Ciel only realized time was flying by after receiving an owl letter. "Another week has passed? Does time go by this fast?"
After his surprise, he subconsciously looked at the system panel. Seeing the changes on it, he couldn't help but smile. "This week wasn't wasted."
On the panel, the Transfiguration text was covered by bronze luster in most places. Just one last bit remained before advancing to the Bronze tier. This was the result of Ciel constantly observing Shadow Thorns' magical changes this week, plus daily Q&A sessions with Professor McGonagall.
Whether his understanding of Gamp's Transfiguration or knowledge of Toleran Transfiguration, under Professor McGonagall's systematic guidance, he had improved significantly. With just a bit more accumulation, or a few more Goldfish Vine harvests to improve magical perception, advancing to Bronze-tier Transfiguration wouldn't be difficult.
"According to Professor McGonagall. With this foundation, many advanced spells can be learned early. Simple spells can be mastered much faster than before."
This meant that after Transfiguration advanced again, Ciel's spell system could expand significantly in a short time. Learning new spells in the future probably wouldn't need to start from the Black Iron tier... possibly starting at the Bronze or even Silver tier!
Thinking this, his face showed anticipation. Then his gaze shifted to other spells, showing some disappointment. Advancing Transfiguration mastery meant his understanding of magic's microscopic level was deepening. Logically, these Platinum-tier spells should also improve greatly. But their platinum luster seemed frozen, with almost no change.
"It seems what's blocking further improvement of Platinum-tier spells isn't my magical understanding or mastery. It should be insufficient magical perception again."
He sighed. "After harvesting more Goldfish Vines, this situation might improve. But worst case, I'll need Magical Perception Enhancement to reach Platinum tier and undergo massive qualitative change before these spells can improve qualitatively."
But after a moment, Ciel stopped dwelling on these spells. With Transfiguration as a growth point, his magical level was still developing. These spells could be considered accumulating a foundation, waiting for the moment of breakthrough.
Besides this, he glanced at Legendary Strength and Legendary Vitality. Their luster was indeed richer than before. Don't underestimate this small change... Ciel felt it quite clearly in practice. Whether the vigorous life force in his body or the strength bursting from his flesh, both had obviously improved.
Specifically, when clashing head-on with trolls, he barely retreated anymore. The numbing, recoiling sensation was much milder than before. He felt emotional.
"Just this small improvement brings such significant change. Shows how vast the leap from legendary abilities to mythical abilities is. Calling it a world of difference wouldn't be excessive."
Ciel calculated the time. "The dragon egg should hatch soon. Then I can try mass-cultivating Blood Jade. Its blood-making ability enhancement might bring more changes to these two legendary abilities."
Countless thoughts flashed through his mind before settling into calm. Only then did he open the letter. The sender was surprisingly Cedric Diggory.
"Ciel. I know you've been especially busy. But I still need to remind you... you do remember about tomorrow's match against Slytherin, right? We've already beaten Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. Just one more win against Slytherin locks in this season's finals spot, one step from the Quidditch Cup. Hufflepuff hasn't reached finals in years... we're making history!"
Seeing Cedric's passionate handwriting, Ciel scratched his head embarrassedly. Truth be told, without Cedric's reminder, he as Hufflepuff Quidditch team's tactical core had actually forgotten about tomorrow's match.
Taking a deep breath, his expression became serious. Having come this far, whether for Professor Sprout's expectations, his teammates, or those adorable little Hufflepuffs who supported him unconditionally, he was determined to win the Quidditch Cup. Even the Boy Who Lived couldn't stop him!
Then he made a decision. "No work today. Consider it a holiday. Time for Quidditch training."
Soon Ciel returned to the castle, discovering how seriously students took tomorrow's "semifinal." The little Hufflepuffs naturally needed no mention. Winning tomorrow meant reaching finals, breaking over a decade of finals drought. The significance was like seeing hope for his past life's national football team reaching the World Cup again. Imagine how enthusiastic the little Hufflepuffs were.
All wore badges on their chests with glittering, moving images... a badger holding a snake in its claws, about to devour it. The badges had text: "Badgers Eat Snakes!" The meaning was clear.
Correspondingly, the little Slytherins were equally motivated. Hufflepuff winning tomorrow would make history. But Slytherin had already lost to Gryffindor once. Losing to Hufflepuff too would eliminate their finals qualification. This would be Slytherin's first time in over a decade. No one wanted to be carved on that pillar of shame!
