Chapter 618

Chapter 618: The Gnome and the Watch

At the door of Malin’s study, Jesse listened until he was certain no conversation was happening inside before knocking. "Come in, it’s unlocked."

He pushed the door open and peered in. Malin glanced toward the entrance and remarked, "Mr. Seso, no need for such caution. You might’ve at least announced yourself."

"My apologies, Master." Jesse smiled as he entered. "Long time no see."

"Indeed it’s been a while. Two months, perhaps?"

"Six months."

"That long?" Malin said. "Recent affairs must’ve made time slip away. Where were you stationed?"

"Handling Quel’Thalas Reliquary matters in Kalimdor," Jesse explained.

"Ah, I recall now." Malin asked, "Did you complete that Death Knight report during this period?"

"Ah…" Jesse slapped his forehead. "Completely forgot."

Malin eyed him. "Since Archmage Andromath withheld your formal mage title, you abandoned the report entirely, correct?"

Jesse gave an embarrassed chuckle. "Kalimdor’s demands overwhelmed me—one crisis after another. My notes got ruined midway, Master. Conditions simply weren’t suitable."

When Malin merely smiled silently, Jesse inquired, "How fares Amy recently?"

"She’s well," Malin replied. "All progresses smoothly. Though since joining Kirin Tor for her studies, her letters grew scarce. Over a month since last correspondence. But you didn’t seek me to discuss her, surely?"

"Precisely, Master." Jesse continued, "Previously, Amy assisted me in finding someone to repair that pocket watch. Might I engage that mage acquaintance of hers? Payment is acceptable—he’s the only watch specialist I know."

Malin shut his book. "You mean that gnome, Mr. Sadolum."

"Does he still reside in the Mage Quarter?" Jesse asked.

"He does," Malin confirmed. "Still studies at Wizard’s Sanctum. No indications of pursuing formal mage rank. His address… I should have it here." The elderly mage rummaged through cabinet files while muttering, "Whether he charges remains unclear—best inquire directly. Some gnome mages at the Sanctum sustain themselves by repairing trinkets or aiding Dwarven District artisans. Likely cheaper than replacement."

"Ah, here." He pressed the open ledger before Jesse. "You may transcribe it." Jesse retrieved scrap paper and accepted the offered pen. "My thanks, Master."

"Think nothing of it, Mr. Seso."

Emerging from the Mage Quarter with daylight remaining, Jesse checked the scribbled address in Old Town. Reachable before supper.

The location proved to be a prewar three-story relic. Not ideal housing material.

Jesse ascended exterior stairs to the second-floor door and knocked softly. "Mr. Sadolum?"

"Who?" piped a childlike voice within.

"Amy Malin’s friend. Heard you excel at watch repairs—seeking assistance."

"Er, wait! Just a moment, it’s not quite—"

Metallic clattering erupted inside. Jesse offered, "Shall I return later?"

"No! Didn’t mean that! Bear with me briefly!"

Jesse waited beside the door until it abruptly banged open. A gnome with a wispy brown mustache peered out.

He wore an unconventional white jerkin—not Wizard’s Sanctum robes—and sported two unfamiliar gold rings. Possibly Gnomeregan relics or family sigils.

The gnome scrutinized him. "Amy Malin’s friend? State your name."

"Jurke."

Jesse produced his Wizard’s Sanctum ring. The gnome glanced and queried, "You’re Jesse Seso, yes?"

"You… know of me?"

"Knew you survived since repairing your watch in Black Morass. Won’t cause trouble—no need for silencing measures."

"Hardly, Mr. Sadolum—"

"Ha! Mere jest. Enter." The gnome widened the door. "Though you defy expectations. Imagined someone sturdier—more aggressive features, perhaps a warrior’s beard. You scarcely resemble the mighty mage who felled Pit Lord Azgath at Dark Portal."

He stressed "mage" with palpable sarcasm. Combined with the jest, Jesse realized this gnome knew precisely what magic defeated that demon.

Despite youthful appearance and voice, Mr. Sadolum seemed scarcely older than Jesse himself.

His room was simply arranged, much like an ordinary apprentice mage’s, but the bookshelf held many small gadgets whose specific purposes were unclear. They seemed related to engineering, as no special magic could be sensed from them. Yet compared to his meticulous room organization, this fellow appeared less concerned about cleanliness. Dust floated everywhere, and with the windows wide open, the afternoon sunlight streaming through illuminated the drifting particles clearly.

"Did you bring that ‘regular customer’?" the gnome asked.

"I brought him."

Jesse suddenly realized he’d been overly focused on another’s living space and quickly refocused, gently placing the pocket watch on the table.

The gnome picked it up, glanced briefly, and began disassembling it while remarking, "Water damage? Slightly worn, but nothing serious. Just a moment."

Jesse said, "Not a big issue for Mr. Sadolum, but completely beyond me."

The gnome chuckled, deftly taking apart the pocket watch and arranging each metal ring, gear, and tiny component on the table.

Jesse expected tweezers for meticulous repairs, but instead the gnome retrieved a slender copper rod from behind the cabinet. Chanting a spell, he summoned arcane energy.

Arcane energy seeped through the dim yellow-lit window, door cracks, and dust motes. Guided by the gnome’s incantations and gestures, it swirled around the watch parts, interlocking and reassembling them… Was he truly just an apprentice mage?

Many gnomes possessed strong arcane talent, preferring to blend magic with mechanical engineering—creating innovations or enhancing their inventions rather than wielding it for destruction.

Jesse watched spellbound as Sadolum suddenly snatched the reassembled watch, clenched it in his fist, then smiled and extended his open palm.

"See, Mr. Seso? Time flows again."

"Incredible," Jesse replied, accepting the watch.

The gnome waved dismissively. "A mere trifle. Time’s march isn’t swayed by a tiny watch."

"Uh." Jesse nodded absently, then recalled something and produced his coin pouch. "Right, should I—"

"Absolutely not! Amy would be furious with me," Sadolum interjected hastily. "She’s aided me often at the Wizard’s Sanctum. Helping her friend is natural. Besides, you’re a hero of Nethergarde. Even if my pockets were empty, I wouldn’t take your coin."

"Many at the Wizard’s Sanctum know I live?" Jesse inquired.

"Few. Perhaps only those dwelling highest up. Without Amy, I’d never have known." The gnome leaned against the low table. "I’ve heard much of you—from Amy, from other mages. Trust your choices, Mr. Seso. Don’t let needless doubts cloud you. More support you than you realize."

"What doubts?" Jesse asked instinctively, fingers tracing the watch.

The gnome gestured vaguely, inhaling deeply. "Many… The Kirin Tor, skeptics, messy politics—you understand. But I’ve another appointment tonight, so…"

"Of course. Thank you, Mr. Sadolum."

"Truly nothing. Goodnight, Mr. Seso."

Goodnight?

Jesse found the gnome peculiar, but upon stepping outside, true night had fallen. Perhaps darkness came swifter to Stormwind than southern Kalimdor, leaving him unsettled.

Sadolum… pocket watch…

In the quiet, a disquieting suspicion surfaced. *Don’t let needless factors disturb you, Mr. Seso.*

The gnome’s words now echoed like clockwork ticks in his mind, smothering the doubt. Indeed—best not overthink.