Hogwarts starts with stealing power.

Since the appearance of the Radiant Candle, the wizarding world has found it much easier to explore the world of evil gods.

Many people are curious about who invented the Radiant Candle.

However, the person who developed this technology is very mysterious, and only a few high-level wizards know about it. Those people have not revealed who it is.

However, the Hogwarts professors had some suspicions: the Radiant Candles used ancient runes, and Lin Xia and the others were able to take out and use the Radiant Candles frequently.

Therefore, the professors all believe that Lin Xia is the creator of the Radiant Candle.

But since Lin Xia didn't want to reveal it to outsiders, the professors were happy to pretend they knew nothing. Whenever Lin Xia and others wanted to apply to use the Radiant Candle, everything was done according to procedure.

However, according to the procedure, each outstanding student can only use two Radiant Candles per month, but Lin Xia and others are able to use Radiant Candles as ordinary candles.

These professors all turned a blind eye.

When Dean Sprout heard Lin Xia say this, a glint of light flashed in his eyes, and he asked, "Do you have something in mind?"

Lin Xia shook her head: "I only have a general idea, but I'm not sure if I can figure it out."

Dean Sprout said, "The general idea is already quite good. Many wizards don't even have an idea and don't know how to get started."

Lin Xia thought for a moment and said, "I think the ancient demonic script is very effective in dealing with creatures in the world of evil gods, including resisting the delirium of evil gods. If we really want to study related countermeasures, we still have to figure out the magical power of the ancient demonic script."

Dean Sprout sighed: "The surface of the Radiant Candle is inlaid with many ancient runes, and there are speculations about this—that the power of the ancient runes can resist the whispers of evil gods."

"However, ancient runes are a very difficult subject. To get started requires a great deal of talent from the wizard. Many wizards spend their entire lives without learning 100 ancient runes, let alone using them for research and invention."

If the Radiant Candles weren't the primary source of power, no one would ever have imagined that ancient runes could be used in such a way.

Lin Xia said, "So I have another suggestion: I hope the school can pay attention to and cultivate the young wizards' talent in ancient runes."

Even if one spends their entire life confined to low-level ancient runes, these runes still have many practical uses in life, and some ancient rune arrays also require knowledge of ancient runes.

Dean Sprout pondered for a moment, then said, "This will probably require Professor Babling's help, but..."

Although she is the head of Hufflepuff, she did not become the head of Hufflepuff because of her extensive knowledge or strong fighting skills.

She became the dean because of her strong affinity with many magical plants and herbs.

She didn't have a deep understanding of ancient magic script; she belonged to the group of people without talent.

Although she didn't know much about it, she did know that wizards who could use ancient runes were very powerful, especially those who specialized in ancient runes, who were even more knowledgeable.

These wizards not only taught students at Hogwarts, but also took on many missions from the Ministry of Magic.

Aside from attending a few classes at the school each month, I spend most of my time doing research and assignments.

Sometimes they even leave the school, disappearing without a trace.

Babling has been the Old Magician Professor at Hogwarts for many years, and her seniority is even greater than that of the Headmistress.

She didn't think her proposal would be taken seriously by Babling.

Moreover, Babling has other important matters to attend to. What if she increases her teaching workload and annoys others?
Suddenly, Lin Xia spoke up: "Professor, do you remember the knowledge puzzle game I researched last semester?"

Sprout nodded. "I remember, this is a key research project of the university. Many professors stayed on campus during the winter break to improve it."

Lin Xia: "I think this mini-game is very helpful for young wizards to learn ancient magic script. If we can launch the knowledge-based puzzle game as soon as possible, we can quickly cultivate a group of ancient magic script talents."

With so many students at Hogwarts, it shouldn't be difficult to discover a group of wizards with some talent in ancient runes.

Sprout thought for a moment and said, "I'll bring it up at the teachers' meeting."

Lin Xia emphasized, "If the knowledge-based puzzle games for other subjects are not yet perfect, we can continue to debug them, but the Ancient Demon Script must be launched as soon as possible to cultivate talent."

