Chapter 11: The “Boy” who modified Horcrux

However, different from Nicholas Flamel's expectation, the boy did not refute his judgment, merely nodded his head seriously, and even agreed with the master alchemist's statement.

"Mr. Flamel, I have to say, both of us think alike."

Maple's green eyes looked directly at Nicholas and replied solemnly,

"Actually, in a sense, I understand how maddening and twisted this field is more than you do."

Speaking of this, Maple paused, and recalled those secrets and horror in "The Secret"

The Creator himself would degenerate into a Hanged Man. Even men of destiny, such as Emperor Roselle and Klein, fought for their ego. So, on what basis could he afford to be careless?

Suddenly, Maple thought of a passage and could not help but muttered to himself in an inexplicable tone,

"That's right… all who step upon this path are a bunch of miserable wretches that are constantly fighting against threats and madness."

[We are guardians, but also a bunch of miserable wretches that are constantly fighting against threats and madness - Dunn Smith]

"Maple…"

Hearing this conclusion that was full of despair, Nicholas Flamel's lips moved, not knowing how to persuade this boy, his eyes were also struggling violently.

'You do not have to be this way, as long as you are willing…"

"Mr. Flamel, what will come, will come while what shall go will go."

Maple shook his head and said an old eastern saying. He was sure the experienced old man in front of him would understand.

"Actually, I was somewhat selfish when I mentioned this matter to you just now, because my research has reached some important checkpoints. Frankly speaking, I do not want to be called the youngest Dark Lord in history when my unauthorized research in this field is discovered. That would be unfortunate."

While making a slightly horrifying joke, Maple retrieved a document bag that had been expanded with Traceless Expansion Charm from his inner pocket and handed it to Nicholas Flamel, while cutting any action by Nicholas by explaining with one sentence.

"Mr. Flamel, inside, there are two sets of documents. One set is about the modification proposal for a dark magic item, while the other is about a magic potion that I have researched. Although there are only two of them, I can guarantee that they would be game-changing for the magical world. I hope you do not open them yet but rather check them together with Mr. Dumbledore. If Mr. Dumbledore is willing to provide you with an explanation, then you will understand. This is my sincere request."

"This… Maple, can you tell me why? Although I can somewhat guess what you want to ask, I still want to confirm it directly with you."

For the first time in so many years, Nicholas Flamel felt that he might need the heart-saving pill developed by the muggles.

Looking at the heavy document bag in his hand, Nicholas Flamel once again refreshed his evaluation of the boy; he could already be considered a "Master" in the field of soul. Could it be that time and magic power was the only thing limiting the boy?

However, this boy did not seem to possess any thoughts of his own, or it could be said that he was too smart. Facing people like him and Dumbledore, he never pretended to be smart and made calculations, instead he openly placed his chips on the table, came out and expressed his demands and wishes openly.

However, it was precisely this domineering style of conduct that allowed the two great wizards to sit down and have discussion without any complaints and reached an agreement calmly.

"Oath, sir, if possible, I would like to make an "unbreakable vow" with you and Mr.Dumbledore. Because I cannot guarantee that I can stay awake without any restrictions at all times."

Maple solemnly proposed one of Nicholas' conjectures, which made the old man sighed in relief, and relaxed a little… It turned out that this kid was not always so elusive!

However, this idea immediately disappeared as he headed to Hogwarts after breakfast.

…

"Merlin's beard!"

Nicholas Flamel's old voice, for who knows how many years, sounded again inside the headmaster's room of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It also alarmed the portraits of previous headmasters on the surrounding walls.

"Albus, where did you find such a little monster? Are you sure he is only five years old?"

While pacing back and forth within the headmaster's room, Flamel rubbed his hands in distress, even lost interest in observing Fawkes, the phoenix, who had just undergone nirvana.

