Chapter 2493: Chapter 2494: Esos’s Task

Once all the apprentices received their treatment, the Tree Spirit still hadn’t returned.

Angel thought for a moment and decided not to leave. Instead, he sat quietly by the Life Pool and meditated.

It’s rare to visit the Life Pool; how could he not stay a while longer? Additionally, using the Green Pattern extensively had made Angel slightly fatigued. Enjoying the nourishment of this extremely pure life essence would aid in faster recovery.

While Angel was quietly absorbing the life essence, Toby and Dangross were also busy. Toby directly flew above the Life Pool, transforming into a giant Gryphon, circling constantly. With each flap of his wings, a large amount of life essence surged into his body.

Dangross, not having Toby’s abilities, was just like Angel, quietly breathing in the life essence. Even so, Dangross felt a sense of fullness.

Although Angel was meditating, Toby and Dangross’s movements did not escape his perception. However, he didn’t stop them. Dangross had previously secretly absorbed life essence from him, and the Tree Spirit had definitely noticed it. Since the Tree Spirit hadn’t said anything, it represented tacit approval of such behavior.

As for Toby... although Angel felt Toby’s Gryphon transformation with such voracious consumption was a bit excessive, compared to the Wizards cocooned in wooden vines these past few days, it was actually still fine. Anyway, the Tree Spirit wasn’t here now. Before the Tree Spirit returned, Angel ordered Toby to quickly revert. Angel believed that even if the Tree Spirit noticed, he would likely turn a blind eye.

Thinking of this, Angel chose not to manage the two little fellows anymore and continued to meditate.

Time passed, and it was an entire hour later before the Tree Spirit slowly returned. Strangely, the Tree Spirit’s essence was sensed first, but the Tree Spirit himself didn’t immediately appear.

Clearly, the Tree Spirit was reminding Angel of his return, suggesting small actions should cease.

Angel sensibly ended his fruitful meditation while calling to Dangross to stop as well. However, he received no response from Dangross. Perplexed, Angel turned around, only to see that Dangross had somehow fallen from his shoulder to the wooden floor by the Life Pool, eyes tightly closed.

Angel’s heart skipped a beat; could it be that the life essence was actually harmful instead of beneficial to the Fire Element Elf?

After all, life essence correlated more with living organisms or Wood Element creatures. To a Fire Element Elf, could it be not a remedy but a poison?

Angel panicked, hurriedly picking up Dangross from the ground.

Upon careful inspection, Angel discovered Dangross was unscathed, merely fast asleep.

Moreover, Dangross’s palm skin glowed lustrously, the flames within cycled normally, even more lively than before, without a hint of anomaly.

Angel finally breathed a sigh of relief.

If anything happened to Dangross here, he wouldn’t know how to explain to The Sage Magu. Plus, he still had to deal with Dangross’s underling, Kelonkcro. Without Dangross’s assistance, how could he capture Kelonkcro?

Cautiously storing Dangross in the bracelet space, Angel then remembered Toby.

But before Angel could call out for Toby, he heard footsteps behind him.

The Tree Spirit had returned.

Angel was about to turn and greet the Tree Spirit when he suddenly heard the Tree Spirit wail. Then, with large strides, the Tree Spirit rushed to Angel’s side, kneeling by the Life Pool, muttering: "My Life Pool... my Life Pool... what happened... how could this happen?"

The Tree Spirit’s gaze hauntingly turned to Angel.

Angel looked at the Life Pool in front of them... At first glance, it seemed unchanged from before, but at the center of the Life Pool, inexplicably, bubbles were emerging.

Watching those bubbles, an ominous thought surged in Angel’s mind.

Toby, where is Toby?

Wasn’t Toby transformed into a Gryphon, spiraling above the Life Pool earlier? And now, where is Toby?

While calling out to Toby in his mind, perhaps through mutual understanding, Toby heard Angel’s call and slowly revealed himself.

However, this time, Toby’s appearance caused Angel’s eyes to widen immensely, startled.

For, a glowing, enormous snake head rose from the bubbling center of the Life Pool, slowly lifting its head.

"T-T-Toby." Angel felt himself stammering.

Toby tilted his snake head, puzzled, looking at Angel.

Angel: "Why have you transformed into the snake-bird form? Wasn’t the Gryphon form just fine earlier; why did you jump in to play with the water?"

