"Impedimenta!" A spell shot out, precisely hitting the attacking werewolf.
Like hitting an invisible barrier, the werewolf's body swayed and leaped to another side, growling lowly. His already fierce face blazed with bloodthirsty rage.
Harry turned in surprise to see Luna, who was just starting her second year, steadily holding her wand. Her pale, youthful face showed no trace of panic, though her clothes were still stained with reddish-brown splatters.
Harry stared in shock: "?!" What exactly did you take a second-year student to do, Ethan?!
However, the werewolf pouncing again left Harry no time to complain. He could only desperately wave his wand, constantly dodging in panic, doing his best to delay time for Ethan as requested.
Thinking that he'd already used magic and was now a criminal anyway, it felt like some shackle had been removed. His wand swung with more determination.
What a harmonious scene. Watching his Morning Star Club members fighting with the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, Ethan nodded with satisfaction.
Don't they say smart students get to know their teachers before school starts? Not only did they meet him, but they also got to understand the teacher's true nature. Surely they'll get along well with Professor Lupin in the future.
"Now, let me quickly learn the Patronus Charm to turn Professor Lupin back into human form," Ethan thought, retreating to a safe distance and picking up the mirror in his hand.
The smooth mirror surface gradually frosted over. A female reflection emerged from within—her face unnaturally beautiful, with blue-tinted skin and pale hair. Her pupilless eyes held emptiness and sharp cruelty. Looking into them felt like gently scraping skin with a paper knife, raising goosebumps.
[You have summoned the higher being "Maiden in the Mirror".]
[Though the "Maiden in the Mirror" is merely a servant, to mortals she is an untouchable existence.]
The blue-skinned, beautiful woman slowly began: "You—"
"No time to explain! I need to learn the Patronus Charm!" Ethan interrupted urgently.
The Maiden in the Mirror fell silent: "..."
Then, a voice like winter wind scraped past Ethan's ears. Though it sounded like howling wind, his mind understood its specific meaning.
"Kenaz... meaning flame, the primordial fire, the first spark of light on chaotic earth... It is protection, strength, sacred wisdom—"
[The Maiden in the Mirror teaches you one of the Ancient Runes, the Guardian Spell.]
[You have obtained the complete Advanced Patronus Charm.]
Yes! Ethan's eyes lit up with joy. The missing runes were finally filled in. An extremely complex guardian spell appeared complete in his mind, like fitting the last pieces of a puzzle. Pure perfectionist's ecstasy.
Immediately, Ethan began waving his wand while reciting this incredibly complex incantation, leaving the summoned Maiden in the Mirror to one side.
The Maiden observed him with growing interest: "..." You have successfully caught my attention, mortal. Nothing better to do anyway.
She watched the continuously chanting Ethan, unable to help commenting: "Mortal, this guardian spell is incredibly complex. Without days or even months of study, it's impossible to learn."
Ethan ignored her, only repeatedly reciting the spell and mobilising his internal magic. Time passed minute by minute. Distant werewolf howls echoed like ticking clock hands, urging Ethan forward.
The Patronus Charm draws positive guardian energy from happy emotions—the usage conditions are quite strict. But this didn't concern Ethan. Under the effect of his Well-Read skill, he could cast spells regardless of emotions! Becoming a true "emotionless spellcasting machine"!
With his Well-Read skill and natural talent, he was a genius far beyond normal understanding! Ethan could feel he'd grasped the key—
"You're doing useless work, mortal," the Maiden in the Mirror stated. Though her tone was calm, it carried the natural arrogance and disdain of higher beings.
"I remember the last mortal who asked me about this spell took months of study before finally succeeding—"
Before she could finish, Ethan suddenly interrupted: "Oh? I don't think so."
The Maiden in the Mirror was slightly stunned, then supernatural cold emanated from the mirror!
[The Maiden in the Mirror is displeased by your rudeness.]
In the howling wind, Ethan's skin crackled with frost. Yet he showed no fear, continuing: "You consider mortals dull, speaking to us like we're stupid creatures. Then please witness—the power of mortals!"
