As the sky darkened, Spio had dozed off in his chair. Suddenly, Professor Windstrider gently tapped him on the shoulder, waking him up with a start. She softly said:

"Alright, Spio, let's go."

Curious about how witches lived and did business among humans, Spio asked, "Sure. But, Professor, where is your family's store located? What city?"

Professor Windstrider smiled slightly, her gaze enigmatic. "It doesn't belong to any city, Spio. It's a rather unique place. You'll understand when we get there."

The two stood before the door to the interview room Spio had entered earlier. Professor Windstrider opened it, revealing the nighttime scene of a glittering city. The light from tall buildings reflected on the river's surface like a silver ribbon, while streets lined with golden lights intertwined with the skyline's blend of ancient and modern architecture. The chilly autumn air added to the sense of mystery, while distant car horns formed the symphony of urban life.

"Welcome to London," she announced.

"London? But I thought you said it doesn't belong to any city?" Spio asked, puzzled.

"That's correct, because we haven't reached the place yet! But it's late now, so I thought we'd grab something to eat first," the professor replied.

After dinner, they strolled through London's vibrant streets, eventually moving onto dimly lit alleys. At last, they arrived in a deserted area. Entering a cul-de-sac, the professor took Spio's hand and said, "Alright, now we're truly there."

She pulled him straight toward the wall, causing Spio to close his eyes in alarm. When he opened them again, Spio found himself standing in a bustling marketplace illuminated by floating lights that cast a soft, natural glow over narrow, winding streets lined with shops. Each store had a distinct architectural style, reflecting its owner and the wares within. The chatter of nighttime life mingled with the sound of bartering, creating an atmosphere both lively and enchanting.

In this market, Spio saw countless unique and strange goods, from magical ingredients, charms, and sealing items to ancient magical tomes and tools for witches. There were stalls selling magical herbs, mysterious crystals, and various other mystical items.

"This is the Enigma Bazaar," the professor explained, noting Spio's astonished expression. "It's a gathering place for Sorcerers and magical beings from all over the world. They come here to exchange information, discuss magical matters, or seek inspiration.

This place is considered a key hub of magical commerce. The Enigma Bazaar also hosts regular magical performances and competitions for witches, providing opportunities to showcase talent and forge connections. Additionally, courses and workshops on magic are held here.

While you're here, feel free to explore. You won't need to do much at the shop, so take your time to immerse yourself in this place."

They wandered past various stalls ranging from shady vendors of magical ingredients to old bookshops heavy with the scent of aged parchment. The vibrant sounds of commerce, laughter, and whispered magical negotiations filled the air.

As they meandered through the winding streets, Spio felt the richness of the magical world through every store they passed. The light from the floating lamps above illuminated every corner, revealing the peculiar beauty of the magical goods on display. The bustling market gradually erased Spio's loneliness, replacing it with a growing sense of excitement and curiosity.

Eventually, they stopped before a grand store with intricate designs. The storefront was adorned with brilliant magical emblems, every detail of its walls, from the stone columns to the arched windows, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. The store radiated light, like a beacon in the darkness of the Enigma Bazaar.

"This is my family's store," Professor Windstrider said with pride in her voice and eyes. "It's one of the largest and most reputable establishments in the Enigma Bazaar. Sorcerers can find everything they need here, from equipment to ingredients."

Taking his hand, she led Spio inside. His eyes were wide with wonder as he observed each item, from intricately carved magical brooms to ancient leather-bound books etched with mysterious symbols. Beneath each item was a price tag, but Spio found himself confused by what he saw.

Turning to Professor Windstrider, who stood beside him, Spio asked, "Professor Windstrider, what are 'galleons' and 'sickles'? I see them on the price tags."

The professor smiled gently and explained, "Galleons are the primary currency in the magical world, Spio. We use galleons, along with sickles, for daily transactions within our community. A hundred sickles are equivalent to one galleon, and for about forty galleons, you could buy a flying broom or the latest Aero boots."

"Aero boots?" Spio asked, puzzled.

"You have much to learn, Spio. Aero boots are a common magical item that allows witches to move through the air when needed. Don't worry, you'll learn about them at school."

