"I believe, we should not simply abandon the Magic realm, someone needs to maintain the order of the world's dark side."
Bruce showed no signs of being convinced, he just looked at Master Andrew nonchalantly and said, "The Great Mage Alliance has decided to compromise with the devil. Your escape here proves that you are the minority, the Magic realm is theirs now, it does not concern us what it will become in the future."
"But, but...." Master Andrew became somewhat anxious, but he could not directly tell Bruce that he hoped to restore his honorable status in the Magic realm, rather than hiding here like a stray dog.
Though Andrew had told Jim, the Master of the Dark Night, that he was willing to become an apprentice again, he also knew that distant water does not put out a nearby fire. The Magic realm had already collapsed, how much longer would he need to start learning from scratch again?
Perhaps, for a long time in the future, he indeed needed to learn how to conserve magic through study, but now, he urgently needed someone to preserve the Magic realm, as well as his status in it.
But he also knew that Bruce had no need to help him. His teacher and he did not need the Magic realm, both of them held high positions in the ordinary people's society.
Shiller was a world-famous psychology master, who had recently published many articles and once again showcased his expertise in various academic conferences.
As for Bruce Wayne, it's needless to say. He was the richest man in the world, and magic might just be a small hobby of his. Without magic, he might live even better.
Master Andrew was looking at the decoration in this villa. He knew how high the property prices were in the Mayfair District of London. Even if he became a magician, he couldn't afford to buy a single brick here no matter how hard he worked for ten generations. Yet, Bruce Wayne owned a villa here with over thirty rooms and a huge swimming pool.
Master Andrew began to think rapidly. He must find something that could motivate Bruce Wayne. Only if Wayne was willing to use his massive resources and genius mind to save the Magic realm, could he return to the life of being the center of attention.
At that moment, a young red-haired apprentice with freckles tentatively approached. Just as Andrew was about to scold him, Bruce looked at him and asked, "What's up? Is there something wrong?"
"Uh, nothing, my name is Byron. I just wanted to ask, is it true what you said on the show "Millionaire"? That the person who finds the most black diamonds can get one million US dollars?"
The apprentice named Byron stared at Bruce with bright eyes, and Bruce nodded, saying, "Do you think the world's richest man can't afford to give out one million dollars?"
"What are you looking for?" asked Master Andrew curiously.
"Some black diamonds." Bruce shrugged. "My girlfriend is a jewelry enthusiast. A few years ago, on her birthday, I smashed a very rare black gemstone, turning it into black diamonds scattered all over the world."
"And this year marks our five-year anniversary of dating, I sponsored a reality show, inviting the contestants to collect a thousand black diamonds for me from all over the world. When the gemstone is restored, I will propose to her."
"Waouh, that's so romantic!" the young apprentice Byron exclaimed, but then he asked, "Only ordinary people can participate?"
"Of course not, do you want to participate too?"
"Uh, yes, I was about to make a contract with the devil when this happened. It seems I won't become a magician. I only studied magic to make money, so it's better to participate in the reality show."
Bruce looked him up and down, then pulled out a business card from his pocket and handed it to him, saying, "You can use this card to register at the BBC. Good luck."
"Thank you, thank you so much, Mr. Wayne, I'm off right now!"
At that moment, Bruce stood up and said to Master Andrew, "Master, I admire your integrity. All the books and research manuscripts my teacher and I have consulted are at the study upstairs. You and your apprentice are free to peruse them, but I must beg your pardon as I have pressing matters to attend to."
"Wait!" Master Andrew called out to him, adding, "Mr. Wayne, you mentioned that anyone can join the hunt for the black diamond. Therefore, if my apprentice and I found the most diamonds, could you do me a favor?"
Bruce, as though guessing his intentions, sighed and looked into the eyes of Master Andrew, saying, "Well, you'd have to bring me the black diamonds first. Considering your friendship with Professor Shearer, I could perhaps lend a hand in the revival of the magic realm."
Although Bruce's answer was not precise, Andrew knew that he couldn't expect a better one. Consequently, he stood up, put a hand on his shoulder in a semi-salute and said, "If the magic realm successfully survives this crisis, we shall not forget Wayne's generosity."
"You're welcome, master."
"I'm afraid he won't have the chance to help you revive the magic realm."
A voice echoed in the middle of the hall. Immediately, the bright lights in the mansion went off, and a pair of blood-red eyes shone in the dark.
"Andrew, you're clever, even thinking about asking Bruce Wayne for help."
Another female voice resonated from behind Master Andrew. He turned sharply and gritted his teeth as he shouted, "Blood Queen Mary!"
Mary revealed a mocking smile and said, "Ever since you were expelled from the Great Mage Alliance, I have been tracking your movements; I expected Lady Shangdu to help you contact Maya's old friends, but you actually intend to use the forces within human society against us."
Mary took a few steps forward, her eyes filled with malice as she glared at Andrew. "The War of Blood Descendants is the Blood Clan's act of vengeance against the magic world. You want to leverage Wayne's influence and involve human armies. Do you think I would give you the opportunity?"
"Thud!"
Master Andrew was flung across the room by the blood whip formed in Mary's hand, screaming in pain. He slowly slid down to the floor, covering his blood-soaked wounds and gasping for breath.
Bruce took a step back, his brows furrowed as he sternly said to Mary, "Who are you? Get out of my house!"
"Easy, Mister Wayne. Letting this fool Andrew in was your first mistake today. Learning from my great master is the only way to redeem yourself."
Bruce shifted his gaze to the blood-red eyes that appeared before him. The pale yet handsome Cain unfurled his massive bat wings with a swoosh, instantly shrouding the entire room in endless shadows.
"Greetings, Bruce Wayne. I smell a mighty aura within your blood," Cain said, staring at Bruce.
"I originally planned to turn you into a blood puppet, adding strength to my revenge. But the sweet scent your blood emits has made me change my mind."
Cain lightly licked his lips, his Adam's apple moving up and down as he said, "The ample energy within it is even comparable to that of a Demon King. I have never sensed such potent power in any human's blood before."
"Rejoice, humble human..." Cain slowly opened his giant bat wings, and with every step forward, Bruce moved a step back.
When Bruce was cornered and had nowhere to retreat, Cain reached out and grabbed Bruce around the neck with a look of hunger in his eyes.
"You'll be granted honour beyond a normal person's imagination – I will savour you, and then I shall personally embrace you."