Chapter 44: Nicolas Flamel

"What a pity… If only this world had Text Magic like in Fairy Tail! I feel like these magic patterns could be inscribed using magical scripts from that system."

During this period, Lin Mei had been experimenting with various unconventional materials to engrave magic patterns inside the Room of Requirement.

Out of everything he tried, only a single sword and shield managed to endure the immense magical energy gathered by the inscriptions.

However, they were still just ordinary weapons—nothing more than mundane metal.

The moment Lin Mei activated the magic patterns, both the sword and shield unleashed extraordinary power, exhibiting astonishing offensive and defensive capabilities.

Yet, once their stored energy was depleted, the weapons broke down on the spot, rendering them completely useless afterward.

Despite this, Lin Mei's strength inside the Room of Requirement continued to grow immensely.

Strangely, whether due to the dark magical energy within him or something else, he found himself able to cast the Killing Curse—Avada Kedavra—effortlessly.

And its power was terrifying.

However, after casting the spell just once, Lin Mei immediately sensed a subtle shift in his emotions.

It wasn't something obvious, but it was there—a lingering darkness, a creeping sense of detachment from morality.

Realizing this, Lin Mei made a decisive choice—to abandon the use of the Killing Curse entirely.

He could feel, with absolute clarity, that learning and wielding this curse required acceptance of extreme moral compromise—the ability to take life without hesitation.

It wasn't just a spell. It was a mindset.

Long-term exposure to such magic could corrupt the soul, fostering indifference, ruthlessness, and an increasing tendency toward violence.

And Lin Mei was not the type of person who would sacrifice his moral principles just to achieve his goals.

After deep reflection, he decided to focus on exploring positive and constructive magical abilities—powers that wouldn't consume his humanity.

However, this did not mean he rejected Dark Magic entirely.

He simply believed that while he might never use certain spells, he must still understand them.

For this reason, Lin Mei dedicated himself to mastering highly lethal spells, such as Sectumsempra, and even began developing his own magic.

Among his latest creations was "Electric Shock"—a large-scale lightning-based destruction spell inspired by his Thunder Dragon Slayer Magic.

By channeling thunder-elemental energy into the incantation, Lin Mei could incinerate everything within ten meters into ash.

In his hands, it was devastating.

However, for anyone else—even powerful wizards—the spell's lethality was greatly reduced.

Aside from someone of Dumbledore's caliber, most wizards would only be able to cause severe injuries within ten meters—not outright obliterate their targets.

Still, this was already a formidable spell, and Lin Mei was proud of his progress.

Just as Lin Mei was fully immersed in his magical research, Dumbledore finally arrived with exciting news.

At that moment, Lin Mei found himself leaving Hogwarts alongside the headmaster.

Using a Portkey, the two were transported to a mysterious location.

It was unfamiliar—completely unknown to Lin Mei.

"So, where exactly are we?" he asked, scanning the surroundings.

The chilly air bit at his skin, prompting him to circulate his magic internally to warm himself up.

Before him stood a large manor, its size alone indicating great importance.

"This," Dumbledore said with a gentle smile, "is Devon, in the southwest of Britain. That manor holds the alchemical knowledge you've been eager to study."

Lin Mei's eyes lit up with excitement.

"So… you've arranged an alchemy apprenticeship for me?"

Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, Lin Mei. I know you are not only gifted in magic, but also possess an insatiable thirst for knowledge.

Within this ancient estate, you will find the legacy of a legendary alchemist—one whose research could reshape the magical world.

And I believe that, in your hands, these ancient alchemical arts will be given new life."

Dumbledore's words carried a deep sense of trust and expectation.

As they stepped into the grand manor, Lin Mei was immediately struck by its ancient architecture.

Elaborate rune carvings adorned the walls, and the air itself seemed to hum with magic and alchemical energy.

Suddenly, a hoarse voice greeted them.

"Welcome to Marsilver Castle, Dumbledore… And you must be Lin Mei, correct?"

Lin Mei turned toward the source of the voice.

The speaker was an elderly man, his frail frame draped in a white robe. His movements were slightly unsteady, and his sunken lips revealed the loss of many teeth over time.

Dumbledore stepped forward and introduced him with a warm smile.

"This is Nicolas Flamel. He will be your alchemy instructor."

Lin Mei: …!?

Nicolas Flamel!?

Wasn't he the legendary alchemist who created the Philosopher's Stone!?

Lin Mei's mind immediately raced through everything he knew about the man.

Nicolas Flamel was a renowned alchemist and the only known creator of the Philosopher's Stone.

A close friend and collaborator of Dumbledore, Flamel and his wife Perenelle had lived for centuries thanks to the Elixir of Life brewed from the Stone.

If he was still alive today, he would be 665 years old—his wife, 658.

Hiss—!

This was an ancient monster in human form!

Lin Mei's thoughts whirled at breakneck speed, but he quickly composed himself and responded politely.

"Mr. Nicolas Flamel, it's an honor to meet you. I never expected that Professor Dumbledore would entrust my alchemy education to someone as legendary as you."

Flamel smiled, his eyes twinkling with kindness and wisdom.

"You flatter me, young one. But let's not waste time—we have much to learn."

Lin Mei nodded, his heart pounding with anticipation.

This was the beginning of an entirely new chapter in his magical journey.

Nicolas Flamel smiled warmly and said, "I'm delighted to finally meet you, Lin Mei. I've heard much about your accomplishments—young, talented, and with an impressive understanding and pursuit of magic."

He paused for a moment, his wise, time-worn eyes studying Lin Mei with interest before continuing.

"Dumbledore has spoken highly of you. He tells me that you possess not only extraordinary talent but also an insatiable thirst for knowledge—qualities essential for mastering alchemy."

Though Flamel's voice was hoarse with age, it carried a profound sense of serenity and wisdom, the kind that comes only from centuries of experience.

Lin Mei straightened up and replied earnestly, "Thank you for your kind words. This is the highest praise I have ever received in my life."

Flamel chuckled softly, waving a frail hand dismissively. "No need for such formalities. You deserve this recognition. If you didn't, I wouldn't have been so eager to have Dumbledore bring you here!"

Lin Mei blinked, sensing something hidden within Flamel's words.

There was a deeper meaning—something unsaid.

Noticing his confusion, Dumbledore sighed, his expression tinged with sadness.

"Nicolas Flamel doesn't have much time left, Lin Mei," he said gently. "He and I both agreed that the Philosopher's Stone should be destroyed. Before that day comes, Flamel wishes to pass on his alchemical knowledge—to you."

Lin Mei felt a wave of complex emotions rise within him.

Looking at Flamel's aged yet intelligent face, he was struck by an overwhelming sense of responsibility—one he had never felt before.

... support me on my patreon Seasay