He peered in through the crack in the door.
Even in the brilliantly lit room, the goblet in Dumbledore's hand remained exceptionally eye-catching, carrying the aura of a masterpiece that only alchemists could sense.
"Hufflepuff's Goblet!"
Ian recognized the object in Dumbledore's hand almost instantly. It was Helga Hufflepuff's Alchemical Creation, one of the legacies of Hogwarts' Four Founders. Like Gryffindor's Sword, Ravenclaw's Diadem, and Slytherin's Locket, Hufflepuff's Goblet was also a pinnacle of alchemy.
It might not have reached the heights of the Philosopher's Stone created by Nicolas Flamel, but the Four Founders' relics possessed extraordinary significance as well as immensely powerful magic.
Wizards who had reached their level were all-rounders. Perhaps the materials used to make those treasures had come from goblins, but most of the magic contained within undoubtedly came from the Four Founders themselves.
Other than Slytherin's Locket, whose function no one understood, Ian knew about the other three relics of the Four Founders—Gryffindor's Sword had dust-repelling properties and could reject dust. Furthermore, the more battles it took part in, the stronger it became, able to absorb and strengthen its own magic.
Ravenclaw's Diadem could enhance the wearer's intelligence, but based on his brief conversation with Lady Ravenclaw and his analysis of reality, Ian felt that it was probably equivalent to an alchemical version of Felix Felicis. Or perhaps it could also grant effects like the Golden Apple's Enlightenment of Wisdom?
Compared to the relics of those two Founders, Helga Hufflepuff's relic was rather laid-back. Just like Helga Hufflepuff herself, it had no desire to compete or outdo others. It did not grant its user any abilities related to studying or combat, but it was the perfect companion for home and travel.
It contained magic that could practically be considered time-freezing, ensuring that food placed inside