As the saying goes, man's calculation is not as good as God's calculation.
Before even waiting for the next day, Stein's grandparents had to return that afternoon due to some emergencies on the other side of the ocean.
"Child take this and pay attention to safety at school."
Before leaving, grandma took out a jade pendant and placed it on Stein.
"And this..."
Grandpa handed Stein a thread-bound book, saying:
"This is the book you caught when you grabbed for your future during the 'Zhuazhou' ceremony. I found it among our things. Since you seem to have the talent for cultivation, this ancestral book might be extraordinary and could help you."
After a few hurried explanations, the two elders left. Stein couldn't help but wonder if the french side had mastered a version of apparition.
"Happy birthday to you~ Happy birthday to you~"
Just after midnight, his family sang "Happy Birthday" around a large cake, overflowing with fruits and cream. The cream balls on the cake clapped and danced, animated by a little spell from Grandpa. Stein closed his eyes to make a wish, thinking to himself:
Jesus Chris.bless me.
Although I don't know which of you allowed me to live this second life, surely you didn't bring me back just to have me die young again, right? I'm not asking for some extravagant power or special gift, just a peaceful life, please!
"Whoosh—"
Stein blew out all the candles in one breath, brimming with hope for survival.
"Alright, go to bed early. Tomorrow... or rather today, we're going to Diagon Alley."
Grandpa smiled mysteriously.
"You'll like it there."
"Okay, Grandpa."
Even though Stein already knew what Diagon Alley had in store, it would be a lie to say he wasn't curious to see it for himself. So, with a bit of anticipation, he nodded and went upstairs to his room.
"Phew... it's like a dream."
Back in his room, Stein realized just how much had happened in one day.
He had received his Hogwarts letter and found out his grandparents were both wizards—or maybe even Taoist priests. They hadn't fully explained, but magic was clearly involved.
After maintaining a state of excitement all day, the sudden relaxation left Stein feeling fatigued. He lay down on his bed, though he wasn't sleepy yet. His eyes fell on the book his grandpa had given him—the one from his childhood ceremony.
"Hiss—"
As soon as his fingers touched the book, a bright white light flooded his vision, forcing him to close his eyes and rub them.
His eyes watered from the strain, but there was no lasting pain. Stein sighed in relief. Going blind would've been a serious problem.
"Are you the contractor?"
The sudden voice made Stein freeze, and he quickly opened his eyes. The white light was gone, but no one was in the room.
"Who?"
"I'm here."
Stein glanced around but saw no one. He hesitated, then spoke aloud as if talking to himself:
"Is someone there?"
"Here! To your left! To your left..."
Stein looked down at the book now lying on his bed. The once plain, thread-bound book had transformed, and Stein's expression grew curious. The shape of the book was familiar.
If his memory was correct... didn't it look like the one from "Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle"? A cartoon he remembered fondly from childhood. Was this voice coming from...?
"Um, what contract are you talking about?"
"I am the spirit of the Sealed Book, the greatest magical tool in the world! Sign a contract with me, and I can make you a powerful magician!"
It *was* the Sealed Book!
"And the price?"
Stein lowered his voice, playing along.
"When I regain my full form, you'll have to offer me three sweets a day, brush my hair for an hour, and play with me for at least— Ouch!"
It sounded like someone had been smacked?
"Stop fooling around! You're ruining my image!"
Another voice, just as youthful but sharper, cut in. Stein frowned. This second voice didn't sound like Yue, the guardian spirit he was expecting. Wait, how had the Sealed Book from *Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle* appeared in the world of "Harry Potter"...?
"Ahem, sorry about that. Let me reintroduce myself."
The second voice regained its composure, and with a serious tone, continued:
"I am Spinel, and that fool you just heard is Kerberos. We are the guardian spirits of the Sealed Book and its contents, the Robert Cards."
Spinel? But wasn't Spinel associated with the moon and Eastern magic in *Tsubasa*? When did he change roles?
"Hello? Are you still there?"
"Huh? Oh, sorry. I got distracted by how strange all of this is."
Stein shook his head and stared at the Sealed Book in his hand.
"So, you're in this book, and I need to sign a contract to let you out?"
"Precisely. We are indeed inside, but the book will not recognize you as its master unless you sign the contract first."
Which meant if Stein didn't sign, the Robert Cards would escape, right?
"What exactly is the contract, and how do I sign?"
"The contract is simple," Spinel explained. "All the power of the Sealed Book and its cards will be at your disposal. In exchange, you must supply the magical energy needed for our existence and upkeep. Additionally, you cannot misuse the cards or us for evil purposes."
Spinel went on to explain the origin of the Robert Cards, which mirrored what Stein recalled from the anime—created by the great magician Robert, who combined Eastern and Western magical traditions.
"I see."
Stein nodded, wrapped the Sealed Book in his blanket, and stood up to leave.
"Wait! Where are you going?!"
"I need to ask my grandparents."
Stein looked back at the book.
"I need to make sure you're not an illusion designed to trick me into signing away my soul or life force."
It was a good thing Stein had been cautious. He hadn't touched the book directly since it revealed its true form, handling it only through the fabric of his sleeve.
"Why would you think that? Wait, they won't be able to see us! Only someone with real magical talent can perceive the true form of the Sealed Book!"
"Since Robert placed us on that shelf, no one has ever seen through the book's disguise. We cannot seek out a contractor ourselves due to our agreement with Robert. You're the first person to uncover our true form, and if you don't sign the contract, we'll fall into a deep sleep when our magic runs out. Who knows when we'll wake up again? Wuwuwu..."
Spinel began to whimper.
"I see."
Stein nodded...and then decisively walked downstairs.
"Grandpa! Grandma!"
(End of the chapter)
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