Max woke up feeling sore, his body protesting from the rigorous training session the night before. He stretched his limbs, feeling the slight stiffness in his shoulders. Despite the exhaustion, he was eager to continue his training. He had successfully mastered the basics of [Expulso], an offensive spell, but now, he needed something to protect himself.
"Alright, Echo, what's next?" Max asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
Echo, who had been using his divine energy to float in the air, gave a nod. "You need a defensive spell. You can't just focus on attack. Battles aren't won by offense alone. You need to survive first."
Max exhaled deeply, gripping his wand. "Makes sense. But I don't know any defensive spells that aren't super advanced. I doubt I can cast [Protego] properly just yet."
"Then don't rely on existing spells," Echo advised. "Your mana manipulation has improved. Why not create your own technique? Something that suits your fighting style. Remember the power you have is not native to this world."
Max blinked. "Create my own spell? Is that even possible?"
Echo chuckled. "Of course. All spells were created by someone. The key is understanding how mana flows and shaping it to your will. You already have a solid foundation. Now, focus on controlling your mana outward instead of channeling it through your wand."
Max closed his eyes, breathing in slowly. He focused on the mana coursing through him, visualizing it as threads of light weaving through his veins. Instead of guiding it to the tip of his wand like before, he tried to spread it outward, forming a layer of protection around himself.
At first, it was unstable. The energy wavered like a flickering flame, dispersing before it could take shape. But Max persisted. He envisioned a barrier—something like an invisible force pushing outward. He took another deep breath, visualizing a translucent shield wrapping around him like a cocoon.
"Here goes nothing," he muttered. With steady hands, he channeled his mana and whispered, "[Aegis Veil]."
A faint shimmer surrounded him. It wasn't much, but it was there. His heart pounded in excitement.
Echo observed with a nod. "Not bad for your first attempt. But that veil won't hold against a real attack. You need to strengthen it."
Max tried again, pouring more mana into the shield. This time, the glow around him brightened slightly. He tapped the energy field experimentally—it wobbled, but it held. A grin spread across his face.
"Alright, let's test it," Echo said, lifting a small book with his divine energy. Without warning, he flung it toward Max.
Max flinched, but the book bounced off the shimmering shield and tumbled to the ground. His grin widened.
"That worked!"
Echo smirked. "Don't get cocky. Your spell still needs refinement. Try maintaining it for longer."
For the next hour, Max practiced holding the shield, testing its endurance, reinforcing its structure. The spell took a considerable amount of Mana as well. By the time he stopped, sweat dripped from his forehead, he had a small headache , but his spell had improved considerably. The barrier could now withstand multiple hits before fading.
Finally, Echo gave him an approving nod. "You've done well. But remember, a shield is only as strong as its caster's will. Keep training, and soon it'll be as natural as breathing."
Max wiped his brow. "Thanks, Echo. I think I understand mana control better now. It's all about intent and focus."
Echo grinned. "Exactly. Now go take a break, and wash up you stink , you have someone to meet."
---
Later that afternoon, Max made his way to the Leaky Cauldron's main hall, where he spotted a familiar mop of messy black hair and round glasses. Harry was sitting at a small table, having a cup of butterbeer. When he saw Max, he waved him over.
"Max! There you are. Haven't seen you in a while. What have you been up to?" Harry asked.
Max chuckled, taking a seat across from him. "Training, mostly. Had to get a little stronger before heading to the outside world."
Harry nodded. "I get that. Things have been weird lately with Sirius Black escaping Azkaban. Security's tighter than ever."
Max leaned in slightly. "Yeah, I heard. That's actually why I've been practicing magic more seriously. You never know when trouble might find you."
Harry smirked. "Sounds like something Hermione would say. Speaking of which, she and Ron will be here soon."
Max grinned. "Good, I'd love to meet your friends."
As they chatted, Harry grew curious. "So, you said you've been training magic. Learn anything cool?"
Max hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, actually. I managed to create my own spell. A defensive one."
Harry's eyes widened. "No way. You created your own spell? You just acquired your wand and you even created a spell. That's amazing! How does it work?"
Max leaned forward, lowering his voice slightly. "Alright, so here's the basic idea: Most shields, like [Protego], are formed using a structured spell circle that channels magic outward. But mine works differently. Instead of a set spell matrix, I shape my mana manually, like molding clay. The more control I have over it, the stronger the shield becomes. It's not as stable as a traditional spell, but it's more flexible. But it does require me to have a constant focus, or else the spell fades away."
Harry listened intently. "So, you're saying it's like… forming a magical aura around you?"
Max nodded. "Exactly. Think of it like a second skin made of mana. It takes more concentration, but once I master it, I might be able to reinforce it to withstand stronger attacks."
Harry whistled. "That's incredible. I don't think I've ever heard of someone doing that. You should show Hermione—she'd love to analyze it."
Max laughed. "Sure, But I still need to refine it more before I start it showing off."
Before they could continue, the door swung open, and Ron and Hermione entered. Harry waved them over. "Speak of the devil. Guys, this is Max."
Ron grinned. "Blimey, Harry, you never mentioned making new friends."
Hermione, ever the inquisitive one, eyed Max suspiciously, "Nice to meet you, Max. Harry was just telling us you've been training magic seriously. What exactly have you been working on?"
Max smirked. "Well, funny you ask. I was just explaining it to Harry. Let's just say, I might have a few tricks up my sleeve."
Hermione was always the competitive type, but a new kid met with Harry and took his help. Since Harry has always been a person to help other he could one day be taken advantage off by someone. Hermione was still suspicious about Max, but decided to investigate it on her own.
As the four of them settled into conversation, Max felt something stir within him, a sense of belonging. For the first time since arriving in this world, he wasn't just an outsider. He was part of something bigger. And he was ready for whatever came next.