Warlock Apprentice

Angor walked into Sunders’ study and saw his professor fiddling something in his hands.

Before Angor could comment on how their gentleman costumes looked so alike, his attention was attracted by the item Sunders was checking—his secret alchemy weapon.

A golden revolver carved with glyphs.

That was his last secret trick in his tower challenge, apart from Trigger Crossbow and Toby.

The revolver itself, as well as all of the six bullets in its wheel, were enchanted with different runes. It was his strongest weapon for now.

Since Sunders found his revolver… where was his Trigger Crossbow?

Angor moved closer and quickly noticed it on Sunders’ desk.

Sunders crossed his fingers and observed Angor’s creation with a smile of approval.

Angor sighed in relief. He placed the Demon Falcon statue on Sunders’ desk.

It looked so alive, like a real falcon hovering in the vast sky.

The carving technique was average. Any skilled sculptor could do it easily. Because of Angor’s experience during which he always watched the falcons patrolling the sky, he did a really good job at recreating the overall physique of the creature, especially the vibrant eyes.

Sunders lifted a finger and injected a tiny mana stream into the statue.

Upon receiving the energy, the Demon Falcon became “alive”. The faint shadow of the animal emerged from the statue, spread its wings wide, and launched itself into the sky through the room’s window.

However, the shadow only persisted for several seconds.

If judged using the standard of other illusionists, this one was neither logical or deceiving enough. It was not a useful illusion at all.

But it made a fine decoration. At least Angor believed so.

“Decent work. It’s flawed, but I’m glad you learned how to apply illusions to real life and in micro scales.”

Despite his plain tone, Sunders felt really satisfied deep inside. What Angor just did prove that the boy had well-balanced talent in both alchemy and illusion, as well as the ability to find great innovations.

Still, it was a rare sight that the stern gentleman smiled so much.

“Your alchemy skill is promising as well. Too bad I’m not so good at alchemy myself, so I can’t provide you much,” said Sunders as he handed the Trigger Crossbow and revolver to Angor. “These two weapons showed me enough of your creative ideas. Maybe we Brute Cavern will finally witness our own master alchemist one day.”

Angor blushed a little. Both the Trigger Crossbow and the revolver were created by following the blueprints left in Jon’s tablet. Angor did not really put much of his own ideas in them.

This was why Angor felt a little ashamed by Sunders’ compliment.

…

After returning Angor’s alchemy weapons, Sunders told Angor something else about illusions.

Upon giving Angor enough advice, the gentleman suddenly changed their conversation.

“I sensed the Nightmare Realm the day before yesterday.”

“Nightmare Realm?” Angor was surprised at the sudden topic.

“Yes. It was weak, but it came from you. That was why I went to the underground market and found out about your condition, and brought you back to Phantom Island to treat you. Otherwise, the Green Velvet spores in your body would have already destroyed your flesh.”

“Green Velvet spore?” Angor realized that Sunders was talking about the green pollens used by Parasite Queen.

“I saw your fight against Parasite Queen that day. I still have questions though. Tell me what exactly happened on that day, and how did you trigger something from the Nightmare Realm.”