With that, Professor Windstrider led Spio to the store's third floor. There, a long hallway lined with eight small rooms awaited. She opened the door to a room that appeared unused for years. Inside was a small bed and an old wardrobe, the space dusty and worn.

Standing in the doorway, she waved her hand. A soft light emanated from her fingers, sweeping through the room and gathering every speck of dust. In an instant, the room was spotless and gleaming, as though freshly cleaned.

"Alright, you can stay here," she said, satisfaction in her tone. "Once you've unpacked, we'll find a wand suited for you. I'll also provide the supplies you need for school, but only on the condition that you work hard and help the staff with the shop."

Spio nodded, his emotions a mix of excitement and apprehension. Alongside Professor Windstrider, he prepared for their visit to the wand shop.

The wand shop that Professor Windstrider brought Spio to belonged to the Ophidian family. It stood out in the Enigma Bazaar with its mysterious and impressive design, the storefront adorned with snake motifs in cold, eerie tones. The roof was a deep blue-black, and the entrance was made of mahogany wood, with a serpent-shaped door handle that reflected the distinctive traits of the family.

As Spio and Professor Windstrider stepped inside, they were immediately engulfed in the quiet and dimly lit space of the shop. Towering wooden shelves filled with wand boxes reached up to the ceiling, each labeled with ancient symbols, the type of wood, and the magical core it contained. Pale blue light from enchanted lamps illuminated the shelves, creating an otherworldly, enchanting atmosphere.

A middle-aged man with a handsome yet stern face emerged from a dark room in the back, carrying a stack of wooden boxes. As he arranged the boxes on the shelves, he glanced over and noticed their presence, his expression shifting to one of surprise.

"Lyra, you've come to visit me?" he asked in astonishment, moving closer to Professor Windstrider. "Have you finally accepted me?"

Professor Windstrider was visibly shocked and annoyed by his comment, but she maintained her composure and refrained from responding. Her hands clenched tightly as her face betrayed her frustration, but she calmly said, "Magnus, our primary purpose here is to shop for some necessities. I brought Spio here to choose a wand, not to discuss our personal matters."

Turning to Spio with a reassuring smile, she added, "Don't worry, Spio. We'll find the perfect wand for you. Mr. Magnus Ophidian here is renowned for his expertise in reading energy sources; he'll undoubtedly help you find the best match."

After a brief moment of surprise, Magnus regained his composure and welcomed them with a smile. "My apologies for the momentary confusion. You must be Spio. Please, follow me."

Spio glanced at Windstrider, and after receiving a nod from her, he followed Magnus.

Magnus led Spio into a separate room where the process of energy reading and wand selection would take place. The room exuded a solemn air, with soft light emanating from wall-mounted lamps depicting ancient magical symbols. At the center stood a spherical gray gemstone placed on a marble pedestal, shimmering faintly in the dim light. Magnus gestured for Spio to step forward, his deep voice carrying a calming tone.

"Spio, we're about to delve into the intersection of your mind and energy. Relax, don't tense up, and let me guide you," he said, his sharp gaze tempered with gentleness.

Spio nodded, placing his hand on the gemstone, while Magnus positioned his hand beneath it. A cold sensation spread from the stone into Spio's palm, causing him to shiver slightly. Magnus closed his eyes, focusing intently, and a soft glow began to radiate from the stone, gradually filling the room.

Magnus murmured an incantation under his breath, stimulating Spio's subconscious to reveal the latent energy within him. Through this, Magnus hoped to better understand Spio's potential and select the most suitable wand. The stone's light grew stronger as Spio's internal energy unconsciously responded to the spell, signifying that his magical essence was starting to manifest.

As Magnus ventured deeper into Spio's mind, an unusual scene unfolded, causing him to furrow his brow. Spio's mind was unlike anything Magnus had ever encountered. It was divided into two distinct realms: below, a vast expanse of white, eerily still and featureless; above, an endless black sky, void of light, filled only with an oppressive emptiness.

Within Spio's mind, something began to emerge from the dark sky. As it drew closer, Magnus recognized storm clouds forming, accompanied by the distant rumble of thunder growing louder and more distinct. Before he could analyze the significance of this energy, it seemed to become aware of his presence and surged toward him. Magnus attempted to extract a portion of the energy for analysis, but the storm erupted into a ferocious display of lightning, unleashing a powerful electromagnetic tempest that swept through Spio's mental space.

