The Black Earl thought Angel wouldn’t be so bold as to shift the responsibility onto Rhein. However, he still underestimated Angel.
Nonetheless, matters concerning the information from Xinnai Land, Rhein would certainly cover for Angel. This is part of their mutual understanding.
After determining that there was no issue with the Mist Ember, being just a somewhat special illusion, the Black Earl did not pursue the matter further, but drifted over to Vay’s side.
Immediately afterward, Angel saw all the openings on Vay’s body begin to crazily eject white, filamentous substances outward.
In just an instant, Vay turned into a round, fluffy ball.
These white filaments maintained their adhesive state for two seconds, then a breeze blew, causing the filaments to fall like snowflakes, revealing Vay beneath.
Vay revealed his true form for a very short period before another wave of white filaments started to emerge.
One round after another.
Seeing this, Angel already understood that the Black Earl was helping Vay clear the mycelium larvae from his body. Judging by the efficiency, it was far faster than Vay clearing them on his own.
At this pace, it was estimated to be completed in a few minutes.
However, although the speed of clearing was accelerated, for Vay, such rapid clearing wasn’t necessarily a good thing.
From Vay’s furrowed eyebrows and tightly pressed lips, it was evident he wasn’t feeling good; only because the Black Earl was doing the clearing, he had to endure it.
Vay wouldn’t feel uncomfortable when clearing it himself because he knew his own psychological threshold, understanding how much could be processed at once without discomfort. Thus, he could maintain a comfortable safety line throughout.
But now, with the Black Earl joining the clearing process, it shattered Vay’s psychological threshold abruptly, not just falling from plains to the trench bottom but descending into abyssal depths.
The acceleration itself was already discomforting, and such a significant variation intensified Vay’s unease.
It’s like having sore muscles massaged; moderate massage alleviates pain and relaxes you. But if it’s not so moderate... even to the point of being "excessive," it becomes frightening. The mild ache escalates to the extent of "scraping the bones to heal."
This suggests how painful such acceleration can be.
But the physical pain is still manageable; the greater pain is psychological. You may grit through physical collapse, but the breaking of psychological defences can instantly shatter all your resilience.
Imagine you arranged a small outlet for expelling mycelium, but now all openings on your body, visible and invisible, painless and painful, conspicuous and hidden, all erupt in unison; the thought alone is enough to chill your spine.
Originally, the mycelium larvae were to be cleared collectively, but now they are spread throughout your flesh, exploring every part like ants, emerging from places you’d rather not discuss.
Most importantly, this happens publicly.
This psychological harm, Angel felt, might surpass the physical injuries Vay suffered.
Even if speed is increased, Vay probably will develop some psychological shadow from it...
Yet speaking of it, the Black Earl often does not interfere with Vay along the way. Although their relationship is close, it’s more like a distant elder silently observing the younger generation stumble through, intervening only if the general direction goes astray.
Now, however, the Black Earl suddenly started disciplining Vay, aiding him in expelling the remaining mycelium. Why?
"Tsk tsk tsk, tragic indeed." Dox’s voice frowned nearby.
Angel looked back to find Dox had moved closer, watching Vay.
Although Vay was enduring the pain, as an old friend and confidant of Vay, Dox immediately recognized Vay’s endurance and restraint.
"Too pitiful, alas." Dox sighed again.
It seemed Vay heard Dox’s voice, pursing his lips tighter.
Angel glanced at Dox and spoke via the Mind Ribbon: "If you stopped speaking, he might feel slightly better."
Vay’s current suffering extends beyond physical pain, with shame amplifying psychological harm. Dox’s repeated commentary doesn’t alleviate Vay’s pain; it only intensifies his desire to disappear into the ground.
So, the best approach really is just silence.
Pretend not to know or see anything.
Dox squinted and replied through the Mind Ribbon: "Oh, I understand."
After a pause, Dox coughed twice, then said aloud: "I meant the girl on stage with pink hair, yes, called Pink Moss, truly pitiful, truly tragic."
This explanation was already a bit much, but at this point, it suffices. However, Dox added, following his words—
"I absolutely wasn’t talking about my dear friend."
Angel glanced at Dox, deciding against urging him via the Mind Ribbon. It’s clear this fellow did it intentionally.
However, what surprised Angel was Vay actually endured it, showing no sign of psychological breakdown.
Previously, when Dox spoke, Vay’s emotional fluctuation was massive. Angel’s perception indicated Vay was just a step away from psychological collapse.
But now, Vay’s expression remained calm, his mood fluctuating less than before.
Was the Black Earl conversing with Vay? Or perhaps Vay had resigned himself?
If it’s the latter, Angel wasn’t sure if it was good or bad. Resignation means losing the sense of shame.
Though losing shame can rapidly rebuild a solid psychological shell, without shame as a base, who knows to what extent one might stoop, even you wouldn’t know.
Just look at Dox: he’s a perfect example.
"Guess what the Black Earl intends by abruptly helping Vay expel the mycelium?" Dox asked Angel through the Mind Ribbon.
"I think you asked the wrong person." Angel wondered that question as well: "But, you now know to ask via the Mind Ribbon? Why don’t you ask aloud; the Black Earl might answer."
Dox sneered, giving a knowing look, exchanged a wink, and then returned to a serious demeanor: "I guess the Black Earl might want Vay to participate again."
Angel contemplated Dox’s speculation; it wasn’t unfounded, indeed a possibility.