Chapter 162: Cinder Fern, Fire Enhancement, and Gubraithian Fire

What now appeared before Ciel was an island with a completely different form from the other islands he'd seen before. "Looking at this... This is a volcanic island?" His nose twitched slightly. He seemed able to smell the faint sulfur scent drifting from the waters below. The temperature in this area was obviously higher than in other regions. Various signs indicated that this was not only a volcanic island formed after an eruption, but its formation wasn't very ancient either. It was quite a "young" island. Even the volcano beneath might not be completely dormant, still emitting heat. He looked delighted. A volcanic island was an extremely special environment. Higher temperatures and moist sea air created a unique humid, hot climate perfect for growing Chizpurfle and many magical herbs. Additionally, soil formed from settled and solidified volcanic ash was often nutrient-rich. Combined with fertilizing potions, it could achieve optimal planting effects. Though still far inferior to Hogwarts greenhouses, it would surpass most soils. Most importantly, volcanic islands had relatively simple ecosystems, maximally eliminating interference from other vegetation. Almost like a "natural greenhouse." Compared to the alternatives he had found in near-shore waters, this volcanic island's conditions were far superior. This made his gaze brighten with joy. His luck exploring the North Sea was quite good. Just entering the area, he'd made such a discovery. Finding this volcanic island meant no need to search for others. This island was currently the most suitable place for his cultivation and planting. None better! Marking the volcanic island's position on his map, he discovered the original map didn't show this volcanic island's location. "Presumably because this island formed recently. But magical world maps haven't been updated for a long time. So maps don't yet show this island. In other words, I might be the first wizard in the magical world to discover this island." He wrote a name in his notes. "I'll temporarily name it Sprout Island." Then he descended toward Sprout Island. If he found no other problems, he'd definitely decide to plant Chizpurfle and other magical plants here afterward. Soon, on the ground, he picked up a handful of soil. His eyes showed increasing strangeness. This island's formation time was even later than he'd expected. Probably formed within fifty years. For an island, that was indeed very young. At this time, his mind recalled a rumor Professor Sprout had mentioned... about an extremely rare magical herb. "Cinder Fern. Cineris Fern. A legendary magical plant appearing only in post-volcanic eruption areas. About thirty to fifty centimeters tall, with leaves showing deep red and ink-black interwoven spiral patterns, having obsidian luster, and roots wrapped in translucent crystalline sheaths that refract light into weak iridescence. When mature, it blooms molten-gold sporangia at the top, emitting red light like sparks. This plant is praised as beautiful as gems. It has unique magical power and is essential material for some ancient potions. But due to extremely demanding growth requirements, only volcanic regions that erupted within fifty years have a slight possibility of birthing Cinder Fern. So even many Herbology masters never see one in their lifetime." His eyes showed anticipation. This volcanic island seemed to meet Cinder Fern's growth conditions. He wondered if such magical plants might grow here. Given its rarity, if he could find methods to successfully cultivate it, perhaps it would be higher tier than most herbs he currently had. Also, both Aunt Sprout and Snape would surely be very interested in such rare herbs. Thinking this, he took flight again, circling the island on his Nimbus 2000. The sky had completely darkened. The seawater was deep and dark, like a light-devouring monster. Above, due to the North Sea's perpetually poor weather, clouds covered everything. Neither starlight nor moonlight penetrated the cloud layer. Darkness filled heaven and earth. But this actually let his Platinum-tier night vision perform at its peak. Everything before him appeared crystal clear. Even magical power particles of various colors and natures were clearly visible. These magical particles mostly emanated from the ocean. Most came from common magical algae plants. The remainder came from some marine magical creatures. But basically just plankton and small animals. He carefully swept the sea