Warlock Apprentice

As he was being inspected by Maya’s gaze, Angor immediately sensed something strange. It was mentioned by Sunders earlier—anyone being checked by a prophet could easily feel it.

Angor felt his entire mana pool growing restless as if it wanted to send all available mana to prevent Maya’s attempt. He felt goosebumps all over his body, yet his mind remained peaceful. There appeared to be a pair of pale green eyes peeking around in the depth of his consciousness.

So this is how prophecy works…

Angor now fully understood why prophets did not do this freely. This was so disturbing, especially if the one being observed knew what it meant.

Soon, Maya canceled her skill and lifted the strange feeling from Angor’s mind.

After thinking about the right words, Maya said in a careful tone, “The obstruction in my view is particularly strong, and I failed to read anything that reflects his future. But I see several images, where he’s interacting with many powerful entities. This means his fate will be no less brilliant than yours, Mister Phantom.”

Being together with strong wizards, either as friends or as enemies, only suggested that Angor himself was good enough to join their ranks.

“You found a very gifted student, Mister Sunders…” Maya recalled the faint images of the legendary wizards she just saw. There was no doubt that by receiving their attention, either good or bad ones, would bring great opportunities to Angor.

While listening to him. Maya’s expression changed drastically as if she was trying to decide how to approach this matter.

In the end, she gave Angor a final, mindful look. “I’ll try. Transplanted hand of a humanoid monster from the Nightmare Realm? Such a rare case.”

Maya was a prophet, not a surgeon. Even so, as a wizard who craved endless knowledge, she also wished to look deeper into Angor’s curious condition. Although she couldn’t do what she wanted when Sunders was still looking.

She took Angor to the center of the star map. “Now, sit here and fully relax your mind. Do not resist what is to come, for I shall guide you to the ultimate result…”

Following Maya’s whisper, Angor slowly fell half asleep.

…

The entire world was painted in red.

He stood beside a wooden pole while gazing at the building complex ahead, which was also red.

For some reason, Angor felt safe in this otherwise bizarre environment as if he belonged here.

He did not know why he was here, but he did know this place.

There was a lit lamp shaped like a lion figurine hanging on the pole nearby, which was giving out a faint, red light.

“The fire in the lion’s heart never dies…” Angor muttered the clan motto of Padt Family. Everyone working at Padt Manor would make sure that every lion lamp stayed bright regardless of time and weather, which would strengthen their resolution day and night.

“Where is this place?” A strange but gentle voice was heard.

Angor did not question where the speaker came from. Instead, he answered the question subconsciously, “This is Padt Manor. This is my home.”

“You have been away from your home for a long time. How about a nice visit?” The strange voice urged Angor to move ahead.

Have I been away for a very long time?… I can’t remember. I guess so… Shall I go home then? I wonder if my brother and Mister Jon are fine…

Step by step, he walked past the fields, the tea garden, the greenhouse…

He recognized the workers and servants that were working everywhere.

A tall and elegant steed galloped by while a knight in iron armor sat on top of it.

This was Leon, his dear brother.

Angor wished to check on Jon next, but he lost his senses for a brief moment. When he could think clearly again, he was standing in front of a door.

“What is this room?”

“It’s… my bedroom,” Angor answered obediently.

“Check inside, perhaps?”

Without hesitating, Angor opened the door.

Just as he remembered, the room was small but cozy. Nothing had changed in it.

The only thing that might be considered out of place was his bed. The blanket was fully spread open as if someone was sleeping on the bed.

Wait, there IS someone there.

The bright lamp on the opposite wall helped him see the silhouette of someone huddled under the blanket.

Angor frowned. Did someone else take my room when I was away?

Confused and a bit irritated, he moved to pull the blanket away.

The hidden individual slowly stood up, and Angor was shocked to realize he was looking at someone a lot taller and scarier than him.

He then tried to see who it was, but the world around him suddenly began to “flow” backward until the entire Padt Manor shattered to pieces.

Angor did not see who the man on his bed was, but he did see the stranger’s blond hair, grinning lips, as well as those familiar green marks.