Erwin pulled up his status panel for a quick check. The Cruciatus Curse and Killing Curse had each been used only once, yet both sat at level two. Meanwhile, he'd cast the Levitation Charm countless times and it had barely scraped level two. Baffled, he muttered, "System, explain this nonsense!"
The response came promptly:
[Spell proficiency depends on the host's talent. Higher talent means more points per cast]
Erwin's lips quirked in a wry smile. Fine, message received. It was practically shoving him toward the Dark Arts. Not that he minded too much—who could stay pure-hearted forever in a world like this? With a sigh, he flicked his wand and unleashed two Cruciatus Curses at the captives tied in the clearing. Their agonized screams echoed through the woods once more.
These fools made perfect training dummies. Half an hour of relentless practice later, both curses hit level three—a massive leap. One more level, and he'd master silent casting. But Erwin called it quits. The men had finally cracked, their minds shattered beyond repair.
Rivers and Old Tom, lurking nearby, watched the whole gruesome display. Rivers whispered to Tom, "Does the young master have a new hobby? It's bloody terrifying."
Tom shot him a glare that could curdle milk. Why did he always end up with such dim-witted sidekicks? Asking that out loud? Now? He straightened up as Erwin's icy stare landed on them.
Undeterred, Rivers tugged Tom's sleeve. "I'm talking to you!"
Erwin's voice cut in sharply. "Rivers, hit the training hard these days. With your build, you might last a few more Cruciatus Curses than these two. Don't disappoint me."
He froze, eyes wide with horror. Erwin twirled his wand. "Avada Kedavra!" Twin green flashes streaked out, striking the broken men. Their faces drained of color in an instant, life snuffed out like candle flames.
Rivers paled. "Young master, I was wrong! Please!"
He snorted. "Let's head back." It was just a bluff to rattle him. Rivers was fiercely loyal—Erwin's top enforcer, really—but his loose tongue and lack of brains often landed him in hot water.
They left the bodies in the woods; his people would clean up without a trace. Half a month flew by in a blur. By August 30th, Erwin hadn't taken a single break. Days blurred into nonstop spellwork, pushing his magic forward at a breakneck pace.
His panel now read:
[Spell Mastery: Summoning Charm (Level 3), Levitation Charm (Level 3), Shield Charm (Level 3), Patronus Charm (Level 3), Occlumency (Level 1), Piertotum Locomotor (Level 1), Killing Curse (Level 3), Imperius Curse (Level 4), Cruciatus Curse (Level 4).] [Magic Proficiency: 5100!]
The Patronus Charm and Occlumency stumped him—no clear practice method yet. Everything else? Solid level three, at least. The Imperius and Cruciatus Curses owed their edge to Britain's underbelly; Rivers had rounded up plenty of lowlifes as fodder. Given another month, he'd hit level four across the board—silent spells, no fuss.
But time was up. Hogwarts welcomed students on the 31st, with classes kicking off September 1st. Today was for rest, sorting family affairs before the long trip. No loose ends while he was gone.
Eyeing his 5100 proficiency, Erwin spent 2200 to bump Occlumency and Piertotum Locomotor to level three. Skill points beat grinding any day. The rest of the list offered no upgrades. As he moved to close the panel, he spotted his wizarding acclaim at 2700—an unexpected windfall.
A quick query revealed the source: his wand-purchase stunt had rippled through wizarding circles, earning him the points. Perfect for thirty basic draws. Without a second thought, he triggered them.
Swish!!
[Ten-pull complete. Rewards acquired!]
Pumpkin Pasties x4!
Coca-Cola x3!
Two foul-smelling socks from an unknown source!
Guaranteed Blue: 1 Talent Point!
Erwin's mood soured. Typical low-tier lottery—grounded to a fault. What even were mystery socks? He yanked the junk from his inventory and chucked it, but kept the pasties. He'd been craving a taste of home.
Another ten-pull followed. A purple glow lit his eyes.
[Incredible luck, host! Purple reward unlocked!]
Quick-Quotes Quill x3!
Sleekeazy's Hair Potion x2!
Mandrake-Scented Bath Oil x3!
Guaranteed Blue: 1 Talent Point!
Purple: Enchanted Ring (12 cubic meters capacity)
Erwin smirked despite himself. The shampoo and oil were odd, but a purple drop? Score. And an enchanted satchel beat haggling for an Undetectable Extension Charm in Diagon Alley. No more lugging trunks—problem solved.