"Ding-dong—"
The familiar chime rang again as the elevator doors silently opened.
Bright light spilled in from outside, causing Wade to instinctively squint his eyes. He was greeted by the sight of a resplendent hall filled with golden opulence.
Long, deep-red curtains cascaded down the walls, which were adorned with various paintings of all sizes. Strange magical creature statues dotted the room, occasionally yawning, opening their mouths, or wagging their tails, as if they were alive.
Shelves and bookcases displayed a variety of magical artifacts, such as crystal balls, scrying mirrors, and enchanted teapots. Inside a transparent glass jar, a ribbon slowly twirled and floated in midair.
A long table was laden with desserts and drinks for the guests to help themselves. Many of the treats were unfamiliar to Wade, and some even emitted a faint glow.
However, there weren't many people in the hall—only about twenty to thirty. Roughly a third of them seemed to be brought along by elders or mentors, much like Wade.
But among those younger attendees, Wade was the only one of such a tender age.
Wade knew that everyone present today was an alchemist.
Alchemists might not appear particularly remarkable on the surface, but when gathered together, their unique aura stood out unmistakably.
Unlike ordinary wizards or typical Muggles, alchemists exuded a combination of the mystic and the scientific. Even amidst a bustling crowd, they seemed to be immersed in their own worlds.
Compared to the others, Professor Murray came across as surprisingly "down-to-earth."
After the two of them entered, someone quickly approached to greet Professor Murray.
"You're here too, Murray."
A burly wizard with brown hair walked over to them.
"It's been a while, Orlando," Professor Murray replied. "Gull claimed he discovered notes left behind by an ancient wizard. Of course, I had to come and take a look."
"I came to see the magic mirror that's said to communicate with the dead," Orlando said with enthusiasm. "Apart from the legendary Resurrection Stone, I've never seen a magical artifact capable of breaking the barrier between life and death!"
"Sounds like a tall tale to me."
"I know… but what if it's not? Gull wouldn't make such a claim without something to back it up, would he?"
After speaking, Orlando turned his gaze to Wade.
"Murray, is this child the one—?"
Wade offered a polite bow in greeting.
"My student, Wade Grey," Professor Murray said, clearing his throat lightly and attempting to sound casual. "You've surely heard of his name."
"Of course—of course—" Orlando's eyes widened in astonishment. "I never imagined... he'd actually be so... so young... It's truly surprising..."
He extended his hand solemnly. "Hello, young Mr. Grey."
"Hello, Mr. Orlando. I've read many of your papers," Wade replied respectfully.
Orlando's reaction clearly pleased Professor Murray. Suppressing a smirk, he modestly remarked:
"Yes, he's only in his third year, but he's already invented the Book of friends and Magic Pocket Pets. Oh, and the recently popular Streaming Mirror."
"I know, I've purchased all of them," Orlando said thoughtfully, studying Wade.
Suddenly, he said: "Dear Wade, have you considered transferring to Beauxbatons? We have the most beautiful girls in all of France, and Nicolas Flamel himself is one of our school governors."
Professor Murray's face darkened, and he said sharply, "Hey, Orlando! Have you forgotten I'm standing right here?"
"What does it matter? You could come along too. After all, you don't have many classes at Hogwarts either."
Orlando waved him off nonchalantly and turned back to Wade.
"Of course, if you're tired of Murray's teaching style, I could teach you different approaches to alchemy myself."
"Thank you," Wade said, half-laughing, half-helpless. "Hogwarts is excellent. I don't have plans to transfer for the time being."
"Well, if you ever change your mind, feel free to contact me. Even if it's just for a visit, you're welcome anytime."
Orlando pulled out a Book of Friends and handed it to Wade.
Wade naturally accepted it.
"Ding-dong"
The bell at the entrance chimed again, signaling the arrival of another alchemist. As the elevator doors opened and closed, Wade caught sight of the girl who had greeted them earlier in the lobby now inside the elevator.
He was slightly surprised.
Earlier, when he and Professor Murray came up, the girl had only pressed the button and stayed outside the elevator. She hadn't accompanied them.
The elevator doors were about to close again, but in the final moment, the girl looked up and locked eyes with Wade.
This time, her gaze was no longer shy or curious—it was calm and deep.
"Professor," Wade asked softly, "is this the same location where previous exhibitions have been held?"
"Hmm? Of course not. Gull always picks random places he finds interesting," Professor Murray replied. "Sometimes it's on a cruise ship, other times at an amusement park, and once even in a graveyard."
"And... the girl upstairs—have you seen her before?" Wade asked again.
"No, probably one of Gull's employees," Professor Murray replied. "He likes to hire Squibs or low-magic wizards to work as attendants."
Wade reached for the pen case hanging from his waist but didn't say anything further.
The hall was suddenly filled with the sound of tinkling, like raindrops falling on stone.
Immediately after, all the statues simultaneously sprayed golden sparks into the air, igniting a blazing fire in the open space. From within the flames, a wizard in a red robe emerged, leaning on a staff.
"It's just a Flame-Freezing Charm!" Professor Murray said dismissively. "Gull is as showy as ever."
The red-robed wizard, Gull, spread his arms and proclaimed loudly:
"Welcome! Welcome, everyone, to my exhibition. This time, I've carefully selected ancient and powerful magical artifacts for display. If anyone is interested in studying or collecting them, feel free to contact me after the exhibition!"
"Get to the point already!" an impatient bald wizard interrupted.
The surrounding alchemists nodded in agreement.
"...Fine," Gull muttered, reluctantly setting aside a speech that was at least two feet long. He struck his staff heavily against the floor.
Boom!
An invisible ripple spread outward, and the floor seemed to shift and rise in response. Moments later, seven stone pedestals emerged from the ground, each holding a magical artifact covered by a transparent magical barrier.
Everyone moved to inspect the artifacts, gathering around the ones that caught their interest.
Wade also walked around to take a look—
A teapot with strange patterns, a wooden-framed bronze mirror, an old notebook, a stone tablet inscribed with ancient text, a sword without a sheath, a gold necklace, and a thorned wreath.
Wade's expression grew peculiar.
He activated his Second Sight, expecting to see intricate magical runes, fragmented and mysterious formations, traces of ancient magic, and echoes of lost power from the past.
But there was nothing.
Nothing at all.
Those seemingly mystical artifacts, in his vision, appeared plain and lifeless.
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