Chapter 167: Foundation, Report, and Resonance

Ciel didn't focus on the part about using Dark Magic Transfiguration to modify oneself. Though talent issues were indeed somewhat troubling for him, they could ultimately be solved through the cultivation system. He hadn't thought of abandoning his human body to become something neither human nor ghost-like, Voldemort. However, before the self-modification part, there was the section about the mutual balance and fusion of three blood magics. This provided tremendous inspiration for the Blood Jade cultivation problems he currently faced. Inspiration flashed through his mind as he waved his wand, beginning to work on the third group of Blood Jade undergoing transformation. After a long while, his forehead was covered with dense beads of sweat. He exhaled softly, his gaze falling on the reward orbs above the third Blood Jade group. The reward orbs' condition was slightly more stable than before, but obviously still needed a long time to complete true transformation. He felt quite helpless about this. He did understand the principle of balancing three blood magics, but the actual operation was too difficult. Especially since the magical power in Kraken blood was much stronger than dragon and Acromantula blood, balancing required even more care. The entire process demanded extremely high magical perception. His magical perception was still holding him back. "To truly balance the three magics and completely transform the third Blood Jade group probably requires magical perception to advance to the Platinum tier and undergo qualitative change." He shook his head. "Fortunately, after adding Kraken blood, it's no longer simply consuming vitality. After a long time, the third Blood Jade group should gradually balance the three magics and achieve transformation on its own. Even without my intervention, it shouldn't wither and die." This was enough for him. Given time, magical perception would eventually undergo qualitative change. When that happened, transforming the third Blood Jade group would be natural. For now, this would do. Then he recalled the inspiration from Bogey Lockman's dark magic... using Dark Magic Transfiguration to modify plant seeds, artificially inducing specific variants. After experiencing balancing three blood magics, he had a rough idea. This inspiration was indeed feasible, but the implementation difficulty might be much higher than completing the Blood Jade transformation. Completely incomparable to previously making plant seeds temporarily wild and powerful. For example, he could easily perform secondary modification on Bogey Lockman's flesh vines... that difficulty was roughly equivalent to giving athletes performance enhancers. Short-term enhancement of athletic performance had technical difficulty, but permanent seed modification was like genetic engineering... directly improving human genetics. The difficulty gap was enormous. He suspected even Platinum-tier magical perception might not suffice. Diamond tier might be needed. He was still far from that. He sighed, deciding not to invest time and energy in this inspiration short-term. It exceeded his abilities too much. Pursuing this direction would be chasing mirages. Then he scanned his system panel, taking a deep breath. All spells and magical knowledge, including recently learned Dark Magic Transfiguration, were basically stuck. The reason was insufficient magical perception. This reminded him that spells and magical knowledge should indeed be learned, but magic's foundation... the most essential thing... was always magical power. Magic was a technique for using magical power. Without adequate magical power, no magic could display proper effects. "Magical perception and magical strength have held me back long enough. Need to solve this quickly. And to solve it means one thing for me... Farming!" Since he'd found Drear Island, he wouldn't delay further. Land clearing had to start now. With land came conditions for cultivation, more troll domestication, and more Golden Pothos production. Only then could his magical perception undergo qualitative change quickly. Only with qualitative change could various long-stuck magics accumulate and burst forth! Therefore, after brief contemplation, he walked toward the hospital wing. "First solve the protective magic and Floo Network issues." At this time, Tonks's head still ached faintly. Her mind constantly replayed scenes from the sea... Bogey Lockman, the Kraken... Of course, what appeared most in her mind was him standing before her, repeatedly withstanding the Kraken's attacks. Tonks hadn't had strange thoughts