Chapter 652: Iron Grannys Past

Angor did not reach the minimum requirement for learning Nardas Visions yet, so he spent the next days inside The Tributary to learn relevant subjects related to alchemy materials and applications.

The book collection in his tablet had saved him numerous efforts because he did not need to search for books or receive lessons from other people using time and money. Even if with enough resources, one could not simply buy alchemy knowledge in this world easily.

It was another peaceful day for Angor to read his hologram tablet in the bas.e.m.e.nt of his laboratory when he suddenly heard Toby knocking on his door.

He hid his tablet and was going to remind Toby not to bother him during his important studies, but a small piece of note in Tobys beak caught his attention.

The note had random, incomprehensible drawings on it. However, in Angors view, they contained a message hidden behind nightmare energy.

A finger-swipe was all he needed to dispel the energy, which obediently entered his right hand.

In the next second, the drawings and symbols on the paper rearranged themselves until they became a brief phrase.

[Come to me.]

There was no name left on the note. However, Angor couldnt think of anyone apart from Sunders who would send him a message in this way. Maybe Sumesh, Sunders first student who could manipulate nightmare energy as well. However, Angor didnt believe that his senior cla.s.smate who didnt know him at all would summon him like this.

Did the professor give you this? Angor asked while using a small ember to burn the note up.

Toby shook his head and said something using his wings.

It was Iron Granny? Maybe she got it from the professor who asked to deliver it to me. Alright, well go meet with her first.

It was unlikely, but he still decided to ask Iron Granny about it first so that he didnt accidentally bother Sunders.

Inside Iron Fortress, Iron Granny was drinking Morning Dew again.

She saw Toby and beckoned to him, who quickly fluttered to her and waited beside a prepared teacup. Compared to the usual manner displayed by Toby, the bird looked more composed around the old woman.

Nice, maam. He learned manners from you! Angor joked while giving Toby a warning stare.

Iron Granny shook her head. She never forced Toby to learn anything like that. The truth was, Toby knew that if he acted more politely, Iron Granny would give him more tea.

According to Iron Granny, it was Sunders who left the note.

Did my professor return already? Angor muttered to himself.

He arrived this morning, looking rather tired. I think whatever happened in Sleepless City is stressing him out.

Is Sleepless City still controlled by the darkness?

Iron Granny narrowed her eyes a little. You should know better than me, no?

Angor let out a silly chuckle.

Its not going away any time soon, Iron Granny sighed and said, and Im afraid it will get worse.

But none of the wizards know how to solve the problem?

No, at least not now. They asked Brilliance Plane for help, but they did not get anything from them. I wont be surprised to see the disaster taking residence forever until it becomes a huge problem for every wizard in the south. Who knows?

The Iron Fortress had arrived at the entrance of The Tributary so that Angor could leave.

Grow into a handsome adult, and you might be able to solve it for them, Iron Granny suddenly said.

Um, but how? Angor was confused to hear that.

Nothing is impossible in this world. Iron Granny took another sip and stopped talking.

When Angor was going to leave, Toby claimed that he would stay at Iron Fortress and enjoy tea instead of going back to Phantom Island.

Angor didnt force Toby to go with him. He told Toby to behave and exited The Tributary on his own.

For a moment, there was only the sound of boiling water in the Iron Fortress, but Iron Granny was making her original rose tea this time, not Morning Dew.

Toby smelled something he didnt like and took a step back.

Leave now if you have something to do. Any longer and you will not be able to leave at all, Iron Granny said to Toby with a smile.

Toby failed to understand what she meant, but he did have his own planhe wanted to see the fairy who stole his music box.

Several days ago, Toby discovered the fairy and was going to confront it, but when Toby noticed that the fairy was now homeless after being chased out by its master, he decided to keep an eye on it instead.

And since Iron Granny told him to leave, Toby decided to comply. After bidding farewell to the old woman, Toby left The Tributary through the portal as well.

