hotmtlnovel Chapter 13: A Stinkinly Rich Mage Friend
Chapter 13: A Stinkinly Rich Mage Friend
Chapter 13: A Stinkinly Rich Mage Friend
Charles was undeniably efficient. His arrogant confidence wasn't just for show, #it was well-earned. In mere minutes, he had gathered books that Elliot had previously struggled to even read the titles of, stacking them neatly in his hands. Without wasting time, Charles moved to the artifacts section, returning shortly with a round, glowing, red crystal-like stone, which he handed to Elliot.@@@@
Elliot stared at him in awe.
The sheer speed at which Charles worked was almost supernatural. His efficiency, combined with his obvious wealth, made Elliot want to befriend him even more. If nothing else, having a rich, competent friend surely had its perks.
"I've got myself a good deal here..." Elliot mused, glancing at Charles... If he played his cards right, maybe Charles could help him out. 'Maybe with his help, I could buy Azrael away?'
Then again... who was he kidding? Even top elite families were like ants compared to the Demon King. And money? The Demon King could probably summon a mountain of gold with a flick of his wrist. Thinking he could buy Azrael's freedom with mere mortal currency was like trying to bribe a dragon with a candy bar.
Yeah... scrap that idea.
He was forced back to reality when Charles handed him a small, palm-sized box. Now barely managing to hold everything in one hand, Elliot felt overwhelmed.
Although he had no idea what these items were, how they worked, or why Charles had chosen them for him, he was undeniably grateful.
"Uh... thanks for helping me out," he said, offering a small, appreciative smile.
Charles nodded coolly. "No issues. I pride myself on helping lost souls like you," he said with a smirk.
Elliot chuckled before asking, "You seem like an advanced mage and a top student in the academy..."
Charles gave him his usual smug smile. "Why do you have that impression?"
"Uh, obviously because of the way you skimmed through those books like it was child's play! The books here are advanced and difficult to differentiate without some discerning ability, like spiritual energy or whatever advanced training the academy offers. If you weren't an advanced mage or a top student, there's no way you could've pulled that off!"
Elliot felt incredibly proud of himself for making such a sharp observation. Smart Elliot, he mentally patted himself on the back. Honestly, he had no idea where this sudden knowledge came from, but he wasn't complaining.
Charles chuckled. "You're not as dumb as you look—I mean, as I thought," he corrected himself, clearly enjoying teasing Elliot.
Elliot felt offended for half a second but quickly let it slide.
"Wait... He thought I was dumb?"
Damn... I just met a freaking celebrity.
'Wow, Elliot, maybe your luck isn't as bad as you thought...'
His face lit up with excitement. "Woah... I'm honored to be graced by your presence!" he said dramatically. "Judging by your rank, you're not a newly admitted student like me, right?"
Because there was absolutely no way a newbie like himself—who had just been admitted—could be this powerful.
But then, Charles casually dropped a bombshell.
"I'm basically new here too, just like you. We've been attending the same cultivation classes. Don't tell me you haven't noticed me before?"
Elliot blinked.
"Wait—WHAT?!"
A C-Rank mage who was ALSO a newly admitted student?!
How was that even possible?!
Oh, right. How was he supposed to explain that he hadn't been in this body for long? That all the so-called "classes" had been attended by the original Elliot and not him?
Even after transmigrating, he had been too busy dodging bullies and cramming for the final exams to pay attention to anyone.
But how was he supposed to explain that?!
'Oh, I actually swapped souls with the real Elliot, so yeah... I have no idea who you are.'
Yeah, no one would believe that.
So, with the smoothest fake laugh he could manage, he nodded. "Ah... of course I remember you! How could I not? Hahaha..."
Charles didn't look convinced.
Desperate to change the topic, Elliot cleared his throat. "Your achievements are mind-blowing. Honestly, I'd love to hear all about them another day, but for now... can you please explain how to use the items you just handed me? Because, uh... I have no idea what I'm supposed to do with them."