then, but now recalling it, her blood was heating up, making her heart panic. Her originally pink hair had turned bright red, corresponding to her burning emotions. Just as Tonks was gradually gripping the bedsheets, knocking came from outside. "Senior Tonks. Will coming at this time disturb you?" Tonks's body trembled slightly, her breathing more rapid. Him? She said with a shaking voice, "It's fine. Come in." Then his figure appeared before her. The room's atmosphere suddenly became awkward, making Tonks's cheeks flush. The usually bold and unconventional Hufflepuff suddenly couldn't bring herself to look at him. His heart was filled with uncertainty. "Could Tonks still be... still suspecting my connection to Umbridge's death?" At this time, Tonks clenched her fists, speaking with a trembling voice. "Ciel. That time with the Kraken, thank you..." But unexpectedly, he looked completely bewildered. "Kraken? What Kraken? I don't know. Senior, did you hallucinate after hitting the reef?" Tonks was shocked. "No, that day we went to the North Sea. We encountered Bogey Lockman. He used dark magic and a strange whistle to summon the Kraken. You fought the Kraken to protect me..." He looked even more bewildered. "Senior. What are you talking about? How could a weak, pitiful, helpless little badger like me fight a Kraken? Should I call Madam Pomfrey? A damaged brain is very troublesome." Hearing this, Tonks's lips tightened. Weak, pitiful, and helpless? You weren't like this when you made me nearly collapse from exhaustion those days! Simultaneously, she felt inexplicably disappointed. Did he not want to be associated with her? She'd been quite popular at school... plenty of people queued to invite her to Christmas balls. Had she aged after graduation? Or was she too much older than him? Right, seven or eight years difference. Tonks's gaze dimmed slightly. She shook her head, trying not to think about the Kraken incident. After silent moments, Tonks continued, "Alright. Let's pretend it didn't happen. Maybe I really hit a reef at sea. But still, thank you for protecting me and bringing me back." He shook his head. "Senior protected me first. If anyone should thank someone, I should thank Senior." Tonks's mood suddenly brightened. "So we're at least friends now?" He paused, then nodded. "Of course. As long as senior doesn't follow me around daily, trying to find evidence that I killed Umbridge so you can arrest me and send me to Azkaban." Tonks giggled. She suddenly asked, "So did you kill Umbridge?" Without waiting for his answer, Tonks shook her head. "From my investigation these days. You're either farming or staying in the library. How could you be connected to Umbridge's death? You're just a little Hufflepuff wizard... how could little badgers commit murder? Seems I was inexperienced and chose the wrong direction. But according to Ministry clues, Umbridge did die in the Forbidden Forest. How do I explain that? Very troublesome." He looked at Tonks, who returned a knowing look. After the eye contact, he hesitated. "Umbridge was a Ministry official. Why would she go to the Forbidden Forest for no reason? There must be a motive. Could work problems have made her depressed, so she wanted outdoor excursions? So she came to the Forbidden Forest?" Tonks paused, nodding thoughtfully. "Makes sense. Very valuable direction. Many Ministry people can testify. Umbridge's mood was terrible then... wanting fresh air is understandable. Overestimating her professional abilities and recklessly entering dangerous places like the Forbidden Forest would naturally lead to accidents. I think this should be my report's content. Junior, anything to add?" After thinking, he suddenly said, "Actually, how Umbridge died doesn't matter anymore. The dead are gone... most important is comforting the living. A beloved colleague's death surely makes Ministry employees panic. Especially those close to Umbridge... how heartbroken they must be. Shouldn't the report suggest Minister Fudge provide some comfort benefits? This way, I think everyone could feel better in grief, preventing emotional breakdowns leading to crazy talk. Of course, we must prevent future problems. Umbridge dying in the Forbidden Forest shows Hogwarts' forest supervision isn't strict enough. Perhaps suggest the Ministry allocate more funds to Hogwarts for forest guarding, preventing similar situations. Headmaster Dumbledore would surely do protective work with a heavy heart, preventing similar tragedies. Senior, what do you think?" Tonks stared at him blankly, somewhat suspicious. Wait? Which of us actually works in the system? How are you so