In the brightly lit room, though not densely packed, the sheer volume of mystical materials was staggering to Florent. These were non-renewable resources, after all.
Florent carefully examined the materials displayed on the shelves and tables. Even counting just one type of material, there were over a dozen varieties.
The value of these materials alone was estimated to be around ten to twenty thousand gold pounds. While Florent wasn't without wealth, he couldn't claim that his entire fortune surpassed the worth of the materials before him.
These mystical materials were laid out like cheap vegetables in a market, leaving Florent utterly stunned. In fact, the other 'Apprentices' beside him were equally shocked.
Florent overheard one of them muttering wide-eyed, "Am I going mad? Rare mystical materials that are hard to come by in gatherings are just scattered around like weeds. This is sacrilege..."
Out of the corner of his eye, Florent noticed the other man and woman in the room who seemed unfazed, as if they were accustomed to such sights.
Amadi didn't even glance at the materials, instead lounging on an empty table with his legs crossed in a casual, almost irreverent manner.
Florent found it hard to believe someone could adopt such a posture so effortlessly. A sigh interrupted his thoughts...
Levi pointed to the pile of mystical materials and said, "I had hoped that by bringing out these materials I've collected over the years, more 'Apprentices' would eagerly step forward to attempt their advancement..."
"...While I thought the emergence of so many 'Trickmasters' might not change much, at least it would allow me to hold my head high before our ancestor, Gabriel. Yet, alas…"
Levi placed a hand on his forehead, his voice trembling slightly, "Though my memory may be fading with age, I remember that the number of 'Apprentices' among the Abraham family in Trier far exceeds that of 'Trickmasters'... Was I mistaken? Why then have they not come? Can the glory of our ancestors be attained without enduring the curse?"
To Florent's ears, Levi's voice seemed to carry a hint of tears. But what followed made Florent question whether he had imagined it, as the tremor in Levi's voice vanished:
"Since you've come, please tell me how far along you are in digesting the 'Apprentice' potion and how much progress you've made in collecting the main ingredients for the 'Trickmaster' potion."
The 'Apprentices' took turns explaining their progress. Out of the five, three had fully digested their potions, while Florent and another 'Apprentice' were still in the process...
Levi's expression remained unchanged. "For the three of you who have completed the digestion, do you wish to consume the potion here, or will you prepare it at home?"
The three answered almost in unison, "Mr. Levi, we would prefer to prepare it at home. Please grant us this opportunity."
Levi said nothing more, simply handing out five sets of mystical materials to Florent and the others.
With a wave of his hand, he dismissed them...
Understanding Levi's no-nonsense demeanor, the five expressed their gratitude and began to leave one by one.
Outside, five servants were ready to assist them individually.
However, Florent didn't leave immediately.
After walking a short distance, he turned to the servant assigned to him and said, "I have some matters to discuss with Mr. Levi. Please allow me to speak with him first."
Without waiting for the servant's response, Florent retraced his steps. The servant, though reluctant, had no choice but to follow, worried that this meddlesome guest might cause trouble.
The others, eager to prepare their 'Trickmaster' potions, glanced at Florent but quickly hurried off to their respective homes. The remaining 'Apprentice' though hesitant, eventually gave in to the pleading look of his assigned servant and left as well.
Florent followed the path back to the third floor and knocked on the door of the distinctive room. Upon entering, he found that the once-abundant mystical materials had vanished without a trace...
Only the two elders remained, engaged in conversation. They turned at the sound of the door, their cold and playful gazes fixed on the intruder.
Florent bowed slightly in apology, noticing that the figure wrapped in a thick cloak had removed their mask. As expected, it was a young woman from the Abraham family.
Levi, his tone as calm as ever, addressed Florent, "Didn't I say the gathering was adjourned? Do you have something to discuss with me privately?"
Florent wasn't worried. He knew that while Mr. Crow appeared cold, he was willing to help any Abraham family member in need, as long as they didn't overstep.
In the current state of the Abraham family, the position of elder wasn't particularly enviable. The scattered members of the family wouldn't tolerate a corrupt elder, and many Abrahams weren't afraid of their elders...
After all, no modern Abraham had ever advanced beyond 'Astrologer' to become a 'Scribe'. Even if they did, they would face the inevitable consequence of failing to fully digest the potion and being consumed by Bethel's ravings.
Florent met the gaze of the man who had voluntarily taken on the role of leader and helped many Abrahams:
"Mr. Crow, may I ask if you personally selected the personal maid of this villa? Given what you've said today, I strongly suspect that this maid might be a member of the Theosophy Order..."
To Florent's surprise, Levi frowned, "Personal maid? Are you referring to my wife's personal maid? I don't have a personal maid... only a personal manservant. Moreover, due to the urgency of today's situation and my fear of being watched, I only brought a few mystical items using the 'Ring of Wandering'."
Levi quickly realized the gravity of the situation, "This is bad! I've been exposed! But how? I used the 'Ring of Wandering' along with my mystical abilities for divination. Could it be…?"
Levi was about to rush off but stopped, remembering something even more important.
He turned to Amadi and the young woman, "Amadi, Circe, as I mentioned earlier, I have other arrangements for you..."
Then, addressing Florent who was about to leave, he added, "Stay, Florent. I'll share this with you as well. Though you're only an 'Apprentice', your sharp mind could be of great help in the revival of the Abraham family..."