Chapter 228: Is Faith the Magic?

Contrary to Murphy's expectations, Chinayev safely arrived in Bryansk, as if the Soviet magical world hadn't noticed anything amiss.

Soon, the official Soviet media released reports about an earthquake and a forest fire in Bryansk forest. They mentioned the need for railway repairs towards Bryansk but said nothing about Chinayev's special train.

Quickly, these reports were overshadowed by other news, and the "accident" in Bryansk forest was soon forgotten.

Murphy instinctively felt there must be some hidden reason behind this, but the Soviet magical world was so restrained that he couldn't grasp their motives.

Nevertheless, it was good news. He left the Soviet affairs to his subordinates like Little Barty and went to the magical research institute.

First, he underwent a health check. As expected, the transformation in battle had worsened his physical condition. He found several primary cysts in his abdomen, arms, and chest. The doctors only recommended conservative radiotherapy, which would cause less damage to his body.

"The CAR-T therapy is no longer suitable for you. Most of the lymphocytes extracted from your blood have reached their division limit. It's hard to find enough T-cells for cloning. Forcing it would prematurely exhaust the remaining vitality in your immune system... If most immune cells reach their lifespan limit, your immune system will collapse, leading to more severe consequences."

Murphy was prepared for this and accepted the suggestion.

A spell like Avada Kedavra comes at a life cost.

The short-term immense power boost comes with severe negative effects. Although he didn't choose this, it was consistent with his character.

He had no regrets. Given another chance, he would probably do the same.

After simple treatment, Murphy met with the current head of the Arrogant Office, Rasim Selwyn.

"How's the Gringotts robbery case going?" Murphy asked.

"We're still looking for clues," Rasim replied, somewhat puzzled about why his master was so concerned about this case. Despite that, he had made efforts to support Murphy's interest in the case but found no further leads beyond knowing the vault belonged to Dumbledore.

Without Dumbledore's willingness to reveal what was in his vault, they had little way to find out.

"Let me give you a clue," Murphy said. "The item nearly lost from that vault belongs to Nicolas Flamel. He must be hiding for some reason. I need you to find him. Be discreet, but don't be afraid of exposure. Investigate under the guise of solving the case."

Putting all hopes on the Philosopher's Stone was risky. He needed an elixir of life. If he could get it from Flamel, it would serve his purpose.

Additionally, he had to consider the vampire or Horcrux paths, despite their severe side effects, as they were better than death.

Regarding the Philosopher's Stone, an idea struck Murphy.

Why not ask Dumbledore to borrow it?

As soon as this idea emerged, Murphy realized he was getting carried away.

Perhaps after battling Alexei, Murphy's self-assessment of his strength had become more comprehensive. He realized he was no longer afraid of Dumbledore.

Even the mighty Dumbledore in the original story could be taken down by a simple Avada Kedavra.

Wouldn't my Star Destroyer suffice?

Even if transformation worsens his condition, killing Dumbledore and seizing the Stone would mean endless elixir.

Having initially thought he might be strong enough to face Dumbledore, Murphy now had the confidence.

He could always flip the table if necessary.

Before, he worried that directly asking would expose his motives, causing unnecessary suspicions and complications in getting the Stone.

But now, he realized Dumbledore must have been suspicious since he entered the school.

His intentions were always under scrutiny.

So, asking or not, there was no difference.

Now that he could bear the worst consequences, why be so cautious and afraid to even ask?

...

After a few days of rest, Murphy returned to Hogwarts.

He had been away for less than a week, not missing any classes, so nobody questioned his absence.

Back at Hogwarts, he completed a paper titled "On the Influence of the Mind on the Direction of Magic" and submitted it to the academic journal "The Magical Weekly".

Contrary to his expectations of creating a stir, the paper was rejected.

Editor's note: "Nonsense, lacking the most basic understanding of magical principles, utterly useless. Don't let me see such trash again."

Murphy was so enraged he nearly called Barty Crouch Sr. to burn down the magazine's office.

Eventually, he calmed down and read past issues of the magazine, finding most articles about mundane topics like tooth-growing spells for cavities or dancing spells for solving single wizards' issues. The only academic-worthy article was about the behavior of the Golden Snitch.

What was this? Didn't anyone in the magical world wonder about the essence of magic?

"Taking a walk after meals aids digestion, and I have some questions about magic I'd like to ask you."

One lunchtime, Murphy encountered the rarely-seen Headmaster and invited him for a walk by the lake.

Dumbledore was genuinely busy, juggling the role of "President of the International Confederation of Wizards", often traveling for international wizarding affairs.

He was surprised by Murphy's sudden invitation. Since their last private conversation about the house system, they hadn't spoken privately.

Still, he gladly accepted.

It was December, cold, but the weather was clear, and the sun's warmth was still pleasant.

They walked by the increasingly frozen Black Lake, chatting about recent teaching and student changes.

"Professor, what are the basic principles of magic?" Murphy asked.

"Ah, a profound question..." Dumbledore pondered. "I don't know if magic has 'basic principles,' nor have I seen research indicating their existence. In fact, our magic seems limitless, doesn't it?"

"But if I had to say, maybe it's belief."

"As long as you believe in it, sincerely and unreservedly, magic will always give you miracles."

"Belief?" Murphy was astonished.

Wasn't this his own "Path of the Mind"?

He handed over his paper. "Here are some of my recent thoughts on the nature of magic. I'd like you to take a look."

"Oh?" Dumbledore was surprised but began reading attentively.

After a while, he looked up. "Remarkable, brilliant! This paper is very creative. Many of our spells could become systematic rather than random and chaotic."

"Outstanding! I should recommend it to 'The Magical Weekly'! You deserve a Merlin's Order."

Murphy looked at Dumbledore. "Actually, I submitted it already. They replied that the paper was worthless, calling it trash."

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