skilled at this? His lips twitched. In his previous life, three delayed graduation students had jumped from buildings in one year. Seeing it often, he naturally learned. Tonks was very efficient. Having made her choice, she didn't hesitate, quickly writing her report before him. "Tomorrow I'll submit the report to Minister Fudge. Junior, anything else I can help with?" He contemplated briefly before mentioning protective magic and Floo Network issues. "If we could first handle protective magic and the Floo Network on the volcanic island, my upcoming development would be much more convenient." Tonks smiled. "Submitting this report will definitely please the Minister. He'll agree. But I have a small request too." He nodded. Tonks was willing to end Umbridge's death investigation and help with protective magic and Floo Network issues. That was considerate enough. Having small requests that he could fulfill was reasonable. Then Tonks said to him, "This request can't be overheard. Junior, come closer." As he leaned over, thinking Tonks might request something about herbs or potions, a warm feeling suddenly touched his cheek. He was stunned on the spot. "Senior?" Tonks's pink hair became even pinker. She wiped her mouth, as if retaliating for him not acknowledging the Kraken incident. "What's wrong? Junior? Did something happen? Did you properly remember senior's small request?" Then Tonks left Hogwarts with her report, leaving him a parting message. "Next time senior has vacation. I'll treat you to butterbeer in Hogsmeade." Then Tonks disappeared from his sight. He touched his cheek where warmth lingered, smiling bitterly. In two lifetimes combined, this bitter agricultural student had been kissed for the first time. He hadn't expected it to be Tonks. Wasn't she afraid he'd report her for molesting a minor? But after a moment, he shook his head, dismissing these thoughts. Tonks would die in the final battle. That battle would kill many people. Even before the battle, in fifth year, some familiar faces he had decent relationships with would leave forever. Like Susan Bones, whose whole family was killed, leaving Hogwarts dejected and never appearing in the magical world again. Like Cedric Diggory, the excellent Hufflepuff prefect, whose promising life ended forever on the Triwizard Tournament field. So many tragedies. He currently lacked the power to change things. No time for other thoughts. Another batch of Golden Pothos had ripened. Though unable to push magical perception to the Platinum tier for qualitative change, it could still improve somewhat. Then he walked toward Hagrid's hut. Meanwhile, returning to the Ministry, Tonks brought her report to Fudge's office. Fudge actually didn't care at all how Umbridge had really died. But Umbridge's death needed explanation... he could only hold his nose and look at Tonks's report. As he read, Fudge's eyes suddenly brightened, his face showing smiles and repeated nods. "Good, very good, excellent. Thorough investigation, careful evidence. The truth should be exactly this. This report's follow-up suggestions are even more valuable. Well said... the dead are gone; the important thing is comforting everyone's emotions, learning lessons, and doing protective work." Fudge calculated clearly. Calling Umbridge's death the result of depression provided an excuse for psychological comfort and employee benefits. Even if everyone knew Umbridge hadn't died that way, who would refuse benefits? Wanting benefits meant accepting Umbridge had psychological problems and couldn't cope. The Ministry wouldn't spread rumors. As for Hogwarts, the Ministry wasn't pointing fingers at Dumbledore this time, even allocating funds. Dumbledore would surely welcome this. With Ministry and Dumbledore consensus, a joint statement would settle everything. What newspaper would dare object? Fudge sneered. He wasn't Minister for nothing. If he couldn't handle Dumbledore, couldn't he handle them? Solving this major worry, Fudge exhaled deeply. A huge weight seemed lifted from his heart. Regarding Tonks's mention of helping him with protective magic and the Floo Network, Fudge didn't hesitate. The Ministry paid, not him personally. Approved! Simultaneously, Fudge quite appreciated Tonks. He'd worried that young Tonks might be too upright, insisting on getting to the bottom of things, pursuing some justice. Now it seemed this excellent Hufflepuff graduate, though young, had good judgment. Perhaps he could use this incident to make Tonks a communication bridge with Hogwarts. Thinking this, Fudge contemplated briefly, then pulled out an official appointment letter, writing Tonks's