Chapter 81

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"To keep things simple, Runic Magic is about finding the correct arrangement of runes to create an enchantment. A Runic Master is someone capable of creating all kinds of strong enchantments. To aid them in this, they require to learn Runic Languages. This brings to the secondary skill-set of a Runic Master, which is appraisal. That is the ability to tell what a Runic Enchantment does by examining the runes making it up.

"What I excel at is exactly this secondary skill-set, as my mother taught me pretty much every Runic Language in the world, so most of the time, whatever the enchantment is, I am capable of discerning its effects. If it is Runic Magic."

The man did not look convinced at the explanation as he asked, "If you already know all the runes, why can't you make enchantments?"

Ethan narrowed his eyes at the man, unhappy about the question, "I did not say I was incapable of it. I'm just still in the learning process. But there is much more to Runic Magic than simply knowing what each Rune does. For example, I assume you've mastered Apparition?"

The two nodded, so he added, "Then why don't you create your own teleporting spell? You have all the ingredients."

The two seemed to finally understand what the man had asked, but there was no shame on their faces. Instead, the woman asked, "Alright, let's just say you are really talented with Runic Magic. What about your Mind Magic?"

"What about it?"

The man opened a file, and read out, "Suspect Rakepick revealed that Pharaoh Ramesses II, a Master Legilimens famed as one of the best in the history of the world, tried to possess Ethan Grindelwald, but was defeated in a mental battle."

"There are some gaps in there."

The man looked up, "How about you fill them up for us then?"

Miyuki purred in Ethan's lap, and he stroke her back as he revealed, "Ramesses had been rotting in a strange device for thousands of years, his mind must have been eroded with time."

The man interrupted, "It did not. Rakepick told us about this… Altar, she called it. It is an ancient artefact capable of perfectly conserving a spirit within."

Ethan shrugged, "That did not stop his reason from being damaged. I did not overpower him in a raw battle, I tricked him. And risked my life doing so. I also had the help of my mother."

Himura smiled kindly as she spoke in a soft voice, "And you were very brave. But you have to admit, even with all this, standing up to him is something very few people could have done. At least, I know that I couldn't have myself."

She slowly extended her mind as she said this, not to try to use Legilimency on Ethan, but more so to show him the strength of her mind.

It was strong, and manipulated carefully. She was not at the level of the likes of Snape or his father, but she was not that far behind either. Possibly slightly better than Ethan had been before this whole incident.

But now, Ethan was starting to feel like they were going around in circles, so he directly asked, "What is it that you accuse me of, exactly?"

The man leaned forward at that, clearly interested as he said, "We are not accusing you of anything, we are only asking questions. Why are you so defensive?"

Ethan frowned at the man, and his mind reacted in accordance as his two interrogators felt like the air had turned heavy. That only seemed to please the man even more though. Before either him or Ethan could say anything though, Himura defused the situation, "What Gonzales is trying to say here is that we are worried for your well being. I promise that we do not mean harm."

Ethan took a deep breath, calming himself, before he said coolly, "I am not possessed, if that's what you are asking. Not by Ramesses, nor by anyone else. I am only myself, Ethan Grindelwald Rimor."

The two perked up at that, so Ethan added, "Not officially, since my dad was apparently disowned. But I am myself. I managed to survive and defeat Ramesses thanks to Miyuki and my mother. As for my own prowess, it is only training, and talent. My father is a Mind Master, and my Grandfather… well, I don't need to tell you about his talent in anything magical."

The two looked at him silently, Himura's smile disappearing for a moment as the two studied him. But even amidst the uncomfortable silence, Ethan remained silent, waiting for them to speak.

Finally, the man, Gonzales, said, "Alright. What about Ramesses' artefact?" He looked down at his file, which Ethan believed to be nothing more than a psychological trick as an Enforcer was required to at least have rudimentary knowledge of Occlumency, which had many ways to increase memory, "Seth's Mortuary, is that it?"

Ethan narrowed his eyes at the man, and asked, "How do you know the name of that foul thing."

Both of them seemed quite surprised at his apparent disgust, and Himura said, "Rakepick told us about its name, and that it was a Soul Magic artefact."

Gonzales added, "Soul Magic is a very rare form of magic, sought after by many wizards. Some even consider them sacred."

The real question here was implicit, why would Ethan call it foul?

Ethan took a moment to organize his thoughts, as he had pretty thorough understanding of how the artefact worked. Although Ramesses had not told him anything about it, not only had he witnessed it, but it had also been working inside his mindscape, giving him unique insights into its inner workings.

"Seth's Mortuary functions with souls. It is capable of trapping the souls of anyone its wielder kills, with the strength of the user's soul being the only limit to the number of souls contained."

Both of his interrogators' faces turned grave as the good cop, bad cop routine disappeared. Just this first function had been enough to shock and alarm them. Their expressions only got worse when they realized Ethan was not done.

"This is only its ancillary function. The real power of the artefact was to sacrifice these souls, forming a powerful kind of energy. Then, the user would be able to use this energy to produce any kinds of effect. It might be a kind of Miracle Magic."

Miracle Magic was an advanced form of magic that was mostly unknown to this day. It was more theoretical than anything, but its supposed function was to do the impossible. It was supposed to be able to shape reality itself to its user's desires.

Gonzales asked in a solemn voice, "Where is Seth's Mortuary?"

Ethan held his gaze as he replied, "Obliterated, along with Ramesses."

Gonzales was not reassured as he asked a follow up question, "What about the-"

"The energy released from their destruction? Obliterated. All of it. I was thorough. There is no trace of it left in this world."

Gonzales still looked troubled though, and as he shared a look with Himura, the two communicating with their eyes. They looked back at him, and Himura asked, "How did you do it? Don't spare any details."

Since he was the one who disclosed the effects of the artefact, he was ready to speak.

"I got to start from the beginning then."

The two listened with rapt attention as Ethan proceeded to tell them about his fight with Ramesses. The only thing he hid was his vision, as he narrated the rest of the fight truthfully, and in its entirety.