"This is actually a game theory problem. If you're interested, you can read some related Muggle books."
However, there was no response from Terry, only soft breathing.
Terry was already asleep; after a whole day of commotion, children his age would fall asleep the moment their heads hit the pillow.
Lucien closed the book and turned to look out the window. This room had a perfect view of the Forbidden Forest.
The Forbidden Forest, right next to Hogwarts, was home to a large number of magical creatures.
There were Thestrals, visible only to those who had witnessed death; massive Acromantulas; Unicorns, which were Tom's blood-replenishing packs; and Centaurs, skilled in divination…
In the future, I want to specialize in the magical creature Transfiguration direction, so I will inevitably need to observe these magical creatures. The Forbidden Forest is a good place to start.
However, I must first ensure my own safety. Spells are one aspect, and related Potions also need to be prepared. And the travel between the Castle and the Forbidden Forest…
He turned to look at Terry on the bed, confirming that he was deep in slumber.
Lucien turned back and continued to look in the direction of the Forbidden Forest.
"Glow."
A faint golden figure appeared directly in front of Lucien.
Little Qilin happily jumped in the air; it had been cooped up all day.
Lucien had kept it in the system's pet space all day. Although the system said there were mountains and water in the space, Little Qilin was the only living creature, so it was indeed easy for it to get bored and anxious.
Gently stroking Glow's head, Lucien was also contemplating.
Qilins are born with the ability to Apparate, making them the essential "transportation tool" for rushing to places or making a quick escape.
However, I don't quite remember if Apparition and similar magic are forbidden within Hogwarts Castle.
Thinking of this, Lucien directly sent a thought to Little Qilin:
"Try it and see if you can still Apparate."
The talent for telepathic communication helped Glow immediately understand his master's meaning.
In an instant, Little Qilin's figure vanished before Lucien's eyes.
Before Lucien could even blink, it reappeared.
"Master, it worked!"
A childlike voice appeared directly in Lucien's mind.
Lucien smiled, a hint of joy in his eyes.
"Very good!"
"By the way, where did you just go?"
Another childlike voice echoed in Lucien's mind:
"Home!"
Lucien nodded and rubbed Little Qilin's head again in praise.
Hmm, there are most likely still restrictions in the Castle, otherwise, a school cultivating the seeds of all British Wizards wouldn't just allow villains to enter and exit freely with Apparition and similar magic, would it?
Lucien believed that the school's four founders, the legendary Wizards of that era, would not have failed to consider such safety issues.
It should be that a Unicorn's innate magic is fundamentally different from a Wizard's magic.
After all, there are so many magical creatures in the magic world, and they all have their own racial talents. Wizards have not yet been able to fully analyze their magical abilities.
Moreover, Glow is not the native type of Unicorn; it belongs to the true divine beast lineage.
It's plausible that it is not subject to Hogwarts' restrictions and possesses extraordinary abilities.
Lucien recalled Little Qilin's posture when it used Apparition just now and felt that it was completely unlike the toilet-flush-like disappearance when a Wizard uses it.
Little Qilin seemed to directly merge into space, the entire process being very natural and swift.
Indeed, the magic of Wizards and magical creatures is quite different.
He looked down at Little Qilin, whose large golden-red eyes were also staring at him. The short horns had not yet grown on its forehead, only two slightly raised bumps.
Glow is still too young. Even as a divine beast, its self-preservation ability in its infancy…
I'm a bit worried about letting it run into the Forbidden Forest just like that.
Thinking of this, Lucien directly communicated with the system using his mind:
"System, is there any way to strengthen Little Qilin's power?"
[Yes Host, yes, I have nine methods for these OvO]
"…"
How to put it, it feels like this system has become more active after coming into contact with the magic world?
"Uh, just tell me the most effective one."
[Okay, the system recommends: Pet Growth Loan]
[There are two types of this loan: allowing the pet to quickly reach its growth stage (monthly loan); and quickly reaching its mature stage (annual loan)]
[Note: Pets in their growth stage will have initially awakened all racial talents; pets in their mature stage will have fully mastered their talents and will awaken unique individual talent abilities]
Lucien rubbed his chin and glanced at Little Qilin.
"What level is Glow at in its growth stage? Are there any side effects to this rapid maturation for the pet? What are the tasks for the monthly and annual loans?"
Facing Lucien's three consecutive questions, the system quickly responded:
[A Unicorn just entering its growth stage is equivalent to an excellent Auror among Wizards, but it far surpasses Wizards of the same level in the field of innate magic]
[There are no side effects; the pet only needs to sleep in the space for a week]
[After all, it's a product of our system~~]
[Monthly Loan: Observe and record the abilities, characteristics, and habits of 5 magical creatures, for a period of 30 days]
[Annual Loan: Observe and record the abilities, characteristics, and habits of all magical creatures (including known and unknown species), for a period of 365 days]
Ignoring the system's cute interjections, Lucien frowned and asked:
"A divine beast just entering its growth stage is only equivalent to an excellent Auror?"
Although the system said it surpassed ordinary beings in the field of innate magic, Lucien still felt it was too low and did not meet his expected guess.
[The growth stage is the most significant and rapid period of a divine beast's power change, with a huge difference between the early and late stages]
[A divine beast about to enter its mature stage is already infinitely close to the level of a legendary Wizard among humans]
Hearing the system's explanation, Lucien's brows gradually relaxed, and he nodded.
That's still acceptable. Little Qilin in its growth stage would also have the ability to protect itself. As long as it doesn't fight to the death with dangerous creatures in the Forbidden Forest, preserving itself should not be a problem.
Recording 5 magical creatures within a month is also fine. Anyway, there are no specific requirements for which species to record, so it can prioritize finding less dangerous and approachable ones in the Forbidden Forest.
As for the annual loan that would allow Glow to directly enter its mature stage, Lucien merely glanced at it and dismissed it.
The annual loan required recording information on all magical creatures, which was completely beyond his current ability.
Moreover, unlike perfectly mastering Transfiguration and refining Potions with the Philosopher's Stone, which I can find ways to complete while staying at Hogwarts.
Not all magical creatures live in the Forbidden Forest, let alone specifying that it includes known and unknown species. To repay this loan, I would have to travel all over the world.
Heh, "Enroll in Hogwarts and become a magical creature expert"?
Little Qilin also needed to sleep for a week first. Hmm, I'll use this time to practice practical spells and prepare more Potions as backup.
"System, I want to take out the Pet Growth Monthly Loan."
[OK, hope Host has a pleasant repayment (• ᴗ •) ♡]
[Loan: Pet Rapid Growth (Monthly Loan)]
[Repayment Period: 30 days]
[Loan Content: Allows the pet to initially reach its growth stage]
[Loan Task: Observe and record the abilities, characteristics, and habits of 5 magical creatures]
[Evaluation: Keep it up, this is your first step to surpassing Newt Scamander!]
Seeing the system's evaluation, Lucien gave a knowing smile.
Why is it bringing up that introverted magical creature expert?
He looked up at the starlight outside the window, feeling it was time to rest.
Lucien patted Little Qilin's head.
"Good night."
…
Late at night, in the Hogwarts Headmasters Office.
Dumbledore walked to the shelf where the Sorting Hat was placed.
"Old friend, would you be willing to chat with me about that young man, Lucien?"