studiobondurri 179: Johnny Silverhand’s Branch
179: Johnny Silverhand’s Branch
179: Johnny Silverhand’s Branch
The two-week overseas trip didn't particularly excite John, but Mrs. Wick was thoroughly enjoying herself.
She would drag John around, dressing him up in various styles under the pretense of "fashion."
However, when it came to the hip-hop style—complete with a huge gold chain and a backward cap—John drew the line.
Of course, the trip wasn't without its inconveniences.
A woman traveling abroad, especially a beautiful one, inevitably attracted attention.
That's when her little knight would step in. John would drag those unwelcome suitors into an alley, breaking a few fingers or knocking out a couple of teeth.
On one occasion, he knocked out all of a thug's teeth. The man, convinced another gang was responsible, sparked a skirmish that led to both sides exchanging gunfire, causing quite a stir.
Because of that, the streets were rather unsettled for a while.
John also made a side trip to the Plymouth Colony, where a branch of the Johnny Silverhand's Speciality Store had recently opened.
The store was managed by a stunning Asian woman who relied on a wheelchair for mobility.
Some people had entertained sinister ideas about her, but after two wizards ended up as gibbering idiots, no one dared to act on those ideas openly.
The large Johnny Silverhand logo sat prominently in the center of the settlement.
A bald, bronze-skinned man with a fierce expression stood at the door, glaring equally menacingly at everyone who passed by.
This was the security guard for the American branch—and one of the many followers of Johnny Silverhand quietly taking root around the world.
"Johnson, step aside a little, will you? Who's going to dare come in with you standing there?"
Behind the security guard, a man in a suit and monocle grumbled in dissatisfaction.
Johnson shot him a glare but silently shifted his position.
The man behind him stiffened momentarily, took a deep breath, and reminded himself not to argue with the brute.
As a proper salesman, even if the manager hadn't instructed him to drum up business, he felt it was his duty to take the initiative.
Straightening his bow tie, the salesman raised his head with a haughty air and strode out the door, ready to meet with several wizards he had appointments with.
Meanwhile, John strolled toward the Johnny Silverhand store.
Standing at the entrance, Johnson spotted him and silently raised a hand to block his path.
"Are you a student?"
Johnson asked bluntly, "There's nothing here for students. You should try the shop across the street."
John chuckled and asked, "Why?"
"Johnny Silverhand himself said we must protect the future blossoms of the magical world. The things here are extremely dangerous and unsuitable for students," Johnson explained patiently despite his intimidating demeanor.
That was, indeed, something "Johnny Silverhand" had said—or rather, something Rita Skeeter had fabricated for one of her articles.
The intention was to highlight Johnny Silverhand's kindness, and surprisingly, the quote had earned him quite a bit of favor among family-oriented wizards.
John shrugged and said, "I'm here to see your manager. Please inform her that John is visiting."
"The manager?" Johnson stared at John suspiciously for a moment before pulling a hemp rope near the entrance.
A delicate orchid blossomed from the rope, and the flower spoke in a gentle voice.
"Johnson, what's the matter?"
"Miss Nagini, someone named John is here to see you."
"John!"
A delighted voice came through the orchid. Nagini's tone was urgent. "Let him in!"
Johnson blinked in surprise but stepped aside to let John pass.
As John entered, the shop revealed rows of magical items on display.
However, John knew these were just the visible wares.
It could enhance spell potency, absorb magical attacks, and convert the energy into magical feedback for the wielder.
The Philosopher's Stone fragment also served as an enormous reservoir of magical power. While it lacked the ability to produce the Elixir of Life or transmute materials into gold, it was effectively a weaker version of the legendary Philosopher's Stone.
Nagini gently touched the wand, noticing an inscription on the handle.
"To celebrate Nagini's rebirth."
Her heart trembled with emotion. Who could ever truly understand the torment she endured during those years trapped as a serpent?
Now reborn like a phoenix, Nagini couldn't hold back her tears.
Holding the wand, she smiled through her tears and said with deep gratitude, "John, thank you."
A simple phrase, yet one she had uttered many times before, and still, it never felt enough.
"Ehm.. I also brought some other things.."
John rubbed his nose, looking slightly embarrassed.
John took out various "Series of" accessories from his bag and handed them to Nagini.
Nagini, who had never owned many ornaments before, suddenly looked like a jewelry model adorned with items, each with its unique function.
She couldn't help but chuckle and sigh as John placed a stack of books on the table as well.
"These books are meant to help you quickly improve your spellcasting skills. You should take a look," John said.
Now that she had reverted to human form and the blood curse within her body was removed, Nagini could begin learning magic again.
John naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity to encourage her to study hard.
Given her current condition and with her soul gradually healing, Nagini could regain the ability to walk after some time.
The damage to her soul had been severe—nearly devoured completely. Even after saving her, much of her soul remained fragmented.
John was even considering whether to capture a few Dementors to raise and later use them to create soul-restoration potions.
Relying solely on unicorn horn remedies would take far too long.
...
Managing the Silverhand's Speciality store alone was proving to be challenging. John planned to enlist Kim Ledislay's help in running the shop.
But before that, he had other matters to attend to.
For instance, dealing with the Ministry of Magic's Auror inspections.
The store's profits were too substantial, and it was only natural that some people would get jealous.
Secretly sabotaging was one thing, but the truly ruthless would go so far as to try eliminating Nagini outright.
John was determined to nip such threats in the bud. At this moment, he sat in the Blind Pig bar, wearing a silver mask, while a trembling goblin across from him stammered out over a dozen names.
"Respected Johnny Silverhand, I have no intention of opposing you," the goblin pleaded.
This was an underground bar in New York, a hub for all sorts of shady characters and a hotbed for intelligence exchange.
The bar's owner, a goblin, was also the biggest rogue around.
But at this moment, the once-brash goblin was trembling before John.
Just moments earlier, Johnny Silverhand had walked into the bar and effortlessly knocked out three wizards who dared to make a move.
Then, with a flick of his wand, he had pulled the goblin's soul out of his body, only to shove it back in.
Well, he may or may not have tortured his soul a little bit.
The good part was that the goblin, now devoid of his usual arrogance, only wished to avoid reliving such a horrifying experience.
Works like a charm, hehe~
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