Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 2944: Chapter 2945: Searching for the Past

Following the sound of footsteps, everyone turned their heads to look at the staircase.

A tall man, draped in a long robe and a checkered scarf, emerged from the corner and walked step by step toward the living room.

"Ah, Dudubi, you, why are you here?" Seeing the newcomer, Duduli’s voice suddenly became soft and a bit expectant, giving Angel the illusion that Duduli seemed to have turned into a genteel young lady.

"Can’t I come? Or are you saying I’m interrupting your meeting with guests?" The man called Dudubi glanced at everyone after arriving in the living room and asked softly.

Duduli quickly shook her head: "No, no, I’m just worried about interrupting your meditation."

Dudubi smiled gently: "I’ve long passed the age when interruptions during meditation would make me lose control... I’m happy for you to interrupt me, only you."

Upon hearing her partner’s gentle voice, Duduli’s pink cheeks blushed anew, and her watery large eyes bashfully lowered. Like a water lily, too delicate for the cool breeze.

Witnessing the intimate scene before him, Angel’s heart surged with waves, unable to stop himself from turning his head...

Previously, he was pondering whether this so-called pink orb partner was forced by the pink orb to be with it, but now he can confirm... it wasn’t.

From his hyper perception, Angel could ascertain that the man who willingly bears the name Dudubi truly holds deep affection for Duduli.

Moreover, Dudubi’s strength has reached the True Knowledge Level. Even a powerful pink orb would find it hard to coerce him.

So, this human and orb are truly in love?

While Angel was shocked, Dudubi once again looked at everyone. Previously, he merely glimpsed, but now upon closer inspection, he found that today’s guests are all in human forms... it’s a pity that judging from their auras, none of them are humans: "Are they your guests?"

"Yes, they are all guests." Duduli nodded, then said hesitantly: "But they are different from other guests, they were invited specifically for you."

"Invited for me?" Dudubi looked at Duduli with confusion, not understanding what she meant.

Duduli said softly: "They might be able to help Dudubi find lost memories, find your past."

Dudubi paused for a moment, searching for my past, meaning finding lost memories? But these aren’t humans.

Dudubi instinctively sensed the fluctuations in the air... indeed it’s Aggregation Energy, could these humanoid beings be mirror entities well-versed in the human world?

While Dudubi was puzzling over it, Angel was observing this human who appeared deep within the Mirror Domain.

Dudubi was very tall, taller than Angel by a head.

With an appearance belonging to the refined type, his semi-long brown hair slightly curled, and on the right ear, there was a distinct indentation, a mark from wearing a monocle long-term.

Magic Rune Mages, when carving intricate magic patterns, often use magnifying tools. For convenience, they often create an accessory for magnified observation to hang before their eyes, usually a monocle.

His attire was also typical of the Academy Faction robe, complemented by a textured checkered scarf, adding an extra touch of elegance.

At least, from the appearance, he does indeed seem like a Magic Rune Mage from the Academy Faction.

However, his likeness was nowhere in Angel’s memory, as he searched through all remembered human wizards.

"Hello, you may call me Angel, I’m quite interested in magic patterns, would you care to discuss it?" Angel stood up and gave Dudubi a chest salutation, but the right-hand posture wasn’t a clenched fist; instead, the thumb, index finger, and pinky were extended, while the middle and ring fingers were bent against the chest.

"Oh, sure..." Dudubi instinctively returned Angel’s gesture, and his movements were almost a mirror copy of Angel. The same chest salutation, with identical finger details.

Others didn’t notice, but Angel slightly furrowed his eyebrows, an amused glint in his eyes.

After sitting down, Dudubi seemed to realize what Angel had said, and exclaimed: "Oh, you just said you’re interested in magic patterns? Does that mean you are... familiar with magic patterns?"

Angel humbly nodded: "A little bit."

After Angel spoke, he extended his finger and casually traced a pattern on the nearby tabletop, purely an empty drawing without energy fluctuations.

The others were puzzled, but Dudubi understood that Angel was drawing a pattern representing "Inversion" and "Gravity."

Dudubi also grasped Angel’s intention, using this empty drawing method to prove his proficiency with magic patterns.

However, if one wanted to prove familiarity with magic patterns, they could draw the most basic elemental magic pattern horn; why draw the slightly complex specialized magic pattern? "Inversion" and "Gravity" don’t belong to basic magic pattern horns, and even within advanced magic pattern horns, they won’t appear, only when reaching the level of a Magic Rune Mage do they encounter such patterns.

Is Angel attempting to indicate his advanced level in magic patterns? If so, he certainly has a high spirit.

Dudubi’s emotions fluctuated as he speculated further, to which Angel was attuned, yet as Dudubi’s emotions gradually stabilized, Angel could confirm the notion had indeed diverged.

Angel initially used the chest salutation derived from Ashiliya Academy’s greeting, and Dudubi perfectly responded to it, indicating physical remembrance of the greeting remains.

It’s highly possible that Dudubi, before losing his memory, indeed hailed from Ashiliya Academy.

And Angel’s subsequent spontaneous drawing of "Inversion" and "Gravity" magic patterns was naturally not random but a hint towards Sky Mechanical City, a nod to Ashiliya Academy.

