Echoes of Power (V)

Maverick had his focus on the newest addition to his system panel.

The spell, Illusio Lunam Lectorem, was listed under the spells, meaning he could increase its proficiency using system points.

Without hesitation, he willed the plus sign, and the system displayed the expected notification.

[ Spend 10 poins to increase the proficiency of Illusio Lunam Lectorem to intermediate proficiency? ]

[YES] [NO]

Maverick chose YES, and a surge of information flooded his mind. It arrived as memories, as usual, giving him a deeper understanding of the principles and a stronger grasp on casting the new spell.

Using the system took only a moment, and Edward still stood there, having just advised him to take it easy, challenging him to master the spell within a month.

"Uncle, you said you'd owe me a favor if I could cast even a simple illusion in an hour, right?" Maverick reminded the Arch-Magus.

Edward raised a brow, clearly amused but not taking him seriously. "Sure, as long as it's nothing too... shady."

Maverick raised his wand, a confident grin on his face. "I'm just a lowly Magus, and you're the mighty Golden-Lion of America. Even if I manage to pull this off, I doubt it'll fool you."

Edward smirked at the audacious boy in front of him, still not expecting Maverick to understand the spell's full power. "Alright, kid. I'll lower my mana perception to the level of a typical Magus," Edward said, making the adjustment with a wave of his hand. He didn't know why, but he decided to humor Maverick.

Maverick looked him straight in the eye. He trusted his uncle's word and knew he wouldn't lie.

"Illusio Lunam Lectorem!"

Maverick's incantation was smooth, his wand movements precise. A ripple spread out in a half-circle, passing Edward.

Since Edward had dulled his perception, he didn't notice anything at first, though he was quietly impressed with Maverick's improvements in chanting and technique.

Then, in a delayed moment of realization, his eyes widened, showing genuine surprise for the first time that day.

Maverick—or rather, what Edward saw as Maverick—began to change.

The transformation was surreal and a bit unsettling. Maverick's skin, hair, and clothing turned an intense, matte black, absorbing the surrounding light until he looked like a shadow rather than a person. Slowly, his form began to break apart, each piece dissolving into feathers, peeling away one by one.

The air grew eerily still as Edward's gaze locked onto the image before him, hypnotized by the strange metamorphosis.

From the darkness of Maverick's form, pairs of red, raven-like eyes flickered to life, piercing and cold. Each pair blinked, shifting in and out of focus, and then morphed, each one transforming into a pitch-black raven that emerged from the shadowy figure.

Then, in an explosive burst, the black mass disintegrated, scattering in a cloud of black feathers and dark, beady eyes. Ravens shot out in every direction, filling the air with the frantic flapping of wings. Within seconds, Maverick had completely vanished, leaving only a sky filled with cawing ravens that spiraled up and dispersed, leaving behind a heavy silence.

Snapping out of his shock, Edward instinctively activated his mana, breaking the illusion instantly.

Maverick reappeared, standing calmly in the same spot, wand still raised.

Edward's face shifted from shock to serious contemplation, and finally, to a sigh of helpless admiration. Shaking his head, he muttered, "Calling you a genius doesn't cover it... You're a monster, kid."

Maverick lowered his wand with a grin, replying, "Just don't let Mom hear that."

Edward laughed—a deep, genuine laugh—before his gaze turned serious, locking onto Maverick's. "Maverick Caesar, I don't say this lightly. I want you as my student... My direct disciple. Will you accept?"

It was clear this wasn't just an offer. Edward's tone was deeply respectful, his expression serious, and beneath it, a hint of worry—almost as if he feared Maverick might refuse.

Maverick looked at the now solemn Arch-Magus with equal seriousness. He bowed first, then spoke earnestly. "Please, accept me as your apprentice." Instead of a simple "yes," he made it a request, understanding it would honor his uncle's status as an Arch-Magus—one of only seven known to be alive today.

Edward recognized the gesture, and Maverick's thoughtfulness elevated his respect even more. He extended his hand, prompting Maverick to stand straight.

"I accept. From today on, along with my daughter Isabella Garling, you will be my second apprentice."

This rare ceremony was conducted in one of the most remote places on Earth, with only the two parties involved as witnesses.

They exchanged genuine smiles. A teacher to a student, and a student to a teacher.

"Let's go. I hope it's not too late and I don't get your mother on my back…" Edward said, placing a hand on Maverick's shoulder.

"By the way, do you know the Disillusionment spell?" Edward asked. In response, Maverick simply flicked his wand and cast the spell silently.

"Impressive… Get ready!" Edward said, performing the Apparition.

The two—now teacher and student—appeared in front of Maverick's house. Under an invisibility charm, they were unnoticed by anyone around.

They walked up to the door, and Maverick rang the bell.

"I liked the thing you did with the ravens," Edward said as they waited. "Where'd you get the idea?"

"Uh… It just came to me…"

"Haha... You've got a sharp mind, little Rick. Combine that with some creativity, and you'll be a force to reckon with," Edward praised, encouraging him.

Maverick shared the feeling, sensing this spell would become one of his most valuable assets.

Click.

The door opened, revealing Michael. Thanks to the Disillusionment charm, he saw no one, but he was used to it and knew Edward and Maverick were there.

He stepped aside, and after a moment, closed the door behind them.

Inside, Maverick lifted the charm, and Michael let out a sigh of relief.

"Is it bad? How bad?" Edward asked, eyes wide.

Maverick watched the little exchange between his teacher and father, not commenting. After all, they'd only been gone an hour and a half.

"No, it's fine. I told her you'd be back in two hours, and you're here before that, so we're safe."

"Haha… Let's go then. It's been too long since I've had Ary's cooking."

