Chapter 294: Gaze
Chapter 294: Gaze
Ding-dong—
The familiar ringtone sounded again, and the elevator doors silently opened.
A flood of light poured in, causing Vaid to squint instinctively before he saw a magnificent, golden hall.
Long, deep red curtains hung down, and the walls were adorned with paintings of various sizes. Strange magical creature statues occasionally opened their mouths, yawned, or wagged their tails as if they were real animals.
Shelves and cabinets displayed various magical items, such as crystal balls, scrying mirrors, and enchanted teapots. In a transparent glass jar, a ribbon floated and slowly spun in mid-air.
The long table was filled with desserts and beverages, available for anyone to take. Many of these were unfamiliar to Vaid, and some even glowed.
However, there weren't many people in the hall, probably only twenty or thirty, and about a third of them were like Vaid, brought by their elders or teachers.
But among them, he was the youngest by far.
Vaid knew that everyone present today was an alchemist.
Alchemists might not seem extraordinary in their daily lives, but when they gathered, their unique qualities became more apparent.
Unlike ordinary wizards or typical Muggles, they possessed a blend of esoteric and scientific scholar qualities, immersing themselves in their own world even amidst a bustling crowd.
Compared to them, Professor Morrow seemed quite down-to-earth.
Soon after they entered, someone approached and greeted Professor Morrow.
"You're here too, Morrow."
A brown-haired, burly wizard walked by and said, "It's been a while, Orlando." Professor Morrow replied, "Gurl claims to have discovered notes left by ancient wizards, so of course I had to come and see for myself."
"I came to see the legendary mirror that can communicate with the dead," said the brown-haired wizard. "Besides the legendary Resurrection Stone, I've never seen a magical artifact that can break through the barrier of life and death!"
"Sounds like a bluff to me."
"I know... But what if? Surely Gurl isn't just making things up?"
The brown-haired wizard finished speaking and turned his gaze to Vaid.
"Morrow, this boy is—"
Vaid bowed slightly in greeting.
"My student, Vaid Gre," Professor Morrow coughed lightly, pretending to be casual, "You must have heard of him."
"Of course—of course—" Orlando exclaimed, his eyes widening in surprise. "I never expected... he's actually so... so young... It's astonishing..."
He extended his hand solemnly, "Young Master Gre, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Orlando," Vaid replied respectfully. "I've read many of your papers."
Orlando's expression seemed to please Professor Morrow, who suppressed a smile and said with restraint, "Yes, he's only in his third year, but he's already invented the Friend Ledger and Magic Companions. Oh, and the recently popular FlowMirror."
"I know," Orlando said, gazing thoughtfully at Vaid. "I've bought them all." Suddenly, he added, "Dear Vaid, have you considered studying at Beauxbatons? Our school has the most beautiful girls in all of France, and Mr. Nick Lema is our headmaster."
Professor Morrow's expression changed, and she said in a stern tone, "Hey, Orlando! Have you forgotten that I'm still here?"
"What's the problem? You can come too. You don't have many classes at Hogwarts anyway."
Orlando casually replied and then turned back to Vaid, "Of course, if you're tired of Professor Morrow's teaching style, I can teach you different alchemy."
"Thank you." Vold couldn't help but laugh and cry. "Hogwarts is great, and I have no plans to transfer schools for now."
"Well, if you change your mind, you can contact me anytime. Even if you don't transfer, you're welcome to just come for a visit."
Orlando took out a Friend Ledger and handed it to Vold.
Vold naturally accepted it.
The bell at the entrance rang again, and another alchemist walked in. When the elevator door opened and closed, Vold saw the girl who had greeted them in the lobby was inside.
He was a little surprised.
When he and Professor Morrow came up earlier, the girl had only helped press the button and waited outside the elevator; she didn't follow them up or down.
Soon, the elevator door closed, and in that moment before it shut, the girl lifted her eyes, and once again, her gaze met Vold's.
This time, there was no shyness or curiosity in her eyes, only a serene calmness.
"Professor," Vold asked softly, "When you attended exhibitions in the past, was it also in this place?"
"Hmm? Of course not. Gurl always likes to randomly choose places he finds interesting," Professor Morrow replied. "Sometimes on a cruise ship, sometimes in an amusement park, and once even in a cemetery."
"Then...that girl upstairs, have you met her before?" Vold asked again.
"No, she's probably one of Gurl's employees, right?" Professor Morrow said. "He likes to hire a few mutes or wizards with low magical power to serve as attendants."
Vold touched the pen case hanging at his waist and said no more.
Suddenly, the hall echoed with the sound of ding-dong, as if raindrops were falling on bluestone.
Immediately, all the statues sprayed out golden sparks, which fell on the ground and ignited a raging fire. Then, a wizard in a red robe, leaning on his staff, walked out of the flames.
"It's just the Freeze Flame Charm!" Professor Morrow said disdainfully. "This guy, Gurl, still loves to show off."
The red-robed wizard, Gurl, spread his arms and shouted, "Welcome! Welcome, everyone, to my exhibition. All the magical items on display here are carefully selected ancient and powerful artifacts. If anyone wishes to study or collect them, please feel free to contact me after the exhibition!"
"Cut the chatter!" An impatient bald wizard said, "Let's get to the point!"
The surrounding alchemists nodded in agreement.
"Alright then."
Gurl silently put down his speech, at least two feet long, and slammed his staff hard on the ground.
"Thud!"
An invisible wave spread out, causing the floor beneath their feet to seem like it was undulating. Then, seven stone podiums rose up around them, each displaying a magical item covered by a transparent magical barrier.
Everyone chose the item they were interested in and surrounded it.
Vold also took a look around—
A teapot with bizarre patterns, a wooden carved copper mirror, an old notebook, a stone tablet engraved with ancient writings, a sword without a sheath, a gold necklace, and a thorn crown.
Vold's expression became peculiar.
He activated his second vision, expecting to see profound magical patterns, incomplete and mysterious arrays, magic imbued with the passage of time, and echoes of lost magic from ancient times.
But there was nothing.
Not a thing.
The seemingly mysterious items appeared so dull and pale in his vision.
(End of Chapter)
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