If he could learn goblin craftsmanship, he could improve the grade of his murals! Thus making Professor Quirrell's experience even more memorable.
Ethan's eyes lit up as he quickly walked before the old goblin. Bowing slightly, he said politely: "Hello, Mr. Grum Soll. May I take a bit of your time? I'd like to discuss with you the art of... creative expression and immersive experiences."
Grum stared at him blankly: "..." Well then, starting with a royal flush.
Grum narrowed his eyes, carefully examining this human boy with his clean and tidy appearance. His gaze lingered particularly on the callused right hand. His nostrils twitched, catching the scent of nuts and minerals, the familiar smell of paint.
Grum suddenly pulled out a cigar from his drawer, cut the tip, lit it, took a deep drag, and slowly exhaled. In the swirling smoke, he grinned with a malicious smile: "You know what? I absolutely, absolutely, absolutely will not leave the fortune my ancestors and I accumulated to a brat like you."
Hm? Why suddenly bring up inheritance? Was the desire on his face too obvious?
Ethan blinked, putting on a righteous expression: "How can vulgar gold be compared to great art? It seems your purity isn't sufficient, Mr. Soll."
Ethan shook his head as if speaking from experience.
Grum stared at him: "..." I just love art, I'm not insane.
For no particular reason, staring at Ethan's expression that seemed to regard money as dirt and completely uncaring, Grum felt a wave of frustration. As if what he treasured were nothing but boring stones to others.
But at the same time, Grum couldn't help but feel some admiration. Nowadays, there aren't many artists who love art this much.
Grum suddenly pulled off a ruby gold ring from his finger and tossed it to Ethan, snorting and turning his head: "Not worth much, no special effects. Mainly demonstrates goblin craftsmanship."
Ethan's breath caught. Looking at the heavy ruby ring in his palm, he looked up and said seriously: "Mr. Soll, you truly are imposing, talented, and devastatingly distinguished."
That wrinkled face seemed to radiate golden light.
"..." Grum took another heavy drag of his cigar, then beckoned to Ethan: "Brat, let me see your paintings."
Ever since that human official named "Amelia" had conveyed the name "Ethan Vincent" to him through his secretary, he had read through both the Daily Prophet and The Quibbler. He knew Ethan usually carried his paintings with him.
Of course, he didn't need to tell the brat about this. This meeting was also specifically to call this boy over. Of course! It definitely wasn't because he appreciated his talent!
Ethan obligingly pulled out his leather bag. The moment it opened, a powerful and dark aura immediately permeated the air. As if opening Pandora's box, mysterious energies were reaching out from within.
The old goblin's pupils contracted as he regarded it with solemn respect. And after looking through Ethan's paintings one by one, he fell into silence, puffing heavily on his cigar.
This is recognition of my art, right? Ethan thought, pressing his advantage and making his request: "Actually, I hope you could teach me sculpture arts, Mr. Soll. I want to recreate an ancient castle that, through magic, people could actually enter and explore."
Hearing this, the old goblin suddenly snapped back to attention, his body unconsciously shuddering. Glancing sideways at Ethan, he smiled nervously: "Ancient castle? What's fun about that? How boring."
Ethan replied enthusiastically: "There's a lot of potential. Like archers positioned by narrow bridges, invisible creatures around corners, doors that can't be opened from one side, winding three-hundred-sixty-degree pathways... and so on and so forth."
Meeting the old goblin's horrified expression, Ethan raised a cheerful smile: "There's so much creative potential, isn't there?"
The old goblin stared at him speechlessly: "..."
After several seconds of silence, the old goblin spoke hoarsely: "Does the person you want to invite to 'play' have a blood feud with you?"
Ethan tilted his head, smiling purely and innocently: "Haha, Mr. Soll, you're so funny. The other party is a professor who has given me great guidance."
The old goblin thought grimly: "..." Human, you're being a bit too extreme.
Unless the other party was a masochist, he didn't think any person... any "creature"... would enjoy this kind of "entertainment project."
He wisely changed the subject: "Humans can't learn goblin techniques. Besides, why should I teach y..."
The old goblin's voice grew quieter. He opened his mouth, his cigar dropping onto his body with a plop, burning his tie, but he paid no attention.
His widened eyes followed the ancient coin Ethan tossed casually in his hand, looking upward. Then...
"BANG!"
The old goblin jumped up, instinctively reaching out to grab the coin. However, he missed. He watched helplessly as it slipped through his fingers and was caught by Ethan with a snap.
"How much money do you want? Name your price," the old goblin panted heavily. "Ten thousand? Twenty thousand? Or a hundred thousand Galleons? I can give you any amount."
Undeniably, hearing these enormous and incalculable numbers, Ethan's breathing paused slightly. However, he knew there were things more important than money right now.
Ethan declared firmly: "I don't want a single penny, Mr. Soll."
Ethan raised his eyes; the old goblin's stunned face was reflected in his cobalt-blue gaze. "I seek only one thing: skill and knowledge. Teach me goblin sculpture arts, Mr. Soll. It's equivalent to one ancient coin."
