Tulu returned to his senses and found no one with him apart from Tree Spirit, who was casually sunbathing.
He was still too fascinated by the great adventure he went through to think of anything else.
Tap, tap...
The vapor around his body condensed into water drops and drenched his forehead, pulling him out of his thoughts.
Where-where is everyone?
“Ah, here you are,” Tree Spirit spoke to him using his usual, carefree tone.
Tulu stood up with a start and bowed politely. He already heard from others that the ancient spirit in front of him was one of the strongest existences in Brute Cavern.
“Sir! I-I don’t know what’s gotten into me. I just—”
“Easy there. You were drawn into Angor’s illusion and probably gained some nice enlightenment that kept you there. Would you tell me what exactly you saw?”
Enlightenment? Tulu tried to recall what happened back there. He was swallowed into the sea, yet he didn’t feel any pain or suffocation. He felt... relaxed. The water was comforting. It was as if he could forget all troubles and mishaps as long as he was there.
Embraced by gentle bubbles and schools of curious fish, he slowly sank deeper, until he became one with the sea.
Until he returned to reality.
“What did I see?”
He found it difficult to tell. At first, there was nothing to say apart from darkness and water. But as he savored the experience carefully, he did feel everything to be almost enriching. He did more than drifting in the water—he could feel where exactly the water currents went, he could easily tell how to use the water to ease his movement, and he could even command the tides.
Yet he didn’t know how to put these into words.
“There was wisdom coming into my head, sir. But I can’t remember them! Or I can, just... I don’t know what to say.”
“That’s because you don’t have the necessary knowledge to wield the power of the sea yet.” Tree Spirit chuckled. “When you finally reach that level, however, you’ll find how much you gained today. And it will blow your mind.
“You are so lucky to get recruited by Angor.”
Tulu lowered his head. He was always grateful that Angor took him.
“Leave, since you have nothing else to do here. An apprentice outside will tell you how to find lodging in Brute Cavern.” Tree Spirit took out a bone card and handed it to Tulu. “This is your identification in the organization. I’ve printed your ‘profession’ on it.”
Tulu nodded and went to the exit with a confused look, not sure what he would be expecting next.
“Don’t let Angor down, my friend!” Tree Spirit called.
“I will not.” Tulu looked at the sky with great determination. “The world of wizardry. Here I am.”
...
The bright sun cast its golden benevolence upon the giant leaf of the Tree of Eternity.
Content with his rest, Tree Spirit stretched his arms and looked aside.
There was a puddle of water gathered at one spot. Tulu left it there.
“Wait a second...” Tree Spirit pondered over something. “At least I should inform Rein of Angor’s Ocean Tuner.”
A moment later, Tree Spirit’s voice echoed inside Rein’s room.
“Done stalking Yethaway? I’m surprised you have time to talk to me.” Rein accepted Tree Spirit’s “connection”.
“Stalking? I’d never!” Tree Spirit seemed bothered by Rein’s joke.
“Well, you know what you have been doing. So, Angor is back, right? Did he bring us any decent students?”
“... It was a small group. But they got the qualities. Two Occultists, a puppet user with a special body trait.”
“Body trait? Is it good or bad?”
“She’s a ‘Crimson Demon’.”
“Tsk. Now that’s rare. This means her weakness is obvious.”
People with the “Crimson Demon” trait could use their blood to curse their enemies or temporarily improve their strength by going into a frenzied state. However, such curses could be reflected by powerful defensive spells. And when they went rampaging, they would not be able to tell friends from foe.
“She could share her power with her puppets and power them up to a terrifying level. If everything goes well, she can become a very dependable fighter for our organization,” Tree Spirit commented. “And there’s this Sea Manipulator guy...”
“A Sea Manipulator?” Rein frowned. “He won’t do well at our place.”
Different organizations all had different focuses. For example, Starliege Temple was the best place for Prophets, while Candy House was the main choice for talented Gourmets. As for Sea Manipulators, they would do better if they joined Song of the Deep.
Brute Cavern only had one Sea Manipulator since it was founded, who had left in pursuit of opportunities a century ago. There was no one in the organization right now who could teach Sea Manipulator arts.
“You’re wrong about that,” said Tree Spirit, “this little guy is one of the luckiest freshmen I’ve seen in these years, if we don’t consider Angor. He knows how to wield basic elements when he has not started studying any cantrips yet.”
“Is that so? Care to tell me the details?”
“This is why I want to talk to you.” Tree Spirit put on a more serious attitude. “Do you know the alchemy footage that got every alchemist all worked up some time ago?”
“You mean the one showing Angor’s work?”
“Yes. The item he made is called the ‘Ocean Tuner’...”
Rein’s eyes went wider and wider as he listened to Tree Spirit’s description.
If what Tree Spirit claimed was true, then Ocean Tuner was probably one of the best utilities Sea Manipulators could find. Even Rein Mute himself did not possess something so precious.
“Dear me. How did Sunders find Angor?” Rein couldn’t conceal his jealousy. “I’d have gone out there to recruit if I knew such a little jewel was waiting to be discovered.”
They were certain that Angor found some kind of alchemy inheritance. But such a prize could only teach him how to do alchemy. Angor reached this level mainly because of his devotion and effort.
“Well, he’s one of us, and that’s what matters,” said Tree Spirit.
Rein nodded to agree. “I already made plans to observe him further and decide whether we should grant him a special rank in the organization. But I’ve seen enough.
“Ocean Tuner... A brilliant treasure. Why does it have to be for Sea Manipulators though? We could use it if it helps Bloodline Art users or other types of Elementalists.” Rein shook his head. “Should we tell Angor to make another one for us?”
“I would say no. You saw the footage, right? The sea was resonating with him, and I doubt such a wonder could happen all the time. Even master alchemists could not freely show us creations beyond their skill level. Are you sure Angor can repeat the miracle?”
“You mean he’s not going to do his tricks again any time soon?”
“We both know it.”
“Fine.” Rein sighed. “Leona is not really a professional alchemist. Now we Brute Cavern finally got one. Guess we can’t ask for more. Other alchemists out there all agreed that Angor would reach the level of a master in due time. We’ll just get better items from him when that happens.”