"Hmm!"
Radiant Moon Wizard nodded, the unease in his heart suddenly diminishing greatly: "Indeed! No matter what strange power that boy possesses, a Bloodline Shackles is enough to bind everything about him! The pinnacle of a Komoin Warlock is only fourth-level—he has no more room to advance..."
"Hehe... indeed! A little fellow limited to Morning Star—would you still care about him?"
The mysterious voice suddenly became melodious, transforming into a gentle woman's voice: "Your true enemy is—"
"Silence!" The originally seated Radiant Moon Wizard immediately stood, his expression turning faintly savage. "Shut your mouth at once! Don't you know that even if you inadvertently speak the other party's name, it could potentially be sensed? The power of the Supreme Throne is not something you can afford to despise in your current state..."
"I understand... isn't it just a sixth-level Radiant Sun?"
The woman's voice answered somewhat reluctantly, while several peculiar feelings simultaneously flickered through her mind. It was as if every word she had inadvertently spoken today had undergone inexplicable misjudgment. This was the mysterious spiritual instinct left to her by her unfathomable original body.
"I don't care what figure you once were, but in your current state, you are nothing but a remnant soul..."
The Radiant Moon Wizard's voice turned cold and harsh, carrying with it an immense oppressive force.
"But our interests right now are aligned, are they not? I help you, and you can bring me..."
The woman's voice gradually trailed off...
Leilin Farell naturally had no idea that the Radiant Moon Wizard of Jupiter's Thunder had already prepared a task specifically targeting him, but even a moment's thought would have been enough to guess as much—which was precisely why he was now making preparations for his departure.
The massive satellite floated in midair as though it might plummet at any moment, surrounded by nebulae and the vast expanse of the cosmos.
"Take a look at this treaty. If there are no issues, sign it!"
Leilin was using his true form in a rare display, conversing with the three Morning Star warlocks across from him. On the table lay a completed agreement.
"During my time away, I need the three of you to guard the Ouroboros Ring on my behalf. Furthermore, when my wife Frey or the Tower Spirit requests your aid, you must treat it as your highest priority. Any objections?"
Leilin lifted a cup of coffee in a gesture toward the warlocks opposite him.
Across from him sat Paul, Philip, and another Morning Star warlock he did not recognize.
Since he needed guardians, it was naturally more reliable to turn to existing allies. Philip went without saying—with his Ancient Wind Wolf bloodline, he was the very model of hot-blooded loyalty. As for Paul, ever since Leilin had slightly tricked him the last time, he had actually come to admire Leilin even more. According to him, highly intelligent beings always enjoyed expressing their respect, which immediately reminded Leilin of the rumors about mind flayers feasting on brains, sending a chill down his spine. But since the contract had already been signed, there was nothing to worry about.
The last Morning Star warlock was a good friend Leilin had made during this period—Mas. With these three keeping each other in check, plus the binding power of the contract and the oversight of the Morning Star space, Leilin felt fairly confident about the safety of the Ouroboros Ring after his departure.
They were all acquaintances, and Leilin's terms were exceedingly generous. Though the contract was strict, all three Morning Star warlocks signed readily enough.
"Good luck!" Philip clapped Leilin on the shoulder. Among the three, he was probably the one who most wanted Leilin to succeed.
"Thanks!" Leilin returned the sentiment with a reassuring punch to the other man. The Wind Wolf Lair had suffered devastating losses after the Crimson Arc Moon incident—not only had Morning Star warlock Balesi fallen, but their most important fighter, Heberai, had been knocked down from the Morning Star rank and forced into retirement.
All the pressure had suddenly converged upon Philip, and Leilin had provided considerable assistance at the time, earning Philip's gratitude to the point where he regarded Leilin as family.
Those were Philip's own words, of course, and Leilin didn't particularly believe them, though he did roll his eyes inwardly.
Still, the fact that their relationship had grown ever closer—eventually even surpassing the bond between the Wind Wolf Lair and the Psionic Circle—was undeniable.
...
Phosphorescent Swamp, inside the Morning Star Wizard Tower.
After sending everyone away, Leilin went alone to the Astral Gate.
"Tower Spirit! Once I leave, immediately seal the entire wizard tower. Allow no one to enter or exit, and await my instructions!"
Leilin gave his orders. For this journey, he had prepared a great many things.
Moreover, unlike his previous Soul Seed projection experiments, rescuing the other party this time would require deploying his true form! This was extremely dangerous—he could very well be permanently lost in an otherworldly plane, which made the security of the Astral Gate the utmost priority!
He could not entrust this task to just anyone; it had to be given to the Tower Spirit, which lacked human emotions.
In truth, beyond this measure, Leilin had also prepared another contingency. Even if the Tower Spirit failed, he would not be stranded in the otherworld. This was, of course, his deepest secret—one he had to keep from everyone.
BOOM! Following Leilin's command, the entire wizard tower abruptly sealed shut. Numerous Rune Chains and defensive light barriers locked down every corridor, and a multitude of puppets and Void Assassins, their eyes glowing red, began patrolling vigilantly.
"Leilin! You must succeed—you must come back safely!" Outside the wizard tower, Frey's fingers clenched her white dress as she silently prayed.