The spellbook Zheng Qing used was the standard-issue model provided by the school to publicly funded students: a deerskin cover and mulberry paper, enough to bear most spells at the Registered Wizard level. His Quill Pen was equally ordinary, retailing for seven Copper Coin each at Green's General Store; if you bought more than ten at once, the shopkeeper would knock one Copper Coin off each pen.
"So, you need a more powerful pen, and an equally powerful spellbook." Little Green Snake chattered away in his ear, spouting utterly worthless nonsense.
"I need a sufficiently powerful pen, and a sufficiently sturdy spellbook." Zheng Qing spoke at the same time, repeating Little Green Snake's nonsense almost word for word.
He did not need to emphasize it.
The other wizards present had all noticed what had just happened.
Though no one knew where the power Zheng Qing had borrowed came from, everyone could sense the awe-inspiring aura within it. They also knew it might be their greatest opportunity.
"I have an eighteenth-century Venice binding!"
The Magical Creatures Studies Lecturer stepped forward and offered up his treasured possession, trying to lessen the sense of distance between himself and this small group. "The top-layer back hide of a Welsh Green Dragon. Its texture is exceptionally sturdy, and it is said to withstand the traces of Legendary Magic... Of course, as far as I know, the most powerful spell ever recorded in it was a Flowing Fire Incantation copied down by an Archwizard."
"I have a nineteenth-century Bologna binding here."
As an obscure long-lived species, Dylan shared tastes similar to those of the Blood Clan. He also pulled an exquisitely styled spellbook from his robes. "The pages are Egyptian papyrus. Though the material is rather brittle, it was blessed by an oracle priest of the