surface. He found no valuable traces. As for the volcanic island before him, it was completely silent. He saw no magical particles at all. Obviously, this island had just formed recently. No magical animals or plants lived or survived on it. As for Cinder Fern, no traces were visible either. This made him shake his head slightly. "Makes sense. Cinder Fern is so precious. Even with volcanic eruption conditions, Cinder Fern might not necessarily grow here. According to Aunt, many herbologists spend lifetimes searching various volcanic regions worldwide for Cinder Fern. Even so, most people never see Cinder Fern traces in their entire lives. Just seeing one volcanic island and expecting to find Cinder Fern... the probability is still too low." That said, he still lowered his altitude, making another circuit of the island to avoid missing anything. Soon after, he really discovered something he hadn't noticed before. In the central rise of the island, among the rugged volcanic rocks, was a crack about three to four meters long, wide enough for two people side by side. Its depth was unknown. The sulfur smell he detected seemed to emanate from here. His heart stirred slightly. "Could this crack lead to areas closer to the volcanic crater? If so, the probability of Cinder Fern growing there would be higher." Looking at the dark crack, others might hesitate or fear. But he, with Platinum-tier night vision, wasn't afraid of such environments. Moreover, he had Legendary heat resistance. Volcanic environments were like coming home for him. Some toxic gases were like gentle breezes to his Legendary Vitality. Therefore, after a moment, he gripped his wand, tensed his nerves, and entered the crack. Fortunately, no magical creatures lived in the crack, so there was no risk of sudden attacks. But the deeper he went, the heavier the sulfur smell became. Increasingly scorching heat waves filled the air. The temperature had probably soared to nearly fifty degrees. However, for him, this was nothing at all. Soon, the narrow crack suddenly opened up. An underground cavern appeared before him. The cavern's central floor faintly glowed with red light. He observed for a while, his expression understanding. "The central area should be the passage to the undersea volcano. But after the original volcanic eruption, lava here began solidifying first. Hence this landscape." Strange light flashed in his eyes. "So logically, the probability of Cinder Fern growing here would be much higher than on the island surface." With some anticipation, his gaze moved around the underground cavern. Then his breathing suddenly stopped. His gaze suddenly locked on a crevice in the cavern. A dim molten-gold color was faintly visible there. His heartbeat accelerated. He immediately rushed over. What met his eyes were deep red and ink-black interwoven leaves with obsidian luster, plus stems wrapped in crystalline sheaths. This plant before him seemed less like a plant than a living gem. This was exactly the Cinder Fern that countless herbologists never saw in their lifetimes! But after a moment, his eyes showed some regret. He'd arrived too late. This Cinder Fern had almost completely lost vitality. Its gem-like luster had dimmed. Only because the underground cavern's stable environment prevented it from turning to ash. But just one gust of wind would probably shatter it. Then his gaze, filled with pity and regret, fell on the molten-gold color at the Cinder Fern's top. This was the last place retaining a trace of vitality in the entire Cinder Fern. There it was nurturing spores. When his gaze fell on it, a line of reward information appeared before his eyes. [You obtained Cinder Fern Spores] [Successfully planting Cinder Fern spores grants rewards: Fire Enhancement (Gold Tier), Charm Enhancement (Silver Tier)] [Cultivating Cinder Fern to maturity upgrades rewards to: Fire Enhancement (Platinum Tier), Charm Enhancement (Gold Tier), Trace Gubraithian Fire Magic Comprehension (Black Iron Tier)] His eyes suddenly brightened. These rewards were indeed higher than his estimates. After cultivating to maturity, he could actually get Platinum-tier rewards? And these reward contents were extremely practical. Fire Enhancement? Many destructive spells in the magical world were fire-related. Most famous was naturally Fiendfyre. And Dumbledore's signature spell... Fire Path. These fire-type spells all had one characteristic... wide range. This was exactly the magical attack method he currently lacked most. Sectumsempra was purely a single-target