Chapter 20: Anya and Yezi

When Lucius was unexpectedly teleported away, his surroundings became dark and when he came to be, he was already in a different environment. He could tell by the higher and purer concentration of Energy in this place, aka Mana. Even though it was only for an instant, Lucius felt like he'd travelled an extremely long distance. 

After a minute to acclimatise to the new environment, it was only then that Lucius checked his surroundings. 

"Aaahhh!!!" he screamed. 

He never noticed that while he was busy with his own stuff, there were actually people not far from him who had been quietly standing there the whole time. They'd just studied him from the moment he appeared without uttering a single, their presence also hidden.

"Alright, you've seen enough. Now go back to work." a male elderly voice sounded from behind the onlookers and the onlookers immediately scattered like frightened rabbits. Only two people were left, a young girl about twelve years of age and an old man with both grey hair and beard. Both of them wore brown robes and exuded an air of superiority and aloofness, like immortals who had descended to the mortal world. While they were looking at him, Lucius was also looking at them. 

"Grandpa. Is he the one you were talking about? Although he's very strong, I don't see what's so special about him, except maybe… that part." said the young girl.

"Shut up you little pervert! You're so old but still crave the flesh of youngsters! That perverted useless son of mine really ruined me! A perverted granddaughter is much worse! Just what did I do to deserve this?!" said the old man while shedding a few tears. 

"Haha, an old ghost like you is still capable of shedding crocodile tears! Impressive! Grandpa, you're truly my role model!"

"You whore! Even dare to mock your grandpa! You have no respect for your elders, today if I don't teach you a lesson, my name will not be Yezi!" shouted the old man and started fighting the young girl.

Cough* Cough*

The two immediately stopped what they were doing when Lucius coughed slightly to get their attention. The two also knew when to stop and not show such inappropriate behavior in front of strangers. The old man who called himself Yezi cleared his throat and straightened his robes. 

"Apologies young lad that you had to see that. It's just that sometimes discipline is needed when dealing with unruly children. I'm Yezi by the way and this is my granddaughter Anya. Welcome to our humble establishment, Yezi and Anya, that's the name of our shop. Before we begin, how about we get you something to wear?" said Yezi. 

It was now that Lucius remembered that he was currently naked. It was also now that he understood what Anya was hinting at a while ago. He quickly placed his hands on his "sleeping snake" to cover it from public display. 

…

After being given some clothes, Lucius was taken to the back of the shop or whatever it was. The shelves were full of unknown stuff that Lucius concluded was for rituals and stuff, like the bones of an infant, the skull of a goblin, a hyena's tail or the weird smelling herbs and plants. Lucius was one hundred percent sure that this shop was for special customers. 

"I founded this shop a long long time ago. Then, I had named it Yezi Dark Arts and came across a lot of interesting people in my journey of growing my shop. I wanted my son to take over the shop once I was old but he refused. I could also see it in his eyes that he was completely not willing so I forced him to promise me that his first born child would take over my shop."

Yezi talked while they walked, reminiscing about the past and completely embarrassing Anya in front of Lucius. Anya had thick skin so these stories didn't faze her but brought back old memories. Even though Lucius enjoyed listening to the old man's voice that seemed to calm the mind, he knew his priorities and dealt with them first. 

"Old Yezi. I'm not really interested about your past, I just want to know where am I, how you know me and why you're keeping me here." he said respectfully. 

Yezi didn't seem to mind Lucius's impatient nature and just continued to talk about his experiences with his granddaughter. When talking about Anya, the old man looked genuinely happy.

"You must really have a good relationship with your granddaughter but why are you telling me all of this? It's not like I care."

…

What Lucius hadn't realised was that while Yezi was talking and he was listening, he'd taken many twists and turns and had been walking for quite some time. He hadn't realised that the shop wasn't as tiny as he thought but very big.

After walking for a while more, the group of three finally reached their destination. It was a small room with a bookshelf, a wooden table and chairs but they were made from special wood. An incense stick was being burned and its scent relaxed Lucius's nerves once he inhaled it. On top of the table was a transparent orb the size of an ostrich egg.

"Please sit. I'll now be answering all of your questions but before we start, there's something I'd like to discuss with you which may change your future forever. What do you think about becoming my disciple?"

…

"How do you know me? Have we met previously?" asked Lucius. 

"No we haven't. In fact, this is our first time meeting. We don't even know your name but we do know that you're not from here" answered Yezi. 

"How did you know I was going to appear here because you seemed to be expecting me judging by your earlier conversation."

"Of course we were expecting you. You see, me and Anya have a very special gift which I won't mention for now but it was through our gift that we knew about you and made adequate preparations."

"Why were you telling me stories about you and Anya? And are you going to let me leave if I don't want to stay here?"

"No reason. I just love telling others these stories and what makes it fun is that you all don't care. As for leaving, you may do so whenever you want but I don't recommend that right now."

"Where am I and why do you want to take me in as your disciple. Are you plotting something against me? Not that I really care"

"A simple answer to your question would be, you're in Fire City but of a higher level with better living conditions. As for an extensive answer, you wouldn't understand even if I told you so the only option you have is the library. As for the apprenticeship, I can see that you and I have some affinity, kindred spirits or people walking down the same path. What's the taste of a woman like?"

"Delicious." answered Lucius subconsciously. 

"Exactly my point. You and I think alike so why don't you become my disciple. I promise you that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity."

"I'll think about it."