Warlock Apprentice
Chapter 2890 - 2891: Her "Personality
Returning to the Crystal Origin of Dreams, Laplace had already adapted to the sudden sensation of weightlessness.
Based on the first experience, next would be the power drop caused by energy being sealed off.
However, it wasn’t quite what she expected. Although there was a sense of disparity, it wasn’t particularly overwhelming because her transformation state during offline wasn’t undone by logging back in.
Retaining the offline state made Laplace slightly relieved.
After confirming there were no other abnormalities in her body, Laplace finally stood up and turned to survey her surroundings.
However, upon looking, her brows furrowed involuntarily.
She distinctly remembered Angel saying not long ago that the scenery here was much more beautiful than the previous place.
But... "Just this? Just this?!"
All around was pitch black, yet with the enhancement from her transformation, Laplace could easily see some conditions in the depths of the darkness.
And what was concealed by the darkness was not some beautiful scenery, but an endless crystalline plain!
This was precisely the same as when she initially descended upon the Crystal Origin of Dreams!
"Is this what you call a beautiful place?"
Angel nodded matter-of-factly: "The previous place was bombarded so badly by you, here has returned to calmness, even the slippery feeling is so familiar... Isn’t it beautiful?"
Is your definition of beauty simply returning to normalcy? Laplace kept sighing, not wanting to argue with Angel about whether it was beautiful or not.
Instead, after pondering for a moment, she directly asked: "Go ahead, tell me, why did you bring me here?"
"If it’s to enjoy different scenery before the Crystal Origin of Dreams shatters, let’s not bother using that excuse. I’ve already seen this scenery when we first entered the Crystal Origin of Dreams."
Angel smiled and didn’t insist on the ’picturesque beauty,’ but instead snapped his fingers lightly, and two exquisite chairs and a roughly three-meter long talk table appeared out of thin air.
Angel sat to one side of the table, gesturing for Laplace to sit across from him. At the same time, he lightly tapped the tabletop with his finger, a splendid candlestick burning with light flame stood on the table, illuminating a faint glow in the dark space.
Laplace extended her scaled hand, gently touching the tabletop: "Is this... an illusion technique?"
Angel: "Similar to True Illusion Techniques, after the manifestation rules at the Crystal Origin of Dreams mature, I can slightly mobilize some of the energy within the authority."
Laplace caught onto an unknown keyword: "Authority?"
"You can think of it as the manifestation rules of the Crystal Origin of Dreams." Angel spoke as he again invited Laplace to sit.
This time, Laplace did not refuse. After sitting down, she said casually: "Looking at this setup, do you intend to negotiate with me?"
Angel waved his hand: "Not a negotiation, I just want Lady Laplace to make a small choice."
Laplace skeptically replied: "Choice? Let’s hear it."
"Before discussing the specific choice, I want to ask Lady Laplace a question... What do you think of the Crystal Origin of Dreams?"
Laplace thought for a moment: "Currently, not much."
Angel: "But its potential is significant."
Laplace: "So what? What exactly are you trying to say?"
Angel remained silent for a while before finally speaking: "If you had the chance to control the Crystal Origin of Dreams and become its master, would you be willing?"
Upon hearing this, Laplace’s brows furrowed tightly: "Have me control it? Why?"
Angel: "There’s no reason, just purely want to hear your thoughts."
Laplace’s expression grew increasingly puzzled.
And at this moment, Angel spoke again, but this time he mentioned something completely unrelated.
"Have you noticed? The spider monster didn’t actively attack you. After entering the Crystal Origin of Dreams, it only expressed hostility towards me."
"???" Laplace was momentarily confused, not understanding why Angel suddenly brought up something irrelevant... Wait, is it really irrelevant?
Laplace did not think Angel would bring these two matters up together for no reason.
He must have a deeper intention.
After contemplating for a moment, Laplace suddenly recalled the previous ’naming’ event. At the time, she thought it was an insignificant detail and brushed it aside. But thinking about it now, the situation was somewhat suspicious. Why, when naming was mentioned, did she start to feel as if about to seize the Crystal Origin of Dreams’ ’self-aware’ perception?
It seemed as if once she named it, the Crystal Origin of Dreams would truly undergo some earth-shattering changes.
Where did this inexplicable confidence of hers come from?
Angel mentioned that the spider demon never actively attacked her, and Laplace agreed with this. However, she previously thought that perhaps the spider demon recognized that she was also from the Mirror World and therefore did not wish to harm one of its own kind.
But was the Mirror World truly so harmonious and friendly? It is, but not often.
