Ancient Runes is mainly divided into two categories: Theoretical Ancient Runes and Practical Ancient Runes.
Theoretical Ancient Runes primarily exists as an ancient writing system, used by ancient wizards to record magic.
Practical Ancient Runes are mysterious patterns imbued with magical power, which were widely used in Ancient Magic and Alchemy.
Compared to well-established and publicly available theoretical Ancient Runes, Practical Ancient Runes have almost no publicly available, complete systems. Only a few old wizards who have studied them in depth possess some scattered practical Ancient Runes.
Nicolas Flamel was able to become the undisputed number one Alchemy alive today not only because of his own talent in Alchemy, but also because he mastered the most practical Ancient Runes.
In order to translate Soul Magic, Silan had to learn Ancient Runes from scratch.
Fortunately, he had laid some groundwork beforehand by translating the Spells "Soul Resonance".
Nicolas Flamel's library has a large collection of books on Ancient Runes, so he has no shortage of information.
The only problem is the lack of practical experience.
With the help of [Photographic Memory], Silan has gained a basic understanding of the theoretical knowledge of Ancient Runes.
But his goal was to translate Soul Magic, not just memorize the knowledge, so he also had to put it into practice.
Only by gaining knowledge through practice and then testing that knowledge through further practice can we arrive at truthful understanding.
"Master Nicolas Flamel does have some materials written in Ancient Runes, which can be used as translation material."
Silan wandered among the tall bookshelves, his eyes darting between the titles of the books, searching for his target.
Finally, he pulled out a book titled "A Study of the History of Ancient Alchemy".
"It's written in Ancient Runes." Silan put the book away. "Excellent, this is it."
Selecting excerpts from "A Study of the History of Ancient Alchemy," Silan began attempting to translate them using her newly acquired knowledge of Ancient Runes.
This gave him the feeling of taking a translation exam...
Silan thought to herself with a strange sense of destiny: translating English in her past life and Ancient Runes in this one.
After completing the translation, he encountered a new problem.
This wasn't an exam, after all; there were no standard answers for him to refer to, so he couldn't judge whether his translation was correct.
"Looks like we need to find a teacher to grade the papers."
Silan immediately thought of Tom, her senior in the Soul Space.
Since we're just idling around anyway, why not let the senior do some free work?
But on second thought, Nicolas Flamel seems to be more authoritative.
At that moment, Books walked into the library.
"Mr. Prewett, it's time for dinner."
"Okay, please wait a moment."
Silan nodded to him and quickly put away the books and the Parchment with the translated text written on it.
When Silan found that dinner was already prepared.
Several exquisite plates were placed on a long table covered with a white cloth, and candles were lit on silver candlesticks, their flickering flames filling the air with fragrance.
The plate contained duck breast with fruit sauce, French-style escargot cooked in garlic butter, and a traditional foie gras dish...
It was quite a feast.
The dishes were divided into two portions, and the one in front of Silan was clearly larger.
"These were all prepared by Books," Nicolas Flamel said with a smile, inviting him to sit down. "I hope they suit your taste."
Having experienced hunger firsthand, Silan wasn't picky about food at all, and began to eat heartily after taking his seat.
Nicolas Flamel was getting old and had a much smaller appetite. He ate slowly while watching Silan with a smile, constantly urging him to eat more.
He looks more like a kind old grandfather who has finally seen his grandson.
After dinner, Silan took out the text he had translated and had Nicolas Flamel review it.
Nicolas Flamel was somewhat surprised to hear Silan this was his translation of Ancient Runes texts.
"You've already started learning Ancient Runes?"
"I've only learned the basics, and my translations are neither accurate nor fluent. I would appreciate it if Master Nicolas Flamel could help me correct them."
"A wise decision," Nicolas Flamel remarked, donning a pair of antique-style round glasses. "Many important Alchemy texts were written in Ancient Runes."
"Although it is not used in alchemical practice, it is indispensable for learning Alchemy and understanding the wisdom of our predecessors."
"I originally planned to wait until you had a basic grasp of Alchemical Runes, and if you had the capacity, then have you learn these theoretical Ancient Runes. But now it seems I underestimated you."
Nicolas Flamel is now increasingly pleased with Silan.
This child is intelligent and humble, talented yet hardworking; he is truly a promising talent.
Thinking about this, Nicolas Flamel was actually glad that he hadn't taught him the Fiendfyre too early.
Let's let this child grow up a bit more first.
After all, a dead genius is meaningless.
"Your translation is generally correct, but some details of the words and phrases are translated too roughly."
Nicolas Flamel pointed out each error in Silan's translation and provided a clear and concise explanation.
This benefited Silan greatly.
"How long have you been studying Ancient Runes?" Nicolas Flamel returned the Parchment to Silan.
"Probably... a few months," Silan said truthfully.
How could a translation reach this level in just a few months?
Nicolas Flamel looked at Silan with some surprise.
Ancient Runes are a rather dry and tedious subject, and there are not many people in the entire Wizarding World who study them in depth.
To be able to master Ancient Runes to this extent in just a few months, and to translate it with minimal errors, shows that this child has studied diligently and attentively.
Having the courage to learn the Fiendfyre and the perseverance to study Ancient Runes —such character and talent are truly one in a million!
This is perfect for learning Alchemy!
Nicolas Flamel nodded with satisfaction. "Starting tomorrow, I will teach you Alchemical Runes. You can study them by comparing the two."
You should rest today.
Hearing this, Silan was somewhat tempted.
Alchemical Runes can be used not only in Alchemy but also in Spells, making them a very versatile form of knowledge.
It was very useful to him.
"See you tomorrow, Master Nicolas Flamel."
Silan greeted them and went back upstairs.
But instead of going to sleep, he first made a note of the errors that had occurred in the translation, and then carefully studied them again in conjunction with the reference materials.
Silan didn't come to her senses until Books pushed the door open and came in.
"Sir, it's getting late," Books reminded him. "You should get some rest."
Silan stretched her shoulders and neck, then asked, "What time is it?"
"It's 2 a. m., and there are only about 3 hours left until dawn."
After the [Deep Sleep] upgrade, 3 hours is enough for Silan.
Goodnight, Books.
After tidying up the study materials on the table, Silan returned to her room.
Looking at Silan's retreating figure, Books felt a sense of admiration.
During his years working with Nicolas Flamel, Books also encountered many brilliant geniuses.
But someone like Silan, who possesses both unparalleled talent and such diligence, is truly one of a kind.
"If it's him, he might really become the master's disciple..." Books thought to himself.
Without realizing it, he had changed his perception of Silan from "distinguished guest" to "the master's future disciple".
The next day.
To allow Silan some rest, Books deliberately knocked on the door a little later.
"Please come in."
"He's already awake?"
Filled with doubt, Books pushed open the door.