Previously, when Dox was worried that the "ticket" was Magic Crystals, Angel was somewhat dismissive, because the energy here was extremely stable, so energy wasn’t an issue at all. Besides, why would an Alchemy Golem in the ruins need Magic Crystals?
Moreover, the Wood Spirit had been here before, and it definitely didn’t have Magic Crystals on it. That’s why Angel judged that the "ticket" was not Magic Crystals.
But now, due to ignorance of the effects of Cicia’s Box, after weighing the options, Magic Crystals turned out to be the most suitable Testing Stone.
As for who should provide the Magic Crystals?
This time, Angel didn’t consult the group’s opinion and proactively took out a bag of Magic Crystals, prepared to pay them himself.
Firstly, Angel indeed did not lack Magic Crystals; secondly, whether Magic Crystals could be exchanged for a pass ticket was still a question, and Angel remained skeptical about it.
Since there was doubt, then best to try it himself; at worst, he’d only lose a few Magic Crystals.
Moreover, if Magic Crystals could indeed buy tickets, then there would be follow-up considerations. Either Angel’s one ticket could take everyone through, or each person would have to buy one individually.
So, arguing about who should provide the Magic Crystals at this point was a complete waste of time. Perhaps, in the end, everyone would have to spend Magic Crystals.
Angel taking the initiative actually saved everyone the discussion time.
However, just when Angel was prepared to bleed his own Magic Crystals, someone surprised him by being even quicker.
A figure quickly dashed out of the Moving Mirage and then stood in front of the Alchemy Golem.
The mechanical voice of the Alchemy Golem sounded again:
"Face not recorded in archive, non-researcher, non-prisoner, no criminal record."
"Status temporarily assigned: civilian."
"Operational privileges, none."
As the Alchemy Golem recited its mechanical lines, the person standing before it turned around and showed Angel a flattering smile:
"Sir, I’ll provide the Magic Crystals. I don’t go out much in Mesomyia, and I’ve saved a lot of Magic Crystals through divination without a place to spend them, so let me do it this time."
The speaker was naturally Angel’s new little fan, Vay.
Before Angel could respond, Dox began to complain: "You have a lot of Magic Crystals saved up? Then why did you say you didn’t have any when I asked to borrow some last time?"
Vay rolled his eyes at his friend: "If I lend it to you, could you repay it? I did your divinations without charging you any Magic Crystals, what more do you want?"
Dox looked aggrieved: "Aren’t we good friends?"
"So just because we’re friends, you can borrow without repaying? Then why don’t you lend me your Cross Tavern, and I’ll help you run it for a few days?" Vay retorted angrily.
To Dox, the most important possession was the Cross Tavern. Vay knew this well, so his words hit Dox where it hurt.
Dox stammered for a long time, speechless.
Vay ignored Dox and turned his head, looking a little embarrassedly at Angel: "Sir, shall I start my attempt?"
The plot took a series of twists and turns, leaving Angel in a daze for a moment before coming to his senses.
Facing Vay’s hopeful expression, Angel originally intended to refuse directly, because "Magic Crystals" were only a Testing Stone, they wouldn’t necessarily exchange for a "ticket," and if Cicia’s Box required something more significant and unavoidable, even a forced transaction could occur.
Given Vay’s current ability, he would definitely suffer a loss.
Therefore, Angel still wanted to handle the initial transaction himself.
But eventually, Angel nodded. Because he noticed Black Earl’s tablet appeared on Vay.
Since Black Earl appeared on Vay, it was likely that Vay was instructed by Black Earl to rush out. Perhaps Black Earl had some deeper intentions?
Or maybe it was simply Black Earl being "generous."
Regardless of the reason, since it was Black Earl instructing Vay, even if something went wrong, Cicia’s Box probably wouldn’t be able to harm Vay.
What Angel didn’t know was... Vay wasn’t instructed by Black Earl to rush out, but did so voluntarily. From Vay’s perspective, since the idol had been supporting him along the way, he had no means to repay. Offering some Magic Crystals was his sincere gesture.
In reality, Vay emerged to relieve his "idol’s" burden.
But Black Earl was forced to "operate."
Whatever Angel envisioned, Black Earl couldn’t possibly overlook. Although Vay was his bloodline descendant who inherited his talent for the nose, should troubles arise, it wouldn’t be pleasant. Thus, Black Earl, lounging comfortably in the Moving Mirage, was compelled to fly out, managing any potential "after-effects" for Vay.
...
After receiving Angel’s confirmation, Vay turned around and looked at the Alchemy Golem... and then he froze.
He had been preoccupied with the thought of helping Angel unburden, completely overlooking what kind of procedure this so-called "ticket purchase" required.
In other words, what should he do now? Directly toss the Magic Crystals into the pitch-black Box?
While Vay was deliberating, a cold snort rang within his mind.
"Feeling lost now? Why weren’t you lost when you charged out earlier?"
Undoubtedly, the only one who could directly communicate psychically without using a Mind Ribbon was Black Earl.
Upon hearing Black Earl’s voice, Vay immediately hung his head guiltily, muttering inwardly: "I, I just wanted to share the burden for the team earlier. After all, until now I haven’t really contributed much. Offering some Magic Crystals, I can manage..."
Black Earl coldly retorted: "Now you dare to lie in my face, eight parts truth, two parts falsehood. Is it sharing the team’s burden, or trying to earn some credit in front of Angel, you think I can’t see through it?"
Having his thoughts exposed, Vay appeared even more embarrassed, hanging his head lower.
"I really question how your brain works? Staying well within the Illusionary Realm, you come running out, exposing yourself, potentially having to pay for two tickets in the end."
Vay dared not make a sound.