Chapter 825 - 826

Evan and the group found themselves on a bustling street in Egypt, a business district quite different from Diagon Alley. The shops were small houses constructed with yellow rock and brick, each adorned with a green tent outside where shopkeepers displayed their wares. The streets were filled with people haggling and shouting as they hawked their goods.

The items for sale were somewhat similar to those found in Diagon Alley, but there were also many unique and exotic items from Africa. Evan even spotted a few cursed items from the African region, some of which he couldn't identify but radiated strong magical power.

"In Egypt, the regulation of weapons and dark magical items isn't as strict as in Europe. There's a strong presence of witchcraft from the African region," Bill explained. "Of course, anything too evil or overly powerful can't be found here."

"It's truly fascinating magic," Evan commented as he admired a shop with a giant pharaoh statue outside.

Egypt was a melting pot of magical influences, with a combination of indigenous African magic, ancient Egyptian magical civilization, and elements from the Arab world and Europe. The result was a unique and impressive system of magic. Evan felt that even a month spent here wouldn't be enough to fully explore its wonders.

Eventually, under Bill's recommendation, Fleur, Hermione, and Gabrielle each purchased a highly effective scarab amulet charm, said to be made of talc and covered in an emerald-colored glaze. It had a mysterious and enticing appearance.

Hermione and Gabrielle also bought spices and candies to bring back as gifts for their friends.

Evan, on the other hand, ventured into a dark and gloomy shop and bought a voodoo doll, a block of wood soaked in voodoo bone, which he intended to study. He also tried to convince the shopkeeper to sell him a mummy wrapped in tightly wound cloth and hemp rope, but it was too large to carry. The voodoo aura on the bone he purchased was even stronger than that on his hand.

Witchcraft and voodoo were considered special branches of magic, closer to natural and primitive forms of magic. They required a medium through which magic could be channeled, often in the form of voodoo dolls. These dolls could take various forms, such as the bone Evan had purchased, representing a more primitive type.

The materials used to create voodoo dolls varied depending on their purpose, including animal bones, straw, metal, stone, or even the skins of other beings or magical creatures. Voodoo and witchcraft were often considered dark magic by most wizards, with their mysterious and ritualistic nature.

"We've arrived at Gringotts," Bill announced, pointing to a snow-white building that resembled the one in Diagon Alley. "Come, I'll help you register as explorers. It'll make it easier for you to visit other ancient sites."

Hermione and Gabrielle were curious about what explorers were, and Evan's attention was drawn to the imposing bronze doors of Gringotts.

Above the entrance were cautionary inscriptions, written in Egyptian style, warning against entering with impure intentions. It threatened consequences similar to the Grim Reaper clutching a bird's neck.

"Gringotts has branches all over the world, but Egypt is a key area, and Goblins have significant influence here," Bill explained as he led them through the grand marble main hall.

Just like Gringotts in Diagon Alley, there were about 110 Goblins sitting on high stools behind a long counter. Some were counting coins on copper scales, while others were examining gems through eyepieces and recording transactions in large account books.

In an adjacent hall, many Goblins and wizards were busy cataloging piles of ancient relics. Among them, a tall Goblin wearing black Western-style clothing seemed to be in charge. He had more wrinkles on his face and graying hair compared to the others. He was barking orders and berating those who were too slow to respond.

"These are relics recently unearthed from archaeological sites. They're being cataloged here," Bill explained.

"Who is that Goblin?" Hermione asked, noticing his rude behavior.

"That's Zuosey, one of the heads of Egyptian Gringotts. He's one of the best Curse-Breakers, the most experienced adventurer, and he's led many excavations of ancient sites," Bill said in a low voice. "Naturally, his demeanor isn't the best, and there are plenty of rumors about him."

"Sorry, please excuse me!" Evan turned to see a girl approaching with a stack of blueprints. She appeared to be around 16 or 17 years old, with skin the color of milk chocolate. Her long, black hair was tied back with a leather cord, and her features were remarkably straight. Her eyes had a slight upward slant, reminiscent of a leopard's gaze. Her nose was well-defined, and her small, cherry-colored lips gave her a youthful appearance. She exuded vitality and energy.

In terms of appearance, she was quite attractive. Evan's eyes were drawn to her accessories. She wore a necklace adorned with white bone or tooth pendants around her neck and a bracelet on her wrist. She also carried a wooden figurine tied to her waist and had a knife and wand in leather scabbards.

Suddenly, Evan became interested in her. These accessories were not mere decorations; they were undoubtedly used for practicing witchcraft. Their magical power surpassed anything he had seen in the shops outside.

"Hello, Laurie!" Bill greeted her, stepping aside to let her pass. "Are you so enthusiastic about work today?"

