Chapter 1260: The Bat and the Viper

In the quiet room, the candlelight flickered, and the weight of the beast hide scroll pressed heavily on Ian’s heart. The phrase “endless glory” still echoed in his ears.

It was quite moving.

It resonated with his soul on a profound level.

“Thank you.” Ian solemnly accepted the “Secret Bone Text,” containing the hard work of Master Caleb’s lineage, feeling the ancient and gentle magic power emanating from the beast hide cover. He understood that this gift represented not just a book, but a heavy trust and academic respect that transcended the magic system.

“You will certainly carry the heritage of our lineage to further horizons.”

Seeing Ian accept it, Caleb’s face revealed a smile of relief and immense joy, an unprecedented sense of fulfillment and tranquility, as if a lifelong wish had been fulfilled.

He rubbed his hands together and warmly said, “Your Majesty, since you’re new here, you probably haven’t found a place to stay yet, have you? If you don’t mind, I have a small, quiet house behind the market. It’s simple, but quite clean and tidy. You can rest there temporarily; it’ll be quite convenient for you.”

It was apparent that Master Caleb was a thoughtful person, aware that Ian, unfamiliar with the place, likely didn’t have a comfortable place to stay.

Ian smiled and shook his head, politely declining Caleb’s good intentions.

“Thank you for your kindness, Master Caleb, but my journey is long, and I cannot linger. Besides, I’m used to wandering alone, and I need to explore the market further, perhaps find an inn.”

He was speaking truthfully. He could tell that Caleb sincerely wanted to host him, but he didn’t want to overly disturb the master’s life, and acting alone was more convenient sometimes.

“But… the rainforest out there is dangerous, with warlords rampant and the centaur patrols not necessarily reliable,” Caleb worried. “If you have nowhere to stay, why not rest here for a few days?”

“I have my ways,” Ian said, gazing at the dimming sky outside the window. “Besides, my journey is essentially a wandering. Staying too long would make one forget the meaning of moving forward.”

Caleb no longer insisted, only sighed deeply: “You are correct. Someone like you is destined not to be bound by any place.”

He paused and continued.

“Well, perhaps this is also part of your practice.” Seeing Ian’s firm attitude, Caleb, though somewhat disappointed, did not dare to insist further. He altered his words: “If you need anything, you can always come to me! In this market, I, Caleb, still have some standing.”

Looking at the old craftsman who dedicated his life to magic rune artifacts, warmth surged in Ian’s heart.

“Certainly.” Ian nodded, then took something from his money bag. It was a small, exquisite silver pocket watch, but its cover and dial were engraved with complex, faintly glowing alchemy runes—his own creation, featuring time display, danger alert, and a one-time powerful protection function.

“Master, consider this small thing a token of my appreciation.” Ian handed the pocket watch to Caleb. “It may offer you some help at crucial moments.”

Caleb was overwhelmed and accepted the pocket watch with trembling hands. With just a slight perception, he realized this was undeniably a priceless top-grade alchemy item! Its intricacy and complexity far exceeded his expectations! He understood that the value of this artifact far surpassed all the “magic rune artifacts” in his shop combined. It could elevate his engraving skill to a new level, potentially unraveling some lost mysteries of high-tier runes.

“I… I can’t accept this!” Caleb quickly declined.

“Take it.” Ian smiled, “In my hands, it’s nothing but a dead object. But in yours, it might ignite the ‘Light of Enlightenment’ for more children. That is its true home.”

“Since you say so, I won’t refuse.” Caleb’s hands trembled as he repeatedly thanked Ian, almost bowing, which Ian stopped with a glance.

He bowed deeply: “Lord Ian… the kindness you have shown, my Enkosi lineage will never forget.”

Enkosi might be the source of this master’s lineage heritage.

“No need for thanks.” Ian turned around and headed to the door, “We merely illuminated each other’s journey.”

He pushed the door open, the night wind brushed his face, and the African starry sky was as brilliant as diamonds.

“This is truly a magical journey.” Ian glanced back one last time at the store carved out from the giant tree, the dim lights seemingly kindling an eternal flame in the darkness.

Bidding farewell to Master Caleb, who expressed endless gratitude, Ian once again merged into the flow of the market crowd. At this time, the night market was in full swing, different from the daytime hustle and bustle.

The night market possessed an added sense of mystery and wildness.

Fluorite lanterns floated overhead, casting a ghostly green light; wizards in cloaks whispered to each other; the air was filled with a mix of fermented alcohol, roasting meats, herbs, and the scent of gunpowder. Ian slowed his pace, immersing himself in this magic world so different from London’s Diagon Alley.

With the newly acquired “Secret Bone Text” and fresh insights into the African magic system, his approach to exploring the market shifted, no longer eager for bargains or specific targets, becoming more of an observer and experiencer, savoring the unique local charm.

Because of this.

Ian quickly noticed that compared to the British Diagon Alley, this African “Diagon Alley” had numerous differences.

Firstly, there were the pets. In the United Kingdom, owls are the mainstream pets for wizards to transmit messages, and owl shops and messaging owls perching on their owners’ shoulders are omnipresent. But here, Ian barely saw any owls. Instead, there were larger bats with wider wingspans, covered in deep brown fur and possessing massive ears!