The storm's fury was overwhelming, with relentless bolts of lightning striking down with devastating force, as if destroying everything in their path. Witnessing this, Magnus felt a mix of fear and awe as he faced the storm raging within Spio's mind. He turned to flee, trying to glean more about Spio's energy but unable to fully comprehend it.

"What is happening here?" Magnus questioned himself, struggling to maintain his composure in the face of the chaos. "This power... What kind of energy flows within this boy?"

"I need to get out of here quickly!" he thought, recognizing the danger of probing deeper into Spio's mind. Moments later, he abruptly withdrew.

Magnus worked to regain his composure after the extraordinary journey through Spio's mind. Wiping the sweat from his face, he felt a mix of tension and confusion as he contemplated the destructive force of Spio's energy. Looking at Spio with a bewildered expression, he finally stepped over to the wand shelves, carefully examining them.

After some deliberation, Magnus selected three wands and presented them to Spio.

"Here are two wands I believe could work for you. Their cores are designed to withstand intense and volatile energies. From what I've seen of your energy, only cores like these could handle it," Magnus said, his tone calm but marked with seriousness.

He placed the two wands before Spio, each distinct in material and design, and explained:

"The black wand is made of ebony wood with a core of Manticore tail venom. It's highly resilient and commonly suited for young wizards.

The pale gold wand, on the other hand, is crafted from ancient pecan wood with a dragon scale core, making it suitable for handling powerful energies."

Magnus pushed the two wands toward Spio. "Now, give them a try."

Curious, Spio picked up the wand with the dragon scale core. As he channeled his energy into it, sparks of blue lightning flickered around the wand, creating a dazzling spectacle. He felt an immediate connection, as if the wand was an extension of his being. The wand seemed to stabilize Spio's energy, allowing it to flow smoothly.

However, as Spio tried to maintain the connection, his energy grew uncontrollable, surging continuously into the wand. The wand was violently propelled from his hand, shooting up to the ceiling. Spio watched, both disappointed and concerned about whether the wand had been damaged.

Next, Spio tried the second wand, but it fared even worse. As he channeled his energy, the wand grew increasingly hot. The core began to emit smoke, and the heat forced Spio to drop it onto the table.

This left Magnus visibly perplexed. After a moment of contemplation, he retrieved an old black wooden box. Blowing off a thick layer of dust, he revealed a simple, weathered design.

"I don't know why, but given the 'primal' nature of your power, I believe an older wand from the War of Origin era might suit you," he said, voicing his thoughts aloud.

Though Spio didn't fully understand, he opened the box. Inside lay a metallic wand with a simple, unrefined design. Holding it up to the light, Spio noticed something peculiar: the wand's core was hollow.

Undeterred, Spio channeled his energy into the wand.

To his astonishment, the metallic wand emitted a brilliant blue light, perfectly harmonizing with his energy. Tiny lightning bolts crackled around the wand, and the rust on its surface began to flake off. Spio felt an unbreakable bond with the wand, as if it was a natural extension of his being. With a gentle effort, he released a small burst of energy, sending a dazzling blue bolt of lightning streaking through the air.

Magnus smiled with satisfaction at the compatibility between Spio and the metallic wand. "It seems this metallic wand truly suits you, Spio," he said.

He glanced back at the wand and added, "It's peculiar. This is the first time I've seen a wand without a core that can still function. I don't understand why anyone would make such wands—without a core, it's no better than using bare hands."

Hearing this, Spio immediately asked, "I thought all wizards use wands?"

"Oh no, wands are primarily for apprentice sorcerers," Magnus explained. "True sorcerers don't necessarily need wands. Most wands nowadays are simply tools to help sorcerers channel their energy more efficiently and precisely." He then pointed to a staff leaning in the corner of the room. "See that staff over there? That's what most seasoned sorcerers actually use."

Magnus continued addressing Spio's questions before turning to ponder the metallic, coreless wand. Throughout his years working in the wand shop, he had never encountered anyone who could channel energy into such a wand. Without a core, it seemed useless among wizards, leaving him uncertain about how to value it.