Just like in the human world, as the population grows, the diversity of life is revealed. Everyone’s personality is different, and the line between good and evil is but a thought away.
The Mirror World is the same, with diverse life forms and varying habits. Unless there is a special relationship, it is rare to meet someone who is modest and loving on the first encounter.
Therefore, the behavior of the spider demon was actually abnormal.
And could the source of this strange behavior of the spider demon be the inexplicable confidence in her heart?
If we think further, according to Angel’s theory, the spider demon was sent as an Eliminator by the World Will of the Mirror World, meaning the Mirror World’s will was manipulating behind the scenes. So, was her confidence derived from the World Will of the Mirror World?
...
While Laplace’s thoughts gradually touched the edge of the truth, on the other side, Angel was also silently questioning himself: Was it good or bad to bring this matter to light?
He could have gone behind Laplace’s back to implement his plan, but at the last moment, Angel chose to reveal the matter and brought Laplace to this bilateral dialogue table.
He wanted to see what choice Laplace would make.
The reason he made this decision was partly due to a sudden impulsive urge and partly because he saw another possibility in Laplace.
She might indeed be the "Destiny’s Chosen" beloved by the World Will of the Mirror World, but she possessed a more autonomous "individuality" that other "Destiny’s Chosen" did not have.
The World Will of the Mirror World is not an intelligent being; it will not actively command Laplace to do anything, but it will facilitate at certain critical moments.
Just like before, when Angel inadvertently asked how Laplace intended to name the Crystal Origin of Dreams.
Angel knew very well that when he spoke those words, it was not to willingly hand over the naming rights to Laplace but simply to see how "well" Laplace could name it. However, this casual act was precisely manipulated by the World Will of the Mirror World.
Angel was very sure that at that time, the World Will of the Mirror World was secretly facilitating.
If Laplace had actually named it, even as a joke, it could have been interpreted by the World Will as Laplace intending to claim the Crystal Origin of Dreams! Since the "Destiny’s Chosen" intends to claim the Crystal Origin of Dreams, the Destiny—the World Will of the Mirror World would naturally help Laplace fulfill her wish.
If the script arranged by the World Will of the Mirror World was followed, then Angel would likely only have the option to shatter the Crystal Origin of Dreams.
However, to Angel’s surprise, Laplace voluntarily gave up naming it.
At the time, it didn’t seem like much, but thinking about it later, it was actually a signal.
Laplace is not someone who completely goes with the flow of the World Will of the Mirror World; she has an autonomous, strong "individuality."
This is impossible within the same "Extreme Sect" chosen by fate. As long as the Bishop of the Extreme Sect "perceives" the "will" of the World Will, they will execute it without hesitation, with no hesitation whatsoever.
But on Laplace, this unquestioning obedience was broken.
Moreover, it wasn’t broken just once.
The matter of naming was one instance.
Another instance was the Sweet Dream. The Dream Realm hoped to maintain the last thread of connection between the Dream Realm and the Mirror World through the Sweet Dream, while the World Will of the Mirror World directly cast the Sweet Dream to Laplace.
According to logic, Laplace would "process" the Sweet Dream under the facilitation of the World Will of the Mirror World.
But Laplace did not do this; instead, she gave it to the Wise Sovereign and even actively helped the Wise Sovereign create the current reflective space for storage, preventing the Sweet Dream from dissipating.
This was definitely defying the World Will of the Mirror World.
But Laplace still did it. Whether she knew about the facilitation of the World Will of the Mirror World or not, she made a completely opposite choice.
This continuous defiance against the natural flow of the World Will of the Mirror World brought some small changes in Angel’s perception of Laplace.
Originally, he planned not to tell Laplace and implement the plan alone, but now, he wanted to see Laplace’s choice.
He wanted to see if Laplace could once again break the "norm."
Although this decision was a bit hasty, Angel’s very act of constructing the Crystal Origin of Dreams was also a hasty matter, and he was willing to take a gamble once.
If Laplace broke the norm again, Angel would upgrade Laplace to Fourth Level and give her a "great gift."
If Laplace did not break the norm, then the plan would proceed as intended.
If the plan could not form amid the undercurrents of the World Will of the Mirror World, Angel would immediately withdraw all the Nightmare Realm’s aura here, shattering this Crystal Origin of Dreams.
Overall, Angel’s plan remains unchanged. The only change is whether he will execute it alone or with someone else.
...
"I have an answer." Laplace said softly.
