On the other hand, Dox himself is truly impoverished. As a Wizard on the bloodline side, costs are high with no steady income. Occasionally visiting the Abyss can earn him some hard-earned money, but that environment is not somewhere you can stay long-term. It’s nowhere near as comfortable as Angel and Kaier who can earn money effortlessly.
Thinking of this, Dox felt pitiful. He was already destitute and had to sell some wine to live. When he finally got a chance to take advantage of the chaos in Guman for a quick score, Angel wouldn’t cooperate.
It’s hopeless.
While Dox wallowed in self-pity, Angel looked at him with a strange gaze, "Why are you still here?"
Angel had wanted to ask this before. Technically, after Angel began decrypting, Dox should have left, yet he and Kaier waited outside for over ten hours, which made Angel curious.
Is Dox just bored? Is this what they call "freedom" for a Wandering Wizard?
Dox: "Why can’t I be here?"
Angel looked at Dox silently for a few seconds, then nodded, "You’re right, you can be anywhere, it’s my mistake."
With that, Angel stopped paying attention to Dox and buried himself in studying the Alchemy Blueprint.
He had already looked over the short sword briefly. He could understand the Magic Pattern and the Magical Energy Array, but still couldn’t figure out why it could be used as a key.
Seeing Angel instantly absorbed back into the Alchemy Blueprint, Dox knocked on the table in frustration.
Angel looked up, "Something else?"
Dox: "Aren’t you curious as to why I stayed here?"
Angel: "Not curious. Whatever decision you make is possible. I’m used to it."
When Angel went to rescue Abulei, Dox had nothing to do with it, yet he tagged along under the pretense of leading the way, when in fact he was addicted to spectating. Such a person acts on a whim, and any decision is normal.
Seeing Angel about to bury himself again, Dox sighed, "You’re no fun, you used to enjoy watching the show too, why the sudden change?"
"I wasn’t spectating; I always have a purpose for everything I do."
"The Twelve Zodiac Palaces?"
"That was to train the Talented Ones."
"I don’t believe you," Dox replied, "Fine, I’ll just tell you then. Earlier outside I discussed with Kaier, if you’re going to explore the ruins, include me. I can be free labor, just some scraps will do, and Kaier agreed too."
Angel: "Oh."
"Just ’oh’? Aren’t you surprised?"
Angel couldn’t be bothered to respond. There was nothing surprising; he could already guess Dox couldn’t endure boredom and would find a way to get involved once he knew about it. He’d likely tell Kaier, Are you sure you want to explore with Angel alone? If something goes wrong, you won’t have anyone to help. Including me would balance Angel’s power, see how beneficial that is.
With Kaier’s character, he’d probably think Dox had a point. Letting him join was only natural, so Angel wasn’t surprised.
As for whether Dox joining was beneficial or not, Angel couldn’t say for sure, so he’d take it one step at a time.
"Not surprised, just hoping this time you won’t be so noisy, and preferably don’t act on your own."