Although Seph still had a whole year ahead of her, there was simply too much to accomplish. Every minute counted and couldn't afford to be wasted.
She quickly cleared the dining table, returned to her desk, and solemnly unrolled the parchment.
The parchment seemed to possess a consciousness of its own. Whenever Seph mentally asked a question, the ancient text would spring to life, rearranging itself into cryptic sentences. Seph had to read repeatedly and carefully ponder over each line before she could grasp even a fraction of their meanings. Moreover, the parchment appeared to have limitations; whenever Seph felt exhausted, the words reverted to their original form, becoming indecipherable again.
"It seems the parchment's effectiveness is closely tied to the user's mental condition," Seph thought.
From then on, she began consulting the parchment each morning when her mind was clearest. She carefully copied every question and its "answer" into a separate notebook for later study.
After three days of relentless effort, Seph discovered some patterns. Operating the parchment consumed the user's magical energy—the stronger the user's magic, the more detailed and extensive the information provided.
The parchment also described the hierarchy of wizards:
Beginner-level mages were divided into Apprentice Mages and Initiate Mages. Apprentice Mages were newcomers just starting to learn magical theory. Initiate Mages, a step higher, had mastered basic magic and could independently complete simple magical tasks, similar to primary school-level skills in the Muggle world.
Intermediate-level mages included Adept Mages and Master Mages. Adept Mages could skillfully handle various magical techniques and utilize magic flexibly in combat. Master Mages were specialists who achieved profound expertise in specific fields, such as elemental magic, spellcraft, or potions. Reaching the intermediate level generally allowed one to live as an average mage in the magical world.
Advanced-level mages were composed of Grand Mages and Arcanists. Grand Mages were elite wizards with exceptional power and extensive experience, capable of casting advanced, formidable magic, and respected throughout the magical community. Arcanists understood the fundamental nature of magic deeply and were innovators who could create and refine magical practices.
At the peak were Legendary Mages and Supreme Mages. Legendary Mages stood at the pinnacle of magic, possessing extraordinary power and wisdom, their feats becoming immortal legends in wizarding history. Supreme Mages were the rarest and most powerful, capable of devastating feats and even altering natural laws, representing the highest authority in the magical world. According to the parchment, very few in history had ever achieved Supreme Mage status. Even within Seph's family, the most distinguished ancestor had only barely reached Legendary Mage.
"So, before the apocalypse comes and the world falls into chaos, I must at least reach intermediate mage level," Seph decided resolutely, preparing herself for the arduous journey of magical study ahead.
Seph picked up the parchment again. After several days of constant handling, it no longer felt as stiff as when she first received it. Its edges had become slightly worn, and as she fiddled with it absentmindedly, she suddenly realized that the parchment had a hidden second layer.
Hesitating for just a moment, she gently peeled the two layers apart and was astonished to find more densely written text beneath. The second layer was much thinner than the first, likely stuck together from years of neglect, explaining why she hadn't noticed it earlier.
Quickly laying this second layer flat on the table, she began to read eagerly. However, halfway through, her expression shifted to something troubled and complicated. After finishing, Seph stood frozen for a moment, her mind inexplicably returning to the small grey wolf she'd encountered earlier.
On the one hand, she felt relieved—she finally understood what the strange, repulsive black substance she'd found earlier was. On the other hand, she was deeply disturbed, as the new parchment detailed a dark, forbidden magic. While incredibly useful, especially with the approaching apocalypse, this kind of magic was highly unstable, with unpredictable consequences should it fail.
Reading it carefully one last time, Seph shook her head slowly. The temptation was strong, but the risk was too great, and the method described was disturbingly cruel. Though she'd experienced violence in the apocalypse before, most had been in self-defense. She wasn't someone who took pleasure in cruelty.
Taking a deep breath, Seph rolled the parchment back up and put it away, deciding to abandon any further exploration of the forbidden magic for now.
Over the next few days, Aunt Susan had been waiting for Seph's call. Eventually losing patience, she called Seph herself, eager to discuss selling the farm.
When Aunt Susan called, Seph was sitting on her couch practicing the Full Body-Bind Curse. Reluctantly, she paused her practice, gave a brief reply, and went downstairs after quickly changing her clothes.
Perhaps due to her consistent magical practice, Seph was feeling noticeably better. Her body felt lighter, her senses sharper.
She took a taxi to Aunt Susan's neighborhood. Standing at the entrance, she suddenly recalled the encounter with the grey wolf and instinctively glanced across the street. A faint, unsettling smell of blood drifted toward her, making her frown in suspicion.
As she hesitated, Aunt Susan noticed her through the peephole and promptly opened the door. "Seph, there you are! Why are you just standing there? Come in, I've made coffee and snacks!"
Seph quickly gathered herself, offered a polite greeting, and followed Aunt Susan inside.
Her main objective today was to finalize the farm sale quickly and secure the sixty thousand pounds from Aunt Susan. She urgently needed the money to purchase crucial supplies for the approaching apocalypse. Seph was worried that any further delays might lead to complications she couldn't afford.