Silence fell over the study space, and an awkward atmosphere stretched between Tom and Andros.
Tom's eyes were empty as he stared at Andros. The upright man avoided Tom's gaze, his face flushed with shame.
The matter was clear now. Andros wasn't teasing Tom he simply didn't know any lighting or levitation spells.
Though the magical world may seem old-fashioned, it constantly evolves. While this hasn't created more powerful individuals or changed wizarding population significantly, it has greatly improved practicality, convenience, and standardized spellcasting.
Just like the Standard Book of Spells: Elementary by Miranda Goshawk that Tom now had, no one before her had ever compiled spells so systematically.
According to the book, the Illumination Charm and Levitation Charm first appeared around the 14th and 15th centuries, so it would be a miracle if Andros knew them.
"So how did you illuminate and control objects in your time?" Tom asked.
Andros said nothing but silently materialized a wooden stake and threw a fireball at it, instantly turning it into a blazing torch.
"Lighting was simple back then—flames would do. As for controlling objects, it was a matter of wrapping them in thought and magic power."
"And they actually developed special spells for such trivial things, even teaching them casually…"
Andros's era was a barbaric age of magic. Magic was a weapon for survival, rarely shared. Wizards lived in dangerous environments and did not consider practical daily uses; their focus was on making spells stronger and deadlier.
It wasn't until the rise of Muggles during the Middle Ages and the witch-hunting movements that wizards united, established magic academies, and gradually developed modern diversified magic systems.
Andros gazed curiously at Tom's Standard Book of Spells: Elementary and cautiously asked, "Tom, could I borrow this book? Maybe it contains magic I know. If not, I'll start with the Patronus Charm - that's my specialty."
Tom: "…"
Not only had he hired a teacher, but he also gained a study partner, who didn't even know common spells yet and was still learning the Patronus Charm.
Despite his cheat, it hadn't kicked in yet.
"Forget it, Mr. Andros."
Tom reluctantly handed over the book and materialized another. "Let's study together and make progress. The future of magic development should surprise you."
"Thank you, Tom."
Andros scratched his head, embarrassed. He had promised to guide Tom but now found himself asking for help first.
[Teacher 'Andros' recognition of the host reaches 20%, host gains Andros's magical talent]
Tom felt energized; a smile appeared unconsciously.
This was another system function or benefit: as teacher recognition reached 20%, 50%, and finally 100%, Tom would receive rewards—abilities or talents of the teacher.
Teaching and answering questions were important, but magic was often unreasonable. Talent mattered more.
One's ultimate achievements depended not only on conditions and effort but on the ceiling of innate talent.
Recognition gave Tom a chance to surpass all his teachers, combining the strengths of countless schools to become an unprecedentedly powerful wizard.
...
Tom quickly arranged the study space with tables, chairs, benches, sofas, and a coffee table. Then he and Andros each read a copy of Standard Spells: Elementary and began learning beginner magic.
Fortunately, the space gave Andros the ability to speak; otherwise, he wouldn't understand the book.
Andros watched more seriously than Tom, as even basic spells opened his eyes—he hadn't expected magic to be so much richer.
Unlike him in his youth, who mostly used magic for duels and killing, this new approach was broader.
"If you understand one law, you understand all laws."
Andros was advanced enough that learning introductory knowledge felt like a high school student reviewing early elementary content.
Soon, he began experimenting with wandless spellcasting.
Seeing this, Tom realized he needed to buy all the textbooks for coming years quickly; otherwise, Andros's progress would be delayed.
Tom also began practicing levitation and illumination spells.
This was different from previous wand use—now, he guided magical power with specific spells and intentions.
Following exact pronunciation from the standard spellbook, Tom waved his wand and made a feather float on the first try, though he struggled to control its movement fully.
Observing this, Andros smiled. His teacher was finally starting to show his worth. He cautiously urged Tom to try again before gently pointing out,
"Tom, the spellcasting steps in the book are standard, but magic is the least standardized thing in the world. Everyone's body and affinity differ.
"Learning this way will help you master spells quickly but might not be the most suitable method for your style. You must adjust and refine it yourself."
As he spoke, Andros materialized his wand and cast a flawless levitation spell.
"See? My forearm's swing is about fifteen degrees less than the book's prescription. Because of my body shape, following the book exactly would put too much force on the spell, causing failure.
"You, though, with your yet undeveloped body, will require a wider range. Continuous practice and experimentation will reveal what suits you best. Even I can't do it for you."
Tom nodded, suddenly understanding.
After several tries, he gradually grew adept at using levitation.
Three hours later, Tom bid Andros farewell and left the study space.
Though fatigue from training would fade after leaving, Tom couldn't abandon his long-developed habit of sleeping.
Besides, he only had 100 credits and could use the study space for only 15 hours total, so he resolved to be frugal.