Bilun Tree Court, Bilosi Inn.
In the spacious treehouse, sunlight filtered through lush leaves, spilling into the branch-filled windows. The scattered spots of light also had a tint of cool green shade.
The air here carried a pleasant natural scent, starkly different from Yirong Country’s haze, Pamiji Plateau’s chill, and Sandworm Market’s dryness. This life-filled atmosphere made Angel feel as if he had arrived in the Green Forest Domain of the Tidal World.
Such an ambiance greatly lifted Angel’s spirits.
If the stone slab with the Black Earl’s nose wasn’t opposite, his mood might be even better.
Yes, when Dox forcibly dragged Vay and Kaier to do what he called the forest project, Angel came to this inn and rented a treehouse.
The Black Earl’s nose had floated behind Angel all the way and now stood on the desk opposite.
Angel couldn’t say much, nor did he dare to expel him, so he pretended it wasn’t there.
Luckily, the Black Earl’s nose didn’t do anything, seemingly treating itself as a mere ornament.
Since the Black Earl wasn’t causing trouble, Angel ignored him and, taking advantage of the good sunshine, began to study the map of The Garden Labyrinth.
The topographic map and the restored aerial view were completely different; the topographic map marked height differences, earth vein directions, and geological subdivisions.
The reason for purchasing this topographic map was that Naraku City in the Nightmare Realm was a projection of its intact period, whereas the real Naraku City had become ruins requiring consideration of whether surface changes had occurred in reality.
After looking at the topographic map and gaining a general idea, Angel began to compare it with the aerial view.
The artist did a good job, but many places on the aerial view still differed from the real Naraku City, although some landmark buildings were quite similar. This gave Angel a clue to locate the underground passages.
After studying both maps thoroughly, time was nearing dusk, the sunset casting a hazy and golden beauty into the treehouse.
Angel stretched and finally turned his gaze to the stone slab opposite.
"Honorable Black Earl, I’m really curious as to why you left Vay and followed me?"
There was no response, only the sound of breathing from the nose, almost like a rustle.
Angel didn’t mind and cheerfully said, "Not long ago, I chatted with Lord Reine about you. Lord Reine’s evaluation was quite interesting."
The Black Earl’s nose twitched slightly, as if expressing some emotion.
Angel continued, "Lord Reine said that people of the Noah Clan are very lazy, you being the laziest of all, even using ’His Consciousness’ for travel. Lord Reine also detailed some aspects of ’His Consciousness’."
"For example, every part of you can actually speak, but except for the mouth, other parts consume a small amount of energy to make sound. The Noah Clan members don’t even know this. Lord Reine suspects it’s because you’re used to having translators, and so too lazy to speak directly."
As Angel said this, the stone slab opposite finally reacted.
A thin layer of energy covered the stone slab, the subtle wind accompanying the energy flow began to make sounds of various frequencies. These sounds composed the Black Earl’s voice.
"I don’t believe Reine would bring me up for no reason. How did you get in touch with Reine?"
Angel chuckled, "You finally spoke, sir. I can answer your question, but can you answer the initial question I posed to you as an exchange?"
"Little runt from Illusion Demon Island, what qualifications do you have to exchange with me?" A raspy voice accompanied by heightened energy was threatening, even without imposing pressure.
Angel merely smiled nonchalantly.
After a while, the Black Earl seemed to scent something, the heightened energy gradually subsiding, "Little brat, you’re well-prepared for this outing huh. Reine actually got you a Demon from the Panic Realm, and even allowed you to control it. Seems Reine hasn’t been idle recently."
The Black Earl’s arrogance diminished after catching Earl Mi’s scent. A True Knowledge level warrior was formidable enough to contend against ’His Consciousness,’ which was just a nose.
But it made sense after all, Angel was quite the treasure trove, not just a member of the Research and Development Institute but also someone who developed a complete Alchemy Cultivation Chain for the Barbarian Cave, even prompting Horus to send him to the Sky Mechanical City.
So, having True Knowledge level protection seemed reasonable.
Moreover, the Black Earl believed that the Demon of the Panic Realm wasn’t Angel’s real trump card. He sensed a much more unsettling presence around Angel.
"Can we exchange answers now?" Angel maintained his smile.
This time, the Black Earl made no sound, implicitly agreeing.
Angel said, "Your question is quite simple. As a member of the Research and Development Institute, isn’t it normal for me to possess a Mini Signal Tower?"
Angel’s entire statement was true. But he didn’t specifically answer how he contacted Reine.
He only mentioned having a Mini Signal Tower, subtly implying he used it to contact Reine.
After hearing about the Mini Signal Tower, the Black Earl didn’t delve deeper. At their level, many things were no longer secrets. Although the Sky Mechanical City’s Mini Signal Tower was just a rumor outside, the Black Earl knew the Research and Development Institute truly had such convenient contact tools.
"You want to know why I’m following you?" The Black Earl asked.
Angel nodded.
The Black Earl scoffed, "Because I hate Sanders, so I planned to give you a beating, but didn’t expect Reine values you so highly, giving you a Demon from the Panic Realm."
Angel could sense the Black Earl was telling the truth; he indeed had a strong desire to beat him up.
However, Angel had a feeling that even though the Black Earl spoke the truth, there was more to why he was following him.
This was fair, Angel was truthful, the Black Earl was truthful too, but both were concealing the real truth.
"Although I don’t know why you despise my mentor, we are indeed different, and I hope you won’t extend that sentiment to me. After all, we’re exploring the ruins together, and I wouldn’t want you to suddenly hinder us at a critical moment." Angel tried steering the conversation toward the ruins.
"Ha, what do you take me for, brat? Since I’ve promised you passage without mishap, I won’t go back on my word."
This promise, Angel has indeed heard Dox mention it before; it’s the premise for Vay to participate in the exploration.
Angel: "Lord Rhein also said that Earl will protect Vay with all his might, so if there really is danger, Earl will definitely take action."
The Black Earl snorted through his nose but didn’t speak. In his heart, however, he cursed Rhein, as Angel suddenly brought up that he would protect Vay with all his might, which must mean Rhein had divulged that his ’consciousness’ was inseparable from Vay, effectively revealing all his secrets.