They walked into the shop’s inner section together.

Just as they’d expected, the Magic Wands here were far more powerful than the ones outside. Each one was a work of art.

Furthermore, these Magic Wands didn’t even have price tags, a clear sign they were luxury items whose prices were understood without being stated.

Zelir’s heart skipped a beat. ’What if I accidentally pick a wand that costs several hundred Gold Coins? If Bev can’t afford it, things will get incredibly awkward.’

"Go on, try them out," Bev urged.

Zelir looked over the selection, then picked up a Magic Wand that was a fiery red all over.

The shaft was carved with intricate Rune Circuits. The moment he gripped it, an immense, searing heat flowed from it, like recently solidified volcanic rock.

"This Magic Wand is called the ’Heart of Flame.’ Its Base Material is Molten Fire Wood from deep within a volcano, and the Wand Core is a Crystal Stone fused from three Fire Salamander Cores,"

the old woman explained in a gentle voice.

"The Heart of Flame significantly amplifies Fire Element Magic. When casting Fire Magic, it also has a chance to trigger the special ’Flame Splash’ effect, which is very useful against groups of enemies."

’Purely for the Elemental Magic System, huh...’ Zelir nodded.

’Plus, with the Flame Splash effect, it’ll be an incredible sight when I cast my Flame Breath Skill in the future.’

However, Zelir didn’t make a decision right away. He continued to browse, picking up another Magic Wand with even more complex Rune Circuits on its shaft.

"This Magic Wand was crafted specifically for Mages of the Arcane Magic System. Its shaft has been tempered multiple times with Magic Power, offering excellent fluidity, and its Wand Core is a single piece of pure, condensed Crystal,"

The old woman continued her explanation, "It greatly enhances the stability and destructive power of Arcane Magic, making it very suitable for a Combat Mage."

’An Arcane Magic wand... It would boost my Arcane Missiles, then.’

Zelir went on to try several more. They were all powerful, each with its own unique advantages.

But Zelir always felt like something was missing.

Suddenly, his gaze was drawn to a uniquely shaped Magic Wand.

It was a jet-black Magic Wand. Its shaft looked as if it were carved from some kind of Glazed Glass, the material crystalline and translucent.

Moreover, the Magic Wand’s shaft wasn’t perfectly cylindrical; it had the sharp, angular facets of a natural crystal and looked incredibly hard.

Beyond that, the entire Magic Wand was free of any superfluous carvings or decorations.

Several hairline-thin silver lines snaked across the shaft like lightning, finally converging at the tip—where, instead of an inlaid Wand Core, they formed a sharp and dangerous point.

"Ma’am, could you tell me about this Magic Wand?" Zelir asked, his interest piqued.

"Oh... that Magic Wand is called ’Night Peace.’"

Seeing Zelir’s choice, a flicker of surprise crossed the old woman’s eyes.

"Its Base Material is the rare Star Meteorite Wood, which possesses excellent magical conductivity."

"This wood is as hard as Glazed Glass. Even its leaves are like stone flakes. When the wind blows, they strike each other, making a CLINKING sound."

"What makes Night Peace special is that it can’t be fitted with a specific Attribute Wand Core. Therefore, only a universal set of Resonance Circuits could be inscribed on its surface."

"And for that very reason, Night Peace can amplify Magic from all schools."

"Of course, the effect isn’t as strong as a Magic Wand that specializes in a specific Attribute. Its strength is simply its versatility,"

the old woman added.

"However, almost no Mage needs this kind of wand. Most Mages spend their entire lives specializing in a single school."

"Even talented Mages who can master two schools will only choose one Magic Faction as their primary focus."

"When choosing a Magic Wand, they always prioritize a type that amplifies their primary school of Magic."

The more Zelir handled Night Peace, the more he liked it.

After hearing the old woman’s explanation, he was even more smitten.

’Others might not need a Magic Wand that can amplify all schools of Magic, but I do!’

’Technique Celestial Calculation gives me the ability to use Magic from every school. I have to make the most of that.’

’And the design of this Magic Wand...’

’It’s so cool!’

Night Peace perfectly suited Zelir’s aesthetic. It was a little over half a meter long, its design sleek and understated.

Zelir gave it a couple of practice swings. It cut through the air with a whistle, and the feel in his hand was superb.

"Oh... Night Peace has another property: it’s incredibly durable. It can withstand sword and blade strikes without being easily damaged,"

the old woman said. "In a pinch, you could probably use it as a melee weapon. I suppose that’s a small advantage, but not one you’d typically need."

’I love it even more!’

Seeing the look on Zelir’s face, Bev knew he had his heart set on the Magic Wand and spoke up.

"Go on and try it, Zelir. See what the Compatibility with your Magic Power is like."

"Alright."