They made their way to the kitchen, where Maverick's mother was setting the table.

A while later, Maverick, his parents, and his teacher sat around the table, enjoying a delicious lunch prepared by his mother.

"So, what's the plan now? Will you be going to America with Ed, or...?" Michael asked, looking between Maverick and Edward.

"Well, you don't expect Edward to play nanny every day, do you?" Ariel chimed in.

"Haha… No need to worry about me and Rick here."

"Yeah, I'm not a kid, Mother. I'm almost 19."

"You'll always be my kid, young man." His mother shot him a look, daring him to argue.

Maverick, the prodigy magician, and Michael, Britain's Prime Minister, both sighed, surrendering to the only authority higher than themselves.

"Hahahaha…" Edward's laughter did nothing to save them from the embarrassment.

"I'll head to America with Uncle. I'm planning to take my exams in June, so I need to cover a lot in potions and alchemy. I've read the books, but I need hands-on experience."

"Take your time with it, Rick," Edward advised earnestly. "Potions and alchemy are practical subjects. Reading's good, but that's just part of it."

"He's right, Maverick," his mother agreed. "I don't know anything about potions or alchemy, but they sound tough. Your uncle knows best, so don't rush." His father nodded along.

Maverick sighed. There was no way he could explain his system, so he'd have to keep coming up with excuses.

Both Potions and Alchemy were currently at a Beginner level, listed as talents in his system. Maverick planned to bring both up to Intermediate before heading to America.

Pretending not to know much about potions and alchemy would be more hassle than it was worth, so Maverick decided to genuinely study both subjects and see if he could reach Advanced proficiency on his own. If he didn't make enough progress by exam time, he'd then use system points to boost his proficiency for a better score.

Of course, he wasn't aiming for a perfect score, even if he believed it would be possible with Advanced proficiency. Instead, he planned to achieve a score that was considered excellent, just below the level of an outstanding genius.

After all, standing out as an all-around prodigy would only draw too much attention—something he wanted to avoid.

For now, he didn't intend to go beyond Advanced in either subject; the points cost was too high, and he needed to prioritize his overall strength first.

He quickly thought through his plan, then refocused on the conversation. He needed to take the exam this year because he wanted to travel, lay the groundwork for his future, and get back before the events of the Harry Potter storyline began. By then, he'd be ready to apply for a teaching position at Hogwarts.

First, he had to get his teacher on board.

An idea popped into his head, and he shot his teacher a sly look, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "Hey, Teacher, what do you think about making another bet?"

Edward felt a wave of unease wash over him. He recognized that look and the confidence behind it.

He raised his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. You can take this year's exam. But potions and alchemy aren't really my strong suits, so when you get to America, I'll set you up with two tutors—good friends of mine."

Then, realizing he had more to say, he added seriously, "But listen, kid, you're my student now, and I don't want to see any average grades. You don't have to be at the top, but I expect you to do better than average. If not, you might as well wait until next year."

Maverick grinned and nodded. "Don't worry, Teacher. I'll make you proud."

Later, Edward left the Caesar family home after explaining his plan to help sort out Maverick's identity issue with his parents.

Before he headed out, Maverick asked for a few key spells—ones he couldn't find in any of the books.

Without hesitation, Edward shared everything he asked for and reminded him to take it easy before heading to America in a week.

After Edward left, the family settled back into their usual routine, and the week flew by before they knew it.

Today, Maverick woke up, finished his morning routine, and headed downstairs. His parents had taken the morning off from work to say goodbye before his trip abroad.

Over the past week, Maverick practiced the few spells he had learned from his teacher. It turned out to be surprisingly easy to understand them well enough for the system to recognize and prompt him.

The spells included the Confundus Charm, Occlumency, and Apparition. When Maverick went to ask his teacher for them, he hesitated at first because he didn't want Edward to ask too many questions, and he genuinely preferred not to lie.

To his surprise, Edward handed them over without hesitation, only warning him not to practice Apparition without supervision and reminding him of its dangers.

Maverick agreed and meant it.

Occlumency and Confundus was very simple for him, and he was able to get the system to recognize in half a day.

However, after reading the principles behind the Apparition spell, the system surprised him by actually listing the spell. It showed that he had at least a basic understanding of it.

This was true in a way, since he grasped the principles; all that was left was for him to perform the spell.

Maverick guessed that his previous experience with the spell—along with his higher proficiency in Magical Sense and Magical Energy Manipulation—might have played a role in the system recognizing it without him even trying to perform it.

He didn't hesitate to raise the three new spell to Advanced proficiency. They were very useful and gave him more ways to protect himself.

[ Name: Maverick Caeser ]

[ Class: Wizard ]

[ Rank: Magus ]

[ Magical Energy: 483 (+) ]

[ Points: 108 ]

[ Extraordinary Characteristic Points: 1 ]

[ Extraordinary Characteristics: Excellent grade spellcasting ]

[ Talents: ]

[ Magical Energy Manipulation (Advanced +) ]

[ Magical Sense (Advanced +) ]

[ Transfiguration (Advanced +) ]

[ Potions (Intermediate +) ]

[ Alchemy (Intermediate +) ]

[ Spells: ]

[ Aquired Advanced Proficiency: ]

[ Illusio Lunam Lectorem + | Flipendo + | Bombarda + | Expelliarmus + | Protego + | Finite Incantatem + | Petrificus Totalus + | Stupefy + | PatronusCharm + | Episkey + | Reparo + | Revelio + | Disillusionment + | Wingardium Leviosa + | Occlumency + | Apparition + | Confundus + ... ]

[ Aquired Intermediate Proficiency: ]

[ .... ]