r18novel Chapter 237 Choices and the Way Home
Chapter 237 Choices and the Way Home
Chapter 237 Choices and the Way Home
In the gazebo of the Quiet Abode's back garden, dappled sunlight filtered through the vines, casting shadows. Before Cullen lay his Hogwarts course selection list for the next semester, the parchment next to several thick, open magic books. His brow furrowed slightly, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the table, clearly engaged in an internal deliberation.
Nico sat opposite him, leisurely enjoying his morning tea, his eyes holding a gentle smile that seemed to know everything. Castor stood by the pavilion, his back to them, gazing at the distant scenery.
"Ancient runes are the cornerstone of alchemy; rune arrays, magic channeling, material activation—all rely on them. Although I've already mastered them, I still want to look at what Hogwarts teaches," Cullen muttered to himself, making a clear checkmark next to the "Ancient Runes" course. He picked up a book on arithmetic divination, flipping through the table of contents. "This course—on the surface, it's about prediction, but at its core, it's complex mathematical logic and pattern analysis. It should have potential help in optimizing alchemical formulas, analyzing magical structures, and even in tactical deduction. It'll also be a good opportunity to understand what logic is like in the magical world." He pondered for a moment, then also made a checkmark next to "Arithmetic Divination."
His gaze fell on the Magical Creatures class. "Next year Hagrid will be teaching, although—well, his style is unique,"
The chosen target is debatable, but Hagrid's love and understanding of magical creatures are genuine. However, this year," a hint of anticipation flashed in Karen's eyes, "is Professor Kettleburn's last year teaching. That legendary professor who 'would study new species even when he was half-dead,' his last class—missing it would probably be a regret. Moreover, magical creatures themselves are a vast treasure trove of magical resources; understanding their characteristics and magical reactions would directly benefit alchemy and even future battles." Without further hesitation, he ticked off the "Protect Magical Creatures" course as well.
Looking at the three clear checkmarks on the course selection form, Karen had already made up his mind. He looked up and met Nico's questioning gaze.
"Have you decided?" Nico put down her teacup, her voice gentle.
"It's decided." Karen pushed the course selection sheet forward. "Ancient Rune, Arithmetic Divination, and Protecting Mythical Creatures."
Nico glanced at it, nodded slightly, and a look of satisfaction in his eyes: "Choosing what interests you is the most suitable for you."
Karen!
Castor, who had been silent all along, turned around, his gaze falling on Karen's face, scrutinizing her for a moment.
He spoke slowly: "Rationality. Strength comes from focus, not from dabbling. Once you choose a path, see it through to the end."
Karen took a deep breath, looked at Nico and Castor, her eyes clear and firm: "Regarding the Time-Turner, teacher,"
I accept your previous advice. I won't apply for it just to have more courses. My current focus is on alchemy, soul magic, Occlumency, and Fiendfire control—these are enough for me to dedicate myself fully to. Time magic—its laws and risks far exceed my current understanding and capabilities. Venturing into it rashly would not only be a distraction but could also bring unpredictable disaster. I choose to concentrate on my core areas and solidify my foundation. It won't be too late to consider venturing into it when the time is truly ripe, and I have a deeper understanding and reverence for time.
Nico's smile deepened, a genuine expression of admiration. As if prepared, he retrieved a delicate golden hourglass from an inner pocket of his robe. The hourglass had a long, thin chain, and inside flowed silver sand that seemed to hold starlight. This was the ancient time-tamper.
"Karen, I am very pleased with your decision." Nico's voice carried a hint of solemnity. "Power deserves reverence, and wisdom lies in knowing what to choose and what to discard." He gently placed the time converter on the table in front of Karen. "I am giving it to you not to encourage you to study the mysteries of time now—that is still something I strongly oppose. Rather—treat it as a special means of protection."
Karen was slightly taken aback.
"This time-twister can serve as your 'insurance'." Nico stared seriously into Karen's eyes. "Of course, you can also use it to briefly experience time reversal, but remember its side effects—mental exhaustion, distorted time perception, and even the possibility of attracting the attention of unknown entities—are all real. Do not become addicted to its convenience! Treat it as a powerful but extremely dangerous one-time-use talisman, not a tool."
Karen gazed at the small hourglass on the table, its surface swirling with mysterious stardust, sensing the indescribable rhythm of time and space it emanated. He nodded solemnly, reached out, and carefully picked up the chain, feeling its cool metallic touch. He didn't put it on immediately, but instead carefully put it away, placing it deep within his pocket, which was enchanted with a Seamless Stretch Charm. "I understand, Master. I will use it wisely and will never misuse it. Thank you for your trust."
"Very good." Nico patted him on the shoulder. "Now, do your final practice before you leave. Consolidating your existing strength is more important than coveting the unknown."
"Very good." Castor's voice rang out at the right moment. "Theory over, practice begins. Go to the stone platform at the back. Let me see how much your progress has been solidified over this period."
