Warlock Apprentice

Chapter 3136: Chapter 3137: Dong La’s Manifesto

Midora didn’t ponder on the Black Earl anymore and redirected his gaze to Angel: "By the way, what brings you to see me this time?"

Angel was about to speak when Midora suddenly interrupted him: "Don’t say anything yet, let me guess."

Although Angel stopped speaking, he looked at Midora with a puzzled expression; from Midora’s tone, it seemed he already knew what Angel wanted to say?

How could this be possible? Had the matter with Qi Li already reached Midora? Or had Wizard Kanter already informed Midora?

Midora smiled and said: "You’re here to inquire about Dong La, aren’t you?"

"Ever since Dong La made that declaration, the entire Sky Mechanical City has been in an uproar. Many reporters from various magazine offices have been trying to find you to hear your response. Yeliya was worried you might be affected. I told her you would handle it well, but she didn’t believe me."

"Looking at it now, your way of handling it is right."

Angel: "...Huh?" My way of handling it?

Angel didn’t even know what Midora was talking about.

Midora gave him a knowing look: "It’s the cold treatment! Your way of dealing with it was correct!"

"Look at Dong La now, still trying to make noise, but after this period, the heat has already died down. Those who were making a fuss are starting to face backlash as the public calms down."

"After all, Dong La has never had a good reputation. She declared against you this time, and has done the same to Regina, Sterling before... And look at them now, each is doing better than Dong La, with bigger names."

"With the public’s perception of her, her declarations only cause a stir for a short time. You just need to ignore her, let the heat die down, and her declarations will become empty words."

"And then, after some time, you release something new, once the public accepts it, her slanders about you ’seeking fame’ will become a laughingstock."

Midora had a look that said ’I’ve figured you out’ as he spoke freely.

Initially, Angel didn’t understand what Midora meant, but as he continued, the hidden context naturally surfaced.

Midora misunderstood Angel, thinking that he showed a "cold handling" attitude towards Dong La’s declaration, a method that skillfully left Dong La hanging, neither progressing nor retreating.

Once the hype stirred by Dong La’s declaration started to cool down, rational thinking began to prevail.

Considering Dong La’s past actions and statements, the public would naturally realize that Dong La wasn’t engaging in academic debate but rather causing mischief.

Once everyone calms down, it will be difficult for Dong La to stir up a storm of public opinion again.

At this time, Angel contacting Midora was the perfect timing.

As long as Angel announced or teased some new theory or alchemy tool now, he could instantly counter Dong La.

This was why Midora wore an expression of having all the answers and didn’t hesitate to praise Angel for choosing the right moment.

However...

Although Angel roughly understood the outline of the whole situation, none of it was really related to him.

He had heard from the Black Earl that Dong La made some declaration, but he didn’t know the specifics.

"You don’t know about Dong La’s declaration?" Midora was taken aback: "Are you joking with me?"

Angel looked at the figure beside Midora: "Antonio, can you tell me what Dong La’s declaration is about?"

Antonio was silent for a moment: "The witch Dong La, not long ago, sent an alchemy assistant to Sky Mechanical City and published a declaration in the magazine ’Complex Affairs’, the content of the declaration was roughly..."

Slandering that Angel’s shadow box had no alchemical value and that his alchemy technique was non-existent, all a means to gain fame. Dong La’s reason was that after Angel joined the Research and Development Institute, he published no works.

Another reason was that when Angel was voted into the Institute, she wasn’t present. Without her vote, Angel supposedly didn’t have the qualifications to be a member.

After listening to Antonio, before Angel could speak, Olao beside him frowned and said: "This witch called Dong La is simply talking nonsense. Even the master acknowledges your alchemy ability, how can she question it?"

After speaking, Olao seemed to realize he was being too impetuous. What if Dong La really had the capability? He quickly turned to Angel, asking quietly: "Can Dong La refine mysterious objects?"

Angel: "...I don’t know."

