chapter 23

Upon seeing the reward information for the Fluorescent Mushrooms, Roger let out a long breath, feeling as though he had finally found a way out of a tricky situation. The improvement in night vision was a decent ability, but what really caught his attention was that these mushrooms, once matured, would grant insight into the Fluorescence Charm.

For Roger, this was far more useful than the Bubble-Head Charm. Even if the mushrooms didn't provide significant insight into the spell, he made the decision without hesitation.

"Professor, I want to plant Fluorescent Mushrooms."

Professor Sprout looked at him in surprise.

"Fluorescent Mushrooms?"

This was a magical plant rarely chosen by herbologists. After all, aside from their ability to illuminate an area, they weren't particularly practical. Yet, since Roger showed interest, Professor Sprout was supportive. In her view, especially for a first-year, nurturing interest was more important than immediate excellence. Interest, after all, was the greatest talent.

With enthusiasm, Professor Sprout fetched a generous amount of Fluorescent Mushroom spawn for Roger.

"The conditions for growing these mushrooms are quite simple," she explained. "The soil here in the Hogwarts greenhouses is perfect for them. The only real challenge is that they need to be illuminated with the Fluorescence Charm for at least six hours every evening after sunset. If you miss even one day, they might die."

Roger's expression didn't change at the warning. If anything, he seemed pleased.

At this time of year, sunset occurred around six in the evening. So from 6 p.m. to midnight, he would have to remain in the greenhouse casting Fluorescence Charms? That sounded... too healthy.

Roger had increased his vitality to a legendary level. He could barely count how many times he had gone to bed before midnight. Staying up late didn't affect him at all. His incredible stamina allowed him to go without sleep for days, and even sunlight alone could energize him.

This cultivation schedule was ideal for Roger.

Without hesitation, he began planting the spawn exactly as Professor Sprout instructed. The shimmering spawn was evenly scattered across a sizable section of the trial field in the greenhouse.

Professor Sprout reminded him, "Roger, such a large area means you'll have to cast the Fluorescence Charm frequently—especially right now, just after planting. This is when they need the charm the most."

Roger nodded.

He raised his wand. "Lumos!"

A gentle, steady light emerged from the wand's tip. Bathed in this light, some of the buried Fluorescent Mushroom spawn immediately stirred beneath the soil. A moment later, tiny glowing reward clusters floated into Roger's view.[You have successfully planted Fluorescent Mushrooms]

[You can receive a reward – Extremely faint improvement in night vision (Bronze Tier)]

[After the Fluorescent Mushrooms mature, the reward will be upgraded to – Faint improvement in night vision (Bronze Tier), extremely small amount of insight into the Fluorescence Charm (Bronze Tier)]Roger smiled, pleased with the reward. While the mushrooms didn't grow as fast as their Muggle counterparts, they were still relatively quick for magical plants—especially if they were exposed to enough Fluorescence Charm light. Professor Sprout had mentioned they typically matured in about four weeks.

Roger glanced at his system panel. Alongside abilities like [Loosening Charm (Silver Tier)] and [Pruning Charm (Silver Tier)], he now saw [Fluorescence Charm (Bronze Tier)].

Though the color beside Fluorescence Charm had darkened with frequent use, he knew it was still some distance from reaching Silver Tier.

He muttered to himself, "It took me nearly two months to bring Loosening and Pruning Charms to Silver Tier. But once these mushrooms mature, my Fluorescence Charm might directly level up to Silver. This is much more efficient than practicing alone. Plus, it'll boost the effectiveness of cultivating both Fluorescent Mushrooms and Goldfish Plants."

With a renewed sense of anticipation, Roger continued casting the Fluorescence Charm again and again. A constant, shimmering glow blanketed the soil.

In this way, his first weekend at Hogwarts passed.

Monday Morning.

Roger stood in the greenhouse, surveying the Fluorescent Mushroom spawn. It had thickened significantly, and reward clusters sparkled above them.

"At this rate, they'll mature even faster than I expected," he murmured with satisfaction.

He turned and left the greenhouse.

"Time for class. I'll be back tonight for the charm."

Returning to the Hufflepuff common room, he was greeted by a loud buzz of excitement from the Hufflepuff badgers. Roger looked toward the source of the commotion. A notice had gone up: Starting today, Flying Lessons would begin for Hufflepuff House.

The thought of soaring through the sky on a broom had the young wizards excited. Even those who rarely showed interest in outdoor activities—like most Hufflepuffs—couldn't help but fantasize about joining the Quidditch team.

But excitement wasn't shared by all.

Nearby, Hannah Abbott fidgeted anxiously, her fingers nervously twisting together.

"What if my broom doesn't listen?" she asked. "What if I fall? I can barely walk straight on the ground—how will I fly?"

Roger chuckled softly. As his number-two Goldfish Plant cultivator, he felt obligated to help.

"It's fine," he said, reassuringly. "The professor will be watching the whole time. And you can fly near me—if you fall, I'll catch you. Bring your Goldfish Plant along too. It might help calm your nerves."

Hannah's eyes lit up as if someone had just handed her a calming draught.

"Really? Roger, thank you! I feel so much better now."

Roger gave a small, confident smile. He hadn't said it just to comfort her. His legendary vitality and fall resistance meant that even high-speed brooms or acrobatics couldn't faze him. In fact, in the Muggle world, he would've made an elite fighter pilot.

Compared to that, broom flying at Hogwarts was easy.

Meanwhile, in the Hogwarts Hospital Wing...

A group of students moved stealthily through the corridor—Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, and a few others.

Malfoy's front teeth had been knocked out last Friday by Roger. Though the magical healing process had replaced them, they hadn't fully recovered. Malfoy still spoke with a slight lisp.

Naturally, someone like him wouldn't dare appear in public looking this way. He had used his father—one of the School Governors—to excuse himself from class.

But Malfoy wasn't just hiding in embarrassment.

He was plotting revenge.

"That damn Roger," Malfoy hissed. "This time, I'll make him suffer."

Crabbe and Goyle looked pale. "But... we can't beat him," Crabbe muttered. "He's too strong."

Malfoy sneered. "Idiots. We're wizards. Strength means nothing—magic is what matters."

From his robes, he pulled out a slender silver rod. It gleamed ominously.

"This is an alchemy item from my father. It emits a flash of light that can make someone lose consciousness temporarily."

He smirked, eyes gleaming with cruel intent.

"When Roger flies near the tower, I'll use this on him. He'll fall from his broom. Maybe break a few bones."

Crabbe and Goyle exchanged uneasy glances, but said nothing.

To be continued…

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