SWDnovel Chapter 156 Trading
Chapter 156 Trading
Chapter 156 Trading
Lynch didn't specify what kind of help it would be, but this vague promise was undoubtedly Lockhart's last lifeline at this moment.
Lockhart swallowed hard, and in an instant, countless thoughts battled fiercely in his mind:
Should I agree to his request?
But I have no idea what that damn spell is!
Just making one up?
No way—he's a director of the Stone Tower Merchant Guild, a powerful wizard with "some knowledge" of magical principles. Based on what I heard at Hogwarts, Lockhart would never believe that this is just a humble remark. He would easily see through my worst lie, and the consequences would be a hundred times worse than they are now!
Reject him?
That means the only chance to save me from this predicament has slipped through my fingers. I will have to return to that mocking castle, face ever-growing contempt, and watch helplessly as everything I have vanishes—”
His fingers unconsciously gripped the robe on his knees, crumpling the expensive fabric into a ball.
He could clearly hear his heart pounding wildly in his chest, and even doubted whether Lin Qi across from him could hear it too. Cold sweat seemed to be seeping from his forehead. He tried to control his facial muscles, trying not to show too much abnormality, but the smile had completely disappeared, leaving only an almost pale stiffness.
What to do? What to do?!
Despair overwhelmed him like icy lake water.
Lockhart finds himself in a complete dilemma: on one side is a bottomless trap from which there is no escape—admitting ignorance or being exposed for lying; on the other side is a slowly closing cage of despair that will trap him completely—allowing the Hogwarts teachers and students to spread rumors against him, ultimately ruining his reputation.
He closed his eyes briefly, and could almost hear the final, unbearable groans of the ropes woven from lies beneath his feet.
For the first time in over a decade, he realized with such clarity that his stolen glory had become the deadliest noose around his neck.
In the depths of this suffocating despair, a cold and cunning thought rose like a venomous snake—he had one last card, his tried-and-true ultimate solution.
Forgetfulness Spell!
This thought acted like a powerful tranquilizer, instantly calming most of his panic.
Yes, why should he be so conflicted at this moment?
No matter what is revealed, no matter what Lynch knows, once the semester ends and everything settles down, he only needs to find a suitable opportunity, just like he did with all the other real protagonists, to deliver a precise Oblivion Spell to this overly curious board member.
At that time, all the secrets, all the embarrassments, and all the potential threats will vanish with the altered memories.
Lynch will only remember one "pleasant" collaboration between them, while the details will be vague.
Thinking of this, a false sense of courage returned to his body.
He took a deep breath, struggling to loosen his trembling fingers from his robe, and tried to piece together an expression that was a mixture of solemnity and "honesty" on his face.
“You’re right, Professor Lynch,” his voice was still a little dry, but much smoother, even carrying a deliberately mysterious tone, “The ‘Wolf Enemy Curse’ and many of the extraordinary achievements I’ve documented in my book do indeed involve some—well—extremely hidden sources and ancient secrets. These were originally my personal treasures to take to my grave.”
He paused at just the right moment, as if he were going through a fierce internal struggle, before finally making a "major decision" with great difficulty.
“However,” he emphasized, leaning forward with utmost sincerity, “your wisdom and pursuit of the true meaning of magic have moved me. More importantly, I see immense potential for our collaboration! To express my sincerity, I am willing to share these clues with you!”
He waved his hand, as if dispelling the last trace of hesitation, and his tone became fervent: "Not just the 'Wolf Enemy Curse'! I can provide clues to powerful spells like 'Poisonous Sore Cleansing' which I used in 'Wandering with Ghouls' and 'Calming Melody' which I mentioned in 'Vacation with the She-Devil'—all of which I can offer to a truly discerning researcher like yourself!"
He spoke eloquently, like a philanthropist offering a priceless treasure, while inwardly basking in the glory of his "far-sightedness."
He reasoned that throwing out a few ancient place names or legendary figures whose authenticity was questionable and whose origins were vague would be enough to temporarily stall Lin Qi and secure the support he desperately needed.
By the end of the semester, all the troubles will disappear completely with a green light.
A perfect plan!
He almost cheered for his own genius-like quick wit, all his previous enthusiasm replaced by a morbid, arrogant sense of security.
He looked at Lynch with anticipation in his eyes, waiting for the other to respond to his "generosity," completely unaware that he was handing the other end of the noose to the other person.
Lynch listened quietly to Lockhart's impassioned speech, his kind and enigmatic expression remaining unchanged.
When Lockhart finally finished his theatrical and "generous" speech and looked at him expectantly, Lynch did not immediately respond.
He remained silent for a few seconds, as if carefully weighing the deal.
This brief silence made Lockhart's heart leap again.
After a moment, Lin Qi nodded slightly.
"An interesting proposal, Professor Lockhart." His voice was calm, revealing neither joy nor anger. "I accept the exchange."
I will provide appropriate 'support' for your Black Magic studies class when you need it.
Upon hearing the word "accept," Lockhart was almost overjoyed again, feeling that he had finally won back a point and was firmly on the path to revival.
However, before the smile on his lips could fully bloom, Lin Qi's next words were like a precise ice needle, instantly piercing the bubble that had just formed in his chest.
"However," Lynch changed the subject, his gaze still calmly fixed on Lockhart's face, as if he were just asking a perfectly natural little question, "I'm curious about something."
He leaned forward slightly, his tone carrying a pure, seemingly unmalicious inquiry:
"Since you are so proficient in these powerful spells and are willing to share clues about them with me, why not just demonstrate or teach me the 'Wolf Enemy Spell' or any other spell on the spot?"
His gaze was clear and direct, as if he were truly just driven by academic curiosity.
"After all, for a true master, reproducing one's most glorious achievements should be much easier and more direct than recalling vague clues, shouldn't it? It's far more efficient than us searching around based on some possibly incomplete clues."