So that's how it is, it turned out to be so, but it's just so.
The lingering fog that had troubled Ian for so long suddenly dispersed silently, revealing not just the path ascending to the mountain peak.
There was also... the scenery in the sky after the clouds dissipated.
"Wizards are gods..."
Clearly.
This likens wizards to having god-like power, so it becomes a natural thing for them, like gods, to impose rules on matter.
"Since it's about granting new rules, why does the transformation technique eventually become ineffective..." Ian didn't voice his inner doubt.
Because the next moment, he realized the answer himself.
Wizards are gods. The god in this context actually refers to the innate magic power of wizards, which belongs to them, so it also represents a manifestation of great power belonging to oneself.
Any form of material distortion, and the redefinition of material forms, originate from the influence of magic power, as magic power, acting as the "god", distorts and rewrites the rules set by the creator.
When magic power exists over the transformed object, it can be considered as new rules covering the old ones, naturally allowing for the change of everything at will.
However.
When detached from the wizard, magic power eventually fades away, possibly due to the self-correction of the material world, or for other reasons.
In any event, when the magic power that alters things completely vanishes, the rules it covered naturally reveal their original form, like when Lily Potter died, her transformation technique lost its effect.
Because the source of magic power no longer existed.
Even if it hadn't completely dissipated.
The transformation technique still could not be sustained.
"Perhaps, it's not consumption, but the return of magic power?" Ian knew, to verify this hypothesis, he could only prove it using a successful transformation technique.
"Vera Verto!"
Ian once again picked up his magic wand and cast a transformation technique on the matchstick on the table.
This time.
He discarded the complex thoughts and regarded himself as the creator.
[Successfully cast transformation technique, transformation technique level increased]
Ian's personal panel changed, and the matchstick on the table as well; it turned into a slender iron needle with intricate patterns etched on it.
"Exquisitely executed casting, an absolutely perfect understanding!" Even though Professor McGonagall had somewhat expected it, she couldn't help but exclaim in surprise upon seeing Ian's transformed product.
The Sorting Hat really didn't make a mistake.
The heir of Ravenclaw after a thousand years... so stunning!
"Ian! You're amazing!" Michael clapped his hands joyfully beside him, and with a lead figure, the surrounding students, whether willingly or not, joined in the applause.
After all, it was Eagle House and Badger House.
As a fellow student completed the assignment, Ravenclaw students wouldn't be envious, and such a joyful occasion, Hufflepuff naturally joins in the joy.
"What did the professor just write!"
"Was it an exclusive technique for transformation?"
"Damn it! I didn't see it!"
The conversation between Ian and the professor left everyone puzzled. Many little eagles from Ravenclaw were annoyed, feeling that they missed a special lesson.
"Thank you, Professor, I think I understand now... but this doesn't completely resolve all my doubts." Ian first thanked Professor McGonagall for her guidance.
Then.
He stared intently at the slender needle on the table, pondering deeply.
"The study of transformation is endless, but at least you've done well at this stage." Professor McGonagall nodded and went on to guide the remaining students who hadn't completed the transformation.
The classroom was bustling.
Many little wizards who completed their transformation assignments kept trying to undo and redo their transformations, while Ian kept staring at the needle on his table.
"A small part of my magic power has fallen silent, but it undoubtedly still exists within me..." Ian sensed the connection between himself and the needle on the table.
Clearly.
Although the magic power wasn't truly "consumed," the "influence" exerted by the magic power is continuously maintaining the form of the needle on the table.
He could clearly perceive that if he were to sever this connection, a trace of his magic power would immediately awaken from its silence, but simultaneously, the "influence" applied to the matchstick would vanish.
The iron needle would revert to a matchstick.
That is an undeniable fact.
"Each portion of magic power's influence is indeed limited; when I exert a continuous influence on reality, the influence contained within the magic power is released into the real world."
"The height of a wizard's magic level determines the more or less 'influence' within a magic power, which is why the higher my magic level on the personal panel, the stronger my magic becomes."
The first day of school.
Ian's understanding of magic deepened considerably.
Of course.
This doesn't mean his previous understanding was completely wrong.
After all, it was merely a deviation from the path, not a wrong path, just unable to see the more essential side of magic. This is actually related to the magic Ian has been learning.
Existing magic.
Consists of results consolidated and summarized by others.
They are methods you can study based on others' results, reaching the areas others have explored, so Ian has always been exploring others' findings.
Whether it be spells.
Or the Rune Language of ancient wizards.
They are all aimed at better harnessing the 'influence' within magic power, guiding this 'influence' toward predetermined directions and outcomes.
The Killing Curse leads to death.
The Fire-Making Spell leads to burning.
That's all.
Under such study.
Even as Ian came to understand the limitations of spells and the broader possibilities of Rune Language, he overlooked the fact that magic power itself represented infinite possibilities.
"Spells, Rune Language, they are merely means, merely guides."
The more Ian thought, the more liberated his mind became.
Indeed, as Professor McGonagall stated, a wizard's magic power is the foundation of 'godhood,' and exerting 'influence' is the true path to the heavens!
"Vera Verto!"
Ian wanted to validate his understanding, so he once again softly recited the incantation. Instantly, the shiny silver needle on the table transformed once more, unraveling into wisps of green smoke.
"Wow! It's smoke! So cool!"
"The same color as the underwear my sister wore this morning!"
The surrounding little wizards exclaimed in surprise.
And as Professor McGonagall turned her head at the commotion, her entire demeanor stiffened, her stern face transforming into one of horror, she instantly raised her magic wand without a second thought.
"Transformation halt!"
The spell's effect was overwhelmingly authoritative.
The drifting smoke instantly reverted to the original matchstick.
"Ah?"
Ian sensed the 'influence' return, and looked up in confusion, only to see the amiable Professor McGonagall now charging over like an enraged lioness.
"Mr. Prince! Azkaban has no age limit!"