Chapter 20: The Change of a Genius Boy

Before Draco Malfoy could even process what was happening, a pure white, crystalline ice wall materialized before him. The wall, smooth and reflective like a mirror, shielded him entirely. The Cruciatus Curse struck the ice wall, paused momentarily, and then rebounded at an even greater speed. In Loki's astonished eyes, the Unforgivable Curse he had confidently unleashed to teach Draco a painful lesson turned back on him.

The moment the spell struck him, Loki collapsed onto the lawn like a puppet whose strings had been cut. His body curled up in a tight ball, convulsing violently yet silently. Despite the unbearable torment of the Cruciatus Curse, Loki's resilience was extraordinary—he endured the pain without uttering a single sound.

Augustus furrowed his brows. He hadn't anticipated the duel escalating to the use of an Unforgivable Curse. The ice wall he had conjured was Glacial Mirror, a legendary level-5 frost spell. Its unique reflective properties allowed it to return most spells to their caster, provided the caster's magical level was inferior to that of the conjurer.

On the ground, Loki writhed in agony, his body instinctively twisting in an attempt to alleviate the torment. The Cruciatus Curse inflicted unrelenting pain, a sensation that defied comprehension for those who hadn't experienced it. Meanwhile, Draco wore an expression of relief. He knew that without Augustus's intervention, he would have been the one suffering on the lawn.

Watching Loki endure in silence, Augustus gave a subtle nod of acknowledgment. The punishment was sufficient. With a flick of his wand, he cast Restore Wounds, a level-3 healing spell. While this spell could alleviate most residual effects of the Cruciatus Curse, it required time to take full effect. Under its influence, Loki's convulsions lessened, and he slowly rose to his feet, though traces of pain lingered.

"How dare you use an Unforgivable Curse on Malfoy! Don't you realize using such dark magic can land you in Azkaban? It was just a simple duel, and you resorted to something so vile!" Lillian's voice broke the tense silence as Loki stood. Her face was flushed with anger, and her eyes burned with indignation. No matter how much she disliked Draco's arrogance, he was still her classmate, and the duel's escalation had shaken her.

"Azkaban?" Loki echoed, his tone indifferent. He turned to Lillian, a mocking smile playing on his lips. "Lillian, your Alyxia family is somewhat well-known among pure-bloods, yet you spout such naïve nonsense. Since when has Azkaban been capable of restraining people like us? Do you think a handful of feeble Dementors would dare enter our homes and take someone away?"

As if the previous events were already behind him, Loki's usual carefree demeanor returned. He turned to Augustus, his voice tinged with curiosity. "By the way, that spell you used earlier—it was fascinating. What principle and school of magic does it belong to? It even managed to reflect an Unforgivable Curse. If there's ever an opportunity, would you teach it to me?"

Draco rubbed his temples in exasperation. Was everyone from the Adams family this peculiar? Moments ago, Loki had been writhing in agony, yet now he shamelessly asked Augustus to teach him spells.

Augustus's frown deepened, his displeasure evident. "When you stop using magic to torment others, I might consider it."

As a legendary wizard and spiritual leader, Augustus held firm beliefs about the honorable use of magic. He detested cruelty and underhanded tactics, viewing them as signs of weakness rather than strength. Even if Loki was a prodigious talent, Augustus believed his potential would remain limited unless he overcame his character flaws.

"Magic is not a tool for tormenting the weak," Augustus said, his voice steady and resolute. "Its purpose is to challenge oneself and face stronger opponents with honor. When you begin to see magic as more than a means of inflicting fear, I will teach you the principles of true magic and guide you into its sacred halls."

Loki's usual nonchalant expression faltered. For a fleeting moment, confusion flickered across his face. Since childhood, Loki had been treated with disdain or indifference due to his physical limitations. No one had ever shown him kindness or offered guidance.

That all changed when his magical potential was discovered. The disdainful gazes turned to awe, and he basked in newfound admiration. Magic became his refuge, the tool that transformed him from an object of pity into a force to be reckoned with. For Loki, magic was both salvation and power—a line that separated heaven and hell.

Driven by this belief, Loki had immersed himself in mastering every spell he encountered, using duels to assert his superiority and punish those who underestimated him. But now, for the first time, someone had confronted him, not as an adversary to defeat, but as a peer offering insight and a path forward. Augustus's words carried a conviction that struck a chord deep within Loki.

After a moment's pause, Loki spoke with uncharacteristic sincerity. "I'll seriously consider what you've said. If I manage to change, remember your promise. Show me the true purpose of magic and lead me into its sacred halls."

Augustus watched as Loki walked away with his group of followers. A faint smile touched his lips. To err is human, but recognizing and striving to correct one's mistakes is the mark of true greatness.