Chapter 337  337 A Good Apple


    Drac nodded. "I appreciate his skills and the knowledge he brings, but I''ve always believed that alchemy is a sacred art, a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. Mike, however, views it as a lucrative business. While our paths may differ, I respect his choices."


    Nexus considered this for a moment. "It''s interesting how people can interpret things differently. I mean, I''m here seeking your help because Nora spoke highly of your expertise in alchemy. It seems like everyone has their unique way of approaching alchemy."


    Drac smiled, a glint of wisdom in his eyes. "Indeed, Nexus. Alchemy is a vast field, and each practitioner brings their own perspectives and beliefs. It''s the diversity of thought that makes our pursuit so fascinating. Whether one sees it as a spiritual journey or a means of business, the pursuit of knowledge is a noble endeavor."


    Amidst the lingering echoes of Mike''s departure, Abby couldn''t contain her disdain as she faced the doorframe, shooting disapproving nces in the direction he had just left.


    "The nerve of that guy," she muttered to herself, a mischievous grin ying on her lips. "Can you believe he doesn''t like fruits?"


    Nexus, now done conversing with Drac, turned and raised an eyebrow at Abby. "What''s wrong with not liking fruits? Everyone has their preferences."


    Abby scoffed, crossing her arms. "Preferences, sure. But hating fruits? That''s practically a sin in my book. I mean, who hates fruits?"


    Nexus chuckled, finding Abby''s passion for fruits amusing. "Maybe he just has a different taste. Some people prefer savory over sweet."


    Abby shook her head, her ponytail bouncing with the gesture. "Nah, it''s more than that. The first time he visited Papa, I gave him a perfectly good apple, and you know what he said? He refused it, right to my face! Said he didn''t like fruits. Can you imagine?"


    Nexus burst outughing, the image of the stoic Mike rejecting Abby''s apple adding ayer of hrity to the situation. "Wait, seriously? He turned down your apple? That''s a crime!"


    Abby nodded solemnly, a mock offended expression on her face. "Right? I mean, who turns down a delicious, juicy apple? You can''t trust people who hate fruits, Nexus. It''s just not right."


    Nexus wiped tears from his eyes, still chuckling. "Well, I guess Mike just earned himself a spot on your bad side."


    Abby grinned, her yful demeanor returning. "Oh, you bet he did. I''m keeping an eye on him. Anyone who doesn''t appreciate the wonders of fruit is suspicious in my book."


    Nexus, now fullyposed, teased, "So, is fruit appreciation a prerequisite for being on your good side?"


    Abby winked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Absolutely. If you can''t enjoy a good apple, you''re missing out on one of life''s simple pleasures. I don''t trust people who miss out on simple pleasures."


    Nexus burst intoughter again, drawing the attention of Drac. "What''s going on over there?" Drac asked, a curious smile ying on his lips.


    Abby, still in her mock-offended stance, pointed dramatically at Nexus. "Nexus here finds it amusing that Mike doesn''t appreciate the gift of a perfect apple! Can you believe that?"


    Drac raised an eyebrow, ncing at Nexus, who was trying to stifle hisughter. "Well, everyone has their preferences. Maybe Mike just isn''t a fan of apples."


    Abby sighed dramatically. "But it''s not just any apple. It''s my specially chosen, handpicked, extra-delicious apple! If he can''t see the value in that, I don''t know if I can trust him."


    Nexus, finally regainingposure, added, "I think this might be the most unique reason to badmouth someone I''ve ever heard. Not liking an apple is a deal-breaker, huh?"


    Abby nodded with mock seriousness. "Absolutely. You can tell a lot about a person by how they appreciate fruit. It''s a life lesson, Nexus."


    Drac chuckled, shaking his head. "Everyone is entitled to their likes and dislikes, Abby. Let''s not judge Mike too harshly for his taste in snacks."


    Abby rolled her eyes yfully. "Fine, fine. But I reserve the right to question his life choices based on his fruit preferences."


    Nexus burst intoughter again, and Drac couldn''t help but join in


    Nexus, wiping thest remnants ofughter from his eyes, added, "Lesson learned. Never underestimate the power of a well-appreciated apple."


    -----------------------


    The fifteenth day dawned, and Nexus found himself standing before the Stone Book, his hands trembling with anticipation.


    Drac, positioned nearby, watched with bated breath as Nexus prepared to cauterize the ancient artifact with the Heavenly me.


    The room was filled with an ethereal glow as Nexus summoned the mystical mes. The air crackled with energy, and the Stone Book glowed in response, as if recognizing the imminent transformation.


    Nexus, focused and determined, moved the Heavenly me closer, the searing heat enveloping the ancient tome.


    As the mes danced around the Stone Book, a sudden shattering sound echoed through the room, reverberating off the walls. The unexpected noise sent a jolt of surprise through Nexus, who momentarily lost control of the Heavenly me. Drac, however, seemed almost ecstatic, a gleam of anticipation in his eyes.


    The shattering sound originated from within the Stone Book itself, as if some long-held secret or dormant power had been unleashed. The room fell silent, and Nexus exchanged a puzzled nce with Drac, uncertain of what had just transpired.


    "Remarkable," Drac breathed, his voice tinged with awe.


    The Stone Book now had a hole cauterized through its center, a testament to Nexus''s sess.


    "We did it Nexus" he said to him


    Excitement bubbled within Drac, and he politely nudged Nexus out of the room, a grateful smile on his face.


    "Thank you, Nexus. I need some time alone with the book," Drac said, his voice a mixture of awe and eagerness.


    He gestured towards the door, indicating that Nexus should leave. With a polite nod, Nexus exited the room, leaving Drac alone with the Stone Book.


    Outside, Nexus was about to take a moment to catch his breath when a sudden explosion echoed from within the cottage. Drac''s roar followed, sending shivers down Nexus''s spine. Panic seized him, and he rushed back to the door, attempting to push it open.


    However, the door resisted, as if some force held it shut. Nexus pounded on the door, calling out Drac''s name, but the sounds from within became muffled. Desperation crept into his voice.


    "Drac! What''s happening? Open the door!"


    The silence that followed was deafening. Nexus''s heart pounded in his chest, fear wing at him as he wondered about Drac''s fate. In a desperate bid for help, he called out to Abby.


    "Abby, we need your help! Something''s wrong with Drac!"


    Abby heard the roars from the other room and quickly rushed to the underground chamber.


    "What is wrong" ABby asked


    "I don''t know what happened in there and I can''t get the door to open" Nexus responded


    Abby, always swift in her reactions, began chanting an incantation. The stone door creaked open slowly, revealing a scene that sent a chill down Nexus''s spine.


    Dracy on the ground, gasping for air, surrounded by the shattered remains of the Stone Book.


    Ignoring the shards, Abby rushed to her grandfather''s side, concern etched on her face.