Though Olao’s voice was lowered, Antonio and Midora across them heard it.

Midora directly said: "Dong La doesn’t have the ability to refine mysterious objects; she doesn’t even qualify to approach the mysterious level."

Hearing this, Olao’s momentum rose again: "See, she can’t even refine mysterious objects, what right does she have to speak? Mr. Angel has already refined a mysterious object."

Naturally, Olao was referring to the Indestructible Heart Mirror.

But Midora and Antonio, listening, thought Olao was referring to the Samsara Overture, so they weren’t too surprised.

Antonio: "Mr. Pat and this..."

Angel: "His name is Olao."

"...Mr. Olao, actually, you don’t have to take the witch Dong La’s words too seriously. Whether there is a membership qualification or not, it isn’t Dong La’s place to decide alone."

After Antonio spoke, Midora, in a hesitant tone, asked: "You really don’t know about Dong La’s declaration?"

Angel: "I’ve heard about it, but I don’t know the specifics, haven’t really looked into it."

Midora was silent for a moment, then said: "So, you didn’t come to me to inquire about Dong La’s situation?"

Angel nodded: "Indeed I didn’t. However, I am quite interested in Dong La’s intel, has she returned from the Abyss?"

Angel hadn’t forgotten what Dong La had done in the Abyss, especially her grievances with Madeline.

Madeline stayed in the Abyss to personally settle scores with Dong La, which led to Babaya having no mentor until now.

Moreover, according to the prophecy from the Stargazing Day, Dong La and Madeline were in a standoff. If Dong La is back, does it mean something happened to Madeline?

But wasn’t Lord Reine supposed to send "Fire of Heaven", Lord Galinaia, to support Madeline?

Midora: "Whether she’s back is currently unknown. But presently, Dong La hasn’t made any public appearances; all statements are released by her alchemy assistant."

"However, her alchemy assistant carries her insignia, and Dong La always keeps her insignia close. And this alchemy assistant has no record of entering or leaving the Abyss... So, it’s speculated that Dong La should have returned from the Abyss."

At this moment, Midora curiously asked, "Why do I feel that you care more about her position than her declaration? Are you planning to make a move against her?"

Angel: "I won’t make a move."

The mission for Galina to go to the Abyss, besides supporting Madeline, also includes ambushing Dong La.

So, even if there is going to be a move, it wouldn’t be him.

Midora carefully scrutinized Angel, and after a moment, he spoke: "I believe you. However, do you really not care about her declaration at all? Haven’t you thought about how to respond?"

Angel: "As you said before, not dealing with it can actually be considered a kind of handling... Hmm, a cold handling."

Midora: "..."

Midora: "The cold handling seems effective for now, but ultimately it’s just temporary. Dong La only sent an assistant to deliver a message before; what if she comes in person? Moreover, if she appears proactively, there are many ways she could trouble you. Therefore, if you want to resolve this matter thoroughly, it’s best to have other plans."

What Midora mentioned is indeed possible. Even though Dong La’s character and reputation aren’t good, she is still a member of the Research and Development Institute. If she appears and begins a cutting-edge project, or releases an alchemy tool with widespread utility, it would certainly attract many people, causing a sensation in the Alchemy Circle. If she then seizes the opportunity to challenge Angel, calming the public opinion wouldn’t be something that could be solved with a "cold handling."

Even so, Angel still wouldn’t care even if it reached such a state.

He inherently doesn’t care about so-called reputations.

Besides, he already has the Wilderness of Dreams as a powerful weapon.

Even if Dong La truly wants to release an alchemy tool, could it surpass the Wilderness of Dreams?

Therefore, Angel is not overly concerned with Dong La’s declaration.

But for now, only Angel and the members within the Barbarian Cave know about this, outsiders are unaware, which is why Midora is so worried.

Seeing Midora’s concerned eyes, Angel thought for a moment and decided to give Midora a little advance information.

