Chapter 336  336 The Visitor


    "Because I was so weak, she had to be homeschooled, and I think that turned her into a little prankster," he concluded, providing Nexus with insight into the origins of Abby''s yful nature.


    This had be a routine conversation between Nexus and Drac every day now. Each time he visited, and Abby yed one of her tricks, Drac would start apologizing and recounting how Abby lost her parents, emphasizing that it was his fault she was homeschooled.


    Nexus had heard this story so many times and was already weary of it, but he could do nothing but listen. He kept listening patiently as he believed he was helping the old entric man alleviate his boredom.


    "I understand, Master," Nexus said. "I am not angry; I have gotten used to the tricks by now," he added, smiling at Drac. This was the tenth day since Nexus began visiting Drac''s home, attempting to destroy the Stone book.


    By now, Nexus was already limating to the dynamics of the home. The young man he met on his first day was one of Drac''s helpers who preferred not to talk to anyone while working. Nexus had met him three more times since he starteding over frequently, and they had been able to make small talk.


    Abby, the ever-mischievous girl, had made it her goal to y countless tricks on him every time he visited, and he was already anticipating each one. Drac was always talking about the Stone Book and how he couldn''t wait to get it open.


    If he wasn''t talking, he was resting in his chamber or apologizing for Abby''s naughty tricks. Nexus was already adapting to Drac''s lifestyle, and they were soon bing dear to each other.


    In all the nine days that Nexus had visited Drac''s home, he had not seen any new visitorse in, and that was one of the reasons he had been curious about Drac''s social life.


    However, today was different.


    As Nexus and Drac discussed the Stone Book and the progress they were making, they heard a knock on the door. Before Drac could respond, the door swung open, revealing a young, handsome man.


    Tall and sturdy with jet-ck hairbed to the back, the visitor had striking facial features and an incredibly sharp jawline. He stood at the door, gazing at Nexus and Drac.


    Nexus was shocked to see someone other than Drac and Abby in their home and surprised that they had a visitor. The visitor, too, seemed surprised to see another person in Drac''s home, as he was aware that Drac rarely had visitors, and Nexus seemed like a stranger.


    His eyes lingered on Nexus briefly before returning to Drac as he approached him. "Greetings, Master," the visitor said, bowing in courtesy to Drac. Hepletely ignored Nexus, even though he was sitting by Drac''s side.


    "Greetings, young one," Drac responded to the visitor, tapping his shoulder in eptance. The visitor took the seat on the other side of Drac, still ignoring Nexus''s presence. "Oh, Master, how have you been?" he asked Drac.


    "I have been well and strong," Drac responded. "Abby has been taking good care of me," he said to the visitor. "That mischievous girl, I hope she is not a headache to you," the visitor inquired.


    Dracughed dryly. "Not at all; you know how she can be," he answered. "How has work been for you?" Drac asked the young visitor. Nexus watched their interaction from his seat as he continued eating his lunch.


    "Work has been awesome," the young man responded. "But that is what I am here for, Master."


    "What is the issue?" Drac asked him.


    "It is not a huge one, but I am facing a rather perplexing situation," the visitor admitted, ncing briefly at Nexus before turning his attention back to Drac. "I havee across an ancient scroll in my recent explorations. The inscriptions on it are unlike anything I''ve encountered before."


    Drac''s eyes glinted with interest. "An ancient scroll, you say? Bring it forth; let me see what mysteries it holds."


    The visitor nodded, reaching into a leather satchel slung over his shoulder. He carefully retrieved the weathered scroll, its edges frayed with time. cing it on the table, he slid it toward Drac. Nexus, sensing the gravity of the situation, set aside his lunch and leaned forward, intrigued by the unfolding events.


    Drac''s fingers delicately traced the inscriptions on the scroll. His eyes narrowed, and a thoughtful expression yed on his face. "This is no ordinary script," he murmured, almost to himself. "It bears the markings of an ancientnguage."


    The young man nodded solemnly. "That''s precisely what troubled me. I sought your expertise, Master Drac, hoping you could shed light on its origin and purpose."


    Drac''s gaze shifted from the scroll to the young man. "You''ve done well to bring this to me. Knowledge is a treasure, and the more we unravel, the better prepared we are for the challenges that lie ahead."


    Nexus couldn''t help but marvel at the expertise and camaraderie between Drac and the visitor. It was evident that the visitor held great respect for Drac''s wisdom.


    As the discussion delved deeper into the mysteries of the ancient scroll, Abby entered the room. Her eyes squinting at the sight of the visitor, an unexpected addition to their small gathering. She moved towards Nexus and sat by his side as they both watched Drac and the Visitor converse on the ancient scroll.


    "Thank you so much for your help, Master," The visitor said. "I will surely look into it," he added.


    "It is nothing, Mike; you are wee here anytime," Drac said, patting his shoulder again. With that, Mike decided to take his leave.


    "I will leave now, Master. You have been very helpful," he said as he stood up.


    "You are wee; do take care," Drac greeted him back, and the young man left, closing the door behind him.


    As the door closed behind Mike, Nexus turned to Drac with a quizzical look.


    Drac chuckled, his eyes reflecting a mix of fondness and amusement. "That was Mike, one of my best disciples. He''s an explorer and a seeker of ancient knowledge. Today, he brought forth an ancient scroll he discovered during his explorations."


    Nexus nodded, intrigued. "He seemed quite respectful and knowledgeable. Why did he call you ''Master,'' though?"


    Drac leaned back in his chair, folding his hands. "Mike has been under my guidance for a while now. While he is indeed knowledgeable and skilled, our perspectives on alchemy differ. He sees it more as a means of business, a way to uncover valuable artifacts for trade, rather than a spiritual journey toward the truth."


    Nexus furrowed his brow. "Isn''t that what alchemy is about, though? Finding the secrets of the universe, unlocking the mysteries of life?"


    Drac smiled knowingly. "Indeed, that''s how I see it. But Mike has a different approach. He''s more interested in the material gains alchemy can offer rather than its philosophical depths. I''ve never forced him to follow my path. Everyone has their own choices and beliefs."


    Nexus absorbed Drac''s words, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "So, you disagree with his perspective on alchemy?"