Six hours later, a wolf-like figure was at the same location, sniffing.
His companion asked whether he had found anything.
"No residue of magic."
The other agreed, but the scent was weak.
One of them suggested asking the shop employee whether the description matched. The other refused. They had to remain discreet. The Alpha had sent only two of them, and he did not want a scandal, and he did not want an investigation.
That very night, in a parking lot full of strange purple residue, a wolf deduced it. The target had been here, driving a pickup truck. He suggested getting security camera footage checked through their old mundane contacts. The other said an opinion should be taken first.
In a room full of advanced technological equipment, a mysterious girl was sucking on a lollipop. Clearly, hacking was her specialty.
Meanwhile, Callum reached a new location in his red pickup.
Thinking about the books, it had mostly been a waste of time. But there were one or two useful things. The readings revealed that the ceramic plate found in the vampire nest was a wizards' focus. It simplified the casting process for complex spells.
He could not find a way to make one or buy one anywhere. But I won't give up. There'll be a book somewhere.
Then he remembered that old man who had not even given him his change. The anger was still there.
Day after day. Callum on a sunny commercial street, reflecting on everything.
Vampires, shapeshifters, wizards. He had met them all already. He also saw a fae shop that sold crystals and herbs. There was no interest in that.
But one thing was bothering him. He had not found another dragon child anywhere. Mr. Shah — was that a rare species? He hoped the man had gotten out of that situation, but life had moved so fast that there had been no time to look into it. That kind of story never comes into the news. Because of the dragon fire, the media does not cover it.
Then a bookstore looked promising immediately.
Callum opened the door with a carefree air and was immediately hit by powerful blue energy. The entire shop was saturated with magic.
The energy was radiating off a young woman who was browsing the books. Strong blue aura. Who is this? She looked like an ordinary college student.
But then he realised there were two more magical signatures in the store. An elderly couple sitting nearby. Mages too.
Callum worked himself up. Nobody knows I'm a rebel.
Just then the old woman noticed him. She looked directly at him. Callum became nervous. Why are you staring?
But she simply smiled and waved.
Callum breathed a sigh of relief. She's just friendly. He turned his attention to the magical section.
It felt better than the last store. But some of the books were familiar. The options might have been limited.
Then that powerful girl whispered something while reading a book. A moment later she chuckled. She was not understanding some of it. The book was Arcane Defences.
Callum could not resist. "I don't know who its target audience is. But half the words look made up."
The girl laughed. "I thought I was the only one with the problem. I spent a complete day reading this damn book."
Callum sympathised. He wanted to help. But he had realised while searching that books for beginner wizards did not exist.
He asked, "Are you an apprentice?"
She said it was something like that. Then she asked, "Are you an apprentice too?"
The girl explained. "Actually, I'm trying to skip the apprentice phase. I want an archmage for a tutor. I don't like the other way."
Callum said, "I thought an archmage might want an associate himself. So this is something important."
He asked, "How are you going to skip the apprenticeship?"
She explained that she had to complete a project on her own. "It's a little easier for healers. But you still need basic things. Shields, that kind of thing."
Callum found that interesting. He introduced himself. "Professor Denver Brown. Pleasure."
The girl was surprised. "Professor?" Then she told him her name. Gail Hargrave.
Callum made a suggestion. "If you have the time, could we collaborate?"
Gail agreed. It was time. "Healers. Nobody counts us anyway."
A little later the two of them were sitting together in the library.
Callum was analysing a book. From Gail's list he had to learn the whole set of them — focuses, telekinesis, charms and enchantments.
Callum nudged her. "Makes sense."
Gail looked tired.
Callum suggested, "Add attack spells to it too."
Gail was confused. "My power is healing damage. Not causing it."
Callum clarified. "It all depends on how you apply the power. Have you been to medical school?"
Gail explained. There had been a magical education. Not mundane — she did not go to college. Her parents had put her in the best school. "A bit outdated, but all the important families send their children there."
Callum realised what that meant. So there's a nepo baby. He skipped the attack topic for now.
But Gail said that in her spare time she conducted attack spells and did neurochemical research. She admitted it. "I don't know that much about healing magic, honestly. But if you focus and amplify one thing, then everything else gets affected in balance."
Gail's eyes lit up. "That would be incredibly useful."
Callum felt good about it. At least some help had been provided.
It was getting late. He closed the book. "That's it for today."
Gail placed her hand on his hand. "See you next Friday. That was a lot of help."
Callum was a little nervous. "I'll see you."
The next day Callum was driving the pickup hard.
Lucky to have found a young mage. On the pretext of helping her, I can study all kinds of different topics.
He was also honest with himself in his own mind. Anyway, Gail is nice.
He decided. I have to check another store for what Gail needs.
Some time later he was standing at a counter with two books in his hands.
A woman with a magical aura greeted him. Callum noticed it. Looks like a shapeshifter.
He simply said, "Yes. Basic reading for students."
The woman put the items in the bag. Then she looked at him with suspicious eyes. "Really. Just what you needed and nothing else."
Callum froze for a moment.
Then he casually confirmed it. "Yes."
The woman said, "There are more on the shelves behind, if you want to see them."
Callum laughed. "Actually, I'm late for an appointment."
The woman smiled. "I understand completely. Good day."
Callum turned and walked away.
Outside, he thought: that woman knew something. I have to get out of here.
Spending the extra time was a mistake. Gail's help may be costly. Got to be quick.
That was when he noticed it. In one of the books, a small piece of paper was hidden.
He carefully took it out and saw that it was a note. Written on it was Alpha Chester's name, a phone number, and a request.
Make a call.