The Wise Sovereign’s conjecture is basically correct. The Nightmare Realm itself is an intermediate zone where the Nightmare Realm invades the real world. It is neither in reality nor in the Nightmare Realm, more like a space in the cracks.
And those who bear the Nightmare Realm incorporate it into their bodies with their flesh. Every time the Nightmare Realm is released, it is to release this crack space, which is somewhat similar to the concept of an other-dimensional space.
If there is a Space Wizard on the opposite side, using an all-encompassing method to explore, it should be possible to find some clues.
Unfortunately, Space Wizards are quite rare in the Southern Domain, and there is not a single Space Series Wizard on the opposite side.
After they had been searching for about eight minutes, Angel looked at the Wise Sovereign opposite: "Shall we go out and meet them now?"
It was a very normal question, but there was a deeper meaning in Angel’s eyes.
Obviously, Angel saw through the Wise Sovereign’s intention, but he did not point it out, letting the Wise Sovereign perform this series of small tricks.
The Wise Sovereign was not embarrassed either; it was normal for Angel, being a smart person, to see through.
Moreover, by allowing the Traveling Merchant and others to search for them, the Wise Sovereign actually gave Angel an opportunity for observation.
Besides the inactive Magic Elephant, Red, and Ghostly Shadow, they had formed a rough idea of the abilities of the Traveling Merchant and the Wicked Woman. Although they might not fully understand, they at least understood certain aspects.
The more information they know, the more advantageous it will be in battle. Because of this, even though Angel realized the purpose of the Wise Sovereign, he did not intend to expose or stop him.
Now that the necessary information has been acquired, continuing further is unlikely to yield much more, so Angel proposed that it’s time to face them.
They couldn’t avoid it; ultimately, they had to face the test.
The Wise Sovereign nonchalantly nodded: "Do as you think, no need to ask me."
Angel nodded and looked at the others: "Are you ready?"
Dox and the Black Earl nonchalantly nodded, while Kaier and Vay were somewhat lacking in confidence but still solemnly nodded, considering the support Angel provided.
Angel said no more, gently tapping the table surface with his knuckles. The surrounding Nightmare Realm changed from solid to transparent, like a water curtain, which eventually disappeared completely.
...
After the Traveling Merchant and others failed to find anything, their minds began to stir.
Hiding behind the Magic Elephant, Red couldn’t help but voice out again: "Are they really hiding here, or is this a deliberate scheme to exhaust our heart power?"
This time, neither the Traveling Merchant nor the Wicked Woman stopped Red from speaking; having searched for so long, they also wanted to know the answer.
"You really have a lot of questions," the Wise Sovereign quipped before saying, "I have no reason to deceive you; they are indeed here, watching your every move."
"I can give you a hint. Actually, this little pink-haired girl with the most questions might be able to find some clues..."
The little pink-haired girl mentioned is undoubtedly referring to Red.
Everyone turned to look at Red, who was puzzled, pointing at herself under everyone’s gaze: "Me?"
The Wise Sovereign: "Indeed, you can try... Hmm, it seems there’s no need to try, they’ve already decided to come out."
As the Wise Sovereign finished speaking, everyone immediately turned around, assuming a guarded posture. Their eyes scanned the surroundings, wanting to see where Angel and the others were hiding.
However, when Angel and the others appeared, there was a moment of surprise on their faces.
They thought Angel and the others were hiding in a place they couldn’t possibly imagine, but what they didn’t expect was that Angel and the others were right in the center of the field, less than ten meters away in a straight line.
Most importantly, they were facing the opposing side.
If the black-robed judge’s words were true, and the opposing side had been watching them secretly all along, it meant that every expression and action they made had been seen?
At the thought of this, everyone felt a bit complicated. Especially the three who had been actively searching for them; apart from the Wicked Woman, whose face was obscured by bandages, the other two wore expressions of embarrassment.
However, they’re usually mentally tough, quickly recovering from this embarrassment.
They had always been curious about the identity of the outsiders, and the White Merchant judged that the outsider might have more goodwill than malice. So they were even more eager to know who discovered the entrance to the Underground Church? Who cracked the church’s complex Magical Energy Array? And who left them hints along the way?
Now, everyone on the opposing side had appeared.
Altogether, four people: a red-haired, golden-eyed boy dressed in noble attire, and a red-haired young man with a sword at his waist, both clearly Official Wizards. Meanwhile, the other two apprentices were trying their best to appear brave, but the fear in their eyes had not been entirely suppressed.
No, there was also a very obvious presence of Official Wizard aura.
A stone slate with a nose engraved on it? Is this considered an opponent in the confrontation, or just someone’s trick?
While the others were confused, the Traveling Merchant softly spoke: "Red Sword, Dox?"
Dox paused for a moment, then laughed heartily: "My reputation does precede me; wherever I go, people recognize me."
After laughing, Dox looked at the Traveling Merchant: "I know you’re the Traveling Merchant, since you know me, it’s only fair I should know you, too. Why don’t you remove your mask and let me see who you are? Could it be you’re an old friend of mine?"
The Traveling Merchant responded indifferently: "I don’t know you, I’ve only heard some rumors about you. As for my true face, it doesn’t matter. For now, I only have one identity: the Traveling Merchant of the Merchant Organization."
Dox shrugged: "Unwilling to reveal your true identity, surely you’re someone I’ve heard of, met, or known. But that’s fine; I’m curious, what rumors have you heard about me? Unmatched swordsmanship, or invincibly handsome and dashing?"
The Traveling Merchant: "Neither. I just read one of your submissions in a miscellaneous magazine. I remember the title of your article was—"
"’On the Significance of McField’s Manifesto to Bloodline Wizards aaahhhh’