The squatting young man's body stiffened. He slowly turned around.
His face was etched with the exhaustion of long-term research. His eyes were murky and held a hint of vigilance as he sized up Ryo.
"Who are you?" His voice was hoarse.
"Did the Founders send you to laugh at me? Or are you some noble's steward, looking to buy my manuscript?"
He twisted his lips into an ugly smile.
"Get out."
Ryo ignored the dismissal.
He took a plain linen pouch from his coat, untied the drawstring, and poured its contents into his palm.
It was a handful of dark brown, granular material.
Elvin frowned. His first thought was that it was some new type of alchemical catalyst.
But he couldn't feel any Magic Power fluctuations from it, only a rich, earthy fragrance mixed with the scent of minerals.
"What is this trick?" Elvin asked coldly.
Ryo met his scrutinizing gaze, gave a slight bow, and offered a gentle, sincere smile.
"Master Elvin, this is no trick."
