After stepping into the shop, Augustus had a brief meeting with the clerk to evaluate the sales from the past few months. As expected, the results were as good as ever—perhaps even better.
The **Eternal Elixir**, one of his most famous creations, was essentially a money-printing machine. Its purpose was to restore a woman's face—or her entire physical appearance—to any younger age she desired.
The potion allowed older women to regain their youth, while younger women could preserve a specific age for longer periods. Beyond that, the elixir had a natural beautifying effect; using it was like having a permanent enhancement filter, reminiscent of the ones Augustus remembered from his previous life.
Of course, the potion had limitations. It could not extend anyone's lifespan. Its effects lasted only **six hours**, after which another dose was required. Excessive use could build resistance—though Augustus had also invented a secondary potion that erased such resistance completely.
Thanks to the monopoly on these two brews, plus the explosive success of **Nexus Duels**, Augustus had become undeniably wealthy in the magical world. Not because he craved fame or luxury, but because his research demanded tremendous resources.
After confirming that everything in the shop was in order, Augustus used a **Teleport Sigil** to transport himself directly to the office of **Professor Aurora Wynthorne**, Vice-Headmistress of the **Academy of Magic of Eldoria**. There, the woman in deep green robes awaited him.
"Professor Wynthorne, it has been a while," Augustus said with a calm smile. She, however, did not return it.
"Three years, to be precise, Mr. Breakspeare. No one has seen you in over three years. Were it not for the occasional letters you sent, many—including myself—would have assumed you vanished somewhere in the world."
"Professor, you should have more faith in me. Very few things pose a serious threat to my life."
"That is not the point, Augustus. You disappeared immediately after graduating. People were concerned."
Still wearing a polite smile, Augustus replied, "Well, I do have my reasons. First, I lost myself in research. Then… I stumbled into a bit of trouble."
"I am aware of how absorbed you become when studying magic. Even so, that is hardly an excuse. And as for your 'small trouble'… I doubt anything that could trouble *you* is small," Wynthorne said, gesturing for him to follow her toward the Headmaster's office.
Augustus spent the entire walk offering explanations and apologies. Finally, they stood before the ornate obsidian doors. After Wynthorne spoke the passphrase, Augustus nodded to her and stepped inside.
The first thing he noticed was a **sleek black cat** perched elegantly on a velvet cushion. He approached it immediately.
"So, Nyx… have you reconsidered my offer to leave this place and become my companion? I promise your life would be far more interesting."
The cat blinked lazily and twitched its tail. "Not interested," it seemed to say—with an indifference that did not surprise Augustus.
"A fascinating spell, is it not?" a gentle voice resonated across the chamber. "The Voice of Nature—magic that allows one to communicate with animals. Truly, one of your most remarkable creations."
"Headmaster Cavendish," Augustus greeted, turning to face the man in flowing silver-blue robes. "You look well."
"Thank you. Tea?"
"If you don't mind."
With a small wave of Cavendish's hand, a cup of steaming tea appeared on the armchair before Augustus. After a few quiet sips, the Headmaster studied him carefully, eyes deep behind slender crystalline spectacles.
"He's already reached that threshold," Cavendish thought. "Faster than Magnus, faster than Avelorn… faster than anyone before him."
Suppressing a weary sigh, he asked,
"So, Augustus Breakspeare… where have you been these past three years?"
Augustus took a sip of tea before replying,
"After my previous application to teach at Eldoria was rejected, I followed your advice. I traveled the world. I explored the Arcanum Cities of the Western Dominion, navigated the Spirit Jungles of Othor, studied the Sun Pyramids of Atkhar, even reached the secluded nations of the Jade Empire and the Northern Sovereignty. And I didn't limit myself to magical society—I studied the mundane side as well."
But Augustus was not telling the full truth.
He *had* traveled to all those places, but not for leisure.
No… he went to **steal knowledge**.
For the past three years, Augustus had become the most infamous, elusive thief across both magical and non-magical realms—leaving behind countless legends, some true, some exaggerated, all whispered with awe.
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