**Chapter 8: Everyone Has Their Own Suitable Learning Method**
During the earlier experiment, Ivan also noticed a hidden factor: his existing knowledge base significantly affected his learning efficiency and speed.
This was why finishing *A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration* only took about twenty minutes of the Top Student Experience Card time, while reading *Detailed Explanations of Basic Spell Principles* was much slower—only about half finished in thirty-plus minutes.
The rapid reading of *A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration* was partly because Ivan already had some foundational experience in casting the Transfiguration Spell. Additionally, he had just read the book once before, giving him a basic understanding of its content.
In contrast, *Detailed Explanations of Basic Spell Principles* covered a wider range of knowledge, and Ivan hadn't previewed it, so his reading speed was comparatively much slower.
After analyzing the pros and cons of the Top Student Experience Card, Ivan immediately realized that to optimize that precious hour, the best strategy was to first read the target book once normally. Then, using the card's boost to comprehension and analytical abilities, he could review it. This would maximize the utilization of the time.
Furthermore, thoroughly understanding each magic book rewarded Academic Points. Coupled with the points earned from leveling up spells, these could be used to exchange for more Top Student Experience Cards. With this cycle, wouldn't his strength improve by leaps and bounds?
Just by reading half of *Detailed Explanations of Basic Spell Principles*, all the spells Ivan knew had gained significant proficiency. The Levitation Charm and Disarming Charm, like the Transfiguration Spell, had even reached Level 1, rewarding another ten Academic Points.
This brought Ivan's previously depleted Academic Points back up by twenty, significantly shortening the time needed to accumulate enough for the next card.
Thinking of this, Ivan looked at the vast sea of magical books in the library and suddenly realized... these were all potential Academic Points!
If he could read them all, Ivan could hardly imagine how much his strength would grow.
With this thought, Ivan's fighting spirit was reignited.
However, things didn't go as planned. Just as Ivan was preparing to work hard, he was informed that the library's closing time had arrived.
Only then did Ivan realize he had been in the library for over three hours.
"Children, acquiring knowledge is important, but so is balancing work and rest. As for now... everyone back to your house dormitories!" Madam Pince shooed away the young witches and wizards who intended to stay.
As the Hogwarts librarian, she certainly didn't dislike students who loved knowledge, as long as they weren't noisy. But the library's operating hours were set by the Headmaster, and Madam Pince couldn't extend them.
At that moment, Ivan stepped forward, holding the half-read *Detailed Explanations of Basic Spell Principles*, and asked, "Madam, may I borrow this book?"
"Of course, as long as you return it within the stipulated time," Madam Pince glanced at the title and nodded casually.
With that, Madam Pince turned to scan the library. There were always a few who liked to hide among the bookshelves, trying to slip into the Restricted Section after lights out.
Of course, there were also those who simply got too engrossed and lost track of time...
"Thank you..." Ivan nodded politely in thanks, then left the library with the book. He couldn't wait to test the spells that had gained improvements.
"Excuse me... coming through... oh!"
Before Ivan had taken more than a few steps after turning, he only had time to hear a clear female voice behind him before feeling a solid impact. His forehead met the wall intimately, and he landed on his rear. The *Detailed Explanations of Basic Spell Principles* in his hand fell to the floor.
Fortunately, the impact wasn't too strong. Ivan rubbed his slightly reddened forehead and got up.
He picked up his book first, then noticed the girl who had crashed into him.
The first thing that caught his eye was the bushy brown hair, clearly neglected by its owner. The standard wizard robes hung slightly loose on her frame. A few other magical books were scattered beside her.
"Hermione?" Ivan was momentarily stunned but quickly grasped the situation.
Our know-it-all must have been in a hurry while being ushered out by Madam Pince and ended up running into him from behind.
"Ivan?" Hermione was also somewhat dazed from the collision. With Ivan's help, she stood up. "Oh, I'm sorry. I was a bit out of it earlier. I didn't mean to run into you..."
"It's fine, just be more careful next time," Ivan said, picking up her books and handing them back, shaking his head to show he didn't mind.
However, upon seeing the book in Ivan's hand, Hermione immediately launched into a monologue, speaking rapidly.
"I've borrowed that *Detailed Explanations of Basic Spell Principles* before too. I learned so many new magical techniques from it. Goodness, I never knew before that strong intent could significantly increase the power of some spells, though it requires very high magical control from the wizard. Otherwise, the magic could easily go out of control..."
Here, Hermione seemed to remember something, and her voice rose slightly. "Oh, right! Learning requires understanding and memorization, not just flipping through a book from cover to cover. Compared to reading books like *Detailed Explanations of Basic Spell Principles*, I think you should memorize all your textbooks first!"
Hermione blurted out her thoughts, or rather her "advice," in a rapid-fire manner. Perhaps feeling she was helping Ivan, there was an undeniable air of condescension in her tone.
Ivan understood that Hermione must have seen him using the Top Student Experience Card in the latter half of his study session and was trying to offer well-meaning advice. However, her somewhat haughty manner made Ivan frown imperceptibly.
"Thanks for the reminder, but I think everyone has their own suitable learning method," Ivan said calmly. This interaction made him understand a bit better why Harry, Ron, and the other students weren't particularly fond of the brilliant Hermione.
It had to be said, before Halloween, Miss Granger's personality really wasn't very likable...
"How could that be?"
Hermione was about to continue lecturing, but Ivan cut her off with action.
"*Mutare Forma!*" Ivan waved his wand, lightly tapping the piece of parchment Hermione used for notes. The parchment trembled slightly, then began to swell and transform. The slightly rough surface of the parchment slowly became smooth and flawless.
Right before Hermione's eyes, in just a second or two—from uttering the incantation to the wand movement—Ivan's actions were as fluid and precise as Professor McGonagall's demonstration in class. And that piece of parchment had now transformed into a thin, smooth slab of jade.