Angel was somewhat surprised as he looked at Laplace. He originally intended to continue hinting to her, to inform her that the Mirror World’s will was influencing her from behind, but Laplace declared that she had an answer before he could hint, which surprised Angel greatly.
Angel was silent for a moment, looking at Laplace: "What is your answer?"
Laplace elegantly twirled her trailing side locks with her fingers as she spoke faintly: "I don’t wish to control the Crystal Origin of Dreams, there’s nothing here, it’s uninteresting."
Angel narrowed his eyes: "The Crystal Origin of Dreams has just been born, its desolation is normal. Like the Wilderness of Dreams, it’s a stock with potential. Are you sure you don’t want it?"
Laplace: "A potential stock needs to be developed to unleash its potential. I don’t think I have the ability to develop its potential. So, my answer is still no."
After a pause, Laplace’s lips curved gently: "However, if you let me control the Wilderness of Dreams, I might accept."
Angel: "Do you think that’s possible?"
Laplace: "It’s impossible. But, just as when you asked me that question, didn’t you also presuppose the outcome?"
Angel stared at Laplace in a daze, seeing his reflection in Laplace’s heterochromatic eyes.
After a few seconds of pause, Angel suddenly laughed: "No wonder Lady Laplace, you understand me clearly."
Angel could see now that, Laplace had actually guessed his thoughts. Perhaps she already knew the Mirror World’s will was subtly influencing.
Yet, she chose an option completely contrary to the Mirror World’s will in the end.
This was both expected and somewhat beyond reason.
No wonder Laplace is so "individualistic".
While Angel was still marveling, Laplace spoke again: "Having said that, you just asked me a question that destined the answer. Apart from this question, what is your so-called choice?"
Angel stretched lazily: "Choice? There’s no choice anymore."
Laplace: "What do you mean?"
Angel: "The moment you refused to take control of the Crystal Origin of Dreams, only one choice remained."
Angel grinned as he reached out his hand, pointing to himself: "Then the Crystal Origin of Dreams belongs to me."
Laplace frowned: "What’s that supposed to mean? Wasn’t it yours already?"
Angel chuckled: "Not necessarily, even now, it’s hard to say."
Laplace inquired how specifically it was hard to say, but Angel did not answer, instead bringing up another matter: "Didn’t you ask before about the operating rules of the Crystal Origin of Dreams? I can tell you now, the rule lies in authority."
Laplace: "Authority... You just mentioned this."
Angel: "Authority is the operating rule of the Crystal Origin of Dreams. Generally speaking, such operating rules are the most underlying logic of a world, which outsiders cannot hold. But the Crystal Origin of Dreams is different, its authority, like a crown, if you can bear its weight, then even ordinary life has a chance to hold authority."
Upon hearing this, Laplace immediately realized that this was absolutely a top secret, something Angel had been unwilling to disclose before.
"Why tell me this?"
Angel: "Because I want to ask if you have the willingness to bear the crown?"
Bear the crown? Laplace silently looked at Angel: "Do you want me to control authority?"
Angel: "Sort of."
Laplace: "Is there a difference between controlling authority and controlling the Crystal Origin of Dreams?"
Angel: "Yes. Just like the Witchcraft Garden has different types, authority types are also varied."
Angel then briefly introduced issues related to authority. Among them, he emphasized one point: currently, no one can completely bear all authorities.
"According to my estimate, even a Legendary Wizard probably can’t bear all authorities. Perhaps, beings that have achieved miracles could... But that’s too far from us to consider."
After saying this, Angel looked at Laplace: "Now, do you have any thoughts?"
Laplace did not answer immediately but fell into deep thought, seemingly pondering this brand-new concept of authority for her.
After quite a while, Laplace said softly: "You mentioned earlier that even within the Wilderness of Dreams, only a portion of the authority is currently held, most authorities are still hidden. Are you saying, you can manifest authority, distribute authority, and conceal authority?"
Angel: "I thought you would care more about the type of authority... Let’s say you do."
Lady Laplace originally wanted to continue asking Angel about ’how he managed to control the authority,’ but she reconsidered and decided not to ask.
Their relationship was still quite superficial, and the fact that Angel could disclose these secrets meant he had certain expectations. These secrets were likely the maximum Angel could reveal, and pressing further would be somewhat unwise.
Lady Laplace pondered for a moment: "I feel like you’re ’buying me off.’"
Angel chuckled and responded in a joking tone: "Your feeling is correct."
