Chapter 3
As Krystian approached Gargamel's house with a sense of joy, he noticed that the blue blood that had dripped from the stick onto his right hand began to fade away, gradually being absorbed by his skin.
(Krystian) - Nice feeling. Like using a moisturizer.
He remarked, shifting the stick to his left hand and observing the effect of the disappearing blood on his right hand. It turned out that the Smurfs' blood had left his skin noticeably softer and created a pleasant sensation in his right hand.
Gargamel's house stood out prominently amidst the fairy-tale ambiance, undeterred even by the carnage that had befallen the Smurf village. Although the village itself was now reduced to rubble, Gargamel's abode retained its distinctiveness.
A peculiar phenomenon was that the house lay on the other side of a river, with only a single bridge providing access to Gargamel's land. The river seemed to encircle the entire property, and the bridge itself was sturdy, constructed from hardwood. Curiously, Krystian spotted crocodiles in the river, which added to the uniqueness of the scene.
However, what caught his attention most was the sky above Gargamel's house, which was always shrouded in darkness. Even during the day, the sky seemed cloudless, revealing a star-filled expanse. Krystian speculated that this was the result of Gargamel's magic, perhaps necessitating night work or simply due to Gargamel's preference for the absence of sunlight.
The structure of Gargamel's house itself resembled a miniature castle, with one tower and a section that appeared like a letter "L" lying on the ground, with the longer section forming the tower and two additional floors.
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The building itself was constructed from sturdy stone bricks, emitting dark smoke from its chimney. The sounds of activity emanated from within, including the chopping of ingredients and the boiling of water, indicating that Gargamel was busy with his culinary endeavors.
(Krystian) - I feel a bit underdressed to meet my childhood idol. Hahaha... Well, I'll figure something out.
He muttered to himself, contemplating a solution as he approached the wooden door. Krystian raised the metal knocker and tapped it against the door three times, announcing his presence.
Gargamel had a somewhat peculiar appearance. He donned a black one-piece monk's suit with a gray patch on his stomach. His face, despite being partially bald at the center while sporting a thick, unkempt mane of black hair on the sides, seemed well-groomed. Krystian assumed that Gargamel had adopted a monk-like approach to his haircut, as it was unusual to have such even baldness along with wild hair on the sides.
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When Gargamel opened the door, he was taken aback to find a naked young man of approximately 23 years old standing before him. He shielded his eyes and recoiled slightly, speaking in a rather strange voice.
(Gargamel) - Uhh... Boy, why are you naked... and... is that... this?
Gargamel momentarily forgot about Krystian's nudity as his attention fixated on the "stick" on which the impaled Smurfs were mounted. Acting on impulse, Gargamel attempted to grab the stick from Krystian's hand, but Krystian instinctively pulled back, refusing to relinquish it. With a serious expression and thoughtful deliberation, Krystian spoke.
(Krystian) - I have been assigned a mission to "Exterminate and deliver Smurf corpses" to a wizard named Gargamel, who is said to reside at this address. Are you the one?
Krystian's tone was unexpectedly formal, considering his current lack of attire. This caught Gargamel off guard, prompting him to stroke his own beard as he pondered the situation.
(Gargamel) - I don't recall issuing such a bounty, young Bounty Hunter. And why are you naked?
(Krystian) - The request came from an anonymous source, which is not uncommon in our agency. As for my nudity, let's just say it was a preparation oversight. The protective spell against Smurf magic wasn't properly cast, which I will have to report. And my clothes fell victim to an encounter with a Smurf wearing a red hat.
(Gargamel) - Papa Smurf...
(Krystian) - Yes, that's possible. He ruined my clothes. However, I had a job to do, so here I am. Now, let's discuss the matter of compensation.
Gargamel's mood seemed to brighten, and he let out a specific laugh as he rummaged through one of his pockets in search of a pouch. However, before he could retrieve a coin, Krystian had an idea and swiftly placed his hand over Gargamel's hand, surprising the wizard who carefully observed his facial expressions.
(Krystian) - When it comes to the reward, our agency operates differently from the most renowned ones.
(Gargamel) - What do you mean?
(Krystian) - The Code is clear about the reward for even the smallest task. "Knowledge" holds more value than gold. And when knowledge falls short, then gold can serve as compensation.
(Gargamel) - So you seek practical knowledge instead of gold?
At Gargamel's last words, Krystian chuckled and replied with a smile.
(Krystian) - Well, why don't you give me some money so I can buy myself proper clothing? Walking into town naked is equivalent to being thrown into a dungeon for an extended period.
Gargamel smiled, finding amusement in Krystian's request, and retreated back into the building, speaking hurriedly.
(Gargamel) - Very well. But to what extent of knowledge, according to Merlin's classification, would you be interested?
(Krystian) - According to the classification bestowed upon me by my "Senior," I cannot accept anything impractical. So something in the realm of basics would suffice.
Sounds of books being flipped and dropped echoed from inside the building. Amidst these sounds, Krystian caught the iconic phrase that brought a smile to his face.
(Gargamel) - -Claqueur!! Don't trip over your own feet. I'm searching for something.
After a while, Gargamel returned to the doorway, holding a moderately thick book with a dark leather cover. He handed it to Krystian.
(Gargamel) - This is the Book of my youth when I began my training with the Great Sorcerer 40 years ago. It serves as an introduction to amplifying magical power. This knowledge forms the pure foundation, as without proper magical power, one cannot successfully cast spells. These methods of cultivating magical power should prove helpful to you in the future.
Krystian had initially expected something different, perhaps a book of spells. However, upon reflection, he accepted the reward with a smile. He realized that his knowledge of magic was limited to what he had seen in movies and other media. He had no practical understanding of how to use or develop magical abilities. Therefore, these basics were an invaluable treasure. Besides, even if he had a book of spells, he couldn't simply magically transfer the knowledge into his mind. Learning spells would pose a challenge.
(Gargamel) - As for your new clothes, I recommend visiting the traveling carriage stationed north of the city. One gold coin should be sufficient to purchase a set of clothes. Mention my name to the old merchant, and she will cast a protective spell on the clothes for you.
Krystian was pleased with the reward he had received. He handed the stick with the impaled Smurfs to Gargamel, whose eyes lit up at the sight of the captured creatures. When Krystian signaled the conclusion of their contract and bid farewell, Gargamel eagerly extended his hand and shook Krystian's.
(Gargamel) - This is truly a godsend. Please convey my gratitude to your superiors, especially to you, young man. However, I must excuse myself now and start working on a cure. I have waited far too long, and my free will is fading rapidly.
(Krystian) - I understand completely. It's time for me to return as well. I still need to find that traveling carriage you mentioned. Good luck with your endeavors. Perhaps our paths will cross again someday, Sorcerer.
Krystian said, gripping the Book tightly in his right hand and holding the gold coin in his left. He started making his way back toward the Smurf village, aiming to explore before departing this world. However, just before he crossed the bridge, he heard Gargamel's voice.
(Gargamel) - What is your name, Young Bounty Hunter?
Krystian turned to look at Gargamel, who seemed to take a step back upon meeting his gaze. Before continuing on his journey, Krystian uttered a single word.
(Krystian) - Corvus. (Crow in Latin)