The Observer looked at the hand Angel extended and the monocle shimmering with metallic luster in his palm, suddenly falling into silence.
As a Legendary Wizard, he could clearly discern that Angel’s words carried sincerity.
Moreover, the style of this monocle was very similar to the one Nis used before he fell asleep.
These details indicated that Angel was not deceiving him.
Using this seemingly unremarkable monocle, indeed, one might be able to glimpse the so-called "Wilderness of Dreams, Mother Tree Network" truth.
However, he was still hesitant about whether to accept it.
As an Observer, upon arriving in the Southern Domain, he had sworn to the will of the Southern Domain according to the rules of the Orderly Guild: unless disorderly turmoil arose, he would absolutely not intervene in any events in the Southern Domain.
This also meant that, under the framework of the oath, even establishing contact with the wizards of the Southern Domain was against the rules.
Of course, the oath rules drafted by the Orderly Guild couldn’t be that harsh, after all, Observers were tasked with completing missions worldwide, not exiled as prisoners.
As an Observer, there was always some leeway; otherwise, he wouldn’t even be able to shop around the Sky Mechanical City.
To utilize the leeway intentionally left in the oath, generally speaking, two principles could be followed:
First, find an overtly legitimate reason and apply free moral judgment to intervene in the Southern Domain’s affairs to some extent. Previously, the Observer meeting with Ferro and Angel in the laboratory was essentially utilizing this condition.
Second, a doubly compensatory exchange.
Whether in the Southern Domain or the Origin World, the principle of "equivalent exchange" was widely accepted by most wizards: what you gain must be matched by what you give. This principle was also inscribed into the oath by the Orderly Guild, allowing Observers to make some interventions in the worlds they observe, but they must make compensatory exchanges, doubled; whatever benefit is obtained must be paralleled by "double" returns to offset the cost of intervention.
For example, if he became involved in a turmoil in the Southern Domain, he must offer a doubly beneficial repayment to the World Will to offset the cost of intervention. As for how to return to the World Will? Generally speaking, it involves contacting Extreme Sects to expel Outer Gods.
Of course, the Observer generally wouldn’t get involved in the Southern Domain’s affairs; if he did, he’d opt for free moral judgment over compensatory exchange.
In cases where there are no clear targets, the return is directed at the World Will, benefiting the Extreme Sect.
If there’s a specific target, as there is now, with his target being Angel, accepting Angel’s gift means he must doubly compensate Angel to adhere to the principles.
Because of this, the Observer hesitated about taking up the monocle offered by Angel.
Receiving the monocle equates to accepting the truth of the "long-distance dream message." Even without deep "knowledge," its value is quite high.
He might have to offer significant compensation to Angel to make up for this exchange.
The Observer couldn’t determine the value of this exchange, making him reluctant to act recklessly.
He actually regretted it now; had he known, he wouldn’t have asked, choosing instead to observe secretly and explore quietly, even if it meant violating the oath, seeking a legitimate reason to explain his actions.
But now, Angel presented the truth to him with such sincerity, instead placing him in a bind.
The Observer felt bitter but was unable to express it. He couldn’t very well tell Angel to retract his earlier question, could he?
After a moment of silence, the Observer softly said, "If you think the answer is very important, you actually don’t have to answer or explain it to me."
Angel thought for a moment and said, "It’s not important. Since you know Lord Frost, you should know that I am an Alchemist. The truth is quite simple; it’s just a little thing I refined."
"A little thing refined?"
If that’s the case, he could afford the cost!
The Observer meticulously observed the monocle, attempting to see through its essence to understand the truth. However, the monocle carried Nightmare Illusion Breath and contained a hint of the Nightmare Realm’s energy, though very thin, he couldn’t comprehend...
But in the Observer’s view, the monocle indeed didn’t seem to be something formidable.
So, he decided to accept it. The cost shouldn’t be too much... right?
Thinking this, the Observer finally extended his hand and took the monocle from Angel’s palm.
"The Wilderness of Dreams, correct? When I have the time, I’ll take a look." After receiving the monocle, the Observer didn’t use it immediately but instead stored it in a twisted space.
He decided to resolve the current matter first before delving into the monocle. As for the "compensatory exchange" for Angel, he would decide after visiting the Wilderness of Dreams. After all, he wasn’t going to leave the Southern Domain anytime soon, and he could always find Angel to offer compensation.
Seeing the Observer put away the Log-in Device without inquiring immediately, Angel breathed a sigh of relief. Explaining it all would take too much time, and now wasn’t the time for that.
Angel turned his head toward Sanders.
After greeting the Observer, Sanders stepped away slightly, observing the surroundings. He noticed the alluring fruit in the distance and the twilight sky floating above.
Angel swiftly moved to Sanders’ side and relayed the situation in brief. He skipped what was unnecessary and went straight to the key points.
Sanders asked: "Not saving you, but Kanter? Is that fruit in the distance the potentially ascending object of disorder?"
Angel nodded, pointing to Kanter, whose figure flickered in the night: "Nis and I discussed it, and there are currently two methods that might help Lord Kanter..."
After listening to Angel’s proposed plan, Sanders pondered, "I’m not adept at spatial pathways, and finding a Space Wizard immediately is also difficult, so the first method is out. The second method, intervening in reality through the Interlayer Space, could be attempted."
Sanders also thought about whether there were other ways to help Kanter. Certainly, there were. However, in terms of practicality, Nis’s suggestion of intervening in reality through the Interlayer Space suited him better.
"Can you perform a spatial ritual?" Angel inquired.
Interfering with reality through the Interlayer Space was something Sanders was definitely capable of. However, to implement the second method, one must also perform a spatial ritual to stabilize Kanter’s space.
"I can." Sanders nodded, providing a straightforward and powerful answer.
Angel’s face briefly showed delight: "Then we can try it now. As long as Mentor stabilizes Lord Kanter’s space, I will immediately open the Gate of Void, bringing back Lord Kanter!"
Sanders also understood the urgency of the situation, not allowing any delay, and nodded in agreement.
However, before starting the procedure, Sanders glanced at Nis: "By the way, the consumables for opening the spatial crevice and the materials needed for the spatial ritual, I will ask you for them after returning, so be sure to prepare them."
Nis was momentarily stunned, only coming back to his senses after Sanders entered the spatial crevice, and jumped up exclaiming: "Why do I have to cover the expenses? It’s none of my business!"