Warlock Apprentice

Brulee stayed awfully quiet since they left Lloyds. It only spoke to Angor when they almost reached the surface.

“My master met someone who was selling a wild Demeter 60 years ago. She tried everything she could but still couldn’t find enough money. I think it was someone from the congress of City of Truth who bought it in the end. So… however did you afford that Demeter?

“The chief of Ashen Traders seemed fond of you. Heck, that guy wasn’t so polite when talking to my master. What’s going on?”

Angor was too focused on watching out for danger, so he only gave Brulee a simple answer. “I happen to have so many magic crystals on me. As for your second question, frankly speaking, I don’t know.”

Brulee would like to figure out how an apprentice had “so many magic crystals”, but it didn’t do so since Angor wouldn’t tell his secret to someone’s familiar pet.

They almost left the water without encountering anyone that blocked their path, which confused Angor for good.

Although he was glad that he didn’t have to waste time dealing with more stalkers.

The surface of the water was bathed by the bright orange light of dusk.

“If we move without stopping, we can get back to the Old Earth by tomorrow night or the next morning,” said Brulee as it observed the sun.

“That can wait. I have something to do at the Land of Revelation.”

Brulee thought to protest, but it had no choice but to follow behind Angor since it didn’t have near enough stamina to fly all the way back home by itself.

From their current position, it would take a few days to reach the Land of Revelation on Gondola. Or even faster if they relied on Toby’s help, which was what Angor planned to do.

While bad at navigating on the sea, Angor had no problem finding his way around the land. Soon, he found the direction of Freighting Town and headed that way.

“What are you doing here? You want to betray my master and alert Goman King of her condition?” Brulee had been asking this question for a while.

“I was never Miss Eureka’s ally, how should I betray her?” Angor decided to at least explain something so that Brulee wouldn’t keep bothering him. “I’m not going to Goman King. Both Jon and my brother are under her watch. Besides, do you think I need the bounty money?”

“Then what’s your business here?”

“I’m looking for someone. Or rather, someone’s soul.”

…

Freighting Town didn’t seem much different compared to his last visit. It was quiet, cozy, and full of artful performers.

There was something new though. When going for Dison Alley, Angor saw a group of royal guards stationed there who kept anyone from entering. But these guards were all mortals who could do nothing to stop a supernatural.

After walking past the guards, Angor heard sharp screaming coming from the direction of the orphanage, along with monster shrieks and… creepy giggling.

Brulee puffed up its feathers and widened its round eyes.

By using a spirit feeler, Angor saw his “Dead by Daylight” illusion functioning just fine. A group of around 20 mortals was running away from Sunny’s haunted building while trying to reach their safe zone—Alda’s playground.

But it seemed it was not yet time for the safe zone to open yet, so the outside was no less dangerous with all kinds of monsters lurking about.

The mortals were all screaming due to either stress or fear, until insanity was about to take over.

“It looks pretty good. Freud turned this place into a theme park in a few months?”

He wondered whether the suffering mortals were talents or common rich people who were looking for fun in the wrong place.

The illusion was originally meant for keeping intruders away. Angor, however, had no problem walking inside since he was the creator of the illusion. He simply walked inside without hiding his presence.

Freud was currently inside the basement of the orphanage while discussing the potential of the new recruits with Neya. He suddenly stood up from his seat with a frown.

“What’s the matter?” Neya was a bit startled by his reaction.

“I sensed a stranger coming inside. I’ll check it out.”

The talents in the illusion were, in fact, new recruits brought from the Tower of Hurricane. It was Neya who made the suggestion to her organization, that they should test their talents here. This meant she would be responsible if an enemy came and harmed the recruits.

Freud took a moment to check the “intruder”‘s aura and sat down. “It’s fine. It’s just Mister Padt.”

In a few seconds, Angor arrived at their room and saw Freud’s look of excitement, as well as Neya, who obviously would like to butter him up but didn’t know how.

“Mister Padt! Did you perhaps—” Freud couldn’t wait to know Angor’s decision regarding their cooperation.

Angor shook his head, much to Freud’s disappointment.

“I came to ask something.” Angor glanced at Neya and told Freud to go outside while also asking Brulee to give him privacy.

The owl complied without a problem since Angor’s “excuse” for not betraying Eureka sounded fine enough.

While listening to the terrified cries of people outside, Angor and Freud climbed to the roof of the building.

They took a moment to observe the talents below, who were forced to show the true sides of their personalities in the dire situation created by Sunny.

Naturally, most of them fully succumbed to their inner devil and discarded the last bit of goodness, just to gain a tiny advantage over their teammates when escaping.

Angor wasn’t interested in this, however, since he witnessed the floor of humanity for many times now. Compared to the recruits, he was more interested in Sunny, who was still wearing her bright red skirt and that giant scythe.

“She’s becoming quite the professional killer. At least she looks more into her job than when she was hunting Tulu.”

Last time, Sunny was still a wraith who could easily give in to her rage and obsession. After spending time with Freud, she had learned how to control her emotions without looking any less threatening.

“She’s a bit stubborn, but we get along well since I know how to go with her personality,” said Freud.

“You’re the only one capable of such. Someone else who tries to ‘go with her’ will only end up dead. Are these people the new talents you found?”

“Yeah, they’re the first group of recruits to try out this illusion test, sent by the Tower of Hurricane.” Freud pointed to several ghosts in the sky who had filming items in their claws. “They’ll use the records to win more customers in the future. Better, if more of the recruits turned out to be good.”

“Good idea, knowing their true nature before giving them training. I came today to learn another cantrip from you, which is ‘Dream Reading’. Of course, I’ll pay for the knowledge.”

Freud looked rather surprised. “I… can give the cantrip for free. You helped me so much, Mister Padt, and I don’t think I pay you back enough.”

“You don’t have to consider our previous trades. If we settled them, then they’re done; who paid more or who lost more doesn’t matter.”

“I see. Can I ask some questions before we begin? Of course, you can say no if there’s anything you don’t want to tell.”

“Is that your price? Sure.” Angor nodded.

“Do you wish to study Dream Reading for yourself? Did you perhaps… comprehend Dream Walk already?”