Blood and Bone Baptism, Thunderbird Dances?

Inside the gourd-shaped space.

Lucien stood to the side, his gaze calmly fixed on the massive figure pacing across the open space— Norbert.

In just two or three months, Norbert's body length has reached nearly four meters, with smooth and powerful lines from head to thick tail.

Norbert occasionally spreads his wings, his six- or seven-meter wingspan casting a large shadow, already possessing the ability to soar through the sky.

This space isn't big enough anymore; the Fire Dragon is growing too fast, so we need to expand it further.

Lucien felt a pang of worry, for with his current mastery of the Undetectable Extension Charm, the expansion of space was nearing its limit.

I'll ask him for advice when I go to Arizona with Newt.

If it involves the Scamander Family's legacy, then so be it; or perhaps Newt could help expand the family's territory, but what kind of compensation would be offered?

Suddenly, a deep roar sounded above Lucien's head, carrying a faint sense of oppression.

Lucien then realized that he was now shrouded in the shadow cast by Norbert.

He looked up and met those orange-red dragon eyes, as red as lava, and couldn't help but chuckle.

Lucien clearly sensed that Norbert's seemingly threatening posture was actually just an awkward attempt to charm.

As for why the roar was so deep and frightening...

It's simply that the child can't hold on.

No matter how docile Fire Dragon may appear, it is still one of the most dangerous creatures in the magical world at its core, a predator at the top of the food chain.

Lucien, who possessed the blessing of the Unicorn, clearly understood what Norbert meant:

"Mother, I'm hungry."

"It's been so long, didn't I teach you to call me 'Dad'?"

Lucien shook his head helplessly, while taking out various beef and mutton dishes, as well as a lot of seafood.

The Norwegian Ridgeback is one of the few Fire Dragon that preys on aquatic creatures; there have been eyewitness accounts of seeing a Norwegian Ridgeback snatch away a baby whale.

While feeding Norbert, Lucien observed the situation.

Its body is covered in deep black scales, while the surface of the scales is covered with interwoven dark gold patterns.

These golden threads are not static; they subtly flow along Norbert's back, neck, and the edges of his wing membranes, following his breathing and the rise and fall of his muscles.

Lucien compared the descriptions in the book with Newt's, and concluded that the Norwegian Ridgeback did not have these gold-lined features.

Therefore, it is inferred that this change is caused by incubating the dragon egg with the Purifying Fire of Liuguang. So far, nothing special has been observed. Perhaps Norbert needs to grow a little more before it can happen.

Unfortunately, Norbert can't use the Pet Growth Loan provided by the system; it seems that only creatures produced by the system can use it.

Hmm, I wonder if methods like magic potions could achieve a similar effect, promoting the Fire Dragon's growth or enhancing its physical attributes.

After all, he needs to repay the loan for the Magic Weaving and raise Norbert to become the Dragon King of the Norwegian Ridgeback Clan, the stronger the better.

Lucien accessed the system and checked the loan projects to see if there had been any updates compared to the previous period.

Consciousness rapidly scanned through the messages like flowing water...

"Got it!"

Lucien perked up and pulled up a loan information:

[Loan: Bone and Blood Baptism Liquid (Monthly Loan)]

[Repayment period: 30 days]

[Loan Details: A magical potion that strengthens bones and muscles when ingested]

[PS: This potion is only suitable for Magical Creatures; human wizards' bodies are too fragile to withstand its effects.]

Not bad, quite suitable.

Whether the person can be used is not important, since the current focus is on training Norbert, and the Fire Dragon's physique can definitely withstand it.

Norbert is currently in a period of rapid development, so using this potion is perfect for him; otherwise, it wouldn't be as noticeable once his body has fully matured into adulthood.

Furthermore, once Norbert becomes stronger, we can consider using Magic Weaving to slightly modify the Fire Dragon's Magic Circuit.

Lucien had thought of this before; if used properly, adjusting the Magic Circuit could enhance the strength of Magical Creatures.

Lucien also asked the system if this method was feasible, and the system replied that:

[The host's idea is brilliant; it's part of the nurturing process, but the premise is that the Fire Dragon's true nature cannot be altered.]

After a series of questions and answers, Lucien understood that he could optimize the details of the Magic Circuit, but he couldn't change it beyond recognition.

