The confrontation between Kael and Pink Jasmine was heating up.
Angel was also observing Kael’s performance, but at that moment, the previously silent "private chat channel" was suddenly activated.
Angel showed no signs of any abnormality, his eyes still fixed on the stage, but he respectfully addressed in his mind: "Lord Black Earl."
Such a private channel could only be used by the Black Earl or the Wise Sovereign. Since the Wise Sovereign was at the center of the arena, using the Mind Ribbon, even if unseen by others, would be noticeable. Therefore, it was obvious that the one contacting him was the Black Earl.
Angel was not surprised at all by why the Black Earl suddenly contacted him in private.
The Black Earl and Vay were essentially "one." What he did inside Vay’s body, the Black Earl surely knew.
When Angel had placed his hand on Vay earlier, and the Black Earl purposely turned the stone slab to "watch" him with its nostrils, Angel knew the Black Earl might reach out.
Indeed, this turned out to be true. The first question the Black Earl asked Angel was: "What is that mushroom?"
Others likely have no idea what Angel did, possibly even Vay couldn’t detect Angel’s manipulation. But the Black Earl noticed.
Yes, it’s the mushroom.
Angel left a mushroom inside Vay’s body.
It’s precisely this mushroom that puzzled the Black Earl. If it were just an ordinary mushroom, it might simply be Angel’s method of healing. But to the Black Earl’s surprise, the mushroom was exceedingly peculiar.
It seemed alive, hopping around within Vay’s body as if it considered Vay’s flesh its conquered territory, patrolling its domain back and forth.
Initially, when the Black Earl detected it, he thought it might be a mutant form of mycelium. Later, through its movements during patrol, he saw the mycelial creatures trembling with fear and finally confirmed that this mushroom was the true culprit causing these creatures to freeze.
At this point, the Black Earl focused his attention on Angel. There was no doubt that this mushroom was Angel’s doing.
At the time, the Black Earl was a bit surprised but did not have the desire to inquire Angel about it. After all, the Black Earl had previously expressed that he would not question Angel’s abnormal behavior in the underground aqueduct.
However, the Black Earl’s thoughts soon changed. Because that mushroom seemed to notice his gaze.
The judgment was based on: Whenever the Black Earl’s gaze swept over it, it stayed still. But once his gaze shifted, it continued patrolling its expansive territory.
Being able to detect the Black Earl’s eyes while inside Vay was quite astonishing. The Black Earl observed the mushroom by virtue of bloodline connection, yet the mushroom could perceive the Black Earl’s gaze through such a complex and distant logic chain.
Earlier, the Black Earl merely thought the mushroom "seemed" alive. Now, he increasingly felt that perhaps it was indeed a living thing.
But soon, the Black Earl’s idea was refuted.
The person who refuted him was Vay himself.
When the Black Earl attempted to have Vay control the mushroom, Vay replied in confusion: "What mushroom?"
Only then did the Black Earl realize that although Vay was in a state of shock, he was merely surprised by why the mycelial creatures suddenly stopped moving, completely unaware of the lively green speckled mushroom inside him.
Under the Black Earl’s instruction, Vay went to investigate but still found no trace of the mushroom.
It seemed as though the mushroom existed in a state straddling reality and illusion.
At this point, the Black Earl truly became curious about this strange mushroom. Taking advantage of the duel that kept Kaier busy, and while no one else noticed, he initiated a private chat invitation with Angel.
"As expected of you, Black Earl, no matter how secretly I act, I can’t fool you, sir." Angel complimented.
The Black Earl: "At this moment, I hope you’d learn from your mentor to skip the pleasantries and get directly to the point in every situation."
Angel: "..."
After two seconds of silence, Angel said: "What does the Black Earl wish to know? Is it the mushroom’s impact on Vay or the origin of the mushroom?"
The Black Earl: "Both, you may speak at your discretion."
The Black Earl’s words actually meant Angel could choose to withhold some information; he wouldn’t press for answers.
This aligns with the Black Earl’s initial promise.
Angel pondered for a moment: "This mushroom will not affect Vay. Once the residual issues in his body are completely eradicated, it will naturally disappear."
The Black Earl had no objection to this. He inherently didn’t believe the mushroom would impact Vay. Otherwise, he would have intervened long ago.
From his observations over time, Angel was not a bloodthirsty person, nor would he harm Vay without reason, especially with himself right there, Angel wouldn’t dare.
The Black Earl: "What else?"
Angel: "As for the origin of the mushroom... you probably already realized it’s just an illusion, right?"
The Black Earl remained silent. Although he felt the mushroom was somehow between reality and illusion, it was so lifelike that even if he suspected it might be illusion magic, he never truly confirmed it.
Now, Angel’s words cleared any doubts for the Black Earl that the mushroom was indeed an illusion!
Angel continued: "This mushroom’s essence seemingly exerts an inherent suppressive effect on fungal organisms inferior to itself. It’s akin to the pressure of a wizard."
"Based on this principle, I created its illusion through special magic, infusing it with the mushroom’s true essence, achieving an effect where illusion indistinguishable from reality. This resulted in a significant restraining effect on the mycelial creatures inside Vay."
The illusion technique Angel mentioned sounded somewhat like True Illusion to the Black Earl. However, could illusions produced by True Illusion perceive someone’s gaze? Achieving a reaction exclusive to living creatures seemed incompatible with True Illusion.
The Black Earl was very curious about this and wished to inquire further.
But while describing this illusion technique, Angel clearly stated it was a "special magic."
If it weren’t special, Angel would have named the technique outright. The lack of mention indicated Angel was reluctant to reveal the truth behind the illusion magic.
Even if the Black Earl pursued the query, Angel’s response might carry reluctance.
Although surprised, the Black Earl decided not to create a rift between him and Angel over such trivial matters.
Thus, the Black Earl did not delve further into questions regarding the illusion magic and instead directly inquired about the mushroom’s true form.
"Does the mushroom itself move? What species is it? Was it cultivated by Regina?"
Angel: "The mushroom’s true form is called ’Mystery Glow’. Regarding what species and where it originated, as well as its effects, I think you would have better clarity by asking Lord Reine."
In essence, Angel created an illusion of the Mystery Glow.
Earlier, Angel learned from Regina’s research that this peculiar living fungal species exerted a suppressive effect on its kind, especially pronounced on parasitic types.
The Mystery Glow itself also parasitizes; perhaps to compete for hosts, the Mystery Glow developed this unique pressure.
Therefore, when Angel discovered the mycelial creatures invading Vay’s body, his first thought was to use the Mystery Glow to suppress those creatures. However, exposing the Mystery Glow’s true form was out of the question, as it was under Regina’s study. Thus, Angel chose a different approach and used Nightmare Illusion Technique to create a Mystery Glow illusion.
Angel deliberately used his right hand to touch the mycelial creatures on Vay earlier, conveniently facilitating the use of Nightmare Illusion Technique.
The effect was precisely as Angel anticipated—highly effective.
What was unexpected was its significant effectiveness, enough to catch the Black Earl’s attention.
"Mystery Glow? Never heard of that term." The Black Earl: "You mentioned Reine, does he have a connection with this ’Mystery Glow’?"
Angel nodded: "Yes, so I suggest you inquire Lord Reine about it. If I divulge, it might be stepping over bounds."
The Black Earl pondered momentarily, ultimately accepting Angel’s statement.
Angel wouldn’t lie concerning "Reine," hence this peculiar mushroom might really be associated with Reine.
If that were the case, there’s no need to trouble Angel further.
Once matters here conclude, he could find time to consult Reine.