Angor did not watch the pigeons from start to end. But he still recognized something signified by their flying route.
“Accumulation... That was a small part of a magic rune, translated as ‘accumulation’. Is there a magic array around the tower?”
Rein grinned. “I knew that Magic Siphon cannot escape the keen eyes of a promising alchemist.”
“Magic Siphon? Is that the name of the array?” Angor went through his memory but did not recall anything by that name. At least he didn’t know such a magic array used for enchantment.
“Precisely. We maintain a high density of primal mana in the mirror world using several tools, and Magic Siphon is one of them. This array absorbs primal mana from the outside, then transfers it into the mirror world. Those aren’t pigeons, by the way. They are phantoms created by the magic array.”
Angor once heard about certain arts that operated magic arrays in different ways. The use of phantoms belonged to a rather ancient one, which was mostly discontinued today. In modern times, if a magic array required extra help to sustain its core functions, alchemists would use magic-powered puppets instead, which were a lot easier and more affordable.
“I see, so that’s why the primal mana felt so rich.”
Rein lifted an arm, pointed to a window, and caught a “pigeon” that just flew into the room.
He then handed the bird to Angor, much to Angor’s confusion.
“You can take this.”
Angor didn’t know how to respond to the sudden offer.
“Erm, what—”
“You don’t want it? Here in Brute Cavern, we give every wizard one of these. Consider it an extension node of Magic Siphon.”
In other words, a wizard could use this “phantom” to draw more primal mana into their territory. This was probably how Phantom Island enjoyed more primal mana as well.
Angor was almost sure that Rein Mute was offering him resources in exchange for future help. Even so, he didn’t have a reason to reject the gift right now.
“Thank you for your generosity, sir.”
Rein nodded and ordered the phantom to go to Angor.
The pigeon-shaped creature took a while circling around Angor to remember his signatures. It flew away not long after that.
By “giving” Angor a phantom, Rein did not mean that the phantom would stay with Angor all the time. It would wait until Angor earned a permanent residence in the organization before stretching the effect of Magic Siphon there.
Next, they chatted over several more matters in a more relaxed way, during which Rein offered to explain some confidential clues in the organization, either intentionally or not.
For example, Rein told Angor that the Sorcerer’s Garden in Brute Cavern was called the “Thousand Spirit Garden”. Also, Baroque, the man who used Parasite Queen to set Angor up in one of the Sky Tower matches, was not a member of Brute Cavern. Baroque came and tried to enter the Thousand Spirit Garden, but he never succeeded.
Such information should only be known by the higher-ups in the organization, so Angor was wondering why Rein was telling him this.
Because of his alchemy skills, probably.
Though Rein only shared secrets that did not concern Angor’s safety. As for “shadier” matters like how certain wizards sided with different factions that constantly fought with each other, it would be better if Angor didn’t know.
After all, Angor was an alchemist. If any wizards wanted to negotiate business with him, they would come in peace.
“You know, Sunders spoke of your name a lot before he departed for his mission.”
Angor quickly pricked up his ears.
“He mentioned you have been working on a research subject regarding the relation between undead souls and common souls. How did it go so far? You can ask The Mirror to publish your work, if applicable.”
The Mirror was the official magazine issued by Brute Cavern, which had wizards as its targeted audience. Rein didn’t actually believe Angor’s article was worth being put up there, but he could use this chance to tell everyone in Brute Cavern that Angor was now recognized by the organization.
Sunders also suggested before that Angor should let his research be known to the public. However, Angor did not take it seriously because he was eager to head home by then.
Now that Rein Mute brought this up... He could do it. When sailing back to the Old Earth, he was fortunate enough to “farm” for white bullets at Specter Basin and used the bullets to turn Torras back to normal. He always kept an eye on Torras, who did not show any sign of being “fallen” again, which meant undead souls could be reverted, which denied the prevalent conclusion that suggested otherwise.
Angor didn’t mind announcing his result. However, he had to find a new test subject for this purpose instead of using Torras, because someone might find out that he had been to Silver Palm Isle by investigating Torras.
“Sir, please understand that I didn’t fully finish my work yet. I can surely write an essay, but it’ll have to wait.”
“Take your time.” Rein maintained that friendly smile. “Studies all need patience. Should you come up with more academic theories in the future, feel free to talk to me. I’m one of the editors working for The Mirror after all.”
Next, Rein mentioned Angor’s Ocean Tuner and spoke highly of its valuable effect. Thankfully, Rein did not ask to see the illusion. He only suggested that Angor could provide training courses to other apprentices using the item and make some money out of it.
“Alright, I’ve done talking. It’s your turn. Isn’t there anything you would like to know?”
Angor quickly nodded. He had been too nervous to ask questions from one of the mightiest wizards in the south, but he wasn’t going to let this opportunity slip.
“Go ahead.” Rein chuckled. “Anything. I can even help you convince a girl if that’s what you wish.”
Angor shivered slightly. He knew this old wizard loved matchmaking because he saw Rein trying to bring Sunders and Samantha together. Even so, he wasn’t expecting to become the old wizard’s next victim.
“I-I’ll focus on my training, Mister Rein. Do you know how I can talk to my professor right now? I have something important to discuss with him.”
“Sunders?” Rein frowned. “It won’t be easy because that man’s currently fighting at the front line of the Abyss Plane. What do you want to ask? Perhaps I can help you with it.”
“About Nightmare Forms and Nightmare Domain, sir.”
“That’s... not my expertise.” Rein stroked his chin. “If you really need Sunders, let me see...”