"Modifying a Horcrux? Did you hear about what a crazy idea that is? The problem is, he succeeded, even if only in theory! Albus, without me telling you, you should be able to imagine that if this research gets out, wizards all over the world will go completely crazy! Phylactery, is this the name Maple gave? Take a look at the explanation…"

[There is no need to perform cruel murder to establish a rough and painful soul splitting, by using the soul splitting curse invented by Maple or an equivalent ritual, one can permanently and randomly strip one characteristic of soul to create a perfect split soul and use it to craft a phylactery.]

[When the main soul is on the verge of death or the body dies due to any reason, you can take the initiative to lose a sub-soul and destroy a phylactery and immediately resurrect from your own corpse and return to full state! Even if the body is gone, the main soul can be restored in advance and achieve the same effect using a body made from dark magic!]

"Look how perfect it is! But only a knowledgeable wizard will discover that the price is more terrifying than killing someone – a random soul trait! You know, Albus, it can be logic, it can be reasons, it can be courage, it can be anger, it can even be love! And you will not even realize what you have lost! This is definitely even darker and evil than Horcrux, it can even be called this world's "Devil's Contract"! But why is the one who invented such a spell, a child without any abnormality that even I cannot detect?" 

"Nicholas, calm down, calm down…"

If Nicholas was worried and distressed, then Dumbledore was suffering from a splitting headache, he did not expect that the child would make such a big thing even before Christmas was over.

"Nicholas, at least, you are also clear that Maple did not try to hide it, right? You also said that he also admitted that his research in soul has entered a critical point. To be able to show you and me this extremely dark result so soon and also proposed to make an "unbreakable vow", I think Maple himself is very aware of the danger behind this, at least no worse than you and me."

Having said this, the worry in Dumbledore's heart was also relaxed, and could not help but let out a sigh

"Alas! We may no longer be able to treat him as a child…"

"Of course, I know! Albus. If it were not for this, I would have casted a Fierce Fire spell at Maple! I am afraid the child had guessed the possible reaction from the both of us and so he decided to stay away from us for a while?"

While cursing, Nicholas Flamel took out his wand, and "pointed" everywhere inside the principal's room, looking like wanting to release his frustration using "the end of all curses (Unforgivable Curse?)". However, looking at the portraits who were sweating profusely, he ultimately did not implement this tempting idea.

"But to be honest, Albus, even if I, a wizard who had made the Philosopher's Stone, had researched such a result, I would never have acted so openly and transparently in the first place. On this point, I had to admit that I am not as good as this monstrous little child. But after thinking about it, this is probably also the reason why Maple is able to thrive in dark magic, quite similar to an old eastern saying… "Grew out of mud yet remained unstained", right? But… this is really not magic!"

Looking at the wry smile of his old friend, Dumbledore rubbed his swollen temples, and felt that there was something that needed to be explained, just like Maple said… Dumbledore was a little agitated after seeing Nicholas, who had lived for so long, "doubted life"?

The old man was too old, it's not good to think of too many things that may or may not be there. What? You said he had the Philosopher's Stone? Then, never mind.

"Well… Nicholas, since Maple also agreed, I think I should tell you something."

Moving his hands away from the pile of "cockroaches" on the table, Dumbledore currently was even less interested in having sweets.

"Once you know, I am afraid you will then understand why Maple is so…, well, special."

Albus seeing Nicholas looked at himself suspiciously, he seemed to recall some bad memories, and sighed softly, as if he had aged a few years.

Took out a wand and lightly prodded his temple, Dumbledore extracted a hair-like memory from his mind and placed it into a Pensieve at the corner of the room.

Looking at the undulating water as the memory merged into it, Dumbledore gave Nicholas a special and solemn instruction.

"This memory was originally a secret between Maple and me. When you enter later, you must remember to use Occlumency with all your strength. Remember, with all your strength!"

Looking at the prepared look on his friend's face, Nicholas tacitly agreed.

"I will, Albus. I also swear by the magic power Merlin gave me; I will never reveal today's secret to anyone."

Finished speaking, the two old men said no more and bowed their heads together into the Pensieve.