Ivan tested it, experiencing the exhilaration of the Snidget's spatial jumps, before concluding his research on the bloodline magic of Dark Night Shuttle.
[Astrology Law]
Description: In ancient times, wizards concealed their magic across the world, and the starry sky became the treasure trove of the Night Singers.
Effect: Allows the user to comprehend ancient secrets through the language of the stars and unlock hidden magic.
"It's actually a library?!"
Ivan was a little surprised. He had initially assumed that Astrology Law would be just another simple bloodline magic.
He never expected that it would function as an archive of magic.
As the saying goes, give a man a fish, and he eats for a day; teach a man to fish, and he eats for a lifetime.
If Dark Night Shuttle was a single, powerful spell, then Astrology Law was the path to limitless growth.
Although Dark Night Shuttle was undeniably strong, it remained a single ability with fixed limitations.
In contrast, Astrology Law provided the potential for endless improvement—as long as Ivan continued learning, he could uncover lost magic and steadily expand his power.
The extent of its benefits depended entirely on his own efforts.
The more he studied, the more magic he would master, ensuring continuous and stable growth.
"Is this an inheritance? The legacy of the Night Singers…"
Ivan couldn't help but speculate—was it possible that all twelve branches of magic contained similar hidden archives of knowledge?
Though the ancient wizards had long perished, they might have left behind precious remnants of their wisdom.
Perhaps research materials, perhaps the insights and experiences of their predecessors.
The purpose was to allow future generations to stand on the shoulders of giants and reach even greater heights.
"It's truly hard to imagine how the ancient wizards accomplished this."
After familiarizing himself with his new abilities, Ivan shared his discovery with Penelope, offering her insight into this hidden history.
The awakening of bloodline magic was entirely random, dependent on a wizard's inheritance.
However, for a vast treasury of knowledge like Astrology Law, Ivan felt that it was not simply a matter of chance—there had to be specific qualifications required.
There is an old saying: The more you know, the more insignificant you feel.
To study the stars is to study the universe.
When ordinary people think of the universe, they imagine dazzling galaxies and an infinite, breathtaking expanse.
But wizards who truly touch the starry sky understand that it is far more than that.
The universe is cold, vast, and lonely.
Exploring its depths is like being locked inside a silent void—if one cannot endure the crushing solitude, they are unworthy of wielding this power.
It is a gift, but also a curse.
The curse of knowledge.
"Sounds exciting!"
"That's not all," Ivan continued, noticing Penelope's eagerness to obtain Astrology Law for herself.
"Even though I only caught a glimpse, many of the spells I saw within the starry sky were highly dangerous."
"If I had to draw a comparison, the path of Night Magic bears an eerie resemblance to the Cthulhu Mythos."
"It is twisted, chaotic, and at times, even madness itself."
For ordinary people, simply listening to the secrets of magic from the stars would be a form of mental torment, enough to push someone to the brink of collapse.
This was why willpower was such a crucial attribute.
Without a strong enough will, even if Penelope obtained Astrology Law, she wouldn't be able to explore it freely.
"But I still want it."
Penelope was a typical Ravenclaw.
They were intelligent and composed, yet their thirst for knowledge far surpassed that of ordinary people.
Such individuals might not always excel in social interactions, but in research and academia, they were among the very best.
Of course, Penelope was not someone who struggled with communication.
Her placement in Ravenclaw was due to her intellect and talents, and she naturally leaned toward that House's values.
"..."
Ivan sighed, feeling a little helpless.
"I don't have control over this either."
"But I believe magic should be able to recognize your intentions, senior."
Magic is the power of the mind, while magical energy is merely the medium.
What truly determined the effectiveness of a spell was a strong and unwavering will.
"Yeah."
Penelope didn't say anything else.
She took a deep breath, steadying herself, then—under Ivan's watchful gaze—retrieved her Night Potion from her pocket.
"Don't worry, I'll take care of everything."
Ivan's words echoed in her ears, giving her the reassurance she needed.
Penelope hesitated no longer—she raised the bottle to her lips and drank the potion in one swift motion.
At the same time, the stars in the night sky suddenly shone a little brighter.
This was the result of magic that Ivan had specifically researched—designed to influence natural magic according to Astrology Law.
To put it simply, the requirement of an external trigger—like the first lightning strike in an Animagus transformation—was merely a resonance between natural magic and city magic.
For Ivan, especially with his 6 points in magical power, this presented no challenge at all.
In other words, if he wished, he could simulate any magical environment required for a transformation at will.
"Ouch! Ouch! Arg..."
On the other side, Penelope, who had just swallowed the Night Potion, let out a pained groan.
Ivan's magic eye remained open, allowing him to clearly observe the changes taking place within her.
Her magic power was surging violently, raging chaotically through her body, causing her excruciating pain.
Yet, Ivan did not interfere.
He merely maintained balance, ensuring that Penelope wouldn't suffer real harm.
But the pain—the physical transformation induced by the potion—he did not suppress.
The potion's primary function was to enhance the mind and other attributes—that was its inherent purpose.
However, there was one attribute that could only be strengthened through the wizard's own perseverance.
Will.
Only by enduring suffering and pushing forward with determination could a wizard shed their old self and be reborn anew.
Among all attributes, will was the most unique—it belonged solely to the individual.
By comparison, the mind was also part of human nature, but it was the most easily influenced and highly unstable.
Those with sensitive minds were often the most extreme in their emotions and actions.
But will had the ability to control that instability and anchor a person to their convictions.
"Hold on, senior."
"Hold on…"
Ivan silently encouraged Penelope, hoping she could push herself to her full potential.
Yes, it was painful.
But Penelope understood—this was something she had to endure. This was a transformation—a qualitative change in her very being.
"Ahhh—!!!"
A piercing scream tore through the night as Penelope cried out in agony.
The pain was excruciating, beyond what she had imagined.
For a brief moment, doubt crept in—she wanted to give up.
She wanted to reach out to Ivan, pleading for his help.
"Penelope…"
Seeing her struggle, Ivan instinctively reached toward her, even as he continued to regulate the magical adjustment.
After all, Ivan was not a cruel person.
From the beginning, he had promised Penelope that if she ever called for him, he would come to her aid without hesitation.
However—
Just as Penelope's hand extended toward him midway, she suddenly stopped.
Instead of reaching out further, she clenched her fist, gritted her teeth, and stopped praying to Ivan.