"...That’s basically the situation. All you need to do is control the sea beasts so they don’t swim into this area." Reynaud briefly explained what ’Song’ was supposed to do.
As for why, Reynaud’s explanation was: A dangerous entity has appeared up ahead, utilizing sea beasts for sacrifice to enhance its power. If it’s not stopped, it will threaten all life in the Mist Belt.
"Song, I’m counting on you."
X3 maintained a cold expression. After hearing Reynaud’s words, she scoffed, "Why should I believe the words of a traitor?"
Reynaud’s expression was bitter: "You still think I’m a traitor? In that case... I have nothing more to say. But, you know me best; you should understand I have no reason to lie to you."
X3 let out a chilly chuckle: "Even if it means endangering the base, so long as I can annihilate you, what does it matter? The strength of the base is something you cannot comprehend. No creature can destroy it. Even if all the Southern Domain’s witcher organizations combined, they can’t surpass the base because behind it stands a major organization from the Origin World. Just sending a Legendary Wizard could overturn the entire Southern Domain. It’s a qualitative difference! Wake up, Number 1!"
Initially ridiculing, X3’s tone shifted, becoming increasingly zealous, akin to a devout believer worshipping a deity known as ’the Base’—entirely illogical and lacking self-awareness.
Witnessing this scene, Angel finally understood why Reynaud claimed that, aside from him, everyone else had been "brainwashed."
X3’s behavior was a classic symptom of brainwashing. She believed she had independent thought, but her self had already been lost.
"Indeed, just a frog at the bottom of a well, with a view as narrow as the well’s opening. You uphold the notion of ’Origin World’ monotheism, genuinely believing it’s correct? Such rhetoric would be mocked by everyone, even in the Origin World." The one speaking was Nis, looking at X3 with sarcasm.
On the whole, the Origin World is stronger than the Southern Domain. However, the Origin World and the Southern Domain both belong to the Wizards’ Realm. Even separated by the Void, the essence of the world is the same, being the origin of humans. Viewing them separately is heretical.
Moreover, many strong individuals in the Origin World come from various parts of the Wizards’ Realm, including strong individuals from the Southern Domain living in the Origin World. Even though they haven’t returned, should a Legendary Wizard indeed come from Lacey Association to subvert the Southern Domain, we shall see if those great beings from the Southern Domain remain unmoved.
"It’s not just adding up all the witcher organizations in the Southern Domain. Just us from the Barbarian Cave, if we wanted to, we few could destroy your base." Nis continued, "As for Lacey Association sending a Legendary Wizard for support? Do you really think the Barbarian Cave’s millennia-long foundations are a joke?"
Even hearing Nis’s words, X3 dismissed them like wind past her ears. For someone like her, entrenched cognitions won’t be broken by a word or two.
Like a frog in the well, she would never grasp how vast the world beyond is, satisfied in her delusion that the sky above the well’s opening is the entirety of the world.
To change her perception, X3 needs to leap out of the well herself; words from others are useless.
"Song, please believe me, you absolutely must not let that dangerous entity continue devouring the sea beasts," Reynaud still tirelessly tried to persuade X3.
Yet, X3 clearly wasn’t going to heed Reynaud’s advice.
At this moment, Ferro approached from afar, having just interrogated 02. Behind him was Number 02, enshrouded by Earl Mi, appearing dispirited.
"Did 02 know?" Nis turned and asked.
Ferro gently shook his head: "He knows nothing."
Nis sighed. It seems this was Number 03’s secret, unknown to others. No wonder, each Wizard has some tricks hidden at the bottom of their chest. For example, Sanders, beyond conventional Spell Techniques, he possesses Mysterious Objects as a foundation, though past battles have not required their use.
"What about him? Kill him?" Ferro inquired.
X3 looked up at Number 02, utterly incapable of resistance, with a complex emotion in her eyes. To her, 02 had always been an unattainable mountain, yet now, he seemed like a pitiable worm, ensnared by an inhuman black shadow, motionless.
Nis pondered: "He still has some utilizable value. Let’s capture him for now and hand him over to the Tree Spirit Lord later."
The Spirit Tree Courtyard has prisons, imprisoning many powerful captured Extraordinary Lives. Among them, some can have their knowledge extracted, some serve as bargaining chips, some become free labor; if all else fails... there’s Dumatin to turn them into puppets.
Nis glanced at Angel: "Please have Earl Mi continue restraining him. Others would struggle to control him. If he were to forcibly open the Plane Corridor, it would be problematic."
Angel nodded. Currently, Earl Mi doesn’t need to fight, so having him watch over 02 is fine.
Once the matter with 02 was resolved, their eyes turned back to X3.
Reynaud was still earnestly pleading with X3, but she remained unmoved, radiating defiance.
Angel didn’t want to waste any more time and directly asked, "Is X3 controlling the sea beasts with Soul Arms?"
Reynaud nodded.
"Got it." Angel turned to X3. Seeing her averting gaze, he said, "I’ll give you one last chance to choose—either you do it yourself, or I’ll make you do it."
As to how he would take control, Angel didn’t elaborate.
Currently, Angel’s appearance was that of Sanders. X3, tasked with gathering intelligence on Southern Domain Wizards, certainly recognized him.
If Sanders wanted to control someone, he would surely use Illusion Technique, absolutely invisible and shapeless.
X3 hesitated, not wanting to be controlled, but also unwilling to serve this group of people, even if it was just to drive away the sea beasts.
Seeing X3 remain silent, Angel grew impatient and extended his finger. The Power of Nightmare Illusion swirled at his fingertip: "In that case, let’s just..."
X3 felt the bizarre force of the Power of Nightmare Illusion and, shocked, blurted out, "I’ll do it myself!"
Angel didn’t reply, embedding the Power of Nightmare Illusion into X3’s forehead.
X3: "I’ve already agreed!"
"Then do it. As long as you don’t harbor ill intent, the Illusion Technique I left in your mind won’t activate," Angel said calmly. "However, if you do something you shouldn’t..."
Without finishing, Angel directly manipulated the Power of Nightmare Illusion in X3’s brow, instantly taking control of her body.
"X3" moved her limbs and tilted her neck.
"This is what happens when you do something you shouldn’t." Angel’s voice overlapped with X3’s somewhat immature female voice.
An X3’s consciousness was trapped in her sea of consciousness, witnessing her body speak, only to feel intense unease.
She never imagined someone could completely control her body like this... She could only witness it in her consciousness sea, utterly motionless.
Is this the power of the Illusion Master?
Perhaps sensing X3’s dread, Angel relinquished control, returning it to her.
Angel: "You know what’s to be done; Reynaud has already informed you. Once you complete your task, I’ll remove the Illusion Technique and let you leave alive."