Letting out a sigh, Magnus looked at Spio and gave a soft smile. "Spio, this wand seems quite special, but I can't put a price on it. So, I'll give it to you as a gift."

Hearing this, Spio's face lit up with joy, and he nodded in gratitude.

With the new wand in hand, Spio stepped out of the room, ignoring the ongoing conversation between Mr. Ophidian and Professor Windstrider. His expression was filled with excitement and curiosity about the wand he had just received.

"Do you like it, Spio?" Professor Windstrider suddenly patted his shoulder. "Now that you've got your wand, let's head to the tailor shop. The Brownies should be awake by now, so we'll go get your measurements taken and have your robes made."

The professor and Spio returned to the shop just as night fell. The gentle glow of magical lamps cast shadows of tiny figures darting swiftly between hidden corners. These were the Brownies, mystical creatures often spoken of in folklore. Active only at night, Brownies worked silently to keep everything neat and orderly.

As soon as Spio and the professor entered, the Brownies emerged from their hiding spots. With nimble steps, they approached Spio, carrying tiny measuring tapes and scrolls of parchment. Spio stood still, astonished, as the Brownies began taking his measurements, noting the length of his limbs, chest, and waist. Their large, round eyes observed every detail intently, while their small hands busily recorded data onto pre-prepared pieces of paper.

After a while, the Brownies finished their task, glancing at Spio as if for a final check. Satisfied, they nodded among themselves before swiftly retreating into the shadows, disappearing as if they had never been there.

Spio couldn't hide his fascination. His eyes sparkled as he turned to the professor. "They're incredible," he said, a smile spreading across his face. "It's like they stepped out of a fairy tale."

The professor chuckled at Spio's amazement. "Indeed, they are quite remarkable. These Brownies aren't just the caretakers of the shop's orderliness—they're also meticulous artisans. They've been a tremendous help to me."

Placing a hand on Spio's shoulder, the professor spoke warmly, though with a touch of sternness. "But now, it's time for bed, Spio. It's late, and young ones shouldn't stay up too long."

Spio nodded, still lost in thought about the wonders he had just witnessed. The world of sorcerers was full of surprises he had never imagined.

In the following days, Spio began working at the shop, where he was assigned simple tasks to help with business operations. These duties weren't too demanding—partly because Spio was an eager learner, always ready to discover new things, and partly because the shop's staff sympathized with his circumstances and avoided giving him anything overly complicated.

Day by day, life at Enigma Bazaar unfolded before Spio like a captivating book. He spent his time exploring the bustling streets, where the light from magical lamps illuminated every corner. Strange and delightful foods and drinks wafted with aromatic smoke from roadside stalls, filling Spio with curiosity. Using the small coins he earned from his work, he treated himself to memorable experiences. Although his funds were modest, Spio savored the newfound sense of independence.

His wandering feet also led him to the Bazaar's hidden corners, places seldom visited. There, Spio discovered secrets concealed in the shadows: shrouded stalls, peculiar items he had never seen before, and occasionally, mystical creatures that left him wide-eyed with wonder. Serendipitous encounters and passing words from strangers often taught Spio invaluable lessons about the magical world he was gradually becoming a part of.

Over time, the sorcerers of Enigma Bazaar grew accustomed to Spio's presence. Initially hesitant, they began to smile whenever they saw him. Some even offered kind guidance on small tasks or shared fascinating stories about the magical world they lived in. Spio, once a stranger, became an indispensable part of this extraordinary marketplace.

Professor Windstrider occasionally visited the shop, bringing with him invaluable lessons. During these visits, he not only taught Spio basic spells but also showed him how to recognize mystical creatures he might encounter. Through their conversations and lessons, the professor broadened Spio's understanding of magic and nurtured his curiosity about the vast magical world beyond the Bazaar.

Spio's affection for Professor Windstrider deepened with each interaction. He felt the professor's genuine care and patience in every word and gesture. Each day at Enigma Bazaar was a day of discovery, a day that bound Spio closer to this enchanting place, and a day where he began to find meaning in the new life he had unexpectedly stepped into.