Only after hearing the confirmation did Hermione finally exhale in relief.
She had genuinely feared that if she answered incorrectly, she would suffer a humiliation like Harry's.
As for the idea of wearing a pink dress and dancing…
Well, she was a girl. At worst, she'd feel embarrassed — but it was manageable.
"Now, let's move on to the reward and explanation."
Aiden lowered the card and gently waved his hand.
With a soft flash of light, a thick, yellowed book covered in strange decorative patterns appeared in Hermione's hands.
The moment it materialized, whispers spread through the audience.
The Ravenclaw students, in particular, leaned forward with barely contained curiosity.
Knowledge was the thing they worshipped most — and anything mysterious instantly drew their attention.
In contrast, many Gryffindor students simply shrugged and lost interest.
To them, a book wasn't nearly as exciting as something that exploded.
"Hermione… what is that?"
Ron wasn't curious, but Harry was.
Having already received a reward once, he knew firsthand how powerful and unusual the prizes from the Q&A System could be.
Hermione didn't immediately answer.
Her eyes were fixed on the book — wide, locked, fascinated — as though the pages were silently calling to her.
She whispered almost unconsciously:
"…A book."
Her tone was soft, distant — as if she were already lost somewhere within it.
Harry frowned, growing worried.
From the high table, Dumbledore studied Hermione and the book, and a private hypothesis formed in his mind.
The rewards weren't random.
They reflected the deepest desires of their recipients.
For himself, he had received power — the strength needed to defend Hogwarts and prepare for Voldemort's inevitable return.
Harry had received weapons — something that symbolized protection, strength, and reassurance.
Two weapons, perfectly complementary.
One offense.
One defense.
As for Hermione…
Dumbledore almost smiled.
Knowledge.
Books.
Wisdom.
The Sorting Hat may have placed her in Gryffindor, but her heart pulsed with the same curiosity as any Ravenclaw scholar.
So her reward was likely—
A treasure of knowledge.
He was correct.
Inside her vision, floating text appeared like a magical description:
[Compendium of Basic Magic Runes]
[Introduction: A magic system originating from another world. Its potential power is unimaginable, but mastering runes requires patience and time.]
[Level: Good (It is not a weapon — merely a textbook.)]
[Holder: Hermione Granger]
[Use: The runes learned within can be engraved onto weapons, transforming ordinary equipment into magical artifacts — or further strengthening existing enchanted items. Carving runes, however, carries a risk of failure.]
[Note: A legendary craftsman once continuously strengthened a weapon using only basic runes — and eventually forged a divine artifact. Use this book well. Wisdom is humanity's greatest strength.]
Aiden's gentle voice echoed.
"Miss Granger, I assume you've finished reading the introduction."
Hermione blinked, suddenly aware of her surroundings again.
She looked toward the center of the space at Aiden — glowing softly with warm light.
"Yes, sir… but I think this prize is far too valuable."
She didn't yet know what a divine artifact meant — but if it was listed as a caution, it had to be powerful beyond imagination.
Aiden's tone remained calm and warm.
"That is what you deserve, Miss Granger."
"I hope you study it well. The knowledge within does not exist anywhere in the wizarding world."
Dumbledore's eyes gleamed with interest.
He would never steal from a child — unlike Voldemort — but perhaps, someday, he could borrow it in exchange for something equally rare.
He had many irreplaceable books that might tempt her.
"I have another question, sir."
Hermione stroked the ancient cover with reverence.
The value in her hands was no longer just a book — it was a gateway.
"Yes?"
"I just noticed… the rewards all have levels. How are these rankings determined?"
Her eyes shimmered with curiosity.
"If this book is considered 'Good,' then there must be items greater than it."
Aiden smiled softly at her deduction.
"You are correct."
"The reward system is divided into five tiers: Junk, Good, Excellent, Powerful, and Divine Artifact."
"And while your book is only rated Good, that is appropriate — since it is merely a foundational text."
His voice was gentle, yet steady — like sunlight after rain.
Hermione exhaled deeply and bowed her head slightly.
"…Thank you, sir."
"You do not need to thank me," Aiden replied calmly. "As I said before — this is what you earned."
"Oh, and one more thing — while you are inside the Q&A System, you may also examine your wand, potions, or personal items to learn their classification. Only you will be able to see the results."
The two rival factions — Gryffindor and Slytherin — remained strangely silent.
Not out of peace…
But because Professor McGonagall was prowling beside them like a watchful lioness.
Meanwhile, Ravenclaw students quietly whispered among themselves.
"…After the quiz, perhaps we should speak with Granger. Maybe… exchange knowledge for a chance to borrow the book."
"That's what I was thinking too — but um… does anyone actually know her?"
Silence.
Followed by several blank stares.
Evidently — none of them did.
"…Maybe Cedric could help. He knows everyone — the Weasley twins included. He could introduce us."
"Then it's settled. Romulus, you'll handle it."
"No problem. In the meantime, let's decide what knowledge we can offer in exchange."
Because knowledge from another world —
was something no scholar could ignore.