Angel: "Since the Wise Sovereign has said so, it seems we can only give it a try?"
The Wise Sovereign smiled but did not respond.
Looking at the Wise Sovereign’s friendly smile, Angel sighed softly in his heart. As expected, Cicia truly understands the Wise Sovereign. Once the decision is made, he’s resolute.
Like now, although the Wise Sovereign seems to offer them options, after Angel’s probing, it’s clear he gives no room for maneuver.
The so-called additional conditions are actually mandatory tasks disguised as bonuses.
Cicia’s advice was correct; with the Wise Sovereign so deeply obsessed, it’s best not to let him know about the existence of the Wilderness of Dreams.
"Actually, it’s no harm to try, but the premise is, is the Wood Spirit really still in the Hanging Jail Stairway?" Knowing refusal wasn’t an option, Angel found a way to ease his own mind.
This time, the Wise Sovereign finally spoke: "The Wood Spirit is still in there, but every time I leave, it moves its position, choosing a new place to rest. So, even if I enter, I must look for it anew. If you want me to tell you its exact location now, I can’t do that."
Angel: "As long as the Wood Spirit is still inside, we can give it a shot. Should we start now?"
The Wise Sovereign shook his head: "Not you all, just you alone."
"Me alone?" Angel looked at the Wise Sovereign in astonishment, confirming he hadn’t misheard.
"My student is peculiar, you should have heard from Cicia. It’s very timid, if all of you go in at once, it will be terrified." After a pause, the Wise Sovereign continued: "I’m not trying to make things difficult on purpose. The Wood Spirit’s concealment ability is incredibly strong, and from my observation, it enhances its ability to conceal each time it’s frightened."
"Which means if you scare it enough, even if I go in next time, I might not find it."
The Wise Sovereign spoke subtly, but bluntly, the Wood Spirit is a coward, the more scared it gets, the more it invests in its concealment ability. That’s why even a figure like the Wise Sovereign finds it increasingly difficult each time he searches for the Wood Spirit.
Seeing Angel’s pensive expression, the Wise Sovereign pondered and said: "At most two people can go in, and if two, one must be an Apprentice."
"I can give you three chances to go in and search, but the number of people can’t change."
"Moreover, if that nose wants to go in, it must go alone."
The Wise Sovereign pointed at the Black Earl. Although he was only a nose, he posed the greatest threat to the Wise Sovereign, nearly comparable to the level of a True Knowledge Wizard. So, the Black Earl’s nose was singled out.
Angel was silent for a moment: "I need to discuss with my teammates."
The Wise Sovereign: "Okay."
Angel shot a glance at the Black Earl, who immediately understood and set up a Mind Ribbon.
However, this Mind Ribbon included only Angel, the Black Earl, and Dox.
As for Vay and Kaier, it was better they remained expressionless because their lack of prowess meant any information they received might inadvertently be leaked, easily revealing their intentions to the Wise Sovereign.
Once the Mind Ribbon was connected, Angel did not immediately discuss strategies with the others but instead said something inexplicable: "You can call me Gold."
The Black Earl and Dox were no fools; after a brief pause, they came to their senses.
The Wise Sovereign still didn’t know who they actually were; even the true descendants of Noah hadn’t completely been confirmed. Using their names amongst themselves could easily expose them to the Wise Sovereign.
Having equal code names was much safer than using their real names.
After understanding, Dox immediately said: "I’m Red."
Black Earl: "Black."
The three used different colors as code names, with no hierarchy implied, facilitating concealment.
"Black, Red, if you have any ideas, feel free to speak out." With their code names established, Angel skipped the formalities and addressed them directly by their colors.
Dox: "I don’t have any thoughts for now, but are we sure our conversation is secure, Black?"
Black Earl: "I can detect if the Mind Ribbon is being spied on. If it is, I’ll sever the connection."
"Why sever it? Give us a signal, and if we’re being watched, we can just start babbling nonsense and maybe even spin him into confusion?" Dox suggested.
Hearing Dox’s suggestion, Black Earl chuckled coldly: "I won’t bother explaining, Gold, just get to the point."
Dox seized the opportunity to avoid addressing the Black Earl with courtesy and was about to retort when Angel intervened: "Red, don’t underestimate the Wise Sovereign. Disrupting things occasionally might shift his focus, but intentionally acting chaotic before him will only allow him to parse more useful information."
Not giving Dox time to respond, Angel immediately moved to the main topic: "The Wise Sovereign could have directly stated the necessary conditions, yet he insists we go to the Hanging Jail Stairway. The purpose isn’t just to bring out the Wood Spirit."
Black Earl: "... He’s observing."
Angel: "I agree with Black. The Wise Sovereign might not believe we can bring the Wood Spirit out of the Hanging Jail Stairway; he’s doing this mostly to observe us for more accurate information."
Dox: "But what intelligence does he need from us?"
Angel paused momentarily: "Specific reasons are unclear for now, but it probably relates to Augustine’s legacy site."
Dox voiced his biggest question: "What’s there exactly?"
Angel: "I don’t know. But from his reactions, it seems there might be intelligent life, and some form of connection exists among them."
After a pause, Angel said: "We’ll discuss specifics later."
"Alright then," Dox knew now wasn’t the time for this discussion, suppressing his curiosity: "What should we do now?"
While Angel was contemplating, Black Earl spoke first: "Do as the Wise Sovereign says. Gold, arrange the entry order."
The reason Angel sought time from the Wise Sovereign was to coordinate entry with Black Earl and Dox. However, Black Earl having Angel sort it himself left him slightly conflicted.
Dox: "I don’t mind; any order suits me, you decide. By the way, best not to let my old friend go with you. Once he enters the site, he starts acting up, and following you will surely expose more clues."
Angel looked puzzled at Dox: "Acting up?"
"Yes, acting up." Dox: "Don’t worry; just team him with me. Order doesn’t matter."