Another night without sleep.
Ian didn't feel much fatigue or drowsiness as he returned to the Room of Requirement and began tinkering again with the magic potion, hoping to further refine the Prince's Magic Recovery Potion.
The current version of Prince's Magic Recovery Potion cannot permanently restore a Squib's magic power. Even if a Squib drank the entire bottle, it would only sustain the magic power's activity for a few cycles. It clearly hasn't reached the level of permanent magic recovery that Ian deems perfect.
Although this might be the most profitable method, for someone like Ian who is focused on potion-making research, it's not that he can't brew a potion for permanent magic recovery; it's that he absolutely must be able to.
How to sell it for maximum profit is merely a worldly choice, but being able to permanently restore a Squib's magic power is an achievement for someone bold enough to call themselves a master of potions.
"There must be a way, and this method can also be applied in the realm of Awakening, and even improve Teacher Morgan's Amortentia formula."
"I'm just not sure if creating an Amortentia whose effects last a lifetime would provoke fear and disputes on ethical and moral grounds."
"Surely, many people would think being affected by the potion for a lifetime is still considered love, while others would contend that this potion desecrates the concept of love."
"Well, ultimately, it's the same old story: the potion itself is innocent. Only misuse can be wrongful, and if two people already in love willingly take such an Amortentia—"
"It could certainly be given another name with a beautiful symbolic meaning."
Ian was purely contemplating from a professional potion-judging perspective and indeed had no particular interest in an Amortentia that could hold its power for a lifetime.
After all.
The little wizard had already seen what kind of face he would have when he grew up, and whether he relied on his looks or his strength, they'd certainly be more effective than Amortentia.
"Gurgle~"
The bubbles rose in the crucible set up on the stand.
Attempting to explore a new direction for a potion's effect is no easy task. Ian didn't expect results in just one night; he needed to try various combinations of materials that might extend the potion's efficacy.
This process is destined to be tedious and dull.
Just like a college student's daily life studying materials science.
Yet Ian enjoyed it.
[Through diligent brewing, your Master's Proficiency in Magic Potions +3]
[Through diligent brewing, your Master's Proficiency in Magic Potions +2]
[Through diligent brewing, your Master's Proficiency in Magic Potions +3]
...
After all, he gained personal proficiency, and by the next morning, his skill in Master of Potions looked like it would level up in another three to five days.
"Extraordinary Traits are one thing, but what I seek now is Legendary Traits!" Ian already had several Level 7 skills and might gain his first Legendary Trait within the next couple of years. With just Extraordinary Traits, his strength was already above the average at the same level. It's imaginable that Legendary Traits would be even more stunning and extraordinary.
[Flame Conquest (Level 7) 87/6400]
[Language Mastery (Level 7) 154/6400]
[Transformation Technique (Level 7) 341/6400]
If he could encounter some adventures or receive guidance from "a master," Ian thought it might considerably shorten the time to awaken his Legendary Trait.
Of course, as long as he's studying at Hogwarts, as long as he's following Morgan in the Misty Illusion Realm, Ian's advancement speed couldn't possibly slow down.
Before meeting his mentor and entering Hogwarts, it had taken him many years to bluff his way to two Extraordinary Traits, illustrating the difference that background makes.
"In the future, I might be able to sleep only three or four hours a day and dedicate all other time to studying. The more magic I have, the stronger my stamina, explaining why powerful wizards can easily live to be over two hundred years old."
Ian felt quite energetic even after staying up all night.
He gave a Dementor some cleaning instructions, and after seeing it change into a cleaning outfit, he walked out of the Room of Requirement with a spring in his step.
Outside the room.
The sunshine was already streaming through the windows of the castle, marking a rare sunny day in the winter, which added some warmth to the bone-chilling air.
Descending the spiral staircase, Ian saw Filch standing in the corridor, looking rather despondent and lost, standing dumbly in front of a metal barrel as if contemplating something.
"It seems that reverting to a Squib hit him hard."
Unobtrusively, Ian bypassed Filch. However, before he could get far, the little wizard's cries and the following loud commotion reached his ears.
"Boom!"
It was a violent explosion.
Startled, Ian pulled out his magic wand, quickly turning back, but found no dark wizard invading Hogwarts—only Filch lying motionless on the ground.
It felt like déjà vu.
The exploded metal barrel had fallen from the ceiling, and Filch's legs jerked as he slumped into unconsciousness—the air was filled with an overpowering scent of home-brewed gunpowder.
"????"
Seeing the little wizards panic, shouting to get help, and sneakily kicking Filch hard, Ian couldn't help but have the most incredulous expression on his face.