Sprout smiled. "I'll raise your proposal, and the school will consider it."

"As for your research team's desire to study related products to resist artifacts, I will also submit a report to the school to request that a batch of supplies transported from the world of evil gods be made available to you. See if it can help your research."

Lin Xia said gratefully, "Thank you, Professor!"

Sprout shook his head: "No problem."
-
Lin Xia left the greenhouse and headed to the auditorium to meet up with her friends.

Dean Sprout went to McGonagall's office to inquire about the progress of the knowledge-based puzzle game research.

McGonagall reviewed the report sent by the knowledge challenge team and said with a serious expression, "We're still working on the adjustments. The progress for each subject is different. It should take about two months to complete the progress for all subjects."

Sprout asked, "Could we introduce the subject of Ancient Runes separately first?"

McGonagall was somewhat surprised: "Ancient runes?"

She looked down at the progress of the ancient demon script and found that all the testing for the ancient demon script was completed, so she said:
"It's possible, but why launch it ahead of schedule? Wouldn't it be better to launch it together after all subjects have been tested?"

Sprout relayed Lin Xia's words, saying, "We all know that she developed the Radiant Candle. Since she attaches so much importance to the Ancient Magic Runes and hopes that the school can cultivate a group of talents as soon as possible, why not take action sooner rather than later?"

She paused deliberately at this point, then lowered her voice and said, "Thanks to the help of the Radiant Candles, the Ministry of Magic of each country is making rapid progress in its exploration of the world of evil gods, and has already captured several cities in succession."

But the world of evil gods seems oblivious, offering no response whatsoever, which I find odd. I'm worried they might have other plans, but currently, our most effective artifact against the evil gods' whispers is the Radiant Candle.

There are too few wizards who know ancient runes; even our professor has to join in the making. If more and more people can learn to make them, stockpile some Radiant Candles, and even research other products that can resist the whispers of evil gods, that would be a good thing.

“Minerva,” Sprout said seriously, “we must prepare early.”

Professor McGonagall's expression also turned serious.

She thought for a moment and then signed her name on a document.

"Let's launch the Ancient Magic Script course first. If we wait until all the courses are launched at the same time, the young wizards will be distracted by the other courses."

"Let's first introduce the ancient demonic script. If they're curious about the knowledge-based puzzle games, they'll try their best to learn it, and we can also select a group of students with talent in ancient demonic script from among them."

"As for Professor Barbling," McGonagall paused, "we need her help to launch the Ancient Magic Runes course first, and I will communicate with her personally."

Sprout smiled easily. "Thank you, Minerva. Although I don't know if this is the right thing to do, seeing how serious and earnest Lin Xia is, I think it must be the right thing to do."

McGonagall, as if struck by a sudden thought, asked, "What kind of student do you think Lin Xia is?"

"What kind of student?" Sprout asked, puzzled.

McGonagall asked, "What's your impression of her? Do you think she's talented in other areas besides her research?"

Sprout said matter-of-factly, “She’s a very well-rounded student; I thought all professors would think so.” McGonagall looked at her. “And what do you think about her in the Dark Arts—”

Sprout frowned and immediately interrupted her: "Minerva, Lin Xia has a strong talent for magic. No matter what kind of magic it is, she can learn it quickly as long as she studies it seriously."

However, this versatility refers to versatility across all fields, not just a single area; the two should not be confused. I know the school has been observing students recently, especially the high-achieving ones.

But Lin Xia is definitely not the type to make a pact with an evil god. Her magical talent is so powerful; she doesn't need any other help to reach the top. Why would she need to make a deal with an evil god?

She said, word by word, "Lin Xia is different from Tom. She has the blood of an Eastern sorcerer. It would be more convenient for her to side with the Eastern dragon than with an evil god."

McGonagall gave a wry smile. "You don't need to get so worked up."

