In the dimly lit corners of the store, seemingly ordinary yet peculiar objects rested on dusty shelves. A magic wand entwined with black vines pulsed faintly, as if alive. A gem emitted an eerie glow, casting shifting patterns of light on the walls. A tattered magic book lay open, its pages exuding a faint musty scent. A closer look revealed inscriptions of ancient spells long thought lost to time.
But the most striking object in the store was a massive oil painting hanging prominently on the wall. It depicted a shadowed forest with an ancient castle looming in the distance. Dark clouds roiled overhead, streaked with flashes of lightning, filling the scene with a foreboding, almost suffocating atmosphere. Something about the painting radiated an unsettling power—one that made prolonged eye contact feel impossible.
"So, the Death Eater wasn't lying. This really is a Portkey. Convenient—I won't have to travel all that way," Lin Mei murmured.
She reached out and touched the painting.
The space around her twisted violently, distorting reality itself. A moment later, as her vision cleared, she found herself standing in an ancient manor.
"I should keep a low profile. Best to avoid unnecessary trouble," she muttered, brushing her fingers against her smooth face.
From her suitcase, she retrieved a pure white mask adorned with faint golden etchings. As she placed it over her face, her entire presence shifted—her aura transforming into something more enigmatic, more refined.
Her gaze fell upon a grand portrait on the wall. The name inscribed beneath it caught her attention.
"Sewiner I... One of the twenty-eight pureblood families, huh?"
Before she could analyze further, the bearded old man in the portrait sneered at her with an air of superiority.
"Boy! Who are you? Why are you here?" His voice carried a sharp edge of hostility.
Lin Mei barely spared him a glance before raising her hand. Without hesitation, a stream of scorching flames erupted, engulfing both the portrait and its occupant. The old man's face twisted in rage before vanishing into ashes.
She clapped her hands together, a satisfied smirk tugging at her lips. "Lin, help me locate a vault or something valuable in this manor."
"Fine, but I get two-thirds of the haul," Lin replied without missing a beat.
"What?!" Lin Mei's expression fell. "That leaves me with only a third!"
Lin snorted. "Be grateful I'm not taking it all."
Grinding her teeth, Lin Mei relented. "Fine! Two-thirds it is—but hurry up. I don't want to linger here."
Lin closed her eyes as if sensing the energy around them. Moments later, she spoke. "There's a hidden chamber deeper inside. A strong magical barrier guards the entrance—it's likely the vault."
Without hesitation, Lin Mei vanished, reappearing before the entrance Lin had indicated. A complex protective spell shimmered across the heavy stone door. But with a flick of her wrist, she unleashed a destructive dragon spell, shattering the enchantment with brute force.
She pushed open the door, and golden light flooded the room. Piles of gold coins, dazzling gemstones, and magical artifacts filled the chamber.
"Haha! It's real!" she laughed, immediately gathering the treasures.
Just as she was about to claim everything for herself, a wave of space energy surged through the room. Before her eyes, the wealth she had set her sights on disappeared into thin air.
"Lin! You—?"
Lin coughed awkwardly. "Well, you were taking too long, so I… helped."
Lin Mei's stomach sank. "Where's my share?"
"Oh, that? Don't worry, I stored yours safely. I'm exhausted, though, so I'll head to bed now."
And just like that, Lin vanished.
Lin Mei blinked. Then, she looked down at her bag—the pitiful handful of coins inside made her stomach churn.
"LIN! Didn't we agree on one-third?!" she roared, her voice echoing through the empty chamber.
Her shoulders slumped as she stared at the meager sum left to her. She had been played. Lin had pulled the ultimate trick—stealing her share under the guise of "helping."
Grinding her teeth, she exhaled sharply before shaking her head. "Fine. She collected it for me, right? I'll just have to settle the score later."
Still, she couldn't quite shake the sense of betrayal as she exited the vault, clutching her meager prize.
Lin Mei scanned the secret room one last time, confirming that nothing of value remained. Just as he turned to leave, the faint sound of footsteps echoed from beyond the door.
His heart tightened. Moving swiftly, he concealed himself in the shadows, his breath barely audible. Peeking out cautiously, he spotted a middle-aged man in an ornate robe stepping into the room.
The man's familiarity with the secret chamber was evident. More importantly, the dark aura radiating from the black demon mark on his body confirmed Lin Mei's suspicions—this was the owner of the manor.
"Who's there?" The man's sharp voice cut through the air, sending chills down one's spine.
Without hesitation, Lin Mei slipped away, a smirk playing on his lips. There was no doubt—by tomorrow, this theft would make the headlines.
Returning to Diagon Alley, he felt the weight of the Sewiner family's wealth in his pocket. With newfound riches, he embarked on another spree, purchasing supplies and indulging in rare magical artifacts. Unlike before, when troublemakers lurked around every corner, this time, no one dared to provoke him. Whether it was due to his recent dealings with the dark wizards in Knockturn Alley or sheer coincidence, he didn't care. He welcomed the peace.
After completing his shopping, Lin Mei made his way back to his estate in England. Today marked an important farewell—his departure from Flamel.
In the elegantly furnished study, the golden hues of the setting sun filtered through the windows, casting a warm yet solemn glow on the aged alchemist. Despite his years, Nico Flamel's eyes remained sharp and filled with wisdom. He sat beside Lin Mei, the bond between master and student unspoken yet profound.
Gently running his fingers over his wand, Flamel spoke in a voice imbued with both warmth and nostalgia. "Lin Mei, you have mastered the skills and knowledge to stand out among many magicians. I have given you all that I can. From here on, the path ahead is yours alone to walk."
A flicker of reluctance passed through Lin Mei's eyes. The weight of the farewell settled in his chest, heavier than he had anticipated.
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