"Too bad, they don't have my magic power, nor the magic I possess!" Ian's magic surged through his entire body, and an immense pressure descended, as if the heavens themselves were tilting.
All the magic directed at him froze in midair.
As if...
It had been halted.
"What magic is this?"
The old witch's wrinkled face showed a mixture of astonishment and confusion. Logically, the puppets she had summoned should have been able to wield all of Ian's magic.
Yet,
Things did not go as she had predicted.
"Time magic?"
The old witch's voice trembled with uncertainty; this magic was beyond her comprehension.
"It is fate, madam."
Ian maintained the courtesy that Dumbledore had taught him.
"Not everyone possesses such profound insight as I do." Perhaps it is my unique magic. Sadly, your puppets cannot replicate it."
He lightly waved his wand as if plucking the strings of destiny itself. The magic that had been aimed at him turned around and surged toward the old witch.
However, the witch did not move.
As the magic neared her, it transformed again into black butterflies.
"Since this is a mortal grudge, don't blame me." Ian was not surprised. He quickly raised his wand and channeled his magic to unleash forbidden spells on the land of the deceased.
"Dark Energy Eruption!"
A column of dark green light shot skyward.
It resembled the mushroom cloud of a nuclear explosion.
It expanded outward in all directions. Everything it touched, even space and time, seemed to wither. This was the same terrifying magic that could kill Witch Morgan.
Wherever it passed, even lifeless things approached their end. It was not merely a killing curse, but rather the anchor of fate itself, the unavoidable, ultimate conclusion for all things.
The surroundings were drenched in a deathly green hue. Countless twisted trees, seemingly alive, wailed as they died, leaving no trace behind.
Souls... could die once more.
And that... would be nothingness.
"Shh...what terrifying magic."
The old witch sensed the immense power contained within the spell. She was visibly shaken, though she only murmured in awe.
"If I were still alive, such magic could kill me a thousand times, ten thousand times... yet... this is the Twilight Zone." The witch laughed joyfully.
"Here, cognition surpasses magic."
Hearing this familiar theory spoken by the ancient, grotesque witch made Ian pause in surprise. Then, unexpectedly, she began walking directly into the roaring green light.
The green wave surged like a tsunami, yet the old witch confidently closed her eyes. She chose to trust the truth she believed in, bending reality itself.
Then, in the next moment, as her foot touched the ground, all the power that once represented death and despair flowed toward her like an irresistible torrent, as if drawn by invisible forces. Yet miraculously, this power did not bring death. Instead, it transformed into a vibrant, multicolored meadow beneath her feet.
The flowers on the grass were lush and dazzling, blooming in a riot of colors and an intoxicating fragrance. They formed a stark contrast with the once-deadly environment around them.
"See? Your struggle is futile, New Student Legend." The old witch's voice was crisp and melodious. Before Ian could react, she had transformed into a stunningly beautiful woman.
Luxurious and elegant, her presence was extraordinary.
"Why not submit to me?"
The witch crouched down and gently plucked a fully bloomed flower, bringing it to her nose. Its fragrance seemed to pierce the soul, stirring countless fond memories within her.
"It's been many years since I've seen such vitality." The elder witch, now appearing as a regal woman, spoke softly. Her unusual eyes were filled with slow, wistful reminiscence.
"All right, you're impressive."
Ian sighed.
"So...you won't resist?"
The radiant old witch smiled, brimming with charm.
"No."
Ian shook his head.
Under her astonished gaze, he continued.
"Indeed, cognition can overpower magic. I do not dispute that. But I have seen a force that can overpower even cognition." Ian spoke softly.
"Oh?"
The witch's curiosity was immediately piqued.
"And what might that be?"
She asked casually, as if in idle conversation.
"Expecto Patronum!"
Ian immediately cast the spell. Countless silver threads appeared and began to trace the form of a young girl.
"Hmph. I thought you meant the power of hope." The witch shook her head in disappointment, clearly unimpressed by Ian's magical display.
"No, no, no."
Before Ariana had fully formed, Ian slipped a ring onto her finger. "Quick! Call Pandero to fight the monster!"
Having said that, without waiting for Ariana to react, Ian dispelled the magic.
Ariana and the Patronus ring Ian had given her returned to the original town.
"You'll see soon enough." Ian steadied himself, reasoning that while he could not bear King Arthur's weight in the real world, he should be able to here in the Twilight Zone.
If necessary, he could summon Professor Morgan.
She adored him most of all as her student, so she would surely answer. With this thought, Ian remained calm, knowing he still had other tricks up his sleeve.
For example, his Animagus form.
"Delaying is not a good habit," The old witch sneered. A trace of impatience flickered across her elegant face. She raised her hand, seemingly about to strike.
However, just as the young wizard braced himself,
"No!"
The witch's expression froze suddenly. The pentagonal patterns in her eyes flickered with terror.
Then, they were completely filled with fear as if she had seen something far worse than death.
"I haven't left the Black Forest! There ere no violation!" The witch screamed. Without giving Ian time to react, she spun around and her vine-like cloak unfurled with a whoosh, forming bat-like wings.
In the blink of an eye, the witch shot into the depths of the forest at incredible speed.
"What the, ?"
Ian was utterly baffled. He turned his head and saw the Black Forest regenerating wildly.
Amid this scene of rampant growth, a woman wearing a crown walked gracefully toward him.
She looked elegant and almost Divine.
(End of chapter.)
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