“It’s actually a Game Theory problem; if you’re interested, you can look at related Muggle books.” However, Terry’s response didn’t come; there was only the sound of light breathing.
Terry had already fallen asleep; after a whole day of tossing and turning, kids this age fall asleep the moment their heads hit the pillow.
Lucien closed the book and turned to look at the window; from this room, he could just see where the Forbidden Forest was.
The Forbidden Forest, right next to Hogwarts, was home to a large number of Magical Creatures.
There were Thestrals that could only be seen by those who had witnessed death, massive Acromantulas, Unicorns, Centaurs skilled in divination…
I’m going to specialize in the Magical Creature Transfiguration branch of Transfiguration in the future, so I’ll definitely need to observe these Magical Creatures.
The Forbidden Forest is a good place.
But I must ensure my own safety first.
Charms are one thing, but relevant Potions also need to be prepared, and as for traveling between the Castle and the Forbidden Forest…
He turned to glance at Terry on the bed, confirming he was deep in dreamland.
Lucien turned back and continued looking toward the Forbidden Forest.
“Lumen.” A pale golden figure appeared directly in front of Lucien.
The Little Qilin jumped joyfully in the air; it had been cooped up all day.
Lucien had kept it in the system’s Pet Space all day.
Although the system said there were mountains and water inside, it was the only living thing there, so it was easy to get bored and restless.
Gently stroking Lumen’s head, Lucien was also calculating.
Qilin are born with the ability to use Apparition; they are essentially the perfect ‘vehicle’ for rushing around or escaping.
But I don’t quite remember if Apparition and similar magic are banned within Hogwarts Castle.
Thinking of this, Lucien directly sent a thought to the Little Qilin: “Try and see if you can still use Apparition.” The talent of mental communication helped Lumen immediately understand its master’s intent.
In an instant, the Little Qilin’s figure vanished from before Lucien’s eyes.
Before Lucien could even blink, it flickered back into existence.
“Master, it worked!” A child-like voice appeared directly in Lucien’s mind.
Lucien laughed, a hint of joy appearing in his eyes.
“Very good!
By the way, where did you just go?” Another child-like voice echoed in Lucien’s mind: “Home!” Lucien nodded and rubbed the Little Qilin’s head in praise.
Well, there’s a high probability that the Castle still has restrictions; otherwise, wouldn’t a school nurturing the seeds of all British wizards allow villains to enter and leave at will using magic like Apparition?
Lucien believed that the four founders of the school, the Legendary Wizards of that generation, couldn’t have failed to consider such security issues.
It should be that the Qilin’s innate magic is fundamentally different from a wizard’s magic.
After all, there are so many Magical Creatures in the Magical World, each with its own racial talents, and wizards still haven’t fully analyzed their magical abilities.
Moreover, Lumen wasn’t a local type of Qilin; it belonged to the ranks of true divine beasts.
Being unaffected by Hogwarts’ restrictions and having mystical traits made sense.
Lucien recalled the Little Qilin’s posture when it used Apparition just now; it felt completely unlike the toilet-flush-like way wizards disappeared.
The Little Qilin seemed to merge directly into space, the whole process being very natural and swift.
Indeed, the magic of wizards and Magical Creatures is quite different.
Looking down at the Little Qilin, those large golden-red eyes were also staring at him.
Short horns hadn’t grown on its forehead yet, only two slightly raised bumps.
Lumen was still too small.
Even for a divine beast, its self-protection ability during infancy…
He felt a bit uneasy letting it run off to the Forbidden Forest like this.
Thinking of this, Lucien directly communicated with the system through his thoughts: “System, is there any way to strengthen the Little Qilin’s power?” [There is, Host, there is.
I have nine such methods.] “…” How should I put it?
It feels like after coming into contact with the Magical World, this system seems more active?
“Uh, just tell me the most useful one.” [Alright, the system recommends: Pet Growth Loan.
There are two types of this loan: one to let the pet quickly reach the Growth Phase (monthly loan); and one to quickly reach the Maturity Phase (annual loan).
Note: A pet in the Growth Phase has initially awakened all racial talents; the Maturity Phase is when they have fully mastered their talents and will awaken individual talent abilities unique to them.] Lucien rubbed his chin and glanced at the Little Qilin.
“What level is Lumen in the Growth Phase?
Are there any side effects to this rapid maturation?
What are the tasks for the monthly and annual loans?” Faced with Lucien’s three consecutive questions, the system quickly responded: [A Qilin just entering the Growth Phase is equivalent to an elite Auror among wizards, but far surpasses wizards of the same level in the field of innate magic.
There are no side effects, it just requires the pet to sleep in the space for a week.
After all, it’s produced by this system.
Monthly loan: Observe and record the abilities, characteristics, and habits of 5 types of Magical Creatures for a period of 30 days.
Annual loan: Observe and record the abilities, characteristics, and habits of all Magical Creatures (including known and unknown species) for a period of 365 days.] Ignoring the system’s occasional attempts at being cute, Lucien frowned and asked: “A divine beast just entering the Growth Phase is only equivalent to an elite Auror?” Although the system said it surpassed the mundane in the field of innate magic, it still felt low to Lucien, not meeting his expectations.
[The Growth Phase is the period when a divine beast’s strength changes most significantly and rapidly; the difference between the beginning and the end is immense.
A divine beast about to enter the Maturity Phase is infinitely close to the level of a human Legendary Wizard.] Hearing the system’s explanation, Lucien’s brow gradually relaxed, and he nodded.
That was reasonable.
A Little Qilin in its Growth Phase would have the power to protect itself; as long as it didn’t clash head-on with dangerous creatures in the Forbidden Forest, preserving itself wouldn’t be a problem.
Recording 5 types of Magical Creatures within a month was also fine.
Since there were no specific requirements on which species to record, he could prioritize finding some in the Forbidden Forest with low danger and easy access.
As for the annual loan that would allow Lumen to step directly into the Maturity Phase, Lucien glanced at it and no longer considered it.
The annual loan required recording information on all Magical Creatures, which was completely beyond his current capabilities.
And unlike perfectly mastering Transfiguration or refining Potions with the Philosopher’s Stone, which I could find ways to complete while staying at Hogwarts…
Not all Magical Creatures live in the Forbidden Forest, not to mention it specified including known and unknown species.
To truly repay this loan, I’d have to travel the whole world.
Heh, “Becoming a Magical Creature Expert Upon Entering Hogwarts”?
It also requires the Little Qilin to sleep for a week.
Well, I’ll use this time to practice practical Charms and prepare more Potions for backup.
“System, I want to take out the Pet Growth monthly loan.” [OK, I hope the host has a pleasant repayment.
Loan: Rapid Pet Growth (monthly loan).
Repayment Period: 30 days.
Loan Content: Let the pet initially reach the Growth Phase.
Loan Task: Observe and record the abilities, characteristics, and habits of 5 types of Magical Creatures.
Evaluation: Keep it up—this is your first step to surpassing Newt Scamander!] Seeing the system’s evaluation, Lucien smiled faintly.
Why did it bring up that introverted Magical Creature expert?
He looked up at the starlight outside the window and felt it was time to rest.
Lucien patted the Little Qilin’s head.
“Goodnight.” — Late at night, Hogwarts Headmaster’s Office.
Dumbledore walked to the shelf where the Sorting Hat was placed.
“Old friend, would you like to chat with me about that young lad, Lucien?”