The black stone slab behind the Tranquil Abode once again became Karen's training ground. He needed to test the results of his efforts during this time.
In particular, the mastery of "Fire Shield".
Karen stood in the center of the field, concentrating her mind. She activated Occlumency, her thoughts flowing like a river, washing away all distracting ideas.
The wand traced the simple yet rhythmic arc that Castor had taught it, drawing it upwards from bottom to top.
"Buzz!"
A pale blue ring of fire instantly rose from the ground, its height stabilizing at about one meter and its diameter nearly one and a half meters. The tiny, eerie blue flames forming the fire shield danced, much more solid than on the first attempt, radiating a scorching heat. However, the heat was contained within the fire wall by an invisible force; the air outside was only slightly warm. The fire wall burned steadily, without the slightest sign of shaking or overflowing.
Karen maintained the fire shield, his mind immersed in it. He could clearly feel the "Guardian Will" imprint he had injected into the core node, like a precise and resilient control system manipulating the fire energy. With a slight movement of his mind, the fire shield slowly shrank inward to a diameter of one meter, the flames became more concentrated, and the defensive strength seemed to increase accordingly.
"Test begins," Castor's cold voice rang out.
First wave: Several hard pebbles were rapidly shot at the fire shield from different angles by an invisible force.
"Pfft! Pfft! Pfft!"
The moment the pebble struck the fire shield, it was as if it had hit an invisible, elastic barrier. It was violently repelled by the intense heat, leaving charred marks on its surface as it flew far away. The fire shield remained completely still.
Second wave: Castor tapped his wand lightly, and a pale yellow magical shockwave, simulating the effect of the "Obstacles" spell, slammed into the side of the fire shield.
hum!
The fire shield flashed with blue light, and the shockwave was quickly dissipated and assimilated by the rotating flame energy, causing only a barely perceptible ripple before subsiding.
The third wave: A training magical puppet bird, given harmless detection commands by Castor, slowly flew towards Karen, attempting to pass through the fire shield.
As the puppet bird approached the edge of the fire shield, the shield remained unchanged. The puppet bird flew through the fire shield unharmed and landed at Karen's feet.
A slight smile appeared on Karen's lips. The IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) function was working properly!
"How long will it last?" Castor reminded him.
Karen focused her mind, continuously channeling magic to solidify the core imprint of her will. The fire shield burned steadily, and time passed second by second. After about ten minutes, the flames at the edge of the fire shield began to flicker extremely faintly and unstablely, and the area affected also shrank slightly.
"It's ready," Castor's voice came through.
Karen retracted his wand, and the fire shield instantly extinguished, leaving only a faint burn mark on the ground. He was slightly out of breath, but his eyes were bright. Ten minutes of stable maintenance, clear identification of friend and foe, controllable adjustment of the range, and the consumption wasn't too great; he should be able to go even further afterward.
"The basics are in place." Castor walked up to him, his gray eyes scrutinizing him. "Stable form, clear identification, and decent range control. Remember, the essence of the Fire Shield lies in 'mind control,' the core of which is the condensation of the will to protect and the will to control the flames."
You've grasped the basics. Next," he paused, his gaze sharp, "only through diligent practice and deepening your understanding. Where the heart leads, the shield will stand firm."
Karen nodded solemnly: "Yes, teacher."
The time for parting had come. In the porch of the Serene Abode, the golden rays of the setting sun bathed the ancient stone steps. Mrs. Perenel handed Karen a delicate basket filled with sweets, jam, and enchanted tea, her eyes filled with loving kindness: "Take these with you, child. Be careful on your journey."
Nico patted Cullen on the shoulder, his silver-grey eyes filled with expectation: "Cullen, your talent and hard work in alchemy and willpower control far exceed my expectations. Hogwarts is another battlefield for you, and also your home. Continue to explore..."
Stay alert, and don't forget to enjoy the pleasures of friendship and growth. We can stay connected anytime through the two-way mirror.
Castor stood a step back, his grey eyes calm and serene. He said nothing, only looked at Karen and nodded slightly. Karen completely understood the approval and silent "take care" contained in that look.
"Thank you, Professor Nico, Professor Castor, Mrs. Perenel." Karen bowed deeply, her heart filled with gratitude and reluctance to part. "I will continue to work hard and will not let you down."
He straightened up and gripped the small bronze key Nico had handed him, engraved with intricate spatial runes—a key to a specific location in his Plymouth home. "Ready?"
"Ready." Karen took a deep breath.
Nico tapped the key with his wand. *Whoosh!* A familiar, powerful, hook-like force suddenly gripped Karen's navel. The scene in the Tranquil Abode instantly distorted and stretched, transforming into a blurry band of color. The next moment, a dizzying sensation washed over him; he was swept away by the power of space and vanished from his spot.
When he opened his eyes again, the familiar air, carrying a faint smell of the sea and engine oil, filled his nostrils. He stood in the shadow of his tool shed in his backyard, the last rays of the setting sun casting beams of light through the gaps in the roof. He was back.