Chapter 1252: The Dragon King? Legend!

Wizards in Africa indeed have a unique way of using magic.

They tend to focus more on magic runes.

It’s an emphasis on alchemy.

This approach might be slightly inferior to the European magic wand in terms of immediacy and variability of magic, but it has a unique advantage in stability, durability, and specialization in certain specific domains.

Ian stood outside the shop, watching with great interest. This completely different magic system opened his eyes and led him to a deeper understanding of the essence of magic.

Magic isn’t a one-way street; different cultures and traditions have developed their own splendid interpretations. He is even considering whether he should also customize a “magic rune short rod” for himself, which might come into unexpected use at times, or at least buy a few books about the African magic rune system to study?

Of course.

All this needs to be after conversing with the owner of the magic rune engraving shop.

“Indeed, the saying of traveling miles is still full of value; the world is vast, and anything is possible.” Ian developed a strong interest in this unique African spellcasting system centered on magic rune engraving. He watched the old craftsman work for a long time, observing as the seemingly ordinary black ebony short rod gradually transformed into a powerful magic item under the intricate rune carvings, and he couldn’t help but admire it.

Finally, when the old craftsman finished his work and put down the carving needle to take a break, Ian stepped forward and politely greeted in English, “Master, your skill is astonishing.”

The old craftsman raised his head, revealing deep and sharp eyes. He carefully examined Ian—obviously foreign in appearance, wearing a travel cloak that looks ordinary but with good fabric, and exuding a calm demeanor.

His gaze lingered for a moment on Ian’s empty hands, probably because Ian’s magic wand was carefully tucked inside his sleeve, and an alchemist’s sensitivity to a wand is much stronger than a normal wizard’s.

This can be likened to having absolute pitch. People with absolute pitch have a sensitivity to sound far beyond ordinary people, and wizards with alchemical talent have a similar sensitivity to alchemy creations.

He observed Ian for a long time.

Only then did the old craftsman slowly open his mouth, his voice hoarse yet clear: “Foreigner. What do you want to buy? Custom magical artifacts require an appointment; regular products are over there on the shelf.”

It’s worth mentioning that this alchemist was able to discern that Ian was from the United Kingdom; his English had a strong accent but was sufficient for communication.

This is a demonstration of his keen sight, although it might also be because he assumes white-skinned wizards would use English.

Ian smiled slightly and shook his head.

“I’m not here to purchase, Master. I’m simply very curious about your magic rune engraving technique, and I’m curious about your wandless spellcasting. I wonder if I might have the privilege of exchanging ideas with you?”

He tentatively opened his mouth.

“Exchange?” The old craftsman’s eyebrows, grayish-white, twitched, sizing up Ian once again with a hint of scrutiny and… an unnoticeable disdain?

“Do you want to be an apprentice? To learn the path of magic runes? You don’t look young, and you’re a foreigner; starting from scratch isn’t easy.” He evidently took Ian as a young wizard interested in mysterious African techniques, hoping to try his luck. In recent years, with Muggles establishing an Earth village, exchanges between countries in the wizarding world have become quite frequent.

Ian maintained his gentle smile: “You misunderstand, Master. I’m not an apprentice, just interested in academic exchange. I have some accomplishments in alchemy myself and think that perhaps your path of runes and mine might find mutual verification.”

“Alchemy?” The old craftsman snorted, his tone even more dismissive, “Young man, alchemy is a field that requires time, patience, and countless failures to accumulate. You can’t claim ‘accomplishment’ by merely reading a few books.”

He showed his hands, covered in callouses and small engravings, “Judging by your age, you probably haven’t graduated long ago, have you? It’s better to stay grounded.”

This was both advice and disdain.

People with abilities often carry some level of arrogance, especially in a place like Africa where being talented is exceptionally precious and worthy of pride.

Ian did not become angry at these words.

He indeed looked only in his twenties, thanks largely to his human body transformation technique. Otherwise, his actual age would likely lead to even greater disdain from the other party.

Considering that being a mere teenager makes it difficult to be respected when traveling, Ian had purposefully transformed himself into the appearance of an adult when coming to this shop.

I hadn’t expected.

Even in his twenties, he was still underestimated… upon careful reflection, it makes sense, as most wizards accumulate their learning speed in alchemy only through time. Rarely in history has there been someone like Ian, not even in Hogwarts has anyone seen such a phenomenon, let alone in Africa, which is a relatively remote place.

In Africa’s history, there truly hasn’t been such a prodigy; hence being underestimated is quite normal. Ian chuckled, his tone calm yet carrying a bit of undisputed confidence: “Master, the height of knowledge isn’t always solely determined by age. How will you know unless you verify? Perhaps we can both learn something from each other.”

He maintained a humble attitude, indicating it’s not about lacking pride but rather that Ian was genuinely excited that a true master always carries the heart of an apprentice, which in a way is another form of showing off.