As his words fell, Ethan saw a faint lamp light up in the old goblin's mind. A tenuous connection formed between them. Ethan was surprised to sense that this old goblin actually quite liked him.
Tsk tsk. Old tsundere.
On the other side, hearing these words, Grum's eyes widened as he forgot to breathe, only able to hear his heart beating in his chest. Thump thump! Thump thump!
How long had it been since he'd encountered such a pure human? In those clear eyes was only pursuit and desire for art. And someone like this, even if their artistic style was a bit unusual, how bad could they be?
What sinister ancient city... that was clearly a bright place filled with laughter and joy!
The old goblin touched his finger, his heart stirring, wanting to toss Ethan another "insignificant" ring. However, what he touched was the ring representing the Soll family.
"Fine, I agree," the old goblin lowered his hand and sat back down, his eyes staring directly at that rare ancient coin: "But I'll say this upfront... if you can't learn, that's your own problem. I won't give you a refund."
"Haha, then I'll have to trouble you to teach me carefully, teacher."
Ethan's lips curved upward. He handed over the ancient coin, which the old goblin snatched away. Grum lovingly caressed the mysterious ancient patterns on it.
For goblins, this ancient coin had an attraction that could make one abandon everything. Hmph, this boy was truly cunning. Without saying a word, he'd already become his successor.
Whatever, he'd originally planned to take in a student and slowly pass on his skills anyway. After spending about ten to eight years, he could probably get them started.
Christmas vacation ended.
The old goblin slumped in his chair, hair disheveled, cheeks sunken, eyes vacant, croaking: "Merlin's beard, I... I have nothing left to teach you..."
Ethan smiled as he stood before the old goblin, his wrist aching from days of high-intensity crafting. However, all the effort was worth it.
In his hand, an intricate and complex model flickered with beautiful radiance.
Sen Castle Model
A miniature place of wonder, an indispensable prototype for creating large murals
Through arduous and excellent study and practice, you have mastered "Goblin Sculpture Techniques"
You have gained the trait "Well-Read"
Current Well-Read trait can be synthesized into a new skill
Knowledge skill upgraded!
Budding Knowledge Lv1 becomes Distinguished Knowledge Lv2
Your mind is as clear as a mirror's surface, where all things are clearly discernible, even those that people prefer to ignore
Your understanding of knowledge is faster and more thorough
Your reaction speed has increased
Now, before opponents cast spells, you can sense their magical fluctuations and construction, allowing you to predict what magic they're preparing
You have learned new knowledge: Quick Casting
Under non-silent casting conditions, you will cast common spells faster than others, gaining the initiative
Like being immersed in a clear spring, Ethan felt his mind becoming clearer. His magical circuits also became more distinct. To make an analogy, it was like going from a complex maze to a single-threaded pathway.
"Scourgify."
Ethan's lips moved quickly, spitting out the spell as he waved his wand. The room's disorder was restored to neat order in the blink of an eye.
Knowledge skill upgrade! Simply too powerful!
Not only was casting speed increased, but he could actually predict opponents' spells. When Ethan focused his gaze, he could see magical particles flowing faintly in the air.
Now, Ethan was certain he had become a dueling expert. Even if two Viktor Krums came at him, he wouldn't be afraid.
No wait, a friendly and peaceful young wizard like himself shouldn't need such skills.
Having gained so much, Ethan cheerfully said to the drained old goblin: "Well then, I'll take my leave, Mr. Soll."
Seeing Ethan bow and prepare to leave, Grum immediately perked up, demanding: "Where are you going? Aren't you staying here to continue honing your craft?"
Ethan scratched his head, saying embarrassedly: "Well... thank you for wanting me to stay, but I still need to attend Hogwarts."
Grum stared at him: "..." This period had been too intense... he'd forgotten Ethan was still a student.
Bah, this brat still needed school? What for! A prodigy like this didn't need formal education.
Grum stared at Ethan, pressing his lips together, unconsciously turning the family ring on his hand.
No, he couldn't just hand over his fortune like this. No matter how satisfied he was, it wouldn't work. If this brat asked for it, that would only prove his mind wasn't mature yet.
However, as if seeing through his thoughts, even as Ethan turned to leave, he never mentioned anything about inheritance. This made Grum even more appreciative and admiring.
To regard money as secondary like this... what a noble and pure child Ethan was...
After thinking for a moment, Grum called his secretary and instructed: "Go give Ethan one of my special business cards... the kind that displays the Soll family's wealth and prestige."
The secretary was somewhat surprised but still agreed: "Yes, Mr. Soll."
She thought to herself: After so many years, a card representing the Soll family was finally being given out...
Grum grinned, bit down on a cigar, and smiled with satisfaction: "Even though goblins no longer have the status they once did and glory has faded, the respect and influence that wealth brings will never change."
"Hmph, those 'pure-blood nobles' among human wizards should understand this best."