystal. Clearly, Grey Merchant was warning Fenmo not to speak impulsively.
Afterward, Grey Merchant signaled other apprentices to remain silent and approached the Wicked Woman.
"This time, we acted abruptly. On behalf of the Wicked Woman, I apologize to you all." Grey Merchant bowed slightly, "I’ll prepare a small gift in hopes you forgive our impetuosity."
Dox and others reacted generally to these words, while Grey Merchant’s side saw Fenmo bouncing nonstop, eager to express something. Moreover, the Wicked Woman addressed Grey Merchant with a gloomy voice: "Are you aiming to hurt our feelings?"
To the Wicked Woman, they seemed to consider Grey Merchant’s intent but ended up being forced by him to apologize and offer reparations. Wasn’t this hurting their intentions?
Grey Merchant looked at the Wicked Woman imprisoned in the Twisted Birdcage, softly speaking: "White Merchant once said, achieving a goal has more than one method; resorting to violence is always the worst choice."
The Wicked Woman sneered: "You once scoffed at White Merchant’s words."
Grey Merchant: "I understand now why I was disdainful of those words back then. But I also believe that during those times, deep down, I agreed with those words."
The Wicked Woman glanced coldly but didn’t delve into the topic. She could cite examples from Grey Merchant’s past, yet ultimately, Grey Merchant understands himself best.
Wicked Woman: "Hmph, and how do you plan to resolve this? That’s your object, indispensable to you after all."
Grey Merchant calmly replied: "I’ll attempt to negotiate. If negotiations fail... so be it."
Grey Merchant turned, directly addressing the Wicked Woman: "Nothing is indispensable. I remain myself. The past me found a way with past methods; undoubtedly, the present me can forge new paths."
Grey Merchant spoke freely, but the Wicked Woman was aware that outsiders could never understand the difficulty.
The fateful journeys, experiencing near-sure demise shaped the ruthless Grey Merchant. Such experiences now lie locked within that broken Mirror.
Without such experiences, Grey Merchant might not have become who he is.
"Looks like we wasted our care." The Wicked Woman huffed coldly, turned her head, and no longer looked at Grey Merchant.
Grey Merchant paused, studying her for two seconds, before turning away with a slight sigh.
He understood the Wicked Woman’s thoughts and knew the grit involved in forging paths anew. Yet circumstances outweighed personal power.
Grey Merchant’s concession was partly influenced by Vay’s words, but largely prompted by the Wicked Woman’s sight.
Or seeing the Black and twisted Earth and Stone Birdcage confining her.
Grey Merchant chose to stand next to her intentionally. Initially baffled by why the uninjured Wicked Woman remained passive, he sensed the terrifying pressure upon nearing her.
This, at least, was True Knowledge Level pressure!
An embedded nose on a stone plate possessing True Knowledge Wizard tier abilities?
This was only a single organ, yet harbored such immense energy?!
With the Birdcage’s evident Earth-based capabilities,
Piecing these details together, Grey Merchant deduced their opposition’s true identity.
The Black Earl! Definitely the Black Earl!
Apart from the Black Earl, there’s undoubtedly a Noah descendant among them! An organ accompanying a descendant, a trademark of the Noah Clan!