"Play... Water?" A chilly voice emerged from the side.

Angel secretly glanced at the Tree Spirit, only to see the Tree Spirit glaring at him fiercely.

Angel shivered and quickly said, "Toby, you’re being naughty, how could you jump into the Life Pool without the Tree Spirit’s permission? Come up quickly, and apologize to the Tree Spirit."

After speaking, Angel took a small step back.

He planned that as soon as the Tree Spirit got angry, he would immediately open the Gate of Void, and with a twist of his bracelet to decrease his presence, he would make a quick escape.

As for Toby, good luck. The Tree Spirit shouldn’t kill Toby, at most just impose some punishment. Once the Tree Spirit’s anger subsides, I’ll come back to pick you up.

Toby didn’t know Angel’s thoughts, but it obediently flew into the air, giving a slight shake. The rich life aura spread out, with some droplets falling onto Angel, making him immediately sense a craving ripple in his body’s life aura.

From this, it was clear that the water from the Life Pool and the life aura emanating from it were of entirely different quality grades.

The more it was like this, the more complicated Angel’s mood became.

He initially thought that the Tree Spirit might at most punish Toby a little, but now, seeing the grade of the Life Pool’s water, he felt that even if Toby died, the Tree Spirit’s rage might not be quelled...

After Toby came out of the Life Pool, it didn’t revert to its seabird form but continued to hover above the Life Pool in its large snake-bird form, its streamlined curves showcasing grace.

Angel was still softly calling for Toby to come back quickly, but after closely observing Toby for a while, he suddenly froze.

"Is there nothing wrong with your snake-bird form now?" Angel asked in surprise.

Toby’s snake-bird form wasn’t naturally derived; it was a result of encountering the Abyss Serpent, combined with the aura of the Pilgrim of Misfortune, which eventually produced some kind of unknown chemical effect that spawned it.

Due to its unnatural birth, Toby’s snake-bird form, even after treatment, had many side effects. For instance, when Toby transformed into the snake-bird form, the overwhelmingly oppressive, dark, and negative emotions could transform into a shadow cloud that even affected Toby itself, rendering it almost unusable in actual combat. But now, although the snake-bird form still emitted a faint negative emotion, this was more inclined to the abilities of the snake-bird.

After all, Toby’s form was called—the Envious Snake Bird.

This form could turn Toby into a true master of emotional manipulation, especially in provoking jealousy in people’s hearts, which was the core ability of this form. So, the faint negative aura surrounding it was due to its own abilities.

"Hissss—Chirp—" The snake-bird emitted a strange sound.

This language was clearly unique to the snake-bird, but Angel and Toby were already spiritually connected, allowing him to clearly understand what the snake-bird was expressing.

Just as Angel had guessed, Toby was telling Angel that its control over the snake-bird form had further improved.

Although it couldn’t be used for extended periods, using it occasionally wouldn’t affect Toby’s original intent.

And the creator of all this was clearly the water from the Life Pool.

Angel’s heart brimmed with happiness for Toby because resolving such a hidden danger was very beneficial for Toby’s future development. However, sensing the cold gaze of the Tree Spirit nearby, it somehow dampened his joy.

"What were you two just talking about?" A soft voice emanated from the Tree Spirit’s mouth.

Angel coughed twice and succinctly explained that Toby’s hidden danger was temporarily resolved.

Then, without waiting for the Tree Spirit’s response, Angel’s eyes darted around as he quickly said, "Thank you, Tree Spirit, for allowing this. Otherwise, who knows how long it would have taken to eradicate the hidden danger of Toby’s snake-bird form."

As Angel spoke, he gave Toby a look from the corner of his eye, signaling it to quickly come over and express gratitude.

Toby was initially puzzled but seemed to understand something after sensing the subtle aura between Angel and the Tree Spirit.

With a graceful turn, the enormous snake-bird transformed into a small seabird, flying to Angel’s shoulder. Together, they bowed to the Tree Spirit, murmuring, "Chirp chirp."

Angel hastily translated for Toby, "Tree Spirit, Toby is also expressing its respectful thanks to you."

The Tree Spirit looked at Angel and Toby, knowing full well that these two rascals were deliberately saying this to place him on a pedestal, thereby establishing the situation as fact.

Looking at the visibly reduced layer of water in the Life Pool, the Tree Spirit was simply enraged. His prolonged silence was actually to give Angel a little favor, but he didn’t expect Angel to follow the rules while Toby surprised him.

