"I understand now..."
Dumbledore had always been an outstanding research talent, and with Nicolas's simple guidance and his own accumulated knowledge—
It did not take long.
He found the feeling of controlling his own magic without relying on a wand.
Seeing this, Nicolas signaled for Dumbledore to demonstrate his idea.
Dumbledore did not hesitate.
After all, once he adapted to this power, he would have to go to the front lines to stop the war between wizards. When that time came, he would inevitably clash with Grindelwald.
So if there was anything wrong with his understanding, it was far better for Nicolas to point it out now than for it to be exposed on the battlefield.
Dumbledore extended a finger, using it in place of a wand as he pointed toward the surface of the Black Lake.
A stream of water rose from the Black Lake. At first, it reflected the two of them like a mirror, then it twisted and writhed, eventually forming a lifelike water statue.
The statue was modeled after Nicolas in his aged form.
That was because aged Nicolas had far more wrinkles than he did now.
"Brat..."
Nicolas laughed and scolded him as he stretched out a hand and tapped at the lake's surface.
Another water person emerged from the lake.
It was called a water person because, although it was made of water—
Its hair and hems of clothing swayed in the wind.
Even when rain struck it, the water did not merge into it, but slid down its surface instead.
This was far more difficult than Dumbledore's magic.
After all, Dumbledore had merely formed a static model, while Nicolas had made his creation move as though it were a real person.
"Ah—"
Dumbledore let out a long sigh and ended the magic he