High School of Demon Hunting

17: Chapter 17: Private Customization_1

17 -17: Private Customization_1

Magic books are the medium used by wizards to transcribe spells.

Just as wood can carry a raging fire, pottery can hold clear water.

Different spells have different functions, and their requirements for the medium also vary.

For instance, a fire spell, if recorded in a law book made of fish skin, would be affected by the heavy yin energy.

Therefore, the Ashmore editions are often used to transcribe water spells, the Paris editions are used by Catholic monks for singing praises, and the Venice editions often appear in the hands of dark creatures.

Zheng Qing knew nothing about these details.

But his instinct led him to reject the magic books he had seen before, with their gorgeous exteriors and exquisite designs.

So, after he made his request, Manager Xiao Yuan led him to the Huaxia-style magic book display cabinet.

“The Pre-Qin bamboo slips, two feet four inches long, made from thousand-year bitter bamboo, green halo on the coating, bound by seven-color deer leather.

The outer slip is carved with the entire ‘Barrel Ambush’ fire spell, and the lining is designed to be replaceable multiple times.

We have included a set of different material linings including mulberry paper, Shu Mountain silk, double-layer fox fur, gold and silver pieces, and so on.

You can reorder comfortable materials from our store after using the lining.”

“And this one, a Han and Tang Dynasty silk book, five feet three inches long, one foot eight inches wide, made from thousand-year amber silkworm silk, beautifully soft silk with delicate and bright luster.

The scroll is Ryukyu rosewood, warm to the touch, with a naturally refreshing aroma.

The bottom of the scroll is carved with the spell ‘light comes from the east, and light comes from the moon,’ so it doesn’t affect the use of the magic book even in the dark.”

“There is also the Song Edition Magic Book, with a simple yet elegant style and meticulously selected materials.

From the threading to the binding, it embodies the historical flavor of the East.

What type do you like, sir?”

The bookstore manager displayed and explained those Huaxia-style law books one by one.

Ever since the three-chinned fat man exposed Zheng Qing’s identity as a scholarship student, Manager Xiao Yuan’s attitude became even friendlier.

“What’s the price?” Although his purse was thin, Zheng Qing was keen to broaden his horizons and gain knowledge.

He changed his soft leather gloves to white fine linen gloves.

The bookstore also thoughtfully provided a monocle lens for him to meticulously examine the patina on the bamboo slips, the texture on the silk, and the head and tail of the Song-bindings.

“The price of the Pre-Qin bamboo slips starts at fifteen jade coins depending on the lining configurations; the price of the Han and Tang Dynasty silk books starts at ten jade coins as the scroll can be replaced; the Song Edition book is five jade coins with uniform pricing.”

“What type of magic book sells the most?”

“The university-standard edition, with a top layer deer skin cover, silk divine bookmark ribbon, brass-inlaid characters and corners, blank title page, mulberry paper,” Xiaoyuan manager replied quickly: “As it is a standard edition with limited durability, students usually replace it once per semester, discount price one jade coin.”

“I see.” Zheng Qing pondered.

“Given that you are a scholarship student, if none of these meet your requirements, our store can also customize a magic book for you, which will surely satisfy you.” Seeing Zheng Qing’s indecisiveness, Manager Xiao Yuan positively recommended: “The Shangyuan Bookstore has wizard alliance certified magic book craftsmen, you can totally trust us.”

“It must be expensive.”

“Prices start from one gold bean and go up as per the materials and requirements which you specify.

As a scholarship student, you also get a 30% discount on the labor costs.”

“Let me take a look.” Zheng Qing was secretly delighted, estimating whether he could buy a magic book with three or five gold beans.

Jade coins, gold beans, silver horns, and coppers are the several types of currency in the wizard world.

One jade coin can be exchanged for ten gold beans.

If the issue of the magic book can be solved with three or five gold beans, he can save at least six or seven gold beans.

According to Thomas, he could have three meals a day at college with a handful of copper coins.

He estimated that six or seven gold beans would be enough for his living expenses for a month.

His full scholarship was only ten jade coins, he needed to buy all the necessary school supplies on his list and consider some other costs after getting into school.

Zheng Qing found himself a bit tight on budget.

Ever since he learned about the currency exchange rate, he had given up on asking his family for money.

Since there were currently no ways to increase income, he had to learn to save every penny.

“Please follow me.” Manager Xiao Yuan led Zheng Qing to a small door deep inside the bookstore.

The blue double-wooden door was very out of place with the overall dark tone of the store.

Protective runes were engraved on the door frame around the wooden door, and a Baxianlao-ren new year’s painting was hung on the door.

The painting was a bit old and its color had faded.

The two gods were sitting lazily and playing cards at the foot of the painting, and when they saw someone coming, they just waved a hand to show they knew.

Zheng Qing swallowed.

“As per the rules, I can’t go in.” As Manager Xiao Yuan opened the door and gestured for him to enter, he made an apologetic expression.

The room was a bit dark and the doorstep was a foot high.

Zheng Qing looked around and carefully stepped over the threshold.

The wooden door gently closed behind him.

The room was dim and quiet, filled with the fragrance of aged wood, causing Zheng Qing’s nervous heart to gradually calm down.

The room was large and spacious.

There were burning torches hanging on the walls around the room.

In the center of the room, there was a huge counter.

It was the most conspicuous thing in the room.

On the counter was a pile of white hair, fluttering in the torchlight.

“Is anyone here?” Zheng Qing’s throat was a bit dry, causing his voice to tremble slightly.

After swallowing, he approached the counter, preparing to call out again.

Before he could speak, the pile of grey hair suddenly floated up.

An old face, wrinkled and dry like a dried walnut, appeared in his field of vision.

Zheng Qing was startled, and immediately reached out to grab the grey bag stuffed in his harrow,

The old man’s dull eyes rolled and slid over the bag.

Then he lowered his head, and his dried-up face disappeared behind the large table again.

“Hello,” Zheng Qing moved backward, keeping a distance from the counter.

He hesitated for a moment, and then bowed slightly.

When he looked up, the old man had already come up again.

His wrinkled face was almost pressed against Zheng Qing, and his lifeless eyes stared at him intently.

“Hello, um …” Zheng Qing was startled, attempted to retreat, but the old man reached out without hesitating, and firmly grabbed his collar, pulling him forward.

Although he looked like a thin old man, his hands were like iron clamps, causing Zheng Qing’s neck to ache from the grip.

“Yes, yes, I understand.”

Before Zheng Qing could speak, the airy voice of the old man began to echo in the quiet room: “A powerful soul, very powerful, although chaotic and complex, it contains a pure essence.

I’ve never seen such a powerful soul.

I’ve never felt anything like this, don’t worry, I have everything prepared, you will have a powerful wizard book.”