Man of Archives

Chapter 6

I was in a rather festive mood as I returned home, having successfully completed my first trial assignment—a significant achievement. I could dwell on various thoughts about it now, but the truth is, I really enjoyed it, quite a lot, actually. If it weren't for Brock's revelations about one of his former assistants, the experience would have been even better. But what's done is done—you can't change the past.

"How did your first day go?" my father asked as I entered the house.

"Timothy, you're back!" My mother emerged from the kitchen and immediately rushed to hug me. "Tell us all about it. I'll get dinner ready in the meantime."

"Well, there's not much to tell," I said, debating whether they really needed to know all the details of the hunt. It was probably best not to worry them about their "son" being in rather dangerous situations. "Basically, it was a hunt for toads needed for potion-making."

"Just toads?" my father asked, clearly expecting to hear something more adventurous or wild.

"Well, not just any toads—magical ones," I corrected him. "You have to catch them using magic. They can put up a fight. It's almost like deer hunting, except these are toads, and you use magic."

"Was it dangerous?" my mother asked, tapping a spatula on the stove where something delicious was sizzling.

"Dear," my father interjected, "hunting deer can be dangerous or not, depending on the hunter. I imagine it's the same here... right?"

"Yes, Dad," I nodded. "Anyway, I need to wash up and change."

Not wanting to linger any longer, I headed to my room. Grabbing some clean clothes, I went straight to the shower to wash off the sweat. Afterward, we had a delicious dinner, during which I gave a more detailed account of the hunt. Of course, I left out the dangerous moments, but even the parts I did share were more than enough for my parents.

"Are you going out again tomorrow?" my mother asked.

"Yes," I nodded. "I already mentioned that I wouldn't be able to join you."

My parents went off to watch TV, and I headed to my room, where I collapsed onto my bed and immediately began meditating, continuing my study of the books stored in my Archive. I started with the Defense Against the Dark Arts book and then moved on to the Charms book. I needed more knowledge—more!

In the morning, my parents began preparing for their trip, while I got ready for another day of work. When I arrived at the Leaky Cauldron, I found the hunter already sitting in a chair, looking bored. I walked up to him immediately.

"Good morning."

"Oh, you actually showed up," he drawled, taking a sip from his mug. "Sit down."

I took a seat, waiting to hear what he had to say next.

"Our second assignment won't be too difficult either," he said. "We need to collect the eggs of White-Eyed Slugs."

I quickly looked up information on White-Eyed Slugs and wasn't thrilled with what I found. These are worms that can shoot lightning from a horn on their heads. Their white eyes can also discharge electricity, though less frequently.

"I see you've read about these worms," Brock said with a smirk. "Anyway, the client found a nest and wants us to go down and collect the eggs."

The eggs of these worms are highly valuable, not only for potion-making but also for creating artifacts and various magical rituals. In short, they're expensive items. And, of course, you need a specific artifact to store and transport them.

"Do you have the artifact for storage?"

"That is correct question," Brock grinned. "Don't worry, the client provided the tools."