He walked back to the workbench and picked up a palm-sized, square device from a pile of parts. Its casing was transparent, revealing the complex mechanisms within—countless tiny gears, springs, and crystals glimmering faintly beneath the magical lamps.
"This is one of my proudest creations," he said, placing the device in Dumbledore's hand.
Dumbledore lowered his head and studied the device's internal structure closely. The gears turned slowly, the springs pulsed rhythmically, and the crystals emitted a faint glow. The entire device resembled a beating heart, brimming with life and vitality.
"What is it?" he asked.
The corner of Flamel's mouth lifted into a mysterious, slightly smug smile. "Energy."
"Energy?"
"Yes. Energy." Flamel took the device back and held it up before Dumbledore. "It doesn't need any external power source. It generates energy on its own. The rotation of the gears, the pulsing of the springs, the glow of the crystals—their interactions form a cycle that never stops." He paused, and his voice deepened. "Muggles are still burning coal, oil, and natural gas. They use those limited, environmentally polluting energy sources to power their machines. But this device of mine—it needs only air to produce an endless supply of energy." Dumbledore's pupils contracted slightly. "Endless?"
Flamel nodded. "In theory, yes. In practice, its lifespan depends on the durability of its materials. The gears I used are made of magical alloy and can run continuously for centuries. The springs have been specially treated and can pulse tens of millions of times. The crystals are natural and can shine until they shatter." He placed the device back on the workbench and sighed softly.
"If Muggles obtained this device, their energy problems would be solved. No need to mine coal, drill for oil, or burn gas. With only air, they could power everything."