Chapter 332 332 Master Dracula
Chapter 332 332 Master Dracula
"I am Master Dracula," the old man declared, his smile revealing the kindness that seemed to radiate from him.
A realization dawned on Nexus, and he couldn\'t help but feel a sense of relief and amusement. Abby was not the mysterious Dracula; she was merely the granddaughter of the true alchemist. Nexus\'s initial misjudgment transformed into a shared understanding of Abby\'s mischievous nature.
Nexus studied Master Dracula, expecting a foreboding figure but finding instead a benevolent, white-haired man with a gentle aura. The contrast between the expectation and reality prompted Nexus to reevaluate his preconceived notions.
"He looks nice enough," Nexus thought, finding himself pleasantly surprised.
"Oh, Master Dracula," Nexus responded with genuine respect, "I am Nexus from the Russels\' home. I have been told to find you." He felt a certain warmth emanating from the elderly alchemist.
"You must be new around here," Dracula observed, a friendly inquiry lacing his words. He surmised that Nexus was a newcomer, considering his lack of familiarity with Abby\'s renowned pranks. It was a subtle nod to the local knowledge that everyone in the area was acquainted with Abby\'s mischievous ways.
Nexus chuckled, appreciating the good-natured humor. "Yes, sir," he admitted, "I\'m not from around here. I\'ve heard of your expertise in alchemy and was hoping to seek your guidance for a project."
Dracula, while intrigued by Nexus\'s request, was more interested in the flames he had witnessed. It was the ethereal dance of fire that drew him out. "Well, Nexus, before we get to that," Dracula said, wheeling his wheelchair closer. He gestured to a weathered wooden bench in the corner. "Why don\'t you sit down first?" he suggested.
Nexus nodded, moving to the bench. He carefully cleared it of rusty tools, giving it a quick dusting with his fingers before taking a seat.
"Master Dracula..." Nexus began, but he was swiftly interrupted.
"Wait, wait, Mister Nexus," Dracula interjected, a playful glint in his eyes. "I understand you are looking for my assistance, but first, I need to witness the power you wield. The flames you showed my granddaughter, I need to know if you are truly an alchemist," he explained.
"No problem, Master," Nexus replied, reaching into his powers. He felt the qi within him and conjured the heavenly flame once again. The room bathed in the warm glow, and the temperature rose.
Dracula was mesmerized by the sight. "It has been a while since I saw such magnificent power," he thought to himself.
"I am truly impressed," Dracula praised Nexus, his eyes fixed on the dancing flames.
"You possess a very powerful flame," Dracula continued, still addressing Nexus. The alchemist\'s eyes spoke volumes, filled with both admiration and curiosity.
"Thank you, Master," Nexus said, bowing his head in appreciation. "However, I have some issues with this much power," he admitted.
"I can imagine," Dracula responded, still observing the flames as Nexus began to dim them until they finally quenched into smoke. "With such a mighty flame, it must be difficult to control," Dracula remarked, a knowing smile on his face.
"Yes! Exactly, master," Nexus said, happy that Dracula already understands what he wants.
"I need some sort of material that I can use to withstand this FLAME," Nexus explained. "I have quite a hard time controlling the temperature, and I need something that can help me with that," he said.
Dracula nodded in understanding. "I comprehend your predicament, Nexus," he acknowledged. "And that\'s precisely why you\'ve sought me out?"
"Yes, Master," Nexus affirmed. "I was told you are the best and most famous alchemist around," he added, his tone respectful.
"I see," Dracula said, musing over Nexus\'s words. "Well, I must say we are both fortunate to have found each other."
Confusion etched across Nexus\'s face. "What do you mean, Master?" he inquired.
Nexus is confused by the statement. He thought he was the lucky one to have found Dracula.
"Well, I might need your help as well," Dracula explained. "You see," he began, "I am currently stuck with my newly acquired artifact\'s unlock, and it has been giving me issues for a while," Dracula said.
Understanding dawned on Nexus. "Oh," he exclaimed, realizing the reciprocity in their needs.
"Yes, Nexus, I believe I would have unlocked the seal faster if I had your help earlier," Dracula admitted, his gaze sincere.
Nexus\'s eyes widened with a mixture of surprise and intrigue. The great Dracula, renowned alchemist, seeking his assistance? It was a twist he hadn\'t expected.
Dracula continued, "This artifact holds immense power, but its secrets have proven elusive. I sense a connection between the energy you harness and the mechanism of this lock. If we combine our skills, we may uncover its true potential."
Nexus absorbed the information, the gravity of the situation sinking in. It seemed their encounter was destined to be a mutual exchange of expertise.
Nexus, still harboring doubt about his ability to assist, tentatively responded to Dracula. "I\'m uncertain if I possess the requisite skills," Nexus confessed, his unease palpable. "I might not be capable of helping in the way you expect."
"Oh, you have just what I need," Dracula reassured him, patting Nexus\'s shoulder with an encouraging smile. "With these flames I have witnessed, you are just what I have been waiting for."
Perplexed but willing to try, Nexus responded, "Okay, Master, I am willing to help in any way I can."
"That is what I want to hear," Dracula said, giving Nexus another wide smile.
"ABBY!" Dracula shouted, calling out to his granddaughter, who swiftly returned inside.
"Papa," Abby responded, rolling her eyes at Nexus before attending to her grandfather.
"Let\'s move to the inner room," Dracula suggested to Nexus, who stood up immediately, ready to follow Dracula to the room in question. "Abby, you wheel me over there," Dracula instructed his granddaughter.
"Alright, Papa," she said, taking the handles of his wheelchair and beginning to wheel him outside the room. Nexus followed quietly behind, surprised by the number of rooms the seemingly small cottage contained. From the outside, it appeared petite, but as they entered, Nexus observed numerous chambers.
Abby, pushing Dracula in his wheelchair, led them to another corner and down a slope. It was as if they were entering an underground room.
Finally, they reached an empty corridor with an imposing stone door at its end. Abby initiated a chant, her incantations resonating through the corridor. "Like the breeze moves the leaves, let the breeze move the stone," she chanted about five times. On the fifth iteration, the door, producing a resounding creak, began to open inwardly, unveiling an even larger space.
Nexus was awestruck by the sight. He had severely underestimated the grandeur of Dracula\'s home.
Abby continued to push Dracula in the wheelchair, leading them through the door and down the passage it revealed.