name on it early. At this time, he had reached behind Hagrid's hut... where five trolls were domesticated. Another batch of Golden Pothos had ripened. The orange-red color was enticing, with heavy reward orbs floating above. He gently reached out, and the reward orbs merged into his body. Waterfall-like system notifications appeared before his eyes. [You successfully cultivated Golden Pothos] [Reward obtained: Weak Magical Perception Enhancement (Black Iron Tier)] When system notifications finally quieted, he took a deep breath, looking at his system panel. Magical perception improvement still remained at the Gold tier. But this time was different... a tiny bit of platinum light had finally appeared, though quite weak. Still, this made his expression suddenly joyful. Finally reaching the threshold for Platinum advancement. Though far from true Platinum advancement, it was different from before. He could feel his magical perception was more refined than previously. This feedback in various magics was quite obvious. Several Platinum-tier spells visibly intensified. Transfiguration and Dark Magic Transfiguration's bronze luster similarly increased. He exhaled deeply, clenching his fists. Soon. Not much longer. When magical perception truly reached the Platinum tier, the change would be earth-shattering! At this time, heavy footsteps sounded with ground shaking. He looked up to see the male troll approaching. He was somewhat surprised, then seemed to remember something, pointing at the ripened Golden Pothos. "You can eat these. I approve." He had handled recent Golden Pothos batches this way. After ripening, part went to Professor Sprout, part to Snape, and the rest to the trolls. After all, helping him harvest so much Golden Pothos deserved some reward. But this time, unexpectedly, the trolls who previously celebrated and even fought over Golden Pothos seemed to have lost interest. The male troll came before him, using its poor vocabulary plus gestures and kowtowing, seeming to plead for something. He watched for a long time before following its pointing direction, finally seeing the female troll's abdomen had swollen. He was stunned. "She's pregnant? Wait... Are you asking if I can provide a more spacious place for her to live more comfortably?" The male troll finally smiled, nodding repeatedly. He felt emotional watching this scene. Though stupid, trolls weren't emotionless monsters. They were just dumb but actually better than many people. After brief consideration, he learned the trolls' grunting and gestures to express his meaning. "I have an island. In a few days I can take you there. There's sea and mountains. You can move freely as long as you don't step on the fields. Oh right, the fields have food to keep you full. It's spacious there... would you like to go?" The male troll stood there, seemingly struggling to process his information with its meager brain capacity. Just as he thought it didn't understand, the male troll suddenly called the other trolls over, chattering and grunting explanations. The trolls' gazes all fell on him. The next moment... THUD. THUD. Massive fists continuously beat chests, producing thunder-like sounds. Then the trolls roared in their language. "Gronnak..." "Gronnak..." When he had beaten them into submission, he'd heard them address him this way. This meant "king" in troll vocabulary. But if previously he had subdued them through violence, now they were completely sincere. Looking at him with not just respect and fear, but even... worship! After all, trolls didn't actually have nomadic habits. They preferred settling down and farming. But the magical world had no place for them. The Forbidden Forest was already a sanctuary. Yet he was willing to provide them a stable homeland. Even stupid trolls now knew to express their joy through dancing. His face unconsciously showed some smile. After instructing the trolls to wait patiently a few days, he returned to the greenhouse. There were still many plants waiting for his attention. Before starting work, his gaze fell on the small bucket in the greenhouse. Recently, he'd daily knock the small porcelain bucket to check how much longer until the next Demeter Ritual magic use. But each time brought only dull sounds, at best slightly better than initially. Obviously, the next use was still far off... possibly because the damage was too severe, requiring even more than his estimated three months. But this time, when he habitually came before the small bucket, he suddenly felt it was different from usual. The originally dim patterns on it were slightly glowing. His breathing suddenly stopped. "Hmm?!"