Having completed all their tasks, the group exited the bank. Standing at the intersection not far from the Asmodeus Bank, Asmodeus asked the group, "Now that you have the money of our world, what do you wish to spend it on?"
Odin and Ancient one remained silent, content for now to simply explore the magical world. Thus, Tony and Natasha were the only ones intrigued by Asmodeus's offer.
Seeing that Asha was unsure of her plans, Tony was the first to ask Asmodeus, "I want to visit the bookstore and the materials store!"
"Ah, good choice. Materials for potions and alchemy... There's a shop with good prices and a wide selection not far on Omnis Street. But why the bookstore? You can use the libraries
of Hogwarts and Elysium whenever you want, and basic books can be copied."
"For my personal collection!"
"As you wish. Well, if no one objects, we'll head to the Omnis trading street, and I'll take you to the magical materials section."
The group was more than happy to comply. After some time, they found themselves on the liveliest street they had ever seen—more than just lively, it was extraordinary.
Giants, centaurs, goblins, mermaids, wizards, even annoying little fairies and garden gnomes were selling, shouting, and arguing with each other.
While they had seen most of these magical creatures before, it was the first time they witnessed such a gathering of both non-human and human beings.
Even Odin and Ancient were surprised. "How did you manage this? I mean, how do all these creatures coexist without showing any obvious aggression towards each other?" inquired Ancient with curiosity.
"What's so difficult about it? As long as you treat others differently, they'll behave like monsters, but when you understand these beings and start getting along with them, you realize that any of them can be a pleasant companion.
Take, for example, the Cornish Pixies. They were always disliked for being pranksters and enjoying mischief against wizards. But we found a use for their talents. Now they work in entertainment centers for daycare. We explained the limits of what they can and cannot do, and allowed everything else. Now they happily play the role of babysitters for children, amusing and entertaining both kids and parents. Although they don't speak human language very well yet, they're gradually learning. There was nothing complicated about it.
Mermaids, in turn, were perpetually dissatisfied with Muggles fishing in their territory and the pollution of the oceans. But now, with fishermen unable to go out to sea, we've established communication. Mermaids supply seafood and certain goods from the depths of the sea, and we invest in their development, building magic schools for mermaids. We even have a joint project to restore Atlantis!
Take these garden gnomes, unpleasant fellows. Before the wizard council, in the Ministry of Magic, classified them as "pests," not even considering them a fully-fledged magical creature, but even they found a purpose. They enjoy digging tunnels and loosening the soil, so why not give them what they want? Now, they assist in agriculture, hunting real pests, and many of them have joined in creating an underwater network for mermaids.
Centaurs initially resisted joining our society due to their pride. However, when they realized that beings with a certain level of intelligence, including them, are now qualified as "inhabitants of the magical world," they gradually agreed to some contacts with society. Now, they provide some divination services.
The most challenging were the giants... To put it mildly, they are foolish but highly aggressive. Yet, even with them, agreements can be reached after mana rings optimize their bodies. Instead of humans, dragons have become their delicacy. By the way, giants are now responsible for dragon breeding. They are sturdier, and working with dragons is less dangerous for them than for wizards. Not that humans have completely exited the business and handed it over to giants; no, humans are more involved in processing dragon materials, ensuring breeding standards, and so on. Giants are now herdsmen.
In short, we managed to find applications for almost all magical races in our world. The key is to understand them and allow them to engage in what they enjoy with certain limitations.
Unfortunately, both werewolves and vampires are still feared. However, we've created special institutions to help them. For instance, in blood banks for vampires, people donate blood on a charitable basis, and each vampire can receive a packet of blood for free once a day. Despite vampires having a less favorable reputation in the magical world, many Muggle girls and women are eager to have relationships with vampires. Vampires owe a lot to authors who wrote about love with vampires.
As for werewolves... There's no complete solution yet. Special institutions have been created for them, where they can wait out the night of their frenzy. Additionally, if a werewolf registers their data, they are provided with two vials of "wolf's bane" every month. This way, we aim to reintegrate werewolves into society and also try to explain to other creatures that werewolves are not so dangerous, only during the full moon..."
With Asmodeus's narration in the background, the group gradually approached the small shop. The shop stood out among its surroundings with its design. Originally, it should have been a similar cottage like the others, but now the building was wrapped in a tree, its canopy above the roof creating a pleasant cool zone near the store. The facade of the building was covered with moss and various vines descending from the roof. The disproportionately large door, almost two stories high, particularly stood out.
Above the store entrance hung a wooden sign with the inscription, "Akxus Alchemy and Potion Crafting Materials - Best Quality."
"This is the shop of my good friend. Let's go, and don't be surprised by its appearance."
"Ding, ding, ding."
The group entered the store and heard a very slow and rough voice.
"I'm coming, I'm coming. Give me some time."
While the shop owner was approaching, Tony examined the store.
It turned out to be much larger than it appeared from the outside. He already knew it was due to the influence of a space-stretching spell, but what caught his attention was the ceiling height. It was disproportionately high, even in the large space they were in. Roughly estimating, Tony thought the ceiling height was at least 20 meters, and that was just one floor!
Tony thought, 'Maybe the owner serves giants right in the store?'
Without paying much attention to the room's dimensions, Tony decided to inspect the interior, which clearly differed from what one would see in a regular shop.
_________________________________________
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
Patreon is 6 chapters ahead