From the young man’s tone, it seemed like this Baroque was his mentor? And he mentioned Diabolo, that is, Bogura’s disciple. Judging from his tone, did he also know Shadow?
Angel glanced at them, his mind filled with doubts, but he did not stop and continued towards the exit with David.
However, just as he brushed past Baroque, the older man called out, “Wait a moment.”
David stopped, turning back in confusion to look at Baroque: “Are you calling us?”
Baroque didn’t look at David but instead stared directly at Angel, sizing him up before saying with a smile, “Long time no see.”
The young man looked at Angel. “Aren’t you the guy from before…”
He had wanted to say bumpkin, but seeing the way his mentor Baroque was acting, it seemed like he knew him?
“Lord Baroque.” Angel spoke calmly, “Indeed, it has been a long time. I recall the last time we met, you and Director Melisa were plotting to have the Parasitic Lady kill me. Now, I’ve heard that Director Melisa has returned to Sky Mechanical City, but I’m surprised Lord Baroque is still here.”
Angel’s response was even-toned, but the hint of sarcasm did not escape the ears of those present.
The young man couldn’t believe that Angel would speak to his mentor with such disrespect!
A moment of silence ensued.
Everyone expected Baroque to be angered, but after a while, he replied with a smile, “That was all a misunderstanding, wasn’t it? It’s all in the past now.”
Baroque’s attitude took the young man by even greater surprise. Why did the mentor just concede, and seemingly soften? Who was this scruffy, forlorn-looking middle-aged man?
Angel was also surprised by Baroque’s calm response; his words had been intended to provoke Baroque.
Provoking Baroque seemed to have no benefit, let alone the fact that he couldn’t defeat Baroque, and might even bring trouble to Baruba and David. However, that wasn’t how Angel saw it. When he parted ways with Sanders, he felt, albeit faintly, the observation of the Tree Spirit.
Angel was well aware of one thing: The wizards of Barbarian Cave didn’t take well to outside stationed wizards, like Baroque, who tried every possible means to get rid of him. Previously they had no excuse, and they didn’t pay much attention to Baroque either.
But if Baroque dared to lay a hand on anyone while under the Tree Spirit’s watch, it wouldn’t matter if he injured someone or just harbored the thought of it, the Tree Spirit could outright expel him with a very legitimate reason.
Yet, Baroque’s response was of one who did not wish to start a conflict.
Angel could tell that since Baroque had backed down, whatever mocking or provocative words he might use from then on would likely be futile. It could even make him look like he was causing a fuss for no good reason.
With that in mind, Angel had no wish to linger; his animosity towards Baroque was actually greater than towards that unknown Xiren Ding. If he didn’t want to see him, it was better not to.
“Let’s go,” said Angel, turning to leave with David.
Then, Baroque suddenly produced a faint red card, “This is an unregistered New Star Qualification Card. You can enter the Endless Corridor with this. Consider it compensation, how about that?”
Baroque’s sudden offer left the young man looking at Angel with even stranger, more suspicious eyes: He himself didn’t even have a New Star Qualification, and was even considering cozying up to his mentor in hopes of receiving one, yet his mentor was offering it to this man?
Who was this person?
Why was his mentor acting so oddly?
The young man really wanted to ask, but at that moment, Angel turned to Baroque, taking out an object from his bracelet, “With this, I should be able to enter the Endless Corridor, right?”
Baroque’s throat bobbed, his eyes full of unmistakable surprise, “This is… from the Research Institute…”
Baroque went silent, and without further word, Angel turned away and left.
Not until after Angel had departed did the young man ask in perplexed tones, “Mentor, who is he, exactly?”
Baroque didn’t answer but sighed softly, “I should have listened to Melisa back then and been more careful with my decisions. A small error has caused such a situation now, and mending this relationship has become difficult.”
Pausing, Baroque turned to the young man.
“Who is he? Didn’t you come to the Barbarian Cave to see him?”