Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

Chapter 2121: Old Friend

Greene’s Emporium was far more spacious than Adam had expected.

Shelves lined both sides of the shop, packed with all manner of goods that one would expect to find in an underground black market.

There were weapons of dubious origin, poison vials, stolen magical artifacts, strange alchemical ingredients, bundles of monsters’ parts preserved in jars. Lockpicks, disguises, forged documents, and various other tools whose purposes were best left unasked. There were even a few cages containing strange creatures Adam did not recognize.

At the far end of the emporium, beyond the reception desk, sat an immaculate old man. He had sharp, aristocratic features, a neatly trimmed mustache, and a pointed goatee. His skin was deathly pale. And his eyes were the color of blood.

The proprietor of the emporium was indeed a vampire. He did not look up to see who had arrived at his store. He was reading a book instead, his posture graceful and his clothes immaculate. It wasn’t until he heard the familiar voice that his eyes widened.

"Lo, Master Greene."

The vampire’s voice trembled. "It can’t be! Adam... is that really you?"

"In the flesh." Adam smiled as he took off his hat.

Esmond’s body blurred as he rushed from behind the counter and embraced Adam in a tight hug. His limp a thing of the past. He laughed and greeted, "My boy, I never thought I’d see you again. I am so happy to see you!"

Feeling the old man’s cold flesh against his skin, Adam’s lips twitched. "Now. Now. Hope you don’t bite me."

Esmond awkwardly separated. "That phase is over," he said. "It was terrible. Constantly thirsting for blood. Thought I’d die. If it weren’t for Sandra..."

"Where is she?" Adam smoothly changed the subject.

"She’s gone outside to run some errands for the store," Esmond replied. He was truly happy to see an old friend.

He turned to Luca, who stood by the entrance. "Ah, you’re one of the survivors from the Blood Moon Secret Plane. I remember seeing you in Kinrani Valley. Welcome. Welcome to my emporium."

Luca remembered the man too. "You... became a vampire?"

"With the help of my wife, yes." Esmond nodded.

Luca’s eyes flashed with disgust. Adam glared at him and secretly sent him a mental transmission:

"Hold your tongue, man! He’s a friend."

Luca’s lips opened, but he swallowed the insults forming in his mouth. In the end, he simply ignored the vampire and began scanning the items in the store.

How could someone as old and experienced as Esmond Greene not notice that look in the young Paladin’s eyes? He smiled bitterly. Then he felt Adam’s arm around his shoulders and heard him say:

"So do you have some coffa? Or is blood the only drink in this humble store of yours?"

"Why, of course, I have plenty of booze." Esmond laughed.

"Let’s stick with something light," Adam said, shaking his index finger. "I’d prefer coffa if you have some."

Esmond glanced at Adam suspiciously. "Who are you? And what have you done to Adam?"

"Hah!" Luca let out a belly laugh.

Adam cleared his throat. "I’ve quit booze."

Esmond blinked. "Huh. People really do change, I suppose."

He walked to the entrance of the store and flipped the open sign the other way around.

"Come, friends," he said with a smile. "I’ll take you to my home. It’s just upstairs."

***

Several minutes later, Adam and Luca found themselves lounging in a living room.

The space was small, but it was well-maintained and had a sublime gothic aesthetic.

Adam enjoyed a cup of strong coffa, while Luca simply sat in silence, seemingly admiring the dark beauty of Esmond’s little home. The Paladin was offered a drink, but he refused. He had no love for anyone who wasn’t a human—especially a creature who used to be a human.

"So how did you know to look for me here?" Esmond asked. He sat in a high-back chair, one leg crossed over the other and hands clasped together.

"Professor Oakley," Adam said as he set the cup down. "He told me where to find you."

"Ah." Esmond nodded in understanding. He smiled wryly. "I would have visited him more often. But Davos isn’t that friendly to... creatures like me."

"Can’t have everything." Adam shrugged. "At least you get to live forever with the love of your life. I’d say the trade-off was worth it."

"More than worth it," Esmond said with a smile.

"So what about the rest of the party? Where’s Valerian? I don’t see him."

Adam smiled. "He’s gone off-world. And so has Genevieve. Michael has joined the City Watch."

Luca snorted at Michael’s mention. He had wanted the youth to squire him on the journey north. However, Michael had chosen to stay behind in Davos and follow in the footsteps of his father, and join the Watch.

A man with so much potential, yet so little ambition—that was Luca’s view of Michael.

Esmond was surprised. "Both Valerian and Genevieve have left Myrrandor?"

Adam nodded, not caring to explain further. He didn’t wish to talk about Valerian, especially. It reminded him of his own inadequacy and weakness. Qualities that, no matter how hard he trained, he just couldn’t seem to overcome.

"And you both?" Esmond asked Adam. "What brings you to Dark Port?"

Adam explained they had descended to explore the dungeons with a party led by a Transcedent Paladin. And now they were here to sell their loot.

"Third level, eh?" Esmond was impressed. Mana Seed Magi and Templar Paladins rarely came to this level. The ones that did were clearly strong and resourceful.

"Well, next time you come to the dungeons, do consider my emporium for business. It’s not the best. But it is quite reputable in the Heart. And I will give you a good price for old times’ sake."

"Sure." Adam nodded.

He planned to visit the dungeons more often in the future. Not only was it a treasure trove, but it also gave him a lot of fighting experience. He was itching to test the Viper in real battle. Through the three monster lair raids, he had only used spells. Never even got the chance to test his new weapon.

Esmond hesitated for a moment, thinking whether to say the following words. He then said them anyway, his mercantile instincts taking over.

"If you like to take missions, I can help you out as well," he said.

"The last time I accepted a mission from you, things didn’t end all that well, Master Greene," Adam said frankly. "Lost half the party."

"Hey, I’m just putting it out there," Esmond said innocently. "Besides, you seemed to have come out quite wealthy from the secret plane."

"I can introduce you to my contacts in Dark Port. They love a capable adventurer. And you, my friend, are more than capable," he added.