But that's enough. Details can determine success or failure, and small advantages accumulate into victory.

Another reason Lucien chose this loan was the description of the loan application:

[Loan Task: Dance with Thunderbird for 100 kilometers without relying on any external aids (a magic wand may be used)]

This is a difficult task for ordinary wizards.

On the one hand, wizards are basically unable to fly without the aid of external objects such as Flying Broomstick.

On the other hand, there is the inherent danger of the Thunderbird itself.

That's a level XXXX Magical Creatures; when it flies, it can create storms and summon lightning, making it extremely destructive.

Furthermore, Thunderbird are very sensitive and extremely wary of other creatures, rarely allowing others to approach.

However, both of these difficulties can be resolved by Lucien.

With the animal affinity brought by the Lord of Qilin, coupled with the blessing of the Unicorn, I should be unique in my ability to communicate with Magical Creatures.

It's just flying with the Thunderbird for a while, and you're not going to pluck their feathers, so it's not a big problem.

As for flying on one's own, aside from Voldemort's unique flying magic, one would first have to become Animagus and then pray that one's animal form is capable of flight.

Lucien himself was already Animagus, and Animagus who could Transfiguration freely.

He can't just pick any flying animal.

"However, to dance with the Thunderbird, the Thunderbird's flight speed..."

No matter how fast ordinary birds fly, they can never keep up with the Thunderbird, which can navigate through storms.

Moreover, maintaining high speed while flying 100 kilometers is incredibly difficult...

Lucien's eyes flickered. He had recently gained some new insights into Transfiguration. Since his Animagus had no limitations, could he try Transfiguration into forms beyond those of ordinary creatures?

Transfiguration Magical Creatures is too risky; reshaping one's Magic Circuit is no joke.

But what if the changes are only made at the level of flesh and bones? Perhaps it could be like the Transfiguration of the Chimera back then...

"Thunderbird, we already made an appointment with Newt to go to Arizona."

Let's finish it all at once.

(Sorry, I put it here. (/ω))

Dorset.

Using the Apparition of Liuguang, Lucien's figure appeared directly on the hillside and gently knocked on the door of the wooden house.

"Knock knock--"

A moment later, someone responded:

"Hold on."

When the door opened, Lucien saw an old woman.

Her eyes were very bright; despite her advanced age, they shone with a jewel-like brilliance, like the eyes of a salamander.

Although it was a strange young man knocking on the door, the old woman recognized Liuguang beside him, and she gave him a kind smile.

"If I'm not mistaken, you're Lucien Grafton, right? Newt and I have talked several times."

"Come in quickly. Newt mentioned you'd be coming, but I didn't expect you to be here so early. Have you had breakfast yet?"

Lucien replied politely:

"I've already eaten, thank you, Ms. Tina."

This is clearly Tina, Tina Goldstein, who was Auror in the American Magical Society in her youth.

His most famous feat was capturing Grindelwald.

Lucien followed Tina into the house. Although it looked like a small wooden cabin from the outside, the interior was surprisingly spacious.

Newt really applied the Undetectable Extension Charm to every aspect of his life.

"Lucien, I really have to thank you for keeping in touch with Newt through letters. He's always with those little guys and hardly interacts with anyone."

"You're too kind. I've learned so much from Mr. Scamander; he's truly incredibly knowledgeable in the field of Magical Creatures. We talked about..."

As Tina listened to Lucien's enthusiastic remark, her smile widened.

Newt not only rarely interacts with people face-to-face, but he also rarely writes letters, occasionally catching up with that Dumbledore.

Tina was terrified that her husband would be tricked by Dumbledore into doing something else again.

Lucien was different. Although Tina was surprised that he was just a young wizard who had just finished his first year, it was also perfect. He certainly wouldn't do something as dangerous as encouraging Newt to go against Grindelwald.

Therefore, Tina was genuinely happy that Newt had such a close friend despite their age difference.

"Lucien, you love Magical Creatures so much, how come you didn't get Hufflepuff? Haha, Newt has lamented about it to me a few times."

"You're going to Arizona this time, which is a good time to relax, but please be careful, even though Newt has a bunch of 'bodyguards'..."

"Squeak--"

A Trapdoor on the ground was opened, and Newt, sporting a head of curly hair, walked in.

He waved to Lucien and gave a faint smile.

