"I've grown stronger once again, but now I only want to seize what I desire." Before Ian, dozens of books were piled up. They were just meant to improve his skill level in alchemy.
Perhaps Grindelwald's remarks last night weren't wrong; even in historical times when alchemists had acquired the Three Sacred Artifacts of Death, none seemed capable of "seeing" the rune structures he saw from the Hallows.
Ian truly found such an alchemist, but the latter merely lamented that the Deathly Hallows were not human creations, and the other chapters of his opus explored the possibility of divine spirits.
"Useless books! What's the point of reading you!" Ian returned the book with a boastful mouth on the cover back to the Forbidden Book Area, along with all the books he'd just browsed.
Although he complained aloud about being deceived by nonsensical books into wasting time, he still didn't throw them around casually. Perhaps this is why Madam Pince trusted him greatly.
The school year had been underway for quite some time. To Madam Pince, she had already grown familiar with the new little wizards of all kinds, knowing whom she could slightly trust and whom needed constant supervision.
"Are you looking for something elusive again?"
Suddenly.
Just as Ian tiptoed to pull out other books, a teasing voice abruptly sounded from behind him. Turning around, he saw Professor of Alchemy, Arthur King, standing in front of the bookshelf.
"Good morning, Professor."
Ian grasped the book he thought might be helpful. As for the elusive Professor of Alchemy at Hogwarts, he didn't intend to consult him.
Unlike Grindelwald.
Who knew if the other person might develop a greedy desire for the Deathly Hallows.
"If you have any questions about alchemy, I might have time to guide you." The gaze of Professor Arthur King fell on the book in Ian's hand.
"Rules of Life and Death: Seeking the Forbidden Alchemy Path"
Faced with the professor's initiative, Ian hesitated for a moment, then immediately shook his head and refused. After all, he wasn't particularly familiar with this professor before him.
He hadn't even truly understood what kind of person the other was.
"I'm just learning casually."
Ian clutched "Rules of Life and Death: Seeking the Forbidden Alchemy Path" to his chest. This book couldn't speak, but it would run away, and he needed to firmly hold it to prevent it from slipping away.
"You're really an ungrateful kid, aren't you afraid you'll regret it."
Arthur King evidently was a proud professor. Without pressing further, he merely shrugged and softly responded before turning away from the Forbidden Book Area's shelves.
"School starts!"
Ian returned to his desk and delved into the newly found book, yet still came up empty-handed. However, in "Rules of Life and Death: Seeking the Forbidden Alchemy Path," he unearthed many techniques of biological alchemy—the origin of this book was an ancient alchemist who, after losing his beloved, attempted to revive her through alchemy.
Of course.
Ultimately, he couldn't use his knowledge to restore his beloved. Instead, he created a bunch of catgirls with the personality and appearance of his lover.
In later years, he died without missing his wife due to his indulgent ways.
"Tsk tsk, that's indeed a bit terrifying, no wonder biological alchemy is deemed forbidden. It can turn an outstanding alchemist into a furry enthusiast." Ian couldn't help but comment while realizing that he did gain some knowledge from the book.
His skill level had increased quite a bit.
Yet after browsing through so many books, he was increasingly aware that whether ancient or modern, alchemists seeking to explore the principles behind the Three Sacred Artifacts of Death were virtually nonexistent.
Perhaps they couldn't see the runes above, or maybe their courage was simply not sufficient.
"Do I really need to perfectly replicate or attempt bit by bit?" After returning the books, Ian returned to the Room of Requirement.
He took out his magic wand, intending to perfectly replicate all the runes and enhance the model of the Resurrection Stone he'd previously made. However, just as he reached for his money bag to take out the Resurrection Stone prototype.
"Hmm?"
A note was dragged out from his robe along with it.
It fluttered to the ground.
Upon instinctively bending down to pick it up, Ian froze on the spot, a chill creeping over his scalp. He saw the very characters he'd been obsessively researching lately on the note.
Just a small section.
The characters seemed to flow.
Clearly visible.