Don’t dismiss that thin layer of Life Pool water; it was at least hundreds of years’ worth of savings!

Toby’s act used up much more than those lunatic patients before combined.

The Tree Spirit clenched his fist, trying to calm his chest, but couldn’t help letting his eyes wander toward Angel and Toby.

Angel was untouchable; behind Angel stood the entire Barbarian Cave, and the emergence of the Wilderness of Dreams also alleviated Lianna’s covetousness for the Life Pool, which was undoubtedly a huge relief for the Tree Spirit.

But with Toby, it’s different...

The Tree Spirit glared fiercely at Toby, and Toby felt a chill run down his spine.

Just as Angel and Toby both thought the Tree Spirit might explode in anger, the Tree Spirit unexpectedly reined in its outward emotions and turned to look at the group of wizard apprentices who had been nursed back to health.

"Not bad, they’re all recovered now." The Tree Spirit nodded, "Since they’re better, let’s send them off first."

The Tree Spirit spoke as he snapped his fingers, and those former patients were all absorbed by the surrounding wooden walls. When they awoke again, they were already outside the Eternal Tree.

These are not worth talking about for now.

After seeing the Tree Spirit release these patients, the space was left with only Angel and Toby, who was trembling.

Angel understood that retribution might be just a second away.

"Tree Spirit Lord, I believe Toby didn’t do it on purpose, as you said before, it’s instinct. The snake-bird form’s hidden danger drives Toby’s instincts to enter the Life Pool. Surely it wasn’t intentional."

"Chirp chirp." Toby also nodded repeatedly. Although Angel’s words weren’t entirely the truth, it must be the truth at this moment.

The Tree Spirit heard Angel’s sophistry but smiled kindly: "What are you worried about? I haven’t blamed anything. I kept you here because I have something to discuss with you."

For some reason, looking at the Tree Spirit’s radiant smile, Angel didn’t feel warmth but rather sensed a huge plot behind that smile.

Angel hesitated for a moment and asked softly: "What does the Tree Spirit Lord want to discuss with me?"

The Tree Spirit continued to smile: "It’s actually not a big deal. You saw me go out earlier, it was actually Rhein looking for me."

The Tree Spirit paused and looked at Angel: "You should have seen Esos before, right?"

Angel nodded: "I met Lord Esos at the Star Pond Ruins."

Now, Esos is still near the Star Pond Ruins, repairing the Luminance Barrier.

"Esos and Rhein have actually known each other for many years, they are old friends, so when the ruins had an accident this time, Rhein was able to call Esos over immediately." The Tree Spirit: "However, friends are friends, and Esos still has to pay for repairing the Luminance Barrier."

"Rhein originally had prepared something for Esos, but Esos declined. He said he’s here to help for another reason."

"He hopes to borrow an alchemist from the Barbarian Cave to help his disciple refine something."

When the Tree Spirit said this, Angel already understood the Tree Spirit’s intention.

Angel: "Is Lord Rhein intending for me to go?"

The Tree Spirit shook his head: "Lord Rhein called me over just to let me post this task at the Task Hall and see which alchemist is willing to take it."

"I have already posted the task, and even informed Lianna in advance, but Lianna showed no interest."

Saying this, the Tree Spirit smiled at Angel.

Apprentices learning alchemy at the Barbarian Cave were not many before but are not few now, especially after Angel became a member of the Research and Development Institute, many were willing to learn alchemy. However, their standard couldn’t even reach one-tenth of Promy’s, so how could they be sent to help Esos?

If these alchemy apprentices were sent out, the face of the Barbarian Cave would be lost.

And the only usable alchemists the Barbarian Cave has are Angel and Lianna. Lianna, busy with the Tea Party, doesn’t want to leave, which leaves Angel.

If asked before, Angel’s choice might be either going or not.

But now, with the Tree Spirit smiling at him, occasionally glancing at the nearby Life Pool, the meaning was clear and unsaid.

How could Angel dare refuse?

He said softly: "What about the Tidal World..."

"No rush on the Tidal World. Rhein will wait for your return to go. And with your level of alchemy, it shouldn’t take long." The Tree Spirit said leisurely.

Angel: "What does Lord Esos have for his disciple to refine?"

