The following day, Viktor went to Berger's store in the South Ward first thing in the morning. Although he didn't expect much from Adam's abilities, he couldn't simply give up just because the latter was a young boy.
At this point, Viktor couldn't give in to any preconceived notions. That is why he was going to meet Berger right now. He would directly ask the old gnome if Adam had what it took to back what he had claimed last night.
If the gnome said yes, then he didn't mind allowing Adam to diagnose Elia. If not, then he'd continue to look for other solutions as he had for all these years.
The carriage stopped in front of Herbs & More, and Viktor stepped out of it. It was still the wee hours of the morning, and the store had only just opened. Viktor figured that there wouldn't be any people at the store yet.
However, when he opened the door and stepped inside, he was surprised to see that there was already someone there. Moreover, what surprised him even more was that this person, an elf, was having tea with Berger and chatting happily.
Viktor was momentarily stunned. He had never seen the old gnome act in such a friendly manner to another person, not even Headmistress Godfrey or the King of Nightingale.
Out of sheer curiosity, he glanced at the elf who had long, silver hair cascading down his shoulders. He was wearing regal clothes and each of his movements was extremely refined and noble.
Moreover, the fact that the elf could be so calm and at ease in front of Berger could only mean one thing.
Viktor immediately understood that the elf sitting with Berger was someone very close to him, and most likely of the same rank. Thus, he respectfully greeted the two. "Good morning, Old Berger."
Then, he looked at the elf and placed his hand on his chest as he bowed. "Greetings, Lord Magus."
Elrod, who was sipping tea, suddenly stopped and carefully observed Viktor. His eyebrow rose in slight surprise and he stated, "I can see signs of the disorderly mana beginning to form a pattern. Looks like it won't be long before you achieve Mana Vortex."
As expected! Viktor was taken aback. To be able to deduce so much after a simple observation meant that the elf was much stronger than him.
Viktor humbly replied, "Yes, I was fortunate. Within the next few years, I should advance to the next rank."
"Hmm, not bad." Elrod nodded with a smile. "I wish you good fortune."
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64ce79d606107d003c23ea27", id: "pf-5140-1"})Berger suddenly asked, "What is it, Viktor? If you're here for the medicine, it isn't ready yet."
"Old Berger, that's not it." Viktor approached the seating area and remained standing next to the two Magi. No matter how wealthy he was, he would never dare to sit in the presence of these two. This was out of respect for them.
"Oh?" Berger placed some tobacco in his pipe and lit it. As he puffed out a cloud of smoke, he asked, "What is it then?"
Viktor thought of the right words to say, and then finally stated, "Old Berger… what do you think of Adam's abilities as a Herbalist?"
"Hmm?" Berger was perplexed, wondering why Viktor would ask such a strange question. "Why?"
Viktor was about to answer, but he subconsciously glanced at Elrod. To be honest, he didn't feel comfortable talking about his personal life in front of a stranger. Furthermore, he couldn't even tell the elf to excuse himself.
However, Elrod was thoughtful enough. Regardless of how powerful he was as a Magus, he was still a well-mannered person.
"Well." The elf finished the cup of tea and got to his feet. "I should get going. Daneli and Atiel have been crying about leaving the city and visiting other places."
He looked at Berger and bid farewell. "I'll see you when I return."
Berger simply nodded. "Don't take too long. That thing I told you about is going to open in the next couple of months. Make sure the kids are back in time. I'll be securing two tokens for them."
"Ah, of course." Elrod nodded with a warm smile. "Well, then."
He turned around and walked toward the exit. Suddenly, he stopped by Viktor and placed his hand on the latter's shoulder.
"Remember lad, as long as the knot in your heart is not resolved, you will never be able to take the next step. Such is the Way."
With that, he walked away, leaving behind words containing great wisdom and mystery for Viktor to unravel.
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64cc9e79c7059f003e4ad4b0", id: "pf-5109-1"})"The Way…" Viktor repeated Elrod's words in a daze.
"So what were you saying?" Berger's voice snapped him out of his reverie.
Viktor returned to his senses and replied, "Last night, Adam proposed to take a look at Elia's condition. He claimed that he was very confident in his abilities. So I came here to ask for advice. Should I let him—"
Berger interrupted him. "Do it."
"Huh?" Viktor was perplexed. "…Just like that?"
Berger rolled his eyes. "You asked for my advice. That is my advice."
"But, he's just a boy. Do you really think—" Viktor began, but he was once again interrupted by the old gnome.
"Tsk." Berger clicked his tongue in annoyance. "You foolish brat, stop trying to find justifications. You coming here means that a part of you wants Adam to perform the diagnosis. So why are you hesitating now? Do you want a beating?"
Viktor's neck shrunk back after being reprimanded by the old gnome. But he knew that Berger was right.
That's right… Why am I still hesitating? He wondered.
Seeing Viktor lost in thought again, Berger's tone softened. "Adam is a genius at herbalism. Even that word, genius, would be an understatement to describe him. Sometimes, I even get the feeling that the kid is more knowledgeable than I am."
Not expecting to hear such high praise from the gnome, Viktor was stunned. "Is he really that good?"
Berger nodded as he smoked from his pipe. "Give him a chance."
Viktor took a deep breath and nodded. "Very well."