Because Sky Mechanical City truly is an inverted city, the front-facing city open to the public includes auctions, Sky Tower, and major commercial streets. While the reverse city, i.e., the inverted gravity city, is internal. The Research and Development Institute, Ashiliya Academy, and apprentices and wizards nurtured by Sky Mechanical City reside in the reverse.

Angel used these two magic patterns in an attempt to hint to Dudubi.

Yet through emotional fluctuations and Dudubi’s subsequent questions, it’s evident he completely missed the hint.

Judging by his familiarity with the chest salutation, it’s probable he hails from Ashiliya Academy. But if Dudubi truly is from Ashiliya Academy, it’s impossible for him not to understand.

The only possibility is that the Sea of Void Mirror took away the memories related to this.

While contemplating this internally, Angel’s face revealed no change, mingling his conversation with Dudubi concerning magic patterns with a smile.

Dudubi initially held suspicion about Angel, but as Angel articulated his viewpoint on magic patterns, Dudubi’s eyes grew increasingly bright...

Angel initially aimed to speculate Dudubi’s faction from his magic pattern proficiency and thus identify Dudubi.

But Dudubi seemed oblivious to Angel’s intentions, genuinely engrossed in the exchange about magic patterns.

Perhaps due to years lacking in intellectual exchanges, Dudubi yearned for such dialogue. Angel merely cast a bait, and Dudubi eagerly took it.

Dudubi not only appreciated Angel’s impromptu carved magic pattern but also proactively shared his experiences.

This unrestrained sharing went on and on.

To Angel, many exclusive experiences and even marvelously skilled techniques were all revealed by Dudubi.

If outside, such knowledge would be invaluable, yet Dudubi seemed entirely without reserve, openly demonstrating to Angel.

Thankfully, Angel’s magic pattern proficiency is high, many of Dudubi’s exclusive experiences were already known or seemed trivial to him, hence he restrained himself.

Had it been another Magic Rune Mage, they might have desperately taken out a Photostone to record Dudubi’s disclosures.

As Dudubi’s discourse deepened, even touching upon Magic Rune Mage secrets—Core Methods.

Angel knew it couldn’t continue, promptly intervening.

Previous content remained within the realm of exchange, but further would delve into Core Method details. He dared not listen.

Besides, surrounding them were so many observers. If Angel truly listened, he couldn’t claim plausible deniability.

Further, if he genuinely sought to study the Magic Rune Mage’s core, a visit to Sky Mechanical City would offer learning opportunities, avoiding incurring potential heavy favors.

Thus, Angel decisively prevented Dudubi from speaking recklessly.

Bewildered, Dudubi asked: "What’s wrong? Did I say something wrong?"

Angel coughed twice: "The prior content belonged within the realm of exchanges; continuing further involves Core Method content. You dare to speak; I dare not listen."

Everyone likes taking advantage when they can. But Angel firmly believes in one saying: all the knowledge you acquire has a price marked in the shadows.

The knowledge shared by Dudubi definitely comes with a cost. It might be a favor, perhaps a responsibility, or something else... This cost hasn’t manifested yet, but that doesn’t mean it’s nonexistent.

"Is that so? These are the core details? I actually don’t know, because I’ve lost quite a bit of my memory regarding Magic Patterns. But I have a Magic Pattern Notebook, and through it, I regained the ability to inscribe Magic Patterns." As Dudubi said this, he subconsciously adjusted his nose bridge, realizing he wasn’t wearing his monocle, and let his hand drop.

Angel didn’t doubt him, as there were indeed gaps in knowledge during Dudubi’s previous exchanges.

He knew the advanced things, yet made mistakes in basic questions—clear signs of memory loss.

Meanwhile, as Angel and Dudubi began discussing Magic Patterns, Duduli actually wanted to interject. Not that the discussion was unhelpful, but... had they forgotten the main topic?! Couldn’t they put the discussion aside temporarily to address the primary subject?

Duduli felt wearied, she wanted to interrupt, but seeing Dudubi rarely so engaged, out of concern for her partner, she restrained. Now, seeing their conversation pause, Duduli seized the opportunity to voice her doubts: "Angel, right? You’ve been talking for a while now. Do you have any clues? Can you help Dudubi recover his memories?"

Dudubi quieted down, looking at Angel.

Angel was silent for a moment before turning to Dudubi: "Do you truly wish to recover your memories?"

Dudubi pondered briefly, saying: "Living in the moment feels good, but it’s quite bewildering sometimes to not even know who you are."

Dudubi seemed a bit embarrassed as he spoke, smiling sheepishly.

Angel could sense Dudubi’s sincere emotions; he was speaking from his heart.

This actually differed greatly from Dudubi’s outward appearance.

Dudubi appeared as a cultured member of the Academy Faction. In Angel’s imagination, one might expect him to speak with authority, kindness, sternness, restraint, or even a sense of doctrine.

But the real Dudubi was more like a straightforward young man, candid and genuine, still carrying youthful spirit.

This might be the cost of memory loss.

But Angel quite appreciated this version of Dudubi.

