A blinding light and a buzzing in his ears suddenly assailed him, and Dumbledore instinctively released his hand from the demon book.
The surging sound just now had almost disrupted his thoughts.
He was slumped in the armchair, his breathing involuntarily growing heavier, his chest rising and falling slightly.
"What was that?" Dumbledore's sharp gaze shot towards Nios like a hawk, his voice low.
"Don't you already have the answer in your heart?" Nios spread his hands, his expression one of casual indifference.
"Faith?" Dumbledore uttered the word with difficulty.
He had indeed perceived the nature of that power, but his heart instinctively resisted admitting it.
If that truly was faith, wouldn't it confirm the saying that the Wizard's magical power originated from Muggle fantasies about the unknown?
Even more terrifying was Nios's earlier statement: every step forward in Muggle science would weaken the Wizarding world by a fraction, until its ultimate demise!
At this thought, Dumbledore's fists silently clenched.
That day might still be far off, but the crisis was already imminent; 'science' was silently eroding their world.
The last time he had felt such intense unease was on the eve of his decisive battle with Grindelwald.
"Tell me," Dumbledore's voice held an unprecedented seriousness, "what is your purpose in revealing all this?"
Nios chuckled softly, picked up the teacup beside him, and poured the warm liquid, along with the undissolved sugar at the bottom of the cup, into his mouth, chewing casually.
"Headmaster, when we first met, I already made it very clear."
"Creating demons?"
A chilling killing intent quietly permeated the air.
Nios clearly felt it; he knew that if his next answer couldn't convince or even satisfy this old fox in front of him, his current body would likely be left in this office—he had anticipated this.
"Yes," Nios admitted frankly, "demons can replace the faith of ordinary people and become the source of a Wizard's power. As long as one signs a contract with a demon, even a Muggle can be transformed into a Wizard."
Dumbledore slowly sat upright, his gaze falling back on the peculiar demon book on the tea table. "Then, what is the cost?"
Nios gently shook his head: "There is no cost. If I had to say..." He paused, "The contractor's personality will involuntarily gravitate towards the demon with whom they form a contract."
Dumbledore frowned deeply: "How severe is the impact?"
"It shouldn't... be too severe," Nios's tone was flat and unruffled. "My demons are all two-sided. For example, Azazel, if someone contracts with him..."
"They might become a playboy, or perhaps... a love-struck fool."
"Pfft—" A portrait in some corner couldn't hold back first.
The taut string in the office instantly snapped at this unexpected 'side effect'.
The portraits of successive Principals, who had been trying to maintain a solemn facade, could no longer restrain themselves, whispering to each other, a buzzing of discussion mixed with a few suppressed chuckles.
Even Dumbledore himself, his lips twitched almost imperceptibly.
He raised his left hand, making a shushing gesture.
The voices of the portraits ceased abruptly, and the office became quiet again, though a lingering sense of absurdity remained in the air.
"Is there a way to eliminate this influence?" Dumbledore's voice returned to its steady tone.
Nios's eyes, which had no whites, seemed to 'glance' at him, and Dumbledore could feel that silent 'eye-roll'.
"No way. This is already the weakened effect," Nios emphasized, "Demons are different from faith! Faith is a miracle born from the collective beliefs of humanity, while demons..."
He deepened his voice, "They are much more complex; they are the remnants of strong emotions from various life forms. They don't just belong to humans. Headmaster, instead of worrying about this small personality deviation, consider what would happen if other non-human creatures gained their power?"
Dumbledore's mind suddenly became clear.
No wonder Nios's contract with Azazel was 'indefinite'; he wanted to firmly control this demon in his own hands.
At this thought, Dumbledore's eyes sharpened again, scrutinizing Nios.
Given the possessiveness Nios had displayed, he would undoubtedly bring more demons under his command in the future.
So, when Wizards successively signed contracts with these demons, wouldn't Nios, as the demons' master, control the entire Wizarding world in another sense?
Nios did not avoid Dumbledore's gaze, but instead flashed an exceptionally bright smile, as if he had seen through his thoughts.
"My main purpose in coming here is to ask you, Headmaster," Nios changed the subject, "if I can distribute the demons I create to my companions?"
Dumbledore's pupils suddenly constricted.
"I have already begun to create a second demon," Nios continued, "and I hope that when the time comes, you will personally attend and witness my demon summoning ritual. I have also informed Harry and the others about this, and they will be present as well. The contract object will still be me. If, after witnessing the entire process, they are unwilling to accept the demon I bestow upon them..." He paused slightly, "I hope to receive your help."
Dumbledore understood. Nios was implying that if someone refused, he would need to step in to modify or erase the relevant memories.
This not only gave him a reason to be present but also seemed like a gesture of goodwill, as such magic, capable of altering the future's trajectory, should not be easily revealed.
"You really... trust me, don't you?" Dumbledore's tone revealed neither pleasure nor anger.
Nios shook his head: "Rather than trusting you, I believe you will make the wisest choice."
Hearing this, Dumbledore finally chuckled softly, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes smoothing out. "Although we haven't interacted much, you certainly understand me well." His blue eyes, through his half-moon spectacles, gazed at Nios. "So, are you not going to tell me your ultimate goal?"
Nios silently met Dumbledore's gaze, and after a moment, slowly spoke: "Headmaster, if you are willing to personally contract a demon... I might tell you."
Dumbledore was not angered; instead, he responded with a hint of inquiry: "I can too?"
"Of course!" Nios waved his hand indifferently. "You are the greatest Wizard of our time. In my opinion, there is no one more suitable than you. As long as you are willing, I will certainly tailor the most perfect demon for you."
Dumbledore smiled, shaking his head firmly: "No need. Let you young people explore such things. This old bone of mine won't join in the fun."
Nios showed no disappointment. "Alright," he stood up, his tone returning to its usual flatness, "since you insist. Then, I'll take my leave." He gave a slight nod and turned to walk towards the door.
Dumbledore did not stop him, merely watching his retreating figure. Perhaps it was time to contact an old friend.
Stepping out of the oak door, Nios stood by the gargoyle and softly called out to the empty corridor: "Pipp!"
A few seconds later, a slight ripple appeared in the air in front of him, and Pipp materialized out of nowhere, bowing deeply, his pointed ears almost touching the ground: "Pipp awaits your command! What does Mr. Chaos require?"
"Go inform my companions to meet at the Room of Requirement tonight. Also, ask the kitchen to prepare a cake, just like the one I had last time."
Pipp's head drooped even lower: "Mr. Chaos, should there be any celebratory message written on the cake?"
"No need," Nios replied succinctly, then added, lowering his voice slightly, "Oh, and tell everyone except Hermione... that today is Hermione's birthday. Don't delay too long."
Pipp slowly straightened up, respectfully replying: "Yes, sir!"
Before he finished speaking, with a soft pop, his figure had vanished from the spot.