The Tree Spirit shrugged: "I don’t know either. Rhein asked, but Esos doesn’t know much either because the blueprint for refining is in his disciple’s hands, and its origin is mysterious. According to Esos’ inspection, it seems to contain some special mechanism."

"Special mechanism, what kind of mechanism?"

The Tree Spirit shook his head: "Don’t know, but due to this mechanism, even Esos didn’t look. I guess it might self-destruct on opening? Anyway, to be safe, they prefer to find a suitable alchemist first before opening."

Seeing Angel frowning, appearing suspicious of the blueprint’s mechanism, the Tree Spirit added: "Don’t worry, the blueprint isn’t dangerous. Its special mechanism comes from the inscribed magic pattern, but that kind of pattern belongs to an alchemy magic pattern, and even though Esos is a magic pattern uncle, he only understands part of it and can confirm it’s not of an attack nature, so there’s no danger."

If there were danger, Lord Rhein wouldn’t have hinted to the Tree Spirit to have Angel take on this task.

The Tree Spirit paused again and said: "Oh, right, this task also has a reward, given by Esos’ disciple."

If it were Esos giving the reward, Angel might still be curious; but what reward could Esos’ disciple offer? Angel wasn’t interested at all.

The Tree Spirit seemed to see Angel’s disdain and smiled: "This reward might indeed be of little use to you. It’s said to be the handbook of Esos’ apprentice period."

"Esos’ apprentice period training handbook?" Angel was taken aback.

The Tree Spirit nodded: "Esos’ disciple didn’t learn Esos’ magic pattern ability, but he is a rare space apprentice. Therefore, Esos handed down his insights on space series from his apprentice period to him. Now, this handbook is the reward."

Saying this, the Tree Spirit sighed: "If only Esos offered his magic pattern training handbook as a reward, that might be useful to you. Should I go ask again?"

Upon hearing that it’s Esos’ apprentice period space insights handbook, Angel’s eyes lit up! Although he previously gained a lot of space knowledge within the Dalmatian, they were overly theoretical, and if guided by a predecessor’s insights, it would be a huge help.

And Esos’ handbook is a golden opportunity!

Angel quickly said: "No need to bother Lord Esos, I have enough on magic patterns, no need for other handbooks. Just this handbook will do!"

The Tree Spirit smiled: "So, you’re deciding to take this task, right?"

Angel quickly nodded. Previously, perhaps due to the current state of the Life Pool, he had to accept it reluctantly; but now, he was willing to accept this task out of his genuine interest.

The Tree Spirit: "Since you’ve accepted, I’ll take up the task for you. I’ll send you detailed information later, and you can leave today or tomorrow."

Angel nodded in agreement.

"Oh, by the way." The Tree Spirit: "This time, you should go alone."

Angel looked puzzled at the Tree Spirit. He usually went alone, why did the Tree Spirit suddenly mention it?

The Tree Spirit: "I mean, Toby won’t be going with you."

Angel glanced at the smiling Tree Spirit and then at Toby beside him, who was a bit fluffed up, and his heart sank as he quietly asked: "Why, Lord, do you want to keep Toby?"

The Tree Spirit laughed: "It’s like this, you know Greya has just recovered from a serious illness and needs company during her recovery period. I contacted Greya earlier, and she said she wanted Toby to accompany her."

As he spoke, the Tree Spirit waved, and an image appeared before Angel.

Greya sat at a table, talking to Butler Good across. Seemingly aware of the gaze, she turned: "Oh, it’s Angel."

"The Tree Spirit Lord has already told you, right? I heard you’re leaving for a task soon, so this time you should go alone, and leave Toby here with me."

Greya blinked: "Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of Toby."

"Also, I already know you saved me. I’ll tell you thanks when you return, and I have other things to discuss with you later, that’s it."

After speaking, the image disappeared.

The Tree Spirit looked at Angel: "See, it’s Greya who wants Toby to stay~"

Angel looked deeply at the Tree Spirit, he believed Greya was genuine earlier, but keeping Toby was probably not Greya’s decision, but the Tree Spirit had orchestrated it.

Clearly, the Tree Spirit wasn’t planning to let Toby off easily.

However, judging from the signals Greya had sent him before, with her looking after Toby, the Tree Spirit likely wouldn’t punish Toby too severely.

Thinking about this, Angel could only nod: "Okay, I’ll send Toby to Greya later."

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