Exile (VII)

The Phantom Lotus grew ever more mysterious, ever more illusory, as though it were about to become completely transparent. An eerie, enigmatic alien law permeated the Seven-Colored Rooster's cave.

Green remained unmoved as he continued his experimental research, never leaving the cave for a single step. Though the Seven-Colored Rooster was anxious, there was nothing it could do. On one hand, it was intoxicated by the Phantom Lotus; on the other, it remained wary of Green.

No contract had been signed between the two. There had only been a verbal agreement.

"These strange phenomena are rather interesting. Is this plant a treasure from your world?"

At that moment, the petals of the illusory lotus transformed into phantoms of monsters that had recently died in Pangula Abyss, drifting through the air. From time to time, some tangible things capable of unsettling the mind charged at Little Eight, Green, and the Seven-Colored Rooster, yet carried no harmful intent, like a gust of cold wind blowing across one's back.

The vast majority of these monsters were creatures Green had slain when they challenged him for the throne of Abyss King. They were twisted and grotesque, but as a learned and widely experienced elemental wizard, Green would naturally not be deceived by such outward appearances.

"Hmph. Come to think of it, I have your Wizard World to thank for this. If the Wizard World had not invaded, how could the Phantom Lotus, symbol of the Shadow Demon King's authority, have left a lotus seed in my possession?"

Though its words expressed gratitude, the hatred and fury in its tone were utterly undisguised.

"The Gale Fox has already told me the value of the Phantom Lotus's flower. It communicates with the power of dark shadows?"

Green stared at the Seven-Colored Rooster with an amused smile.