Normally, the stronger the Magic Power granted, the stronger the transformation creation would be. It was possible to conjure a paper griffin or a Welsh Green, but the large size of a Welsh Green would consume a significant amount of Magic Power.
"My knowledge reserves also influence the level of Magic Power consumption. The more familiar I am with the creature or object I want to transfigure, the less Magic Power I need to consume during the transformation process."
Ian summarized his findings.
Due to his unfamiliarity with spatial magic like the [Undetectable Extension Charm], even a single Niffler placed a heavy burden on his Magic Power, with the gains far outweighing the costs.
Of course, this gap between cost and gain would inevitably decrease as Ian became more familiar with the Niffler and its magical abilities. The same applied to magical creations. The more familiar he was with the magical creation he wanted to transform, the lower the Magic Power cost would be.
"Being able to achieve this level is already quite extraordinary. I can't imagine how the awakening of a legendary trait would transcend the common understanding of the wizarding world." Ian completed his experimentation with his new abilities amidst the snores of his roommates. Outside, the rain continued to pour with thunder rumbling.
With the awakening of the extraordinary trait of magic, Ian felt a sense of joy. Although he hadn't slept much that night, he was still full of energy and not the least bit sleepy.
"Let's study some alchemy to relax." Ian pulled out a few books he had borrowed from the library. Learning the knowledge from the fragments of Professor Mara's enchanted robes required the help of other foundational books.
After all, the space on the robe fragments was limited, only recording the most crucial knowledge. The field of alchemy was definitely not something that could be summarized in a few words.
Even if Professor Mara were to unravel every thread of her robes, the space on them would still struggle to comprehensively document alchemy. In fact, the fragments only contained a few specialized areas within the field.
Moreover, compared to the current books, Ian could learn different things. Knowledge from different eras had its own advantages and disadvantages.
"Basics of Alchemy"
"Magical Flames Alchemy: From Ash to Arcana"
"The Enchanter's Furnace: A Fantastical Journey of Alchemy"
Whether it was the powerful gift for Aurora or the regular assessments from Professor Mara, along with Ian's own interests and expectations for magical transfigurative creation, all these factors motivated him to study alchemy.
He immersed himself in the sea of knowledge.
Diligent, focused, and with growing proficiency, his abilities were on the rise.
"Boom!"
Outside the window, the rain intensified and it felt as if the sky had sprung a leak.
The deafening roar made Ian instinctively look up outside.
He saw the world beyond the window shrouded in chaos. The rain fell like countless silver ribbons, furiously cascading from the sky, weaving into a massive curtain of water.
The flowing water on the window obscured most of his view.
From time to time, lightning would slice through the night sky, followed by a thunderous roar that shook the entire castle, adding a thrilling momentum to the downpour.
"Why is there fire?"
Ian peered through the blurred glass of the window and noticed flames of gold and orange intertwining in the distance amidst the thunderstorm, radiant and glorious like a rising sun.
'Could it be a magical creature appearing there?'
The intense magical fluctuations were both intoxicating and terrifying. The flames held power and authority, allowing Ian to feel the unique rhythm of magic even from a distance.
"I can see... its rhythm... so clearly. Is this a qualitative change brought by the increase in Magic Power level?" Ian wasn't sure, but the next moment, he was drawn to the magical imprint on his personal panel.
[Observing and learning high-level Fire Spells, Transfiguration Proficiency +1, Fire Spell Proficiency +3. Dark Curses Proficiency +5]
'What the hell!'
'Forget about Transfiguration and Fire Spells!'
'Why is there also a Dark Curse!?'
Is there a magical creature in the wizarding world with such characteristics?
...
"Knock, Knock, Knock!"
Just as Ian took out the'Magical Creatures and Where to Find them? book' to fill the gaps in his knowledge, an urgent knocking sounded at the dormitory door.
"Wake up! Get up!"
It was the voice of the Ravenclaw male Prefect, Dietrich, loud enough to rouse Ian's two roommates, who were still fast asleep.
"Knock, Knock, Knock!"
"Knock, Knock, Knock!"
The knocking continued incessantly. Frowning, Ian put away his book and strode to the door, opening it to find Prefect Dietrich standing outside with his wand in hand, his expression taut with urgency.
He was glancing around as if on high alert.
"What's happened?" Ian asked, already suspecting another disturbance. It was only his third day at Hogwarts, yet it seemed like peace was a luxury he wouldn't be afforded anytime soon.
"Some idiot released Ashwinders in the castle! They're everywhere— slithering out of fireplaces and nesting in dark corners. If we don't act fast, we'll have an infestation on our hands!" Dietrich hissed through gritted teeth.
Ian's mind flicked to what he had read in 'Magical Creatures and Where to Find them?' Ashwinders were thin, pale-gray serpents with glowing red eyes, born from magical flames.
They slithered away to lay eggs in dark, secluded places, leaving behind a trail of ash. Though their lifespan was barely an hour, their reproductive rate was astonishing, making them a classified threat at the XXX danger level.
The Ministry of Magic's Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures categorized magical beings into five levels. The XXXXX classification was reserved for creatures that were virtually impossible to tame and had a record of wizard fatalities.
At the lower end were X and XX creatures, harmless or easily managed, like Flobberworms, Mooncalves, and the popular Bowtruckles.
But at XXX and above? Those creatures were dangerous enough to require skilled handling. Ashwinders, with their rapid spread and potential for destruction, were certainly no joke. Even a powerful wizard could find them troublesome if left unchecked.
Especially at a school teeming with young witches and wizards— one careless mistake could spell disaster. No wonder the Prefect was pounding on doors in the middle of the night. It was likely the same in the other Houses.
"Everyone's being summoned to the Great Hall. Forget about getting any sleep tonight. Whoever's responsible for this mess is either getting expelled or shipped straight to Azkaban," Dietrich grumbled, moving on to wake the other Ravenclaws.
"I just want to study. Is that really too much to ask?" Ian muttered in exasperation. With a sigh, he turned back to the dormitory and gave each of his still-sleeping roommates a firm slap.
"Loyalty! Absolute loyalty!"
"Don't eat me! I taste awful!"
Both boys jolted awake, blurting out sleep-muddled nonsense that left Ian utterly baffled. What on earth had they been dreaming about?
(To Be Continued…)
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