“Although I have been very careful, I don't know when it started, it seems that everyone knows who 'Jinvei' is -”
Amosta smiled at himself mockingly.
"We paid a heavy price to find you."
Veetia's tone carried a heavy apology, as if she wanted to apologize for approaching Amosta in this way. However, Amosta did not give her the chance to speak. He turned around and left directly, taking steady steps towards the stairs. His figure completely disappeared, and only then did a faint voice resonate from the dark opening:
"Let's change locations, Lady Klios, I don't want to fight someone here, especially not with a powerful sorcerer like you."
"I'm sorry, I don't understand. Could you please restate your question or request?"
The two of them moved away from the city's lights, heading eastward towards the outskirts of the wilderness. Veetia followed behind Amosta, and as they crossed a stone arch bridge over a small river, she noticed Amosta Brian stumble slightly in his step. He almost unconsciously glanced at the gentle flow of the water below but quickly composed himself, resuming his steady stride forward.
The two walked in silence for a long time until the path leading out of the city turned into a winding, overgrown trail. Amosta finally stopped. He had no idea where he had pulled out his wand, but he swung it abruptly, releasing a powerful expulsion spell that caused the animals hiding in the shadows to flee in panic from the land that might be cursed.
"Let's hear what you have to say, Lady Klios--"
With a brilliant blaze sweeping over Amosta's body, his short-sleeved T-shirt and jeans vanished, replaced by a somewhat worn-out navy-green wizard robe.
The bad mood was reflected on his face as a lazy smile.
"How did you figure out that Jinvei is Amosta Brian? I doubt that the heavy price you mentioned would be a bunch of gildars."
"It's bird augury, Mr. Brian."
In the desolate wilderness, the myriad stars and that bright moon suspended in the night sky are the only sources of light. Veetia, with her 'natural aura,' seems to blend seamlessly into the surroundings.
" divination?" Amosta looked absurd with a face full of disbelief.
"I remember I had cast some protective spells on myself. Those spells can prevent me from being located or being targeted by mysterious curses through some casting methods, Miss Klios, you're lying."
"Divination and sacrifice..."
Veetia is no longer the same indifferent expression. The drooping gaze reveals a hint of helplessness and agony.
"You are a powerful sorcerer, Mr. Brian. To uncover the true identity of 'Jinvei,' a respected elder gave up his life."
"That's truly touching."
Amosta let out a chuckle, but his eyes were incredibly malevolent.
"What on earth do you want, Lady Klios? If my mind is not confused, I remember that I have never had any grudges with the druidic sect. Why, the noble 'High Priestess' who bears the name of 'Klios,' should not hesitate to approach me in such a manner?"
"We need your help, Mr. Brian."
Veetia raised her head, staring at Amosta with eyes as pure and sparkling as starry-green, seemingly not noticing the cold aura surrounding him. She spoke with a sincere voice:
"Since you've heard of us, I'm sure you know about our grudges with the Church. Mr. Brian, for centuries, we've wandered through multiple countries in Europe and America, just hoping to find a place to survive peacefully. However, those priests who brandish faith as their name but commit sins have never ceased their relentless slaughter against us--"
"What does this have to do with me?"
Amosta continued to laugh coldly,
"You wouldn't want me to take you all to the Vatican and slaughter the Pope, would you?"
In that case, I know of someone formidable to recommend. Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, is an old fellow who's even more powerful than me. He's also in a high position and has a kind heart. I'm sure he would have mercy on your sorry state and might even be willing to help you."
Veetia obviously won't take Amosta's mocking words seriously. With the heavy historical responsibilities and a heart that remains undisturbed, she will not easily be swayed.
"We do not want our intense ideological conflict with the Church to involve any innocent people, Mr. Brian. For centuries, we have been defending our beliefs with our own strength, even surviving by sheer perseverance and never thought of seeking help from wizard power... but..."
Amosta had no interest in hearing this endless history, and he interrupted Veetia's words directly.
"Your purpose, and the reason why you found me, High Priestess. That's what I want to hear."
"We want to open Merlin's relic, Mr. Brian. It contains a legendary item that originally belonged to the druidic sect. With its power, perhaps we can have a place of peace where we can settle."
"Merlin's relic?"
Amosta squinted his eyes and asked in an uncertain tone,
"Are you referring to the underground world in Knockturn Alley, where Merlin built the Black Stone Tower?"
Just as Veetia was about to give a clear answer, Amosta suddenly furrowed his brow and thought of something.
"I've been given some hints. Someone told me that there was a group of unknown forces that appeared in the underground world during the first half of the year. They issued a request to explore magical relics... which fell through, and then they started inquiring about my identity..."
"Surely it's Mr. Kacus Fli who passed on that information to you--"
Veetia smiled slightly and said, "We only posted a job at his place, and we've noticed that he seems very interested in our origins."
This is a tough woman to deal with -- Amosta thought this in his mind, both in terms of strength and wisdom.
As the conversation continued, Amosta's anger was no longer as intense as before. However, he still had no fondness for the ruthless priestess who approached him without scruples. He was only frustrated to be entangled by someone like her.
"We are not sure what exists within that mysterious black tower in the underground world, but Merlin's final resting place is not there, Mr. Brian--"
Veetia raised her right hand, and the faintly light blue bracelet on her delicate wrist flashed with a brilliant glow, transforming into a staff formed by two thick vines intertwined. Amosta could clearly feel the powerful magic and vitality emanating from this oddly shaped staff.
Veetia lifted the staff and, with the void as her canvas, etched something into it. After a moment, a delicate white scroll unfurled in the air.
In the similar TV screen image, an old high priestess with eyes and hair the same color as Veetya was depicted. She was standing in a place that Amosta had never seen before, an original forest. The aged priestess stood on a gray and white altar, holding up Veetya's staff.
As the ancient and mysterious chant echoed through the forest, the deep green fluorescence of the tough and old trees around the altar bloomed, and dark mist rose from the ground. The faint lights and mists seemed to be drawn by something, rushing from all directions to the old priestess before her, coalescing into a vague light.
The outline of the shadowy figure gradually became clear, revealing a golden snake slithering through an untouched wilderness. The old priestess on the altar turned pale as a ghost, spat out blood, and fell to the ground unconscious.
After seeing that strange snake, Amosta's eyes revealed a sudden realization, finally understanding how he had been targeted...
Note: It should be mentioned particularly that the Church will not be depicted in any content of this book, and hp fanfics have some deviation on this point.
