An awkward silence descended upon the Learning Space.
It turned out that Andros, the invincible wizard of antiquity, genuinely had no idea what a Levitation Charm was. Magic, Tom realized, had evolved. The simple, utilitarian spells of the modern era were developed centuries after Andros's time. In his day, magic was a raw, untamed force, a weapon for survival and conquest.
"How did you lift things or create light?" Tom asked, fascinated.
In response, Andros simply materialized a wooden stake and blasted it with a small fireball, turning it into a blazing torch. "For light, fire suffices. To move objects, one simply envelops them with will and magic."
He was baffled by the idea of creating specific, named spells for such trivial tasks. He eagerly asked to see Tom's copy of The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1. Tom, realizing he had found less of a teacher and more of a study partner, materialized a second copy for himself.
As Andros pored over the textbook like a child with a new toy, a notification appeared.
//TEACHER RECOGNITION//
> Teacher 'Andros' has reached 20% Approval.
> Reward processing...
> You have acquired the Talent: [Hero's Vigor].
> [Hero's Vigor]: Your raw magical power and stamina are significantly increased.
Tom felt a surge of energy, a deepening of the well of power within him. This was another system function: at 20%, 50%, and 100% approval, he would gain a talent from his tutor. It was a way to bridge the gap between himself and these legendary figures.
With Andros engrossed in first-year spells, Tom began his own practice. He managed to levitate a feather on his first try but struggled to control its flight.
Andros, finally looking up from the book, saw his student's struggle. "Tom," he said, his voice now serious and focused, "the book provides a standard, but magic itself has no standard. It is unique to the caster. You must adapt the form to your own body, your own magic." He demonstrated, performing the charm with a slightly different wand movement. "My arm swing is fifteen degrees smaller than the book suggests, due to my build. For you, with your smaller frame, the arc must be wider. You must find what feels right through practice."
Tom understood instantly. After a few more tries, he found the rhythm, and the feather danced at his command.
The next morning, Tom discovered that mastering the spells had earned him 30 Study Points, more than covering the cost of his time in the Learning Space. Realizing the potential for a self-sustaining learning loop, he immediately traveled back to Diagon Alley and bought every Hogwarts textbook from Grade 1 to 7. He materialized them in the Learning Space for Andros to study, creating an efficient pipeline: Andros would master the modern curriculum, then teach it to him.
For the next month, Tom lived a disciplined life. He spent five hours a day in the Learning Space with Andros, absorbing centuries of magical theory and modern application. The rest of his time was spent in the real world, practicing, honing his control, and feeling his power grow under the influence of [Hero's Vigor].
On the last day of August, Andros declared him ready for a new challenge.
"Tom, you are ready to learn the Patronus Charm."
Andros, who had also revealed his other name was Herakles—the basis for the Muggle myth of Hercules—was eager to pass on his signature spell.
"I will demonstrate," he said, raising his materialized wand. "Expecto Patronum!"
A torrent of silver mist erupted from his wand, coalescing not into an animal, but into a towering, ten-meter-tall, perfect replica of Andros himself, radiating immense power and light.
"My Patronus is a reflection of my belief," the giant and the man said in unison, their voices resonating. "That the only true protector is one's own strength and conviction. If you follow my method, Tom, you too can achieve a corporeal Patronus in your own image."
Tom's eyes burned with desire. An animal was one thing. But this… this was like piloting a Gundam made of pure light. His motivation ignited, he threw himself into the training.