Lucien guessed that this was probably Newt's socially awkward way of greeting people.

The last time we met in the Forbidden Forest, we were busy rescuing Unicorn, Newt's social anxiety didn't really show. But this time, haha.

"Mr. Scamander, it's nice to see you again."

"Um."

Newt nodded slightly and sat down on the sofa.

Although Newt's response was, well, you could even call it "cold," Lucien understood; it's normal for a person to be like that.

Without much small talk, Newt quickly made preparations and set off with Lucien.

Lucien and Newt walked to the fireplace, where Tina handed them a box of Floo Powder.

Floo Network are a common method for wizards to travel long distances. As long as the location name is pronounced correctly, the wizard can instantly teleport to the corresponding node within the range.

Using Portkey would definitely be more convenient, as it would be a one-step process.

However, according to Tina, Newt has been banned from using the Portkey.

The reason is quite simple.

Others might use Portkey to smuggle in one or two people, but Newt...

It was a box full of Magical Creatures!

The Wizarding World around the world is grateful to Newt for protecting and helping local Magical Creatures, but they are also genuinely afraid of the trouble his "little guys" might cause!

Therefore, Newt must inform the authorities in advance and make the necessary registrations before traveling to various countries and continents.

As for why Liuguang wasn't allowed to use Apparition to travel, it's because such intercontinental teleportation would be considered illegal immigration. Newt had already informed the Magical Congress of the United States of America before going to Arizona, so naturally, he had to follow the proper procedures.

The application process for entering a protected area for Magical Creatures, especially rare and precious Care of Magical Creatures like the Thunderbird, is extremely complicated and difficult.

The purpose is to guard against poachers, since Thunderbird Feather and Thunderbird are valuable materials.

It's currently summer, the mating and egg-laying season for Thunderbird, and also the time when poachers are most rampant, making the application process extremely difficult.

Newt is a world-renowned expert on Magical Creatures, and no one would suspect him of poaching. Newt is also the least likely person in the world to harm Magical Creatures.

"Lucien, remember the place names I'm going to say. Make sure they're accurate and clear, or you'll be sent to the wrong place."

Newt emphasized it again, afraid that Lucien would get lost.

They saw green flames erupt from Newt's body, then he vanished with a whoosh.

Floo Network is quite convenient under normal circumstances, but unfortunately, it can't be installed at home for a minor wizard like myself.

If you're going to Diagon Alley, you'll have to find a secluded corner to avoid being seen if you use Liuguang to teleport you.

Hmm, I remember Daphne's family has connections with the Department of Magical Transportation, which oversees the Floo Network. If we could make an exception...

Lucien also grabbed a handful of Floo Powder and went into the fireplace.

"Grandma Tina, I'll take my leave now."

"Yeah, Lucien, have fun."

Lucien repeated the destination in his mouth.

In a flash, Lucien's gaze shifted, and he saw Newt again.

After several transfers, the two arrived at a small town covered in loess.

"This is Storm Town, the closest settlement to the Thunderbird Sanctuary."

Newt gave a brief introduction.

Lucien surveyed his surroundings. The town wasn't large, and everyone coming and going was a wizard; there wasn't a single Muggle.

The area is a protected area where Thunderbird roost, and it is also home to a few other Magical Creatures of various races. Naturally, it produces a lot of materials, which cannot be wasted, so the authorities are sending people to collect them.

Over time, the processes of collecting, processing, and selling became more sophisticated, and more wizards participated, thus forming the prototype of Storm Town.

It's somewhat similar to Hogsmeade near Hogwarts, a settlement of pure wizards.

I wonder if there are any local specialties or anything like that around here, so I can bring some back with me before I go back.

Lucien followed Newt to the rest stop, which was Newt's property in the area, a gift from the Magical Congress of the United States of America.

Newt owns numerous residences around the world, some purchased by himself and others gifted by local authorities, but all are located near the habitats of Magical Creatures.

Needless to say, the gifts from the official sources are a token of Newt for Newt's contributions to the Care of Magical Creatures.

As for the ones Newt bought himself, that's even more normal; he's not short of money.

If Hagrid could gather a ton of materials with just a casual stroll through the Forbidden Forest, then Newt would be even more prolific.

Lucien stood by the window, gazing at the storm clouds that were gradually gathering in the distance.