Divine Authority Deprivation—
Looking at this line of text on the system panel, Ciel felt a jolt of shock. Was this one of God-King Authority's abilities—seizing other deities' authority?
If so, no wonder possessing God-King Authority meant being King of Gods, able to command all deities. However, the text before him, though roughly discernible, remained somewhat blurred.
One more step. If I approach God-King Authority one more step in the mental world, the text should become completely clear.
Then Ciel hesitated. Could the intense crisis I felt earlier originate from this? One more step forward would manifest the Divine Authority Deprivation ability—but would it simultaneously invite irresistible deadly peril?
But I'm still confused. My God-King Authority is incredibly weak. Even if I take one more step and obtain Divine Authority Deprivation—could it really threaten mythical-level beings? I don't believe it. If this alone invites deadly disaster, how terrified must whatever's out there be of God-King Authority?
Countless thoughts flashed through his mind. But moments later, Occlumency operated, dispersing all these thoughts.
Matters I shouldn't contemplate—don't overthink. The more I think, the higher the chances of trouble. Never thinking about it, never contacting it—might actually avoid all problems.
This wasn't baseless speculation. After all, he knew the original story. In the original timeline, the wizarding world definitely had no mythical-level beings appearing over the next several years. Even twenty years later when Harry's children enrolled, the wizarding world remained peaceful.
This meant as long as he didn't recklessly dig into these matters for quite a long time, he needn't worry about mythical-level beings far exceeding the original plot appearing. Conversely, if he continuously contacted such information, excavating mythical-level and mythical-age secrets, the butterfly effects might genuinely trigger something's premature appearance.
Exhaling softly, he murmured, "Mythical level—far from the right time. At least I must have strength comparable to Dumbledore and Voldemort, standing at the modern wizarding world's pinnacle, before qualifying to pursue it. Now, planting is my primary task. Don't forget—my magical talent issues remain unsolved. Magic Perception, Magic Intensity—these two difficulties still await me."
At that thought, he frowned again. Ed's whereabouts were unknown. Without Ed's expertise in improving plant seeds, these research projects would become significantly more difficult.
But soon he relaxed, determination settling over his features. If I can find Ed and learn from her, that's ideal. But if I can't locate her, I won't put this research on hold forever. Even if it takes time and requires trial and error, it has to be done.
With his mind made up, he hurried back toward the Sprout estate.
Meanwhile, at the Sprout estate entrance, the crack of Apparition sounded. Professor Sprout appeared, accompanied by a thin, pale-faced girl carrying a shabby, faded suitcase.
Professor Sprout smiled warmly. "All right, child. Don't mind that I threw Fanged Geraniums at Dumbledore's head earlier. Our Headmaster gets muddled sometimes and needs such wake-up calls. But I don't randomly throw Fanged Geraniums. As for you, child—you're called Edelyn? Honestly, when Dumbledore mentioned transfer students, I was quite surprised. As Hufflepuff Head, I didn't even know we had a transfer student system. But luckily next semester you're joining our Hufflepuff House—believe me, you'll quickly integrate. Come with me, there are plenty of rooms here. Stay here until school starts—treat this as your own home."
Professor Sprout looked at the pale, thin girl beside her with gentle, sympathetic eyes. She'd heard from Dumbledore earlier—this poor child, due to family circumstances, had been displaced since childhood, losing nearly all connection to the wizarding world. Only recently had Dumbledore found her.
This reminded Professor Sprout of Ciel's days in the non-magical world, her expression growing increasingly pitying. She brought Edelyn to her room, handing her the key, "From now on this is your room, child. We have another child here named Ciel, a few years younger than you, about to enter Hogwarts second year. He's currently out, but you'll meet him at dinner."
Then Professor Sprout left the room, giving Edelyn time to adapt. Edelyn first cautiously checked everything, then cast protective magic on the door. After confirming no abnormalities, she finally exhaled, sitting on the bed.
Recalling recent days' experiences felt dreamlike—first attacked, then rescued by a swordsman, even making Dumbledore nervous, then Dumbledore arranging her as a fifth-year transfer student, temporarily housing her with the Sprout family.
Originally planned to participate in Herbology Association examinations, announcing our Robinson family's return there. Now due to this attack, examinations are postponed. Plans completely disrupted.
Edelyn initially felt dejected but then rallied. But there's good news—at least at Hogwarts, under Dumbledore's watch, safety is guaranteed. Moreover, with Hogwarts' conditions and library books, my herbology will definitely benefit greatly. During this period, perhaps I can achieve more results cultivating ancient plants. Then announcing Robinson family's return will cause even greater shock.
As Dumbledore suggested, before school starts, I'll stay at the Sprout estate.
Edelyn recalled Professor Sprout's gentle, compassionate expression, which warmed her heart. For someone displaced since childhood, who'd later survived in Knockturn Alley, such kindness was rare—not to mention such comfortable, safe lodging, which felt like a luxury to her.
But Edelyn remained vigilant. Though Professor Sprout's reputation was impeccable, after years navigating the wizarding world, Edelyn had witnessed far more darkness than peers her age. She'd previously encountered "kind" wizards willing to shelter her, thinking she'd start a new life—only to nearly be sold to black markets as experimental materials. If not for her magical outburst then, she'd probably be preserved in potion jars now.
