After absorbing Salazar's knowledge, I didn't waste a single moment. The Room of Requirement had been reshaped again — this time into a sprawling training ground, lined with spell targets, dueling dummies, and alchemical stations. The air was thick with the faint tang of reagents and the crackle of raw magic.
I started my physical exercises first, moving through a sequence of movements designed to improve reflexes, speed, and stamina. With each motion, I felt magic flowing more smoothly through my body, a faint hum syncing with my heartbeat. "The body is as important as the mind," I muttered to myself, tossing a practice hex at a moving target. It disintegrated instantly. "Precision, strength, and timing — all must work together."
Abraxas and Orion entered quietly, their eyes scanning the new layout. "Tom… you've really outdone yourself this time," Abraxas said, a mix of admiration and envy in his voice. "This isn't just a training room — it's… insane."
Orion nodded. "You're always a step ahead. What are we starting with today?"
I smirked. "Today, we combine everything. Physical training, combat spells, magic control, and alchemy. You'll see what happens when magic and body work as one."
I moved over to a small cauldron bubbling with a glowing green liquid. "This," I said, picking up the vial carefully, "is a new potion inspired by Salazar's research. It enhances physical strength, reaction speed, and even boosts magic reserves slightly. Drink it if you dare."
Abraxas raised an eyebrow. "You're testing this on yourself first, right?"
I chuckled and uncorked the potion. "Always. Safety first, then teaching."
I drank it in one smooth motion. A warmth surged through my veins, my muscles feeling denser, quicker, more responsive. My magic reserves ticked upward by a small but noticeable 5%. "Already feels… better," I said, flexing my hands and arms. "Strength, speed, control — all improved. No visible change, but trust me, it's there."
Orion tilted his head. "So, this isn't just for combat… it's for dueling, spellcasting, and physical endurance?"
"Exactly," I replied, moving to the dueling dummies. I cast a series of advanced spells in rapid succession — a combination of piercing fireballs, silent hexes, and shield charms — watching how the potion allowed my movements to sync seamlessly with my magic. Even after continuous exertion, my magic reserves barely wavered.
"Your turns," I said, tossing a wand to Abraxas. "Try it while dodging and countering. I want to see how fast you adapt."
For the next hour, the room buzzed with activity. Dummies exploded, sparks flew, and protective charms glimmered in midair. I watched closely, occasionally stepping in to demonstrate a new motion or tweak a spell's trajectory. "Faster," I instructed, "but precise. Every movement has intent. Magic wasted is opportunity lost."
During a brief pause, Orion leaned against a wall, catching his breath. "Tom… how did you even learn to combine everything like this? We're struggling to keep up."
I smiled faintly, wiping sweat from my brow. "It's simple. Knowledge is useless if you can't apply it physically. Salazar's knowledge gave me understanding; now it's just practice. Everything I do is intentional. Combat, magic, alchemy — they're all tools. Master the tools, master the outcome."
After training, I returned to my alchemy table, brewing another batch of the potion to ensure my Death Eaters had enough for their own trials. "You'll need to experience this as well," I told them. "But not everyone is ready yet. Control, focus, and willpower are key. Don't drink more than necessary."
Abraxas and Orion nodded, already eyeing the potion with a mixture of excitement and caution. "We'll earn it," Abraxas said.
"Good," I replied, sipping water and surveying the room. "Remember this: Magic is not just power. It's a part of you, a part of your body, your mind, and your soul. Strength without control is meaningless. Control without strength is weakness. Combine them, and no one — not even Dumbledore — will be able to surpass you."
The rest of the month passed in a blur. I cycled between personal training, alchemical experimentation, and instructing my Death Eaters. By the time I paused to catch my breath one evening, I felt a profound sense of growth. My magic reserves had increased steadily, my body had become far more responsive, and my Death Eaters were quickly adapting to the regimen I had set.
Looking around at them, I couldn't help but smirk. "Soon, none of you will ever need to fear a rival. And the world," I said softly, almost to myself, "will bend to our strength.