Zelir began to channel his Magic Power into Night Peace. He first tested it with Elemental Magic.

Much like the Heart of Flame from earlier, Night Peace quickened his Perception of the Elements.

However, just as the old woman had said, Zelir could clearly feel that Night Peace’s amplification for gathering the Elements wasn’t as strong as that of the Heart of Flame.

Next was Arcane Magic.

The sensation was just as clear this time. Night Peace amplified the flow and strength of his Magic Power, but the boost still wasn’t as significant as the one from the wand that specialized in Arcane Magic.

Then came Spirit Magic.

The only Spirit Magic Zelir had learned was the Evil Words Skill. When he tried Sketching the Spell Structure through Night Peace, his mental control over his Spiritual Power grew much stronger and more fluid. It was clearly working.

Finally, he tested Empowerment Magic.

Unlike with the other schools of Magic, Night Peace’s amplification of Empowerment Magic made the nature of his Magic Power gentler.

This would make his Empowerment Magic more effective when cast.

"How does it feel?"

Bev asked expectantly, seeing the look of pleasant surprise that Zelir couldn’t hide.

"It’s fantastic," Zelir answered honestly.

This was exactly the kind of Magic Wand he needed—one that could amplify Full Magic.

"Then it’s settled. I think it’s the most suitable for you, too."

Bev clapped her hands in satisfaction. She turned to the shopkeeper and asked, "Ma’am, how much is this Night Peace Magic Wand?"

Zelir’s heart leaped into his throat.

’Even if Bev says we’re friends... I’m not shameless enough to calmly accept such an expensive gift.’

’This isn’t a small matter of a few Gold Coins.’

Zelir secretly made up his mind.

’I’ll treat the money as a loan from her. In the future, once I’ve earned it back from missions, I’ll be sure to repay Bev with interest.’

"One Hundred Gold Coins." The old woman still wore the same kind smile.

"W-What?"

Bev stared in disbelief upon hearing the price.

"One Hundred Gold Coins? Ma’am, did... did you make a mistake on the price?"

Zelir was just as surprised.

’The Magic Wands near the entrance priced at around One Hundred Gold Coins were nothing compared to Night Peace.’

’Zelir had thought this Magic Wand would cost at least two hundred Gold Coins, if not more.’

This was truly unexpected.

"I didn’t make a mistake. It’s One Hundred Gold Coins,"

the old woman explained.

"As you know, very few people nowadays need a wand that can amplify multiple schools of Magic. It’s been sitting in my shop for several years now, and I’ve never been able to sell it."

"For it to find an owner like your friend, someone so well-suited to it... that’s a kind of destiny. So, I’m happy to sell it for a lower price."

’So... this is a bit of a lucky find, then?’ Zelir was overjoyed.

"Then... I’ll..." Bev was still calculating how much she should pay.

’If I pay for the whole thing, Zelir will definitely refuse.’

’Should we just split it, then?’

But while Bev was still thinking, Zelir had already stepped forward.

He placed his coin pouch on the counter without hesitation.

"Ma’am, here is One Hundred Gold Coins. I’ll take this Magic Wand," Zelir said.

Then, he turned and smiled at Bev.

"Bev, since the price is well within my means, there’s no need for you to pay."

"I..." Bev started to say something.

But seeing that the old woman had already taken the pouch, she could only give up with a soft sigh.

"Fine..."

Zelir was in high spirits after leaving the Magic Wand Shop.

Getting such a perfectly suited Magic Wand for only One Hundred Gold Coins was an incredible deal. He’d have to find a chance to properly test how much Night Peace boosted his combat strength.

But Bev, beside him, seemed a little down.

She kicked at the pebbles on the ground as she walked, pouting slightly, lost in thought.

"What’s wrong, Bev?" Zelir asked, noticing her change in mood.

"Sigh..."

Bev stopped and looked at Zelir, a little dejected.

"It’s just... I feel like today was a waste. I wanted to get you a great gift, but in the end, you didn’t even need my money and bought it yourself."

Seeing Bev’s crestfallen expression, Zelir found her inexplicably cute.

’He wondered if she’d hit him if he patted her on the head right now.’

"Friendship isn’t always measured by how much money you spend,"

Zelir said, choosing his words to comfort her.

"The fact that you wanted to do this to celebrate with me already makes me very happy."

Bev was clearly taken aback by his words.

"Hmph... Just never mind!"

Bev mumbled under her breath, "I just wanted to spend some money on you, that’s all."

’Are the Gold Coins weighing down your pockets or something?’ Zelir thought.

They hadn’t taken more than a few steps when Bev grabbed Zelir’s sleeve again, pulling him in another direction within the market district.

"Hey, hey... where are we going?"

Zelir found himself being pulled along by Bev. "Do you need to buy something?"