It wasnt long before the Iron Fortress welcomed another guest.

h.e.l.lo, Iron Granny, someone appeared in the house and greeted her in a polite tone.

The new visitor was dressed in a glossy purple robe and was wearing deep-violet eye shadow and crimson lipstick, but these elements all fell short of attractiveness when they compared to the s.h.i.+ny brooch affixed on the womans chest.

Its been a long time, Greya, said Iron Granny.

I never visited you again ever since my professor left. Greya wasnt surprised at all when Iron Granny recognized her almost immediately. Even when compared to her professor, Iron Granny was a senior in terms of both age and experience.

It has been almost 200 years, since Little Candy went to look for Miss Starfall, right? Oh my so stubborn. How could someone like Miss Starfall stop her mission just for a mere servant?

Iron Granny commented about this matter in a neutral tone as if she didnt care, but Greya knew from certain historical records of Candy House that Miss Starfall used to be Iron Grannys best partner. At that time, Greyas own professor, Madame Candy Aliate, was still Starfalls servant.

Since a certain point of time, Iron Granny and Miss Starfall parted ways and treated each other as total strangers. n.o.body knew why.

And Greya definitely wasnt going to ask about it. Whatever happened to Aliate, it wasnt nice for Greya to speak carelessly behind her back.

Greya glanced at the steaming teapot on the table. When did you start to enjoy tea, Granny? As she remembered, tea was something Iron Granny really hated back then.

People always change. So do their habits.

I dont know much about tea, but I do make wonderful pastries to go with it. Do you like some, Granny?

Please, no. If I were to try something from the hands of a Gourmet, Im afraid I can no longer sit still in this isolated place, Iron Granny said with a smile. You didnt come here just to visit this pathetic old soul, did you?

Im looking for Angor. I have some questions to ask him.

Bad timing. Iron Granny closed her eyes. He left The Tributary half an hour ago.

He did? Can you tell me where he went, Granny?

Sunders arrived at Brute Cavern this morning, so you guessed.

Mister Phantom has come back? Greya narrowed her eyes. Thank you, Granny. Ill pay you another visit next time.

Forget it. Dont come.

Greya left the room without saying anything else.

Iron Granny poured a cup of rose tea and drank.

For some reason, the sweet-flavored tea water that used to be her favorite tasted dull and stale this time.

Angor found Sunders resting on a chair.

The gentlemans face looked pale, which proved Iron Grannys words. Angor wondered what happened. Not many things in this world could wear down a truth-finder wizard in merely a month.

Sunders current condition reminded Angor of what he saw from the gentleman back at Floating Mech City.

Sir, Angor greeted him.

Sunders spoke without opening his eyes, I have something to tell you. Do not get involved in anything related to Sleepless City for the time being. I dealt with some loose ends and removed your traces in the matter so that no one would come and bother you for it. However, you should stay alert nevertheless. Prophets like Anglo will keep your name in their minds, no matter what I told them.

Angor quickly thought about his reunion with Dave, during which Dave mentioned the rumors centered around Sleepless City, which did not involve his name at all.

So it WAS my professor who did it

Whats the situation now, sir? Did you get rid of the remaining puppet strings in the victims?

The situation is not good. The darkness is growing larger and is earning more interlayer sections by the day. Anyone who wanders inside will have no hope of escaping. Im afraid the entire Evernight Kingdom will fall at this rate. As for the golden strings I can remove them, but not all of them, because they spread too fast.

Sunders frowned and suddenly changed the topic, About that dog, I think it has left Sleepless City.

But where did it go?

I do not know. Back to the Nightmare Realm, perhaps. I can no longer sense its presence in Sleepless City.

Sunders sounded rather disappointed since his plan of capturing the strange dog was no longer possible.

Fox said that it was Yorks.h.i.+re who took Spotty away from its owner and brought it to the wizarding world. Maybe this owner took Spotty back? Angor looked a little depressed as well. If Spotty is really a Mystery item, it must be one of the high-leveled ones. Too bad it wont come with me

Speaking of that dog, did you figure out what that crystal is?