Immediately after, Ethan leaped through a suddenly opened portal! His figure appeared before Harry, directly facing the attacking werewolf!
"Ethan!" Harry cried out in alarm, his expression immediately relaxing with relief.
Ethan raised his wand, aiming at the werewolf whose pupils contracted at his sudden appearance. His cobalt-blue eyes blazed like stars as he shouted in a strange, mysterious tone:
"Expecto Patronum!"
Instantly, a dazzling silver-white light burst from Ethan's wand tip like a galaxy! It enveloped the werewolf like a canopy, causing him to burst into agonised howls!
In his hand, the Maiden in the Mirror's eyes widened in amazement, her anger replaced by bewilderment. This is... the Patronus Charm...! This mortal actually learnt the complex ancient runes in such a short time?! Is he really human? Perhaps some magical beast in disguise?
The Maiden in the Mirror fell into deep confusion.
"HOWL!" Piercing werewolf howls echoed throughout the entire neighbourhood, startling distant birds into flight.
Several thick, semi-transparent tentacles emerged from the silver light, writhing as they bound the werewolf with powerful grip. Restraining his desperate struggles, his roars eventually became whimpers.
Ethan stared intently at the werewolf's gradually clearing eyes, pressing his wand forward with greater force. Using silver-white tentacles to forcibly peel away this cursed "wolf skin"!
"Owoo!" A final whimper.
Under Harry's amazed gaze, the werewolf's form gradually shrank, grey-black fur falling away, his bent legs slowly returning to human shape. In just moments, where the werewolf had been stood a dishevelled, thin man with his eyes closed, motionless.
[You successfully cast the Advanced Patronus Charm, turning a werewolf back into human on a full moon night!]
[Your understanding of Ancient Runes has deepened.]
[Proficiency increased]
Ethan smiled with satisfaction. This is mortal wisdom. Well-Read skill, level up!
Harry was dumbstruck. He'd never heard that werewolves could be turned back into humans. How did Ethan do it? Does the wizarding world know about this?
But what came out was: "He's not dead, is he?" The Defence Against the Dark Arts curse strikes during summer vacation!
"Let's find out," Ethan replied casually. He controlled the silver-white tentacles to slap Professor Lupin twice.
"Ugh..." Professor Lupin groaned painfully, as if sharing a bed with Dementors in his dreams.
Ethan turned to Harry cheerfully: "See, not dead."
Harry stared: "(◉口◉)" I hope that for saving a Muggle neighbourhood, we'll get reduced sentences.
Just then, the mirror in Ethan's hand suddenly spoke in a wind-like voice: "Mortal, what is your name...?"
Ethan looked down, meeting the Maiden in the Mirror's emotionless face. "Ethan. My name is Ethan Vincent. A man destined for worldwide fame."
He replied with complete certainty.
The Maiden in the Mirror was silent for two seconds, then with a sigh-like utterance, her figure gradually faded: "I hope that in the future, we can journey together beyond this world—"
"Crack." The mirror shattered into fragments, leaving only a cold breath behind.
[The Maiden in the Mirror has returned.]
Journey together beyond this world? That sounds appealing, Ethan thought, watching the gradually dissipating chill on the ground. I wonder if after advancement, I could meet this mysterious figure again in that hidden place—
Everything would only be known after advancement!
Ethan gripped his wand tightly, feeling supreme fighting spirit surge in his heart. Advance, then unlock higher-level painting skills! First, I've successfully learnt the Guardian Runes—this incredibly powerful force of light—
"Now I need to use it to pass through the souls on the advancement path! I need a new artwork card!" Ethan murmured, forming a plan.
Tonight I'll start painting. Sacred, banishing evil—Hehe, I have inspiration.
Just then—
Pop pop pop! Several explosive sounds as figures suddenly appeared around Ethan's group. Wands pointed menacingly at them!
Harry's heart sank: "!!" We're in trouble! Ministry Aurors are here!
Ever since being with Ethan, Aurors had become the opposition.