From the moment Ian began his recollection, Tver knew exactly why he was aware of magic's existence.
It all happened a year and a half ago, when Harry and Ron, unable to pass through Platform 9¾, decided to take Arthur Weasley's modified car without permission.
Numerous Muggles had indeed witnessed that car—otherwise Mrs. Weasley wouldn't have sent Ron such an angry Howler. That had violated the Statute of Secrecy—strictly speaking, it was a criminal act.
So it wasn't surprising that someone like Ian Russell had slipped through the cracks. What was unexpected was that this "fish" not only cleverly concealed himself but also confidently trusted his own eyes.
"So, I wasn't wrong, was I?" Ian asked with a smile.
He'd kept this secret bottled up for a year and a half, constantly worried that a robed wizard might suddenly appear and give him a thump with a wand. Now that he finally had the chance to speak up, a wave of relief washed over him.
He waved his large hand dramatically.
"Your face masks, and even those strange passersby now—magic is at work here. And you? You're the legendary wizards!"
Tver didn't refute it, but he didn't affirm it either.
"Why are you so certain there's magic in the face masks?"
Ian immediately grinned, laughing unrestrainedly.
"Your face masks have been thoroughly researched by the scientists under my command, but no matter what, we couldn't detect anything unusual inside them."
"We couldn't even verify the ingredients!"
"To be blunt, I've never seen a product like this. It clearly wasn't made using conventional methods."
"At the very least, the effects it produces can't be achieved through normal means!"
This was indeed a problem. If Muggles started spreading this secret far and wide, it would inevitably draw the attention of wizards.
Tver gestured to Cynthia behind him. "Pay attention to this issue. Solve it."
Ian was pleased with Tver's response. In his eyes, the mages across from him were all-powerful, yet now, because of his single remark, they were forced to react.
A surge of pride welled up within him—this was a victory won through the wisdom of an ordinary man.
Simultaneously, he realized that mages likely had vulnerabilities too!
Catching the eager challenge in Ian's eyes, Tver tilted his head back slightly, meeting his gaze with an air of haughty superiority.
"Aren't you afraid that if I tell you the mask simply works well, all this is just your imagination?"
"Or perhaps," Tver's expression darkened instantly, "it's all real—but we'll make sure you're completely eliminated?"
"So what?" Ian met Tver's gaze without flinching.
"From the moment I saw that man wielding a wooden staff, I realized you magicians look down on us ordinary folk, relying on your magic as your shield."
"Even when magic is exposed, you casually erase memories."
"I don't care what you do to me. In fact, I anticipated the consequences when I came here."
"But I came anyway, just to tell you: you are not invincible."
"And sooner or later, we will uncover all your secrets…"
His gaze swept across the three of them, finally settling on the cold-eyed Tver.
He slammed his fist down on the table with a loud thud, then gritted his teeth and declared:
"Then I'll return that arrogance right back to you!"
An ordinary person would never entertain such thoughts.
But Ian was different.
He never forgot the contempt in that robed man's eyes, nor the arrogance when erasing everyone's memories.
Yes, he admitted his own arrogance.
But he also had to acknowledge the helplessness and fear he had felt back then.
For that, he felt a twinge of shame!
That was why he wanted to sharpen his own fangs, to charge at the mages before him—to launch his own assault!
"I finally understand why you've always been so wary of Muggle intelligence," Marvolio remarked, observing Ian's menacing expression with a sigh. Truth be told, even after years under Tver's command, he still looked down on Muggles who couldn't wield magic. But now, while his contempt remained, it was tinged with a newfound respect and apprehension.
"Exactly." Cynthia nodded in rare agreement. "And their courage to fight. With both combined, I'm increasingly convinced Muggles will one day possess the power to overthrow wizards."
Tver tapped his fingers rhythmically on the tabletop as if stating the obvious. "That's just one aspect. I wouldn't even dare show my face around those great scientists, for fear they'd dissect every facet of the wizarding world through mere conversation. Then develop a whole arsenal of scientific weapons, arm legions of Muggle soldiers, capture us all, and dissect us on operating tables for study."
Truthfully, technological advancement alone wouldn't be the issue—he simply couldn't gamble on the Muggles' humanity. The wizarding world was like a powerful yet isolated feudal dynasty, while the Muggle world was a new society, weaker in strength but advancing rapidly through technology. When the Muggles gained the power to launch their great voyages, the wizarding world could only pray—pray for their mercy!
But Ian beside him still maintained his fist-pounding posture. As time passed, his anger had long faded, leaving only bewilderment. Wait, he was furious! How could these magicians just sit there chatting so leisurely?!
"Correction: we prefer to call ourselves Wizards, not Magicians." Tver regarded him gently, unconcerned by his earlier rage. On the contrary, Tver admired the defiant spirit within him.
"So you admit this is all magic?" Ian stammered, now incredulous.
"Don't you trust your own eyes? We are wizards—just like the ones you encountered a year and a half ago." Tver leaned back in his chair, hands spread open. "But not entirely the same."
"Even as wizards, we deeply dislike the arrogance of wizards—not just toward Muggles, but toward Muggle-born wizards too."
"Wait, Muggle is what you call non-magical people? Then what does 'Muggle-born wizards' mean? Could ordinary people like us actually possess magic?" Ian keenly grasped this point. He had always believed magic was passed down through bloodlines, generation after generation, and that wizards were fundamentally different from ordinary people—another species entirely. Like aliens. But now, it seemed things might be different?
"Actually, most wizards are born among Muggles. Aside from magic, there's no essential difference between you and me." Tver pointed at Marvolio's position, but he deftly dodged the attack.
"Uh..." Ian suddenly felt a bit embarrassed as he lowered his fist. "I was wondering... could I have magic too?"
"..."
"Didn't you say we'd fight back using ordinary people's strength?" Marvolio couldn't help but ask.
"But your boss said we're fundamentally no different—so why not be friendly?" Ian retorted with righteous indignation.
If they were aliens, it would be a fight to the death. But if they were all human? As a businessman, his first instinct was naturally to collaborate!
...
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