"Whether it is or not, let’s go have a look first," said Angel, as he added an extra layer of the Purifying Field in the Moving Mirage.
Although the Black Earl intentionally released his sense of smell, losing control due to the stench he encountered; he did so to save the team’s time. As the leader, Angel felt it was necessary to do something to soothe the team’s emotions, thus reinforcing the Purifying Field.
However, since the Moving Mirage already had a Purifying Field, the additional reinforcement didn’t make a significant difference.
But this action did calm the Black Earl’s emotions a bit. Sometimes, even if the result is the same whether you act or not, taking action shows that you care.
And this care was reciprocated; the Black Earl sent Angel a private mental message.
"I see Sanders’ shadow in you, but I also see your own self. It’s a good thing, but if you want to grow to stand on your own, you’d best abandon imitation."
This "private chat" was the Black Earl’s way of reciprocating.
After hearing this, Angel thought for a moment and understood the Black Earl’s meaning.
Leading for the first time, Angel didn’t quite know what standards to meet. Having once been Sanders’ follower, he unconsciously began to imitate Sanders, even pondering in decision-making: What would my mentor do in this situation?
It’s undeniable that the Black Earl’s insight is sharp.
Although Angel did not display any awkwardness of someone leading for the first time, the Black Earl still saw through him. The Black Earl, rather than making a mockery, gave sincere advice:
Imitation isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, if you truly want to be on your own and become a decision-maker, a leader, you should try to abandon imitation.
"I understand, thank you, my lord," Angel replied.
The Black Earl let out a light hum, without further response.
Angel didn’t mind and instead began discussing the route with Dox.
There are just too many Ghosteye Witches here, and once you are spotted by one or if you kill any, you risk getting surrounded.
Though Ghosteye Witches are low-level monsters, they excel at physical Shadow Transformation. Killing one or two is simple, but facing thousands upon thousands is difficult to handle.
Therefore, planning the route ahead was crucial.
Soon, both Angel and Dox mapped out a route, but while they were similar initially, they diverged towards the end.
The early similarity was because, in the vast square, despite the number of Ghosteye Witches, there was still a path to avoid them. But beyond the square, with varied buildings and numerous alleyways, the paths differed.
Dox’s route skirted widely around the Gemini Towers Bell Tower, offering two branch options full of alleyways, each likely to encounter over ten Ghosteye Witches.
In contrast, Angel’s route brushed directly past the Gemini Towers Bell Tower, facing only a patrolling Ghosteye Witch.
Upon hearing Angel and Dox’s entirely different routes, people were quite surprised. Considering Dox’s usual tendencies, he would typically make more aggressive choices, like going straight through. But curiously, this time he picked a conservative route that, while roundabout and Ghosteye Witch-laden, didn’t stir the attention of the two Wizard Level Ghosteye Witches.
Conversely, Angel, usually very cautious, opted to go directly past the Gemini Towers Bell Tower.
"Master, is Dox’s route better, or is Chaowei’s route the better option?" It was Vay speaking, of course.
As soon as Vay finished speaking, Dox muttered nearby, "He was promoted after me, yet you address him respectfully and me by name. Are you deliberately trying to provoke, kid?"
Vay completely ignored Dox, knowing that with the Black Earl present, Dox wouldn’t dare do anything to him.
The Black Earl said, "It’s up to them to decide. It doesn’t matter which route they take."
Originally, Angel wanted to hear the Black Earl’s opinion, but seeing he was unwilling to get involved, Angel felt a bit lost.
Listening to Dox’s choice usually wasn’t an issue, as it came with an inspiration bonus. But now, since Dox’s inspiration seemed to work contrarily and cause trouble, people were hesitant to fully trust him.
Though Vay and Kaier said nothing, they clearly trusted Angel more. After all, the path he chose had only one Ghosteye Witch, along which they could avoid during patrols. As for alerting the two Wizard Level Ghosteye Witches? Since Angel chose this path, presumably there was a contingency plan...
Angel looked at Dox, "You chose this route for a specific reason?"
Dox languidly replied, "You say it first; I’ll see if I want to listen."
Angel slightly furrowed his brow but still began, "My chosen route is the shortest, and the chance of encountering Ghosteye Witches is minimal. Even if we meet them, they can’t find us within the Mirage."
Dox nodded as he listened, seeming to appreciate Angel’s choice, "You have a point. Yet, since your Mirage is so impressive, wouldn’t taking my route be safer, avoiding the Gemini Towers, and further reducing discovery risk?"
Angel squinted his eyes, "Do you think my Mirage can’t hide us from those two Wizard Level Ghosteye Witches?"
Dox replied, "No, I just feel that taking a longer route isn’t a big deal."
After Dox finished, he turned to look at the route he’d selected, his gaze flickering.
Dox spoke very little and showed little expression, but Angel noticed his emotions were highly volatile, perhaps the most since entering the ruins.
Why would such a simple path choice cause such emotional fluctuations? Angel found it hard to fathom.
Just then, Dox’s gaze shifted toward the Gemini Towers’ direction, and Angel noticed that facing the Gemini Towers, Dox’s mood actually seemed steadier than when looking at his chosen route.
Did this imply Dox agreed with his choice?
But why would Dox insist on the more roundabout path?
As thoughts conflicted within Angel, the Black Earl said, "You made your choice yet? It’s just one bloody path; does it need this much thought?"
Angel closed his eyes and pondered for two seconds, then opened them with a more resolute look than before.
"Let’s take Dox’s route." Angel made the decision without giving any reason.
Though puzzled by Angel’s choice, the team had no objection. If Angel decided, they’d proceed accordingly. After all, it’s just a slight detour.
Dox cast Angel a complicated look; he opened his mouth to ask Angel why he listened to him but remained silent, stepping upfront instead.
"So, are you ready to fight?" Angel’s voice came from behind.
Dox said, "A Bloodline Wizard should lead from the front; that’s the dignity of the Bloodline side!"