Super-Macho's Friend, the Timid Girl

"I can use Misty Illusion for smuggling!"

Only those who had lacked money understood its importance.

This was the first bold idea that popped into Ian's mind. If he could use Misty Illusion for smuggling, then if he did not make Galleons, who would?

Those Aurors and Muggle World police would be useless even if they knew he was a smuggler. They did not have the ability to enter Misty Illusion and investigate the contraband!

The more he thought about it,

the more Ian felt this was truly a good idea! Of course, he could only enter Misty Illusion once a week, so the efficiency was low. He would probably have to choose high-value goods.

Dragon eggs?

Dragon corpses?

Or perhaps Gringotts' vaults!

Ahem.

That was a little too difficult, and somewhat off track... Though he was tempted by this path to fortune, Ian still had enough sense not to blurt it out.

He opened his mouth.

He also knew very well that the more impressive thing the witch had mentioned was probably not this. Though Ian saw it as a great undertaking, most wizards clearly did not care about Galleons.

"It's not about bringing things from outside in to hide them... but I obviously can't take things from here out either." Ian frowned and began pondering again.

At that moment,

"All right, my apprentice. You are not powerful enough yet, and the time you can remain here is very limited. I do not want to keep watching you squat there like you're holding in a shit."

It was hard to imagine that such an elegant witch could use words so vulgar. Even Ian, who had merely been mocked, could not help feeling embarrassed.

"I was only thinking about what you said, Teacher Mara."

Ian defended himself.

"Go back to the real world. You will have plenty of time to think." The witch raised her hand lightly, and a corner of the Picture Frame on the wall beside them flowed toward Ian like clear water.

He raised his hand instinctively.

The liquid-like metal solidified in Ian's hand, becoming a wooden wand.

"Come on. Show me."

The witch first turned toward the kitchen, and a squealing roasted suckling pig flew out—yes, a roasted suckling pig, still squealing like a living creature.

Ian stared in astonishment.

"I hope you haven't been Be Lazy."

The witch rested one hand against her cheek, reclining lazily on an exquisite, gleaming bench.

Her meaning was obvious.

Ian immediately understood and aimed his wand at the "living suckling pig."

"Fear Descends!"

According to the principles of this spell, it shared similarities with Legilimency, though it was far less difficult. Its primary purpose was to awaken the most direct fear buried deep within the target's heart.

Everyone's fears were different.

But everyone's subconscious definitely knew what they feared.

Well.

Perhaps roasted suckling pigs were the same?

As a beam of slightly grayish light shot forth, the roasted suckling pig that seemed to have come alive immediately let out a piercing, terrified shriek.

That sound

even frightened the furniture into trembling.

"Not bad."

The witch seemed very satisfied with Ian's performance, and the smile at the Corner of the Mouth became more pronounced.

"It was all thanks to your teaching, Teacher."

Ian hurriedly flattered her.

The witch clearly enjoyed it.

"Runes are not something simple or easy to understand. Learning this spell in only seven days would have made you exceptionally outstanding even in my era."

The witch's praise was always completely unreserved.

Ian liked that about her.

"Outstanding wizards need even more outstanding wizards to teach them. I am very fortunate to have met you, Teacher Mara." Ian was not overly modest when he flattered her, either.

By watching her expressions,

he had discovered that Teacher Mara did not seem to care whether her students were humble.

After all,

"Of course."

The witch herself was not a humble wizard.

"When I first learned this spell, it took me only two days. I knew I was destined to become a powerful wizard, and the facts proved that I was right."

The witch proudly told a little of her own story.

"..."

Ian opened his mouth.

Then stopped himself.

However,

the witch did not notice.

"I used a few little tricks in the information I left for you. If you were able to learn this spell, that means you have at least mastered the application of Runes proficiently."

"This will save you a great deal of trouble in your future studies."

With another wave of her hand, the still-screaming roasted suckling pig seemed to lose its vitality, returning to its fragrant roasted state before flying back toward the kitchen in a flash.

This sight made Ian marvel again.

"Compared to learning spells, truly understanding the knowledge behind magic is the most important thing. And Runes are the best key to helping wizards understand the essence of magic."

After a brief pause,

the witch added another sentence.

"At least, that is true for me."

She still did not put it too definitively.

Perhaps

only when it came to learning knowledge did this witch rarely display a humble quality.

"Okay, I'll remember that."

Ian nodded with unusual seriousness.

"As for potions, I need to study them first. Before that, what you need to do is..." The witch was just about to begin her formal instruction for Ian this time.

"It's him!"

"He's back again!"

"Hurry and notify the master! Ah! I've been chopped in half again!"

Outside the castle,

a sudden burst of noisy clattering erupted.

"Hm?"

Ian was startled.

He hurriedly looked toward the witch.

There,

the witch who had been smiling just moments ago now wore an expression as ugly as if she had trained under Snape, her eyes seemingly ready to spit fire.

Ian was just about to ask cautiously.

Outside,

the commotion that followed made him realize what had happened.

"Pandora, is Ian really here?"

"Little Anna! Trust me! Ian must have been captured by that evil woman!"

"I don't think that lady is a bad person, but her suits of armor are really scary!"

"Don't be afraid. These things are all made of papier-mâché. Watch me skewer three with one sword... no, four!"

"Oh my! You're so strong!"

"Hahaha! The main gate is right ahead! One kick from me and it'll immediately crack into more than seven hundred pieces. I tried it last time."

The voices belonged to friends Ian knew well.

Perhaps

it was Pandora from Ian's memories, as lively and unrestrained as ever. That last remark broke through Witch Mara's composure, and she immediately cursed as she waved her hand, making the main doors open automatically to either side.

Ian hurriedly looked over.

"Ah, the door opened? Tsk, what a pity. You little girl won't get to see my heroic bearing now."

Sure enough.

A boy in a shabby linen outfit walked in triumphantly with a girl whose little face had gone pale. They were Pandora the Super-Macho and Ariana the timid girl.

Seeing the two of them,

Ian was both delighted and stunned.

The witch's reaction, meanwhile, was completely the opposite.

"You damned butcher! Do you think I'm afraid of you?!"

The witch roared.

However,

Ian felt that roar... lacked a little confidence.