However, that magical outburst unexpectedly activated the Robinson family's unique bloodline ability—a bloodline legendarily descending from the Olympian-era fertility goddess Demeter! Simultaneously, a seed the Robinson family had passed down for millennia finally responded.
Edelyn carefully removed from her chest a sprouted seed—a peculiar thing that looked like a transparent crystal bulb. Probably even Herbology Masters couldn't recognize this unique plant.
Foresight Grass. Robinson family ancestors brought this ancient plant from the first World Tree expedition. Even in Olympian times, this was precious magical herbology. Legend says it contains destiny's magic—eating mature Foresight Grass grants exceptional prophetic abilities. Even Olympian-era Titans would treat such prophets with great courtesy.
Edelyn looked at this Foresight Grass seed with determined eyes. When first activating Robinson bloodline abilities, she saw strange scenes from the seed—like future destiny fragments. She saw herself standing on stages receiving Herbology Master honors, saw herself rebuilding the Robinson family, washing away millennia of humiliation, and restoring family glory.
Precisely why Edelyn resolved to escape generations of Robinson family displacement and anonymity. Subsequently, Edelyn gradually discovered more miraculous uses for the Foresight Grass seed. Though extremely far from maturity, using her bloodline let her briefly borrow the seed's magic, seeing destiny fragments related to herself.
Several spells Edelyn knew and magical books were obtained through Foresight Grass guidance. Various dangers and malicious wizards were avoided through Foresight Grass warnings.
Needing to transition at the Sprout estate for quite some time, for safety's sake, she should check using the Foresight Grass seed.
Edelyn rolled up her sleeve and cutting a small wound on her wrist, letting blood drip onto the Foresight Grass seed. Her pale face grew even paler.
After the seed absorbed her blood, the crystal ball-like Foresight Grass seed began to change. Edelyn saw images appearing on it—scenes of her future with Professor Sprout. In these images, Edelyn saw Professor Sprout buying robes for her, guiding her thesis, and discussing herbology together.
Most striking was a future moment when she stood on an award stage receiving a Herbology Master title, restoring the Robinson family reputation, with Professor Sprout applauding from the audience.
As the images faded, Edelyn relaxed completely. Professor Sprout is trustworthy—not like those hypocritical wizards who tried to steal my research. When the time comes, I can even tell her I'm a Robinson. She won't betray the old alliance between our families.
Excitement bubbled up inside her—for someone in her situation, finding an ally was difficult. She suddenly heard commotion outside the Sprout estate. Looking out the window, she saw Professor Sprout walking out cheerfully.
Currently, Ciel looked at Professor Sprout excitedly approaching him, showing a helpless expression, "Aunt, you needn't come greet me every time."
Professor Sprout smiled, "I enjoy this—gives a home feeling, child."
Then she looked at him expectantly, inquiring about this date, "You returned much later than I estimated. Seems the date with Miss Granger went quite smoothly? How far did things progress? Held hands? Kissed yet?"
His eyes widened incredulously at Professor Sprout, "Aunt, we're not even second years yet!"
Professor Sprout pursed her lips, rarely rebutting, "Not being second years—so what? Hogwarts has no school rules opposing early romance. Can't even find one rule opposing student marriages. I've researched many times—really, believe me, no one understands Hogwarts romance regulations better than me. If old-fashioned Minerva objects, don't worry—I'll handle her. I'm quite skilled dealing with her. I've prepared powerful catnip and silvervine—when she transforms into a cat, I'll make her agree to anything. Hehe—"
He swallowed, not doubting his aunt spoke the truth. If anyone dared hinder his romance, even Dumbledore, Professor Sprout would unhesitatingly throw Fanged Geraniums at them.
He could only vaguely appease Professor Sprout twice, immediately changing topics, "Aunt, I'm hungry. Isn't it dinnertime?"
Only then did Professor Sprout react, "Right, right—can't date without good health. Dinner's ready. Also, a new friend to introduce."
Saying this, Professor Sprout pulled him toward the dining room. He showed increasing confusion, "New friend? Who?"
Watching from an upstairs window, Edelyn gasped in surprise. She never imagined that the little boy she'd saved from Knockturn Alley days ago was actually the Sprout family heir—Ciel Sprout!
What a coincidence! I must be fated to meet the Sprout family.
Recalling Professor Sprout's doting expression toward Ciel, Edelyn thought carefully. I'll be imposing on Professor Sprout considerably. I have no way to repay her. What if I use the Foresight Grass seed to check on Ciel? Maybe I can help somehow.
She turned her attention to the Foresight Grass seed. But moments later, something strange happened—the Foresight Grass seed showed no images at all.
Has my bloodline power been exhausted? It shouldn't be—it never ran out this quickly before—
Without hesitation, Edelyn squeezed out more blood, letting it drip onto the Foresight Grass seed, attempting to see Ciel's destiny fragments.
But this time, the Foresight Grass seed still displayed no images whatsoever. Edelyn's eyes widened in shock:
"Ciel Sprout... he has no fate?!"