"Master Midora, don’t worry, even if Dong La does appear, she won’t have a significant impact on me." After a pause, Angel continued, "Moreover, I am also preparing to release an alchemy tool that combines multiple technologies."

Angel did not elaborate on what specific tool it was. But his words made his stance clear.

The simplest way to thoroughly resolve this matter is to launch a new product.

Whether this new alchemy product can surpass Dong La’s past works or not, if it does, the matter would naturally dissolve, proving Angel’s capability.

Even if it doesn’t surpass, maintaining an average level can still silence the murmurs. It is well-known that there’s a significant age difference between Angel and Dong La, and lacking experience is normal.

Therefore, as long as Angel releases works, he certainly won’t lose.

Unless Angel’s release is unsatisfactory... Master Midora thinks this is unlikely. He has known Angel for some time and knows Angel’s alchemy capability well. While his Potionology may need improvement, his Metallography is certainly superior, making him a competent member of the Research and Development Institute.

Midora: "Since you are prepared, then there’s no problem. By the way, when do you plan to release it?"

At this point, Antonio also spoke up: "If Mr. Pat plans to release a new product, you can use the name of the Research and Development Institute to send invitations to various Witcher Organizations. Regarding the venue, as long as Mr. Pat agrees, we will make all arrangements."

Angel shook his head: "No need for such trouble, the tea party will start soon, and I will release it at the tea party."

"The tea party?" Midora pondered for a moment: "This is indeed a good choice."

Midora understood that the tea party Angel mentioned was not an ordinary tea party but a tea party grand event. It’s a carnival in the Southern Domain Wizard World, where a great majority of the Witcher Organizations’ witches gather.

This event is even more significant than the Stargazing Day of the Crown Star Church.

Coincidentally, the upcoming tea party will be held at the Barbarian Cave.

Angel releasing his new product in his own territory, without a doubt, is a very good choice.

The only regret for Midora is... to achieve the greatest spread, Angel should ideally hold the release at the tea party’s venue, which only women can enter.

This means, even if he comes, he cannot witness the product launch personally.

Of course, he could choose to transform into a woman.

However, there is a staple program at the tea party: most witches seem to particularly enjoy exposing others who sneak in disguised as women.

This is their fun segment.

Therefore, even if he becomes a woman, he might not escape the other witches’ sharp eyes.

The most important thing is, his old partner Yeliya will surely be there. He doesn’t want to transform into a woman in front of Yeliya to sneak in.

Alas... thinking of this gives Midora a headache.

"Does Master Midora have something to say?" Angel noticed that Midora’s expression seemed a bit strange.

Midora shook his head: "Nothing, just didn’t expect you to choose to release your alchemy new product at the tea party. It’s a pity Antonio won’t be able to see it live."

Antonio calmly said: "No problem, it will eventually be reported back to the Sky Mechanical City."

Angel smiled: "Before the release begins, I will send one of these alchemy works to Antonio for early experience."

Angel’s words seemed like normal conversation, but to Midora and Antonio, it had another meaning: being able to give one to Antonio in advance, and it being a "gift," seems to suggest that Angel’s alchemy work this time is not a single type? But some kind of universal tool?

Otherwise, why would Angel "give" it away?

Don’t think universality is bad.

Universality does not mean inferiority, instead, it is the current trend pursued by the Research and Development Institute.

Specialized and unique are naturally good.

But universal and generic tools can yield more additional benefits. Not just personal, but also for the Research and Development Institute as a whole.

Like various tools used by wizards for research and experimentation, their specifications and standards are almost all endorsed by the Research and Development Institute. There are also some special instruments, such as the All-Light Instrument that Nis used to test Angel’s soul, which is also a product of the Research and Development Institute.

These all belong to tools of equal universality and utility, and once released, not only do individuals profit, but they also enhance the reputation of the Research and Development Institute.

Therefore, if a member of the Research and Development Institute releases a universal tool, it would be a bombshell for all wizards in the Southern Domain!