attack. Serpensortia mostly created snakes for entanglement and harassment, not suitable for area attacks. If he could obtain this Platinum-tier Fire Enhancement reward and combine it with any fire spell like Incendio, it would fill another of his current shortcomings. Plus his Dragon Fire ability from Blood Jade also belonged to the fire category. Dragon Fire, his trump card for sneak attacks, might dramatically increase in power. When really needing Dragon Fire to turn the tide, his chances would be greater. Besides this, Charm Enhancement seemed unrelated to magic. But he thought about it... Voldemort's rise involved not only his super magical talent but also his bewitching charisma. Otherwise, he couldn't have learned about making multiple Horcruxes from Slughorn. Improving this aspect was still beneficial. As for the final Gubraithian Fire comprehension, it made him narrow his eyes slightly. Gubraithian Fire, also called Eternal Fire. Also an extremely ancient fire magic. It appeared in the original story. Reportedly, very few wizards in the current magical world could use Gubraithian Fire. Dumbledore was one of them. This showed how extraordinary this fire magic was. He took a deep breath, his mood improving from finding this Cinder Fern spore. But soon, looking at the spore's condition, his expression became serious. This spore was probably already on death's edge. If not for its extremely slow emission of a few magical particles, he might think it was truly dead. "Fortunately. There's still a last trace of vitality. With vitality, there's still hope." He carefully removed this spore, then took a Cinder Fern leaf closest to the top, wrapping the spore. After bringing it back to Hogwarts Castle, with Professor Sprout's Herbology mastery, perhaps it was possible to revive this spore and cultivate new Cinder Fern. This was much more reliable than wandering worldwide to volcanic regions gambling on luck. If he could really mass-cultivate Cinder Fern, his fire magic would definitely advance by leaps and bounds. Then he flew toward the crack's exit with this harvest. But before approaching the surface, he heard angry shouts and spell explosions from outside. His pupils contracted slightly. He immediately slowed down, looking out from the crack to secretly observe the situation. Above the outside sky, Tonks rode a broomstick, weaving through spell after spell. Opposite Tonks, on a flying carpet, sat a bandage-wrapped figure. He recognized him immediately. "Bogey Lockman?" He was slightly shocked. He hadn't expected this guy to follow him to the North Sea after suffering such a loss in the greenhouse. Cold light flashed in his eyes. He didn't think Bogey Lockman was here to escort him. His intentions were already obvious. At this time, Tonks dodged spells while shouting in disbelief. "Bogey Lockman. Are you insane?! You're stalking and following, and you're attacking a Ministry trainee Auror. Stop immediately, or when you're caught, you'll face Azkaban imprisonment!" To Tonks' questioning, Bogey Lockman let out sick laughter full of cold madness. "Then just don't get caught? On the vast sea, if you have some accident and fall into the water, leaving no remains, that's quite normal. Who would think I did it?" Then, seemingly because continuous wand waving caused his body pain, Bogey Lockman snapped his fingers. The next moment, an explosion sounded. The house-elf he'd whipped to near death appeared, bloody and mangled. Looking at Bogey Lockman, its eyes were full of terror, but it could only bow. "M-Master..." Bogey Lockman pointed at Tonks opposite. "I order you to entangle that woman." The house-elf sighed in relief. Good, not hitting it. As for entangling Tonks, a young wizard, even if she was a Ministry trainee Auror with strict training, it wasn't too difficult for a house-elf. The next moment, the house-elf snapped its fingers. Magic acted on Tonks' broomstick. The broom began violent turbulence, making Tonks feel like riding a roller coaster. Her originally accurate counter-spells lost their aim. "Bastard!" Tonks cursed angrily. Bogey Lockman was very satisfied with this. He let out low laughter on the flying carpet. "You know what? Such lowly beasts have their uses, don't they? Good, now that kid doesn't have you, a trainee Auror, escorting him. This isn't Hogwarts either... no damned professors or damned Dumbledore nearby." He gripped his wand. The flying carpet flew toward where he had disappeared. Bogey Lockman's expression was twisted. "I'll finish him with my own hands!"