The youthful spirit burns like an intense bonfire—it’s not treasured in youth, but turning back to find the warmth, the bonfire has long extinguished, leaving only embers.

Dudubi being able to regain youthful spirit is likely enviable to all Wizards with regrets about their past.

"If you recover your memories, could you still live in the present?" Angel asked.

Dudubi confusedly scratched his head: "...I don’t know."

Angel intended to say more, but Laplace interrupted: "He can’t recover his memories. What he can retrieve are others’ descriptions of him or their memories of him. His own memories are hard to recover; the sweeping of the Sea of Void Mirror is irreversible."

Upon hearing Laplace, Angel’s heart eased. He’d been pondering that, were Dudubi to recover his memories, he might become the somber and serious person his appearance suggested.

But upon careful thought, this wouldn’t be right. Dudubi’s character is now defined—the memories that might carry somberness are gone, what can be reclaimed are only superficial recognitions.

Thus, truly regaining his memories might not have any impact on Dudubi.

Indeed, Dudubi might view his past memories like watching a movie or observing someone else’s memories—perhaps immersive, but difficult to truly empathize.

It’s uncertain if this is good or bad.

If Dudubi’s past carried significant, unshakable responsibilities, even if remembered, he’s unlikely to re-shoulder them; the value is indeterminate.

If Dudubi’s past was solitary, even if viewed as a movie, it remains inconsequential.

While Angel pondered, Duduli again asked: "Do you have any clues?"

Angel: "There are clues; the Magic Rune Mage lead is enough for me to narrow down some areas."

Duduli was somewhat disappointed: "Just areas, no confirmed names?"

Angel: "There are indeed some names in mind, but listing them all would take three days and nights."

Pausing, Angel: "However, you could help narrow the scope. For instance, tell me Dudubi’s true age, when he appeared in the Mirror Domain... and so on."

...

About two hours later, Angel bid farewell to Duduli and Dudubi.

Parting, Angel regrettably said: "I still don’t have much information; perhaps I’ll need to find a chance to go to the human world to learn about Dudubi’s past."

Yet Dudubi didn’t feel saddened; he was more reluctant to part with Angel than to recover his memories.

During the two-hour conversation, Angel and Dudubi talked a lot, and Dudubi, quite perceptive, indeed grew curious about Angel’s identity.

With Duduli’s hint, Dudubi understood Angel might be human like him.

Thus, when Angel was leaving, Dudubi felt quite reluctant.

There are humans in City of Hot Gold, but they’re either subordinates or Empty-hearted People slaves, leaving Dudubi without proper conversation partners. A human finally came, only to swiftly depart, leaving Dudubi distressed.

But Angel insisted on leaving, and Dudubi had no reason to hold him back.

Duduli considered using "force" to retain him, yet before acting, she was intimidated by the vast aura purposely released by Laplace and immediately wilted.

Ultimately, Gos resumed his role as guide, this time escorting them away from the pasture.

Upon exiting the dome, Gos didn’t immediately return but pulled out a small chip from his pocket.

"This is from the master for you, sir." Gos handed the chip to Angel.

Angel: "Which master?"

Gos: "The human master."

Angel took the chip with some confusion, as he touched it, the chip, thin as a cicada’s wing, slowly dissolved, forming a copper mirror in Angel’s palm.

The back was copper, featuring a sun-and-moon intertwined emblem, while the front was smoothly polished, engraved with numerous Magic Patterns.

"The space inside the mirror is very stable, better than that lady’s touch-up mirror you saw before," Laplace glanced, judging the stability of the mirror’s internal space.

Angel sighed inwardly; the mirror’s internal stability wasn’t crucial—the key was the Magic Patterns on this copper mirror... These blatant and undisguised patterns were tantamount to placing a Magic Rune Mage’s Core Method openly before Angel.

In essence, this wasn’t merely a mirror, but a Magic Rune Mage’s Core Method.

The inheritance of a Magic Rune Mage includes a Magic Pattern compilation and Core Method. Now, Dudubi displayed the Core Method, while not a complete inheritance, was of substantial utility to Angel, as he possessed the Magic Pattern compilation containing more patterns than a typical Magic Rune Mage.

Angel intended to refuse, but before he could, Gos preemptively said: "Regardless if you can help the master recover memories, the master is grateful... this is the master’s token of gratitude. Also, this mirror was always with the master during his arrival to the Daylight Mirror Domain, perhaps it might help locate the master’s identity."

"Furthermore, if you closely inspect the mirror’s front, there are some old bloodstains. These aren’t the master’s; tracing their origin might aid in identifying the master."

After Gos said this much, Angel found it difficult to refuse, and simply expressed his thanks, storing the blood-stained copper mirror.

Seeing Angel accept the mirror, Gos breathed a sigh of relief.

After Angel received the mirror, he pondered for a moment, then retrieved a monocle from his bracelet, handing it to Gos.

"Pass this to your human master; if I uncover his past, I’ll use it to contact him."

Gos stared blankly at the monocle in his hand.

He felt no energy fluctuation from the monocle—could it really contact the master?

Angel offered no further explanation, merely taught Gos how to use the monocle before he and Laplace turned to leave.

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