"Why have you returned?"
As Angel stealthily flew forward step by step, a familiar, aged voice reached his ears.
Looking back, he saw the Observer had appeared around him without him knowing.
With the Observer’s arrival, the familiar sense of distortion surrounded Angel, and combined with the effect of the Domain Field, the allure of the fruit instantly dropped to its lowest.
"Sir." Angel bowed his head, respectfully saluting.
"Answer me, why did you return?" The Observer frowned deeply, clearly showing displeasure.
Angel was silent for two seconds before speaking: "I have my reasons that I must return."
"Reasons? Do you desire the Mysterious Object as well? Your ambition is too great."
"I am merely curious about the Mysterious Object, I never intended to seize it." Angel replied, "I returned this time because..."
Angel suddenly paused, unsure how to answer. He definitely couldn’t tell the truth. But lying was also out of the question; it wouldn’t be easy to fool an existence above Legend about the truth of one’s words.
While Angel pondered how to reply, the Observer’s frown grew tighter, and the words "You’re courting death" nearly escaped his throat.
"It’s a fate choice." Angel suddenly lifted his head and used the classic line of the White Bear, "Fate guided me to make the decision to return."
This mystical response wouldn’t work on normal people, but for someone like the Observer, who could vaguely gaze at the realm of Miracles, it held certain weight.
"It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe..." Seeing the Observer did not refute immediately, Angel hurriedly recited the words he previously said to Sanders.
After listening, the Observer responded immediately: "Thief of Time? You’ve met the Thief of Time?"
Angel nodded: "Yes, I once met the Thief of Time during an illusion while refining a work, he called himself... Cassini..."
Angel briefly recounted the first encounter with the Thief of Time.
When Angel mentioned the true name of the Thief of Time containing the middle name "Cassini," the Observer was already certain Angel wasn’t lying. This was not surprising; many were marked by the Thief of Time, and Angel, as a talented wizard, being marked was normal. Had the Thief of Time not taken notice of him, it would have been surprising to the Observer.
Since he hadn’t lied, the "sense of destiny" he described might indeed be true.
With this in mind, the Observer’s eyes glimmered with a faint light, the twisted realm spread out.
Angel himself didn’t feel it, but the Observer vaguely saw a clock illusion shimmering with faint golden light behind Angel.
The clock illusion indicated that Angel indeed had been marked by the Thief of Time.
And the clock emitting golden light meant that not long ago, Angel was observed by the Thief of Time.
Both factors together, the Observer was convinced Angel was telling the truth.
Furthermore, if the Thief of Time had taken notice, it demonstrated that Angel’s choice might not be trivial, it could truly be a "fate choice."
To leave or to return.
Angel chose to return.
As for whether Angel’s choice to return was right or wrong, which path fate would take, the Observer couldn’t determine, nor could the Thief of Time; otherwise, he wouldn’t be so determined to steal others’ choices.
"I understand the ’fate choice’ you encountered. However, I am curious, what were your thoughts on making the choice to return?" The Observer looked at Angel.
"I wanted to see the process of the birth of the Disorderly Things. I feel this process will be significant for me." After some groundwork, Angel finally stated the subsequent reason.
The Observer believed the "fate choice" story, considering Angel’s previous contact with the Mystic Tier identity, and his original regret at Angel’s choice to leave. Combining different dimensions and thoughts, the Observer firmly believed Angel’s response.
Angel was devoted to stepping into the Mystic Tier, possessing great courage and determination, unwilling to abandon any potential for progress even facing daunting situations.
This is what the Observer thought.
But Angel’s true thoughts were evidently not the same.
The Observer’s musings considered Angel himself but didn’t realize external factors forced Angel’s return.
—Some existence in the void hoped Angel would return to help with positioning.
As for this void existence, there was undoubtedly Wang Wang, the leader of the Void Travelers.
Of course, just Wang Wang wouldn’t be enough for Angel to risk returning. It required another "existence" speaking up, which was the primary reason for Angel’s return.
These matters certainly couldn’t be told to the Observer, so Angel began to play his persona—an Alchemist unafraid of peril, chasing dreams wholeheartedly.
There were traces of performance for sure, and the Observer noticed some clues, but with preconceived notions, the Observer only believed Angel wanted to curry favor through his act.
Low-level wizards desirous of gaining the favor of High Order wizards to earn benefits is perfectly normal.
No big deal.
Hence, the Observer was temporarily fooled by Angel, no longer chasing him away.
Interestingly, because of Angel’s "performance," the Observer actually offered a bit of concession.
The Observer casually stated: "Out of respect for Frost, I can grant you a convenience. As long as you don’t do anything unnecessary, you’re permitted to stay by my side."
Bound by promises, the Observer wouldn’t directly protect Angel, but if Angel could remain by the Observer’s side, it would help him avoid many dangers.
At least, the fruit allure problem he wouldn’t have to worry about for now.
This is indeed a form of protection, albeit unspoken.
"Thank you, Lord Observer." Angel expressed gratitude immediately. He was previously contemplating how to survive in this perilous realm, whether to seek protection from the Observer. Now, with the Observer offering willingly, of course, he wouldn’t refuse.
Sticking with the Observer meant he wouldn’t get the fruit, but Angel himself didn’t desire the fruit.