Therefore, the little snakes' hostility toward little Hufflepuffs was even stronger than toward their rivals Gryffindor. Whenever students from the two houses met in the castle, the tension was explosive.
As the team core, Ciel deeply felt this atmosphere. Slytherin students he encountered all scrutinized him with icy gazes. If not for fear of his demonstrated terrifying power, some unscrupulous little snakes might have planned to curse him before the match.
As he approached Hufflepuff's reserved Quidditch pitch, three familiar figures approached. Malfoy with Crabbe and Goyle. Seeing their sneaky appearance, Ciel frowned.
"This is Hufflepuff territory. What are you doing here? Tsk. Stealing intelligence?"
His mocking words immediately made Malfoy's face flush red. "Intelligence? Who needs your house's intelligence? Think you're invincible?"
Malfoy seemed to find confidence, gritting his teeth. "You'll know tomorrow. Your little tricks won't work anymore. Victory belongs to Slytherin!"
Then Malfoy led Crabbe and Goyle away aggressively. But after just a few steps, scenes of past defeats under Ciel flashed through his mind. He turned back, unable to resist shouting at him.
"Tomorrow, Slytherin won't just take your victory. That little greenhouse you got through connections... you can't keep it either. Maybe you'll lose your aunt's job too!"
Ciel had been about to leave but stopped, frowning. "Hm? What did you say?"
Seeing he'd caught his attention, Malfoy looked smug, his lips curling maliciously. "Think your and your aunt's little scheme can't be investigated? I heard all about it... you don't meet the standards for the little greenhouse; your aunt fought to get it for you. Now the Board of Governors is investigating. You definitely can't hide it. Not just you two... other professors will be implicated too, all getting reviewed."
Malfoy lifted his chin proudly. "I told you before... my father's on the Board. Tomorrow he's bringing review committee members to the castle. Just wait... you'll definitely get what's coming!"
After speaking, Malfoy looked pleased but seemed afraid Ciel might attack him immediately, so he quickly fled, abandoning the still-grinning Crabbe and Goyle.
Ciel frowned but didn't bother with Malfoy. He remembered that morning when Professor Sprout had gone to an early meeting. He had wondered then why she'd returned looking so gloomy and angry. Now it seemed this was the reason.
Also recently, his aunt appeared less frequently. Her office was piled with thick materials. When Ciel went to Professor McGonagall's office for Transfiguration Q&A, he could see her face constantly shrouded in fatigue. Her office was also piled with similar materials. Other professors were similar. Some even yawned constantly during class from exhaustion.
"So it seems. They're all busy preparing for this so-called review committee?"
A cold gleam immediately flashed in his eyes. Especially thinking of the weariness on Professor Sprout's and others' faces, this coldness intensified. If they wanted to torment Ciel, he didn't care... torture away. But targeting Professor Sprout and implicating professors who were good to him? This, he couldn't tolerate.
But... how to retaliate? While pondering, he walked into the Quidditch training ground. When he entered, even Cedric and other little Hufflepuffs sensed his anger.
Cedric quickly jumped off his broom, stopping before him. "What's wrong, Ciel? Did those despicable Slytherins do something to you?"
Ciel shook his head, briefly recounting what Malfoy had said. "I'm thinking about how to get them back."
Cedric's eyes lit up. "Like at the Ministry hearing? Give those people an unforgettable memory?"
Seeing Ciel still pondering, Cedric suddenly said seriously. "Ciel. This is actually simple."
He paused, looking at Cedric questioningly. Cedric patted his broom, eyes sparkling. "The Malfoy family and other Board members are almost all Slytherin supporters. Since they're coming tomorrow, they definitely won't miss Slytherin's match. In front of them, let's give Slytherin a bloody massacre. Not only make our history, but nail them to the pillar of shame!"
Hearing this, Ciel's eyes immediately brightened. Cedric's words inspired him. Directly attacking the review committee and Board members was obviously impossible. But for fans, what could be more torturous than watching their team get slaughtered?
He even thought of something else. "Cedric. Let me confirm a rule with you. In Quidditch, as long as the Golden Snitch isn't caught, the match doesn't end. Right?"
Cedric paused, not understanding why he asked such a basic rule. But after a moment, he suddenly widened his eyes. "Merlin above. Ciel, you're not thinking..."
He grinned and nodded. He said quietly, "Who told them to mess with Hufflepuff and little Hufflepuffs' friends? Since they did, they should be mentally prepared. Little Hufflepuff revenge can be very memorable."
[Chapter Complete]
***
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