"I am indeed buying you off. After all, the Crystal Origin of Dreams is a space wedged between the Dream Realm and Mirror World. The Dream Realm has given way, but you know, the Mirror World hasn’t yet." Angel: "Moreover, even if the Mirror World gives way now, there might be other means in the future to hinder the development of the Crystal Origin of Dreams."
Angel sighed pretentiously: "What can you do when the Crystal Origin of Dreams is a space caught in a crevice? In such crevices, we can only strive to maintain a balance to survive."
"So I thought, if a being from the Mirror World were to bear the authority, would it satisfy the will of the Mirror World?"
"What do you think?"
Lady Laplace gazed deeply at Angel: "Your words are half truth, half falsehood."
Angel smiled in silence. His words indeed contained both truth and falsehood, but the ’truth’ was about eighty percent and only twenty percent was ’false.’
His overall thoughts were indeed as he stated. However, he did not believe that if the Crystal Origin of Dreams truly thrived, the Mirror World would cause trouble again.
Just like the Wilderness of Dreams, once it enters a development period, from a long-term perspective, it offers only benefits to the Wizards’ Realm, with few negatives.
The Crystal Origin of Dreams is the same. It is currently in a nascent state, making it difficult to discern future prospects. But once it develops, it will undoubtedly benefit the Mirror World inhabitants. For instance, the ability of ’unbounded messaging’ is absolutely the best intelligence hub in the Mirror World, where space constantly experiences creation and destruction.
Given the long-term benefits outweighing the negatives for the Mirror World, there is no reason for the Mirror World to reassess later.
Regarding granting Lady Laplace the authority to satisfy the will of the Mirror World, Angel was indeed serious.
In the future, there should be many Mirror World beings entering the Crystal Origin of Dreams. They, too, might be granted authority by Angel, and perhaps the will of the Mirror World will be satisfied as a result.
However, their importance is far less than Lady Laplace.
Lady Laplace is genuinely Destiny’s Chosen. Angel fundamentally denied the invasion of the Forest of Memories, which belongs to Mirror World as a golden privilege given to Lady Laplace. Without this privilege, Lady Laplace might not care, but no one knows whether the will of the Mirror World would mind or not?
Thus, after careful consideration, Angel decided to bring Lady Laplace to Level 4 and grant her an authority to compensate for this loss.
However, the above statements are merely Angel’s current assumptions.
If there is no authority within the Principal Body of the Nightmare Domain to suppress the Forest of Memories, then it’s best to stick to the original plan — voluntarily shatter the Crystal Origin of Dreams.
Rather destroy the Crystal Origin of Dreams than allow any future deeply integrated Nightmare Domain to have any missing part.
As such, everything Angel discussed was essentially painting a dream.
Angel himself acknowledged the dream painting: "Oh, everything I’ve said hinges on the Crystal Origin of Dreams successfully expelling the Eliminators before it can be fulfilled, otherwise it’s just words now."
Lady Laplace: "Why do you keep emphasizing that the Eliminators might be unstoppable? Didn’t I already say, the Forest of Memories..."
Lady Laplace stopped halfway through her sentence, suddenly thought of something, pondered for a moment, and looked at Angel: "Could the Forest of Memories harm the Crystal Origin of Dreams?"
"I don’t know." Angel shrugged, "Everything is possible."
Lady Laplace quietly watched Angel, and after a few seconds, she sighed deeply: "I should have had Glaipnir come. She enjoys contemplating these complex issues. I don’t want to think about it anymore; do what you want to do... I believe you will make the right choice."
Angel chuckled softly and nodded, whispering a thank you to Lady Laplace.
He now somewhat understood why the Wise Sovereign was willing to maintain a long-term friendly relationship with Lady Laplace... Lady Laplace is indeed an interesting being. Unique in character, valuing commitments, and possessing a heart as transparent as a mirror.
The brief conversation with Lady Laplace had basically come to an end. Angel rose from his seat, gently nodded to Lady Laplace: "The authority is about to manifest; I am preparing to make a small attempt... please wait for a moment."
Lady Laplace said faintly: "A small attempt? If your expression wasn’t so solemn, I might believe it’s a ’small’ attempt."
Angel: "On the long path of the Wizard, it is indeed just a small attempt."
Furthermore, whether it succeeded or failed, Angel was prepared.
Lady Laplace: "Then... I wish you success."
Angel bowed slightly: "I accept your good wishes. During this time, Lady Laplace could perhaps consider what kind of authority you desire."
"Of course, if I fail, pretend I never said this."
Angel again made a chest salute, and under Lady Laplace’s watchful gaze, he headed into the darkness of the Crystal Origin...