As Vader left Newt Scamander's home, he looked at the setting sun on the horizon and couldn't help feeling that the entire experience was somewhat unreal.

This trip had been incredibly fruitful.

Not only had he obtained a Sequence 4 main ingredient, but he had also received two weighty letters of introduction.

One was addressed to Nicolas Flamel—the key that could open the door to learning from a legendary alchemist.

The other was for the headmaster of Nevermore Academy, which would allow him to move freely around the school of outcasts.

Of course, the girls' dormitory was definitely off-limits.

"What a good man."

Vader sighed and silently offered Newt Scamander a blessing in his heart.

Over the past two years, he'd seen plenty of the world.

He could understand lowering one's principles when necessary for personal gain, but the old man's pure kindness still made him feel a little ashamed.

Vader stepped onto the pavement and raised his wand.

Before long, the bright purple Knight Bus Apparated directly in front of him.

"Enzo?"

Stan Shunpike looked at him in surprise.

"I remember we only dropped you off here this morning."

"That doesn't stop me from leaving this afternoon."

Vader climbed aboard, found a seat, and tossed Stan a Galleon.

"Diagon Alley. The Leaky Cauldron."

"Let's go, Ernie."

"By the way, there are still a few passengers on board, so you might arrive a little later."

"That's fine."

More than an hour later, the Knight Bus stopped outside the Leaky Cauldron on Charing Cross Road.

Vader pushed open the door and walked inside.

By now, it was completely dark, and only two or three customers remained in the pub.

Tom noticed the unfamiliar face and asked curiously,

"Something to drink?"

"I'll pass on the alcohol, thanks."

"How much for a room for the night?"

"The cheapest is six Sickles. The most expensive is seventeen."

Vader pretended to consider it before taking a Galleon from his pocket and placing it on the counter.

"Give me the best room."

"And send up some food as well."

"Certainly, sir."

Tom slipped the Galleon into his pocket, then opened a drawer and took out a key with a room number attached.

"Second floor. Room Four."

Vader was about to head upstairs when something occurred to him.

He turned back toward Tom.

"One more thing."

"I want actual food."

"None of that fancy magical nonsense."

Tom froze for a moment, his expression becoming somewhat strange.

Then he nodded.

Vader went upstairs and found Room Four.

He unlocked the door with the key.

Inside was a comfortable bed, a wardrobe, a set of table and chairs, a washroom, and ten fireplaces burning with actual flames that produced almost no heat.

A while later, Tom brought up dinner.

Flatbread, salad, and roast meat.

There wasn't a trace of magic in any of it.

Vader made do with the meal, filled his stomach, and soon fell asleep.

The next day.

After washing up, Vader changed into a clean and presentable robe.

He ate breakfast downstairs before summoning the Knight Bus directly outside the Leaky Cauldron.

"You again?"

Stan raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"I get it now."

"You're planning to travel around Britain on the Knight Bus, aren't you?"

"I have to admit, Enzo, that's a pretty good idea."

"For just eleven Sickles, you can reach practically anywhere in Britain in a very short time."

"It's more convenient than Muggle transportation and safer than Apparition."

"However, I should warn you that other people have tried doing the same thing before."

"Not many of them managed to keep it up."

"Sounds interesting."

Vader smiled.

"I might try it someday."

"Unfortunately, I'm not traveling for leisure."

He took out eleven Sickles and handed them over.

"Devon. Plymouth."

"Hop aboard."

Vader took a window seat and watched the scenery blur past outside.

Several passengers got off along the way.

Most of them were covering their mouths, looking like they were desperately trying not to be sick.

It wasn't until nearly noon that the Knight Bus finally stopped in Plymouth.

Vader took out the letter of introduction Newt had given him.

A simple map appeared on the envelope, showing only his current location and the route leading to his destination.

Why do all these old-timers insist on living in the countryside?

Vader complained inwardly.

He then hailed a taxi by the roadside and headed toward Nicolas Flamel's residence.

More than half an hour later, he arrived at a vast plain.

Vader checked the map and confirmed that he hadn't come to the wrong place.

He was about to activate Spirit Vision to search for the entrance when the letter of introduction suddenly floated into the air.

It led Vader toward a dilapidated stone house.

The instant he stepped inside, ripples spread across the surface of the letter.

The scene before his eyes changed as well.

The shabby stone house transformed into a small manor.

The entire estate was surrounded by flower gardens.

A swimming pool and fountains could be seen nearby, while a classically styled villa stood at the center.

A house-elf Apparated in front of Vader.

"Are you Mr. Enzo?"

"Yes, that's me."

"Mr. Newt Scamander referred me to you."

"Please follow me."

The house-elf bowed slightly and led Vader toward the villa.

Inside was a simple living room.

Large stained-glass windows allowed plenty of light to stream in, offering a clear view of the gardens outside.

Two elderly figures with white hair and frail, withered bodies were sitting on the sofa.

When they saw Vader, a little color returned to their pale faces.

"Child, you're certainly in a hurry."

Nicolas Flamel smiled kindly.

"Newt only wrote to me yesterday, and you've already arrived today."

"Indeed."

Perenelle spoke helplessly.

"We didn't even have time to prepare."

"I'm sorry, senior."

Vader politely apologized.

"But I still have many places to visit, and my time is genuinely limited."

"Besides, I had a feeling that if I missed this opportunity, there wouldn't be another one."

"Naturally, I couldn't afford to delay."

"Your intuition is quite accurate."

Nicolas Flamel spoke meaningfully.

"In another month or two, our lives will be coming to an end."

"Just a few days ago, Nicolas and I were discussing when we should return to France."

"We already have a grave prepared there."

"What?"

Vader deliberately looked shocked.

"But the books say you've already achieved immortality."

"You've lived for more than six hundred years."

"How could this happen so suddenly?"

"The Elixir of Life created from the Philosopher's Stone has its flaws."

Nicolas patiently explained.

"It can grant longevity, but it cannot prevent aging."

"The functions of Perenelle's body and mine decline a little more every day."

"Like a machine slowly rusting."

"It can still operate, but living like this is truly unpleasant."

Hearing this, Vader took a deep look at the two elderly alchemists.

He immediately understood.

They had simply grown tired of living.

Or rather, they no longer wanted to continue existing in such decrepit bodies.

"I think I understand, sir."

"Your immortality isn't perfect."

"At least for people with lofty aspirations, it has a very significant flaw."