"Hello, Mr. Weasley. Aren't you on leave today?" Laurie stopped and recognized Bill.

"Yes, I'm here with my friends to visit Gringotts," Bill replied, introducing Evan, Hermione, Fleur, and Gabrielle. "This is Laurie, a Curse-Breaker at Gringotts who just joined this year. She's a student at the Egyptian magical school, Carnac."

"Nice to meet you all. I..." Laurie began to speak but was interrupted by loud shouts from the Goblins in the adjacent hall. She sighed and continued, "I've got the blueprints that Mr. Zuosey requested."

ChatGPT

Evan couldn't help but be intrigued by Laurie's magical abilities. Bill explained that in Africa, witchcraft was a common form of magic, different from the dark magic they were familiar with. Laurie seemed like a talented witch in this regard, and that's why she had been chosen by Zuosey, the Goblin who appeared fearsome.

"In Africa, witchcraft is very common magic, and it's not as mystical or evil as some might think," Bill elaborated. "In fact, witchcraft's magical effects are similar to what we're familiar with, but the execution is different, more complex and secretive."

However, Bill warned them to steer clear of Zuosey, who had a bad reputation. He explained that in the ancient ruins, there were sometimes curses that required blood, life, or even a soul to be offered to unlock their secrets. While most teams would give up on these curses, Zuosey's team frequently encountered them and often had missing members.

"Good heavens, Bill, you don't mean..." everyone was surprised and concerned about Bill's implication.

Bill's words strongly hinted that these missing members might have been used as sacrifices to fulfill the curses. It was a chilling thought, especially since they had just seen that Goblin in charge of the excavation.

Nonetheless, Bill assured them that Laurie was not in great danger. She was a sixth-year student at the Egyptian magical school, Carnac, and would only be with Zuosey's excavation team for the next two months as part of her summer training. Bill had heard that they were heading to the Sun ruins for their next excavation, which were associated with Ramesses II and were unlikely to contain life-threatening curses.

"Wasn't it you who mentioned the vestige left by Pharaoh Ramesses II yesterday?" Evan asked.

"Yes, according to Ramesses II's style, he wouldn't leave curses that required human life to unlock in the ruins," Bill continued. "Such curses were more common in earlier dynasties, like the Scorpion King..."

"That's not entirely accurate, Mr. Weasley!" a sharp voice came from behind them. It was Zuosey, the fearsome Goblin. "The desert scorpion is fond of blood, and we need to appease them with blood offerings. Only the curses associated with Isis and Nephthys require human blood, as other creatures' blood doesn't work."

Evan turned to face Zuosey and asked, "What do these curses require?"

"If you've visited a museum, you'd know that mummies are often placed in four stone jars containing their organs," Zuosey explained. "These jars correspond to the four sons of Horus and represent royal power. The head jar contains the liver, the baboon jar holds the lungs, the wolf jar contains the stomach, and the hawk jar carries the intestines."

Zuosey's mouth revealed sharp teeth as he continued, "It's clear that ancient Egyptian gods were quite explicit about what they required. By following their wishes, we can unlock these top-tier curses and reveal the treasures of the pharaohs."

"That's quite informative," Bill said sarcastically, stepping forward to shield Evan. "It seems you know exactly what these curses require. You always seem to know what they need."

"This is the simplest method, Mr. Weasley. We need to prioritize efficiency," Zuosey responded, his dangerous gaze fixed on Evan.

"You are Evan Mason, the one who applied to study the Emerald Tablet, aren't you?" Zuosey asked.

"Yes, I am," Evan replied.

"I've heard that you've been studying alchemy with Nicolas Flamel. You must have some knowledge in that field," Zuosey said, ignoring Bill's presence. "No need to hide it. During the excavation in the Sun ruins, my team has encountered a minor issue that requires alchemical expertise."

Evan understood why Zuosey had sought him out. The Goblin wanted him to help solve a so-called "minor issue." Alchemy was rare, and most wizards had only a basic understanding, while Evan had inherited extensive knowledge.

"I'm sorry, but I don't have the time..." Evan began.

"Don't be hasty, Mr. Mason," Zuosey interrupted with a sinister smile. "Without my help, you'll never get to see the Emerald Tablet. Help my excavation team solve this problem, and I'll let you see it now. Consider it part of the treasures we'll find in the Sun ruins."

Evan felt like he had little choice in the matter. He had to help Zuosey with his excavation team to gain access to the Emerald Tablet.

"This is a matter of mutual benefit, not coercion, Mr. Mason," Zuosey said, smiling unpleasantly. "I'll be staying in the area for a few days. If you decide to join my excavation team, you can find me at any time."