Spirit Beast Cultivation, Control Fire at Will

By then, the Magical Menagerie had changed drastically compared to a month ago.

The accumulated grime had been cleared away, and the shop's layout had become far more spacious. It was no longer so cramped that one could barely turn around after stepping inside.

Warwick had even placed air fresheners around the shop. The air no longer reeked of bird droppings mixed with the waste of various magical creatures.

Even though the Magical Creature Pokémon plan had yet to begin, the shop's business had visibly improved.

Warwick had just seen a customer out when he spotted Rhine approaching, excitement appearing on his face.

"Rhine, decorating the storefront the way you suggested really has helped business."

Rhine nodded with a smile.

"Of course."

"If we're working toward turning magical creatures into Pokémon, then every shopfront in the future needs to be clean and tidy. That way, customers won't immediately think magical creatures are filthy livestock that shit everywhere and stink, but adorable companions."

Warwick nodded repeatedly, then began enthusiastically telling Rhine about his plans for the future.

"Hey, I plan to select a group from the magical creatures already in the shop—ones with gentle temperaments and cute appearances—to serve as ornamental Pokémon. Especially after training them to tend gardens, fish tanks, and even cook."

"Then there'll be another group with fiercer temperaments and a love for fighting, serving as battle-type Pokémon. They can unleash their nature and practice combat."

"Also, just as you suggested, I plan to regularly hold Pokémon battling tournaments and Pokémon skill competitions. I'll see whether I can contact the Daily Prophet for coverage and gain more attention that way."

"As for breeding magical creatures, Hufflepuff has plenty of resources. I plan to get in touch with some old classmates..."

Rhine nodded repeatedly at Warwick's ideas before letting out a sigh.

"Mr. Warwick, I believe you'll definitely succeed on this Pokémon path."

"But I'm afraid I won't be able to come to Diagon Alley anymore. Hogwarts is about to start."

Warwick froze for a moment before realizing.

"Ah?"

"Oh, right. Hogwarts really is about to start."

A reluctant look appeared in his eyes.

"Has a month already passed so quickly?"

"Rhine, without you here, I won't feel confident at all."

Rhine smiled.

"I'll still come to Diagon Alley during holidays. Besides, we can keep in touch by owl anytime. I'd be glad to contribute my share to the Pokémon cause."

Warwick's eyes reddened slightly.

Then he hurriedly said, "Wait here. I prepared a gift for you."

With that, Warwick hurried toward the back of the shop. When he reappeared, he was wearing thick gloves, and lying in his palm was a magical creature that looked somewhat like a turtle. Its body was entirely crimson, and its shell was set with clear, gleaming rubies.

Rhine blurted out, "A Fire Crab?"

Warwick nodded, with a hint of pride.

"This is a rare specimen with a pure bloodline. If Fire Crabs have a king, then this little fellow should have royal blood."

"Normally, it wouldn't be suitable to give one to a young wizard, since these things have bad tempers and can easily burn wizards. But since you can speak with magical creatures and they all adore you, Rhine, this Fire Crab definitely won't be a problem."

Then Warwick took out a small round leather pouch.

"Want to try it?"

Rhine froze. Looking at the pouch, he suddenly felt it seemed strangely familiar.

"This is..."

"Holy shit, a Poké Ball?!"

Warwick burst into laughter.

"That's right. It was made according to the Poké Ball you described, though it's still only an experimental model."

"Of course, it can't compare to Newt's legendary suitcase. They say that suitcase once held Venomous Tentacula and dragons!"

"But it's enough for you to raise this Fire Crab to adulthood."

Rhine took a deep breath.

This Fire Crab alone was already quite expensive as a pet. One could tell from the color of the gems on its shell; aristocratic wizards were willing to pay enormous sums for pets like this.

And this leather pouch that could hold magical creatures was probably worth even more than the Fire Crab.

Warwick's gift was far too precious.

Rhine opened his mouth, but before he could speak, Warwick waved a hand.

"Don't say anything. Compared to the inspiration and help you've given me, what does this little bit count for?"

"Besides, I think we can already be considered friends. You're going off to school, so I have to give you a gift."

As soon as Warwick finished speaking, Rhine saw the relationship text between himself and Warwick blur on the system screen.

The original Acquaintance status faded away completely, replaced by Close Friendship.

Your relationship with the Beast Taming Sect Leader has reached Close Friendship. You have received a reward—Spirit Beast Cultivation Talent.

The spirit beasts you cultivate will have a greater chance of breaking through their bottlenecks and reaching higher levels.

Claim reward now?

Rhine's heart stirred. He did not stand on ceremony any longer and accepted Warwick's gifts.

These two items truly would be very convenient for him.

He could use this Fire Crab to test out the Spirit Beast Cultivation Talent later.

Moreover, Fire Crabs happened to possess decent fire-breathing abilities, and Rhine thought of the Control Fire at Will talent he would soon receive from Ollivander.

Perhaps the two could create some synergy?

After bidding Warwick farewell, Rhine tucked the leather pouch away and entered Ollivanders Wand Shop once again.

At that moment, Ollivander was still immersed in his research into ancient wands.

Many of the ancient wands collected by the Ollivander Family had never found suitable owners due to their strange tempers and extreme age.

Like stubborn old men, how could they possibly be easily mastered by young people?

Attempting to study their traits also meant facing all kinds of difficulties and obstacles.

But after Rhine joined the research, his Seven Orifices Exquisite Heart allowed him to comprehend all things and match with nearly any wand. Even ancient wands were no exception.

Over the past month, Ollivander's research into ancient wands had taken a solid step forward.

Even though he had never obtained the Elder Wand, he now felt that his wandmaking skills would not lose to Grigovich's.

For that very reason, when he heard Rhine was going to school, Ollivander's reluctance was easy to imagine.

If he had not known how important Hogwarts was to young wizards, he might even have tried to persuade Rhine to stay.

As for school, Ollivander could simply use his connections to hire an alchemy master and a Potions master for one-on-one tutoring. Wouldn't that be better?

But of course, he could not say that aloud.

In the wizarding world, a life without attending a magical school was incomplete.

Ollivander muttered, "I need to give you something."

"A wand? Ah, no. You already have a staff you're satisfied with. It seems I don't have anything else worthy of giving..."

"Ah, wait. Right, there's this."

Ollivander took out a Letter Seal Stamp engraved with his name.

"Rhine, though we've only known each other for a month, your learning speed has already exceeded my imagination."

"Hogwarts may have abundant teaching resources, but there is a far broader world beyond the school."

"If there are any masters you need to contact—whether an alchemy master like Nicolas Flamel, a Potions master like Slughorn, or any other renowned figure—simply stamp this seal on the envelope."

"They'll give this old man some face and properly answer your questions."

Rhine was deeply moved.

Ollivander was essentially lending all his connections to him.

This single seal carried the reputation accumulated by the Ollivander Family over thousands of years!

Rhine accepted the seal reverently and carefully put it away.

"Mr. Ollivander, I'll use it well."

"And I'll definitely help you achieve an undertaking that surpasses the Elder Wand."

A gratified smile appeared on Ollivander's face.

At that very moment, another notification appeared on the system screen.

Your relationship with the Artifact Forging Sect Leader has become Close Friendship. You have received a reward—Control Fire at Will Talent.

You possess extraordinary control over flames. You can grasp the most minute changes in heat. Fire is your companion and will obey your every command.

Claim reward now?

Rhine's heartbeat suddenly accelerated as he headed toward the workshop Ollivander had reserved for him in the wand shop.

Then, he murmured inwardly, "Claim the Spirit Beast Cultivation and Control Fire at Will talents—all of them!"