Walker stepped out, Alice went to wash the dishes, and after Nelson tidied the books, he approached William, looking like he had something to say but hesitated.
Evelyn, being perceptive, said she needed to visit the restroom. Soon, only William and Nelson remained in the bookstore. With no other customers present, Nelson stepped back, adjusted his suit, and then respectfully bowed to William: “I am Nelson, a member of the Arcane Society. It’s an honor to meet you, Master!”
William waved his hand dismissively, “There’s no need for such formality in the future. I’m just a regular student now, and the customs of your Arcane Society aren’t necessary with me.”
“Yes, you must desire to live as a commoner. I’ve intruded,” Nelson verbally acknowledged his interruption, but it was evident he had no intention to leave. He had been at the advanced Soulmancer level for over a century and could not find a way to break through.
What’s more, most of the methods to elevate one’s Soulmancer level that existed in the world were fragmented or incomplete. Even their Arcane Society did not possess techniques to further enhance the abilities of advanced Soulmancers, leaving Nelson to explore on his own.
Guidance from someone of higher proficiency would naturally be invaluable.
“Oh! You’ve come to seek advancement methods from me, haven’t you? Your audacity is almost like Merlin from over a thousand years ago.” William, lifting an eyelid to glance at him, already inferred his intentions.
Back in the day, the mage Merlin had persistently followed William. At that time, William wasn’t at his peak and chose to ignore Merlin. However, Merlin constantly observed William from outside his home, watching him perform various mystical ceremonies and spells. After prolonged observation and practice, Merlin’s magical abilities greatly increased, and he eventually became regarded as the greatest mage in history.
“Oh, no, not at all!” Nelson, realizing that William had seen through him, awkwardly fiddled with his hands, verbally dismissing the notion, yet he remained rooted in place, showing no intention of leaving.
“Wait a moment before you leave. I’ll gift you a painting. Take it and see for yourself. Consider it compensation for the other night.”
William merely wanted to repay a favor. Previously, Nelson had inexplicably taken the blame for something related to William. It was only fair to reward him a little.
Hearing about the painting, Nelson was so moved he almost knelt before William on the spot. A gift from a mysterious figure like William was no ordinary painting. It could contain magical rituals or even serve as a gateway to another dimension, insights from which might help him break through.
William pondered, “Or you can come and collect it tomorrow.”
Nelson eagerly asked, “May I observe you while you paint?”
“Heh,” William chuckled, finding this young mage rather opportunistic.
Hearing William’s laughter, Nelson quickly lowered his head, replying, “I’ll come for it tomorrow then.”
“Never mind. Follow me upstairs later, and you can help me with some minor tasks.” William didn’t make a fuss. It was just a painting, after all. Letting him watch wouldn’t matter. 𝗼𝐯𝐥.𝗻𝐭
In today’s world, reaching the advanced Soulmancer level was challenging. William was willing to offer these Soulmancers a chance so he wouldn’t get bored in the future. However, he was cautious about disrupting the fragile order.
Seeing William relent, Nelson silently rejoiced and waited for the opportunity to follow him upstairs.
Not much time had passed when Alice, having finished cleaning the dishes, returned to witness an unusual scene.
William sat leisurely like a lord, flipping through a book. Nearby, Nelson, dressed in a mage’s robe, stood with hands clasped, head bowed like a nervous servant, unmoving.
By all means, Nelson was an elder and a superpowered individual. This posture seemed out of place. But knowing her master’s capabilities, Alice felt it was not unexpected.
In the presence of outsiders, Alice felt reluctant to address William as “Master” and delicately inquired, “Would you like some coffee?”
At her question, Nelson quickly raised his head, looking at Alice, “Where is the coffee? Allow me to prepare it.”
Alice glanced at William, who remained silent, then gestured to the back. The spacious bookstore had an unused kitchen that had instant coffee, likely a leftover from someone named Edward.
Nelson was about to head to the back when William suddenly spoke, “I’ll have a Waterfall Iced Americano.” William had inadvertently come across this particular coffee flavor on his phone. Without giving it much thought, he just wanted to try something new.
Waterfall Iced Americano?
Nelson paused, slightly taken aback. He had lived in the mysterious location of Ravenwood for many years, only occasionally returning to New York to manage certain affairs. While he knew how to make coffee, the Waterfall Iced Americano was unfamiliar to him…
Alice slightly raised an eyebrow, her long eyelashes fluttering, a hint of amusement playing on her lips. She softly inquired, “Would you like sugar in your coffee, or would you prefer it plain?” “Either way,” William responded, picking up a book and resuming his reading.
Alice thought to herself, why is he so peculiar? Just for ordering coffee, he chooses such an unusual flavor…
“Mr. Hughes, would you like some coffee?” Alice asked politely. Nelson quickly shook his head, “No need for me.”
Just like William earlier!
Alice didn’t press further. As they didn’t have the necessary tools to make the drink, Alice reluctantly pulled out her phone to check if there were any nearby cafes that sold Waterfall Iced Americano.
After checking a few nearby coffee shops, she knew that the Waterfall Iced Americano was quite unique and not every shop offered it. She found a well-reviewed shop that wasn’t too far from their current location. “It seems we’ll have to walk a bit to get this coffee,” Alice murmured, sounding a touch resigned. Glancing at Alice’s phone screen, Nelson remarked, “I’ve been to that shop before. The taste is pretty good, but it’s indeed a bit of a walk.”
Alice cast a smiling glance at William, who was still engrossed in his book, seemingly uninterested in everything around him. She thought to herself, this man is truly peculiar.
Nelson whispered to Alice, “Shall I go get it?” Alice shook her head, “It’s okay, I’ll go. You two continue.”
Evelyn must have thought that William and the others had finished their discussion, as she emerged from the restroom.
It was only then that William said, “Bring it up for me in a bit. I’ll go upstairs with him.”
Once they reached the second floor, Evelyn quietly asked Alice, “Alice, what’s the deal with Mr. Reed?”
Alice shrugged, “Seems like he’s someone Walker holds in high regard. He’s here to discuss something with William. We don’t need to concern ourselves with their affairs.”
In truth, Alice had her suspicions. She was already aware of the concept of a ‘Soulmancer’, and combined with the mysteries of arcane powers that William had taught her, it wasn’t hard to deduce that her mentor was likely a Soulmancer as well.
When a magician from the Arcane Society comes knocking, and is particularly humble in demeanor, chances are he’s a Soulmancer too.
Evelyn didn’t ask further, but she felt that William seemed to treat her a bit differently. She wasn’t naive and couldn’t help but wonder secretly: had William taken a liking to her?
Honestly, William didn’t seem all that disagreeable…
“Evelyn, what do you think of William?” Alice hadn’t forgotten the task William entrusted to her; she had to play the wingman role.
“William?” Evelyn was just pondering about William when she was asked. Caught off guard, her face turned a shade redder. She retracted her neck a little, like a startled ostrich, and murmured, “He’s a bit… odd…”
“Odd?” Alice’s interest was piqued, “What do you find odd about him?”
“I can’t put my finger on it, he’s just… odd.” Evelyn frowned slightly, countering, “Don’t you think William seems a bit… mature? I don’t mean he looks old, but rather, he’s too composed. Not like a young person at all.”