Warlock Apprentice

”If you’re willing to burn the brilliance of life to exchange for a rose, then I think you must be insane.”

When Angel saw this line etched in cursive on the wall, he knew they had already arrived at Zithraide’s antique shop.

The shop was filled with various glass display cabinets, each brimming with marvelous treasures, a dazzling array to behold. The interplay of gold and silver, the transition between fantasy and machinery, and the ancient stone tablets alongside old scrolls of history.

As always, the splendor and wonder, and... as always, the opening lines.

”Those who walk in must have something on their minds. Noble guests, do you intend to trade your lifespan or your soul...” proclaimed Zithraide, who gave himself an imposing demeanor, elegantly walking to the front desk. Yet, before he could finish his words, he was stunned: ”!!!”

”Why is it you again!” Zithraide exclaimed in shock.

Zithraide only felt his old face flush; this was the second time this year he failed to show off. The first time was because of Sanders and Angel.

Why did he just come out directly from the back just now? Why didn’t he use his spiritual power to investigate first?

After Zithraide awkwardly exclaimed, he let out an awkward laugh.

”Ahem, sit this way.” Zithraide pressed a button beside him, and the sound of gears and chains came from underground. Soon, the ground cracked open, and several sofas, along with matching low tables, rose from below.

After everyone sat down, two mechanical magic puppets, holding hands, flew in from the side door, carrying tea. They seemed cheerful, and one could even faintly hear laughter in the air.

”Tell Anada to prepare a banquet for the guests.”

The two mechanical magic puppets nodded, set down the tea, and then left hand in hand through the side door.

Angel quietly watched as the two lively mechanical magic puppets disappeared, a moment of confusion flashed in his eyes. Last time he came, there was only one mechanical magic puppet. Now there was another one.

”Is this the other son of that woman from last time?”

”Yes.” Zithraide nodded, ”I must say, that guest had both good bloodline and luck. The twins she gave birth to both have special souls.”

”Trading her sons for personal wealth, if that’s how luck comes, then it’s truly a human tragedy.” Angel said calmly.

Zithraide smiled without saying a word. What he adhered to most was equivalent exchange. Since the guest could pay the price, granting them temporary happiness was no harm. Moreover, if those two children stayed with their mother, perhaps that would be the most sorrowful.

”Illusion Demon, and... Transcendental Wizard. I wonder what brings you here today?” When Zithraide mentioned the ’Transcendental Wizard,’ his tone noticeably paused, and a complex expression flashed in his eyes. Last time he saw Angel, the latter was still an apprentice. Now, not only had Angel become an Official Wizard, but according to the information he had, Angel had even created a spell and was not far from True Knowledge.

And he had also joined the Research and Development Institute.

Zithraide had mingled in the wizard’s circle for hundreds of years, and upon seeing Angel now, he couldn’t help but adopt a more solemn tone.

And this was just the change within a year. This contrast made it hard for Zithraide’s emotions to stay calm. However, having been in the mortal world for many years and with experiences in trading with various quirky customers, his mental state had greatly improved. So soon, he managed to restrain his inner turmoil.

Sanders: ”I have some questions to ask you.”

Zithraide: ”Illusion Demon, are you looking for specific information?”

Sanders shook his head: ”I want to know, what are your thoughts on the balance of energy properties?”

Zithraide’s current path is the pursuit of absolute balance, not only in transactions but in anything, including interpersonal relationships. He pursues balance in all things.

Sander’s intention was to ponder the energy structure of the Wilderness of Dreams by reflecting on Zithraide’s view on energy property balance.

Zithraide didn’t expect Sanders to ask such a research-oriented question. A flash of doubt appeared in his eyes: Didn’t the Illusion Demon strongly dislike Wallace’s Academy Faction ways? Why was he suddenly embarking on academic research now? Could it be Angel’s influence?

Although Zithraide didn’t voice his thoughts, Sanders could instantly see what he was thinking and said calmly, ”Even the Practical Faction must research the knowledge that needs studying.”

”That may be true, but delving into the balance of energy properties isn’t generally Practical Faction content,” Zithraide mumbled under his breath, then quickly straightened his expression and began to detail his views on energy balance.

Zithraide held nothing back in response to Sanders’ question. Firstly, their relationship didn’t warrant holding back, and secondly, the content wasn’t particularly secretive. With Sanders’ capability, even without obtaining it from him, there were other ways to acquire the knowledge.

Besides, they were ”exchanging” knowledge, not unilaterally ”imparting” it. Since it was an exchange, it could effectively complement and communicate both sides’ knowledge, which also benefited the knowledge Zithraide held, so why not?

Angel sat nearby, simply listening to the exchange between these two veteran wizards about energy properties, and gained quite a bit.

Time passed slowly, and before they knew it, night had fallen.

Greya entered with Asaz from outside the antique shop door. Since Zithraide already knew in advance that Greya would come, he wasn’t surprised.

Zithraide: ”The time’s almost up. Let’s pause here for now. Anada’s banquet should be ready. Shall we continue after the banquet?”

Sanders nodded indifferently.

Under the lead of the twin mechanical magic puppets, they arrived at the dining hall.

The air was filled with a rich rose scent, and bright candles decorated the dining room in a very dreamlike fashion. The twin mechanical magic puppets raced to a side cabinet, opening a music box.

The melodious music flowed out.

In the comfortable setting, they each took their seats. Soon, an elderly woman pushed a food cart into the room.

Every time she reached a guest, she neatly set out the food prepared on the cart. Throughout the process, the elderly woman dared not make eye contact with them, only smiling kindly when she saw the twin mechanical magic puppets.

Soon, she arrived beside Angel, and she still didn’t look at him, but neatly arranged the plates.

However, Angel softly said, ”Anada.”

The elderly woman paused, raising her head in confusion. Upon seeing Angel’s face, she seemed to realize something.

”Long time no see.”

The elderly woman looked at Angel, her hands trembling slightly, her mouth moved, but in the end, she just softly called him ”Sir” before shakily moving to the next person.

When Anada pushed the food cart out of the dining room, Greya curiously looked at Angel.

”Do you know that woman?”

Angel nodded: ”I once saw her in Night Demon City; she was Hebdon’s childhood friend.”