Chapter 62: A Scholar at Heart
Abyss’s old acquaintance, Fulmar Elusinos Sangia, was a friend of his late master.
This elderly man lived in a grand castle, presenting himself as a country gentleman who had inherited his ancestral estate. But in reality, he was once a prominent figure.
Despite his current peaceful life, spending his days reading and writing, he had a glorious past. He was a ninth-tier, ninth-grade mage of the Elemental School, a “Supreme Mage” in common parlance. Such powerful mages were highly sought after by various factions, and he had naturally become a court mage, serving the Emperor of the Eastern Empire.
But this highly respected magical genius wasn’t content with his life of luxury and privilege, spending his days researching magic in his Emperor-funded tower, attending lavish banquets, and enjoying a comfortable existence. His true desire was to become a scholar, a polymath. He craved knowledge, yearning to travel the world, learn skills beyond magic, and compile his knowledge for the benefit of future generations.
However, as a court mage, despite his high status, freedom, and generous compensation, he couldn’t simply wander the world. The royal family didn’t employ him for charity. They needed Supreme Mages to maintain their authority and deter potential threats. And resigning wasn’t easy either. The royal family wouldn’t readily release a Supreme Mage of the Elemental School, fearing he might join another faction and challenge their rule.
So, Fulmar devised a plan.
He staged a flawless accident, making everyone believe he was dead. While everyone mourned the loss of the great Supreme Mage, he had secretly left the capital and embarked on his journey.
He officially changed his name to Fulmar, donned the scholar’s attire he had always desired, and traveled to every corner of the world, gathering knowledge in various fields. He visited libraries, interviewed locals, conducted his own observations, filling countless notebooks and memorizing vast amounts of information. It was a demanding and exhausting lifestyle, but Fulmar found joy in his pursuit, becoming a true polymath, his expertise encompassing mathematics, mechanics, architecture, archeology, art, and more.
He later met Abyss’s master. Young Abyss, accompanying his master on their grave-robbing expeditions, had bonded with Fulmar over their shared thirst for knowledge. They became friends, and Fulmar even joined them on their travels for a while. Abyss’s current knowledge of art and various cultures stemmed from Fulmar’s teachings. They developed a close bond, and after Abyss’s master passed away, Fulmar treated him like a nephew.
Fulmar had now settled down, dedicating himself to compiling his vast knowledge and yearning to mentor a group of worthy disciples. Although he had already trained a capable apprentice in each of his areas of expertise, he longed for more students.
“I remember telling you that if you could find me enough students, I would repay you with a surprise,” Fulmar said, pacing back and forth excitedly. “Come visit me after your adventures, or whenever you need my help. I’ll show you what that surprise is.”
“I look forward to it, Mr. Fulmar,” Abyss said, smiling.
They chatted for a while, Fulmar, like a caring uncle, inquiring about Abyss’s health and well-being. But Abyss, now practically invincible, had no concerns. Their conversation ended quickly, and Fulmar rushed off to arrange accommodations for the children. The arrival of over four hundred children delighted the old man, who had been living alone in his vast castle.
As he ended his conversation with Fulmar through Lark, the raven, he heard a voice calling his name.
“Abyss! Hey! Are you listening?”
“Huh?” Abyss turned around and saw Rebecca standing beside him, her voice soft. Flora, smiling, and Leona, her face flushed with excitement, stood behind her.
“Ah, you finally heard me!” Rebecca said, her voice cheerful. “Were you communicating with someone? I called you several times, but you didn’t respond.”
“Yes, I was chatting with a friend of my master’s. He’s the one who’ll be taking care of those children. I needed to inform him beforehand,” Abyss explained, nodding. “Everything went well. Once they arrive at his castle, they’ll have a good life, with plenty of food, education, and opportunities to play.”
“Hehe, we also exchanged the gold for money,” Rebecca said, stepping back and patting Leona’s shoulder. “Leona, show him what we got.”
Leona, beaming with pride, pulled out a handful of high-denomination imperial coins from her pocket. Abyss estimated it was worth tens of thousands. So that was the source of her excitement. Rebecca had taken the girls to exchange another piece of the gold for cash that morning. They had just returned, likely visiting several establishments, as no ordinary shop could handle such a large amount of pure gold.
“You little money-grubber,” Abyss said, chuckling, as he stroked Leona’s silver hair, earning him a indignant protest. She reminded him that she was two years older than him.
“We saw the caravan leaving the city. I hope those children will grow up happy and successful,” Rebecca said, then grabbed Abyss’s wrist and turned to Titus. “Titus, we need to buy a few things before we leave. We’ll be back soon!”
“Of course. Do you need my men to carry your purchases?” Titus asked, preparing to leave as well.
“No, we have other methods,” Rebecca said, winking at him. “Just a heads up, something unusual might happen in Lavoisier City soon. Don’t be alarmed.”
Titus looked at her, confused. “Something unusual? You’re just shopping. What could possibly happen?”
“Heehee, you’ll see. Abyss, Flora, Leona, let’s go!” Rebecca said, her smile mischievous, as she led them away, her hand still clasped around Abyss’s wrist.
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