Touching the stone at Asmodeus's request, Nicolas also saw the druids.
"Are these….. Horcruxes?"
"Another one! Damn, why is the second person in a row asking us about this pathetic magic?
Does everyone in your time use this miserable magic?" The old man shouted in clear dissatisfaction.
"They're not Horcruxes; in fact, they are whole souls, just confined in stone."
"Oh, interesting technique, though not practical."
"Hmm, we developed this magic together with other 7th-level wizards."
"What level are you talking about? Asmodeus, do you know what they mean?"
"Probably some system of strength assessment among wizards of their generation. Anyway, it doesn't matter. Nicolas, they want to make a transaction. You give them enough elixir, and in return, they'll give you all the knowledge about extending life and strengthening the body that they've accumulated. What do you think about this?"
"What amount of life elixir are we talking about?"
"How much life force is in one flask?"
"I don't know... one flask is enough for a week of life for me; let me show you, and you can assess for yourselves." Nicolas reached into his breast pocket, pulling out a flask, similar to those cowboys used, only containing life elixir instead of whiskey.
"You... what if you need more?"
"Hahaha, did you think this is all I carry? Don't worry, Asmodeus, I have a whole stash of 50-liter barrels of this stuff in my bag! I don't leave home without extra reserves for a rainy day. This flask is just convenient and quick to access," said Nicolas, seeing Asmodeus's concerned look, and handed the flask to one of the old men.
"The sound of inhaling air through nostrils."
"Very well, very well. Just splendid. I admit we underestimated you! You truly deserve the title of the greatest alchemist of the generation. Even in our time, this liquid is considered a treasure that could start a war! Five of these flasks would allow one of us to restore the body. So, we need 35 flasks. But I'm willing to exchange an additional 2 flasks for each person for our records on ancient alchemy! Although 5 flasks per person should be enough, pouring 7 might weaken us not as much as we expected... we'll be on par with you in strength..."
"Alright, now that you've agreed. I want to know if there's anything else you need?"
"Not for now, but we'll need staffs. Even though we'll become ents, we can temporarily take on a human form. And for using magic, we'll need staffs."
"Staff? Maybe modern magic wands would suit you?"
"No. We have already seen what you call a wand. Although it facilitates the application of magic, what you call the core of the wand somewhat alters Mana. For wizards of your generation, this is normal. But for us... it's critical. We just need assistance from a suitable tree. It's a pity that many types of trees have disappeared over these two and a half millennia."
"Hmm... a suitable tree... I know someone who can help you with that. I'll ask him about it."
"Excellent. When can we start?"
"I think the day after tomorrow at sunrise. I need to prepare the elixir. I don't want to dip into my reserves. I need a day to prepare enough."
"Alright. See you in two days then."
Having settled everything, Asmodeus and Nicolas returned to the Hog's Head Inn. Nico headed straight home, while Asmodeus went to Hogwarts.
Principal's Office
Flames flickered in the fireplace, and Asmodeus appeared. It was already deep into the night, but he didn't feel tired. The appearance of the druids meant the emergence of a new type of magic in the world, strengthening it. He was very pleased about it. Thanks to squibs becoming wizards, Asmodeus could now passively receive 75 points per day without doing anything. It wasn't a large sum, but as the world became stronger, so did Asmodeus. Lately, he had been thinking about why the system was strengthening this world and what severe damage it was referring to. He decided to have a thorough conversation with it after dealing with the druids. Brushing off the ash, he shouted,
"Hey!! Old man, wake up! We've got work to do!"
At his shout, the portraits on the walls instantly woke up and began grumbling, but he paid no attention to them. What did he care about the remnants of thoughts that had already left this world?
After a couple of minutes, Dumbledore descended from above, dressed in a polka-dotted pajama, rubbing his eyes.
"Asmodeus... it's 3 AM, what do you need? Please have some respect for the elderly... let's talk tomorrow."
"No time. Besides, Nicolas is working, and you're sleeping. He's the oldest among us, so why can he afford not to sleep, and you can't?"
"Because he wants to stay awake..... I want to sleep!" Dumbledore said, getting ready to usher Asmodeus out the door.
"Hey, hey, wait. Alright, don't be mad. I wouldn't have woken you up just like that. Come here, look," said Asmodeus, pulling a red thread of thoughts from his temple and inserting it into Dumbledore's Pensieve.
After half an hour.
"Okay, I understand that this is important, but what do you want from me?"
"Go to your lover and gather the strongest wizards to welcome the guests. Although I don't think they are enemies, it's better to be cautious."
"And what will you be doing in the meantime?"
"I? I'll go to sleep. A child's body needs rest!"
"You!!!"
"Alright, I'm joking. I wanted to contact Ollivander and gather potential future druids to introduce them to the old men. I have a few people in mind, including Newt."
"Okay, but if I find out that you went to sleep after waking me up! Believe it or not, I'll fight you to death!"
Dumbledore said and entered the fireplace.
Asmodeus wasn't far behind. He headed to the owl post office in Hogwarts to write a letter to Ollivander. Explaining the situation in the letter and handing it to an owl, Asmodeus returned to the director's office to use the fireplace.
"Hog's Head Inn!"
Exiting reception hall #1, Asmodeus headed to the registration desk.
"Mira, good evening. Where is Newt Scamander staying now? I know he's somewhere here, but I'm not sure in which room."
"Oh, Mr. Morningstar. Good evening. It's surprising to see you so late at night. Regarding Mr. Scamander... he's currently staying in room 14 with his wife."
"Eh, Tina is here too?"
"Yes, she arrived yesterday evening."
"So, it's undesirable for me to wake them up... Well, thanks. Have a good evening!"
Asmodeus said, bidding farewell. He didn't want to disturb the old folks from their rest. Except for Dumbledore, who was the laziest among the group. It seemed like after Voldemort's death, he lost the sense of threat and now spent whole days eating candy.
But Asmodeus didn't stop there. He returned to Hogwarts and headed to the Hufflepuff common room.
"Hel-ga-Hufflepuff," he knocked in rhythm on the huge barrel, and the doors opened.
_________________________________________
Please, support the author to ensure ongoing updates and to make the author's writing journey even more delightful. Visit http://patreon.com/The_last_airbenderlibrary