Sprout: "I'm sorry, but Lin Xia is too important to Hufflepuff. She's so capable and kind. Unlike Tom, she never formed cliques at school. She led Hufflepuff to glory! I won't allow anyone to smear her!"

Professor McGonagall watched Sprout's hurried departure, a thoughtful look flashing in her eyes.

The fact that he enjoys the professor's deep trust is quite similar to that of the Dark Lord back then.

But is it possible for Lin Xia to make a deal with an evil god?
Although she had speculated about this, every time she thought about it, she felt it was impossible.

Evil gods are a group of treacherous, cunning, and insatiable creatures.

If you were really making a deal with a wizard, you wouldn't expose your weaknesses.

Lin Xia has developed the Radiant Candle, a wondrous object that can resist the whispers of evil gods. In the eyes of evil gods, they should want to kill her. How could they possibly cooperate with her?

McGonagall shook her head and decided to go to Barbling's office herself.

As the Vice-Headmistress of Hogwarts, she knew Professor Babling well and was aware of some deeper secrets than other professors.

Babling has been teaching Ancient Runes at Hogwarts for over a thousand years.

Her history at the school may predate that of Professor Binns, who is now a ghost.

No one knows when she first appeared at Hogwarts.

Some wizards speculate that Babling may have appeared during the period when the four founders of Hogwarts were creating the school.

But this is just speculation.

It has never been confirmed.

Barbling never answers questions on this topic.

Sprout's concerns are valid; Babling might not value the promotion of these knowledge-based puzzle games, after all, in the eyes of these old wizards—

A wizard's talent trumps everything!
There's no such thing as hard work that can defy fate.

Knowledge gained through rote memorization is not true knowledge.
-
On the other side, Lin Xia arrived at the auditorium.

She saw Draco eating at the Gryffindor table, so she went over to him.

As you walk in, you hear Mikel sharing his experiences in the restricted book section.

"The scene I encountered was a desert. At first, I thought that every grain of sand could turn into a forbidden book, so I even picked up a pile of sand to observe it."

But after a long time, nothing changed, and they realized they had made a mistake. So they kept walking forward, and the scenery in the desert was very understated…

Ron asked curiously, "If the sand in the desert can't be turned into forbidden books, then what do you need to find to turn it into a forbidden book?"

Mikel smiled and said, "That's what I find strange too. Although each grain of sand looks the same when viewed individually, if you stop walking and stare at a small sand dune not far ahead, it will turn into a book in no time."

I had a feeling that if I got my hands on that book, I would start studying, but I ultimately didn't choose the forbidden book that had transformed from the dunes; it didn't hold much appeal for me.

Harry asked, "So what did you ultimately choose?"

Mikel: "A lake."

He said in an extremely amazed tone, "Can you imagine? In a land full of sand dunes, I actually discovered an oasis, and in that oasis was a magical lake, as beautiful and dazzling as a jewel!"

"This lake has an extremely strong attraction for me."

Mikel silently added in his mind: Actually, no, I forced it.

"I felt as if I heard his call and jumped in without realizing it. The moment my body was completely soaked in the lake water, I came to a small wooden house with a forbidden book in front of me."

"Wow!" Ron and the others exclaimed, their eyes filled with longing.

Although Draco didn't show it, his eyes were filled with envy.

He had never encountered any forbidden books in this state before when he entered the forbidden book zone. In the special environment of the desert, the lake was clearly the most special and powerful one.

Mikel must have gotten a really great opportunity!
Ron looked at Harry: "We must become outstanding students next semester, and maybe we'll be noticed by the powerful forbidden books."

Hermione, unsurprisingly, poured cold water on the idea: "There is a connection between forbidden books and wizards. Whether you can gain the approval of a powerful forbidden book depends on whether you are compatible with it. If you are not compatible, you will only get a mediocre forbidden book."

Neville, who hadn't participated in the patrol and lacked the authority, stared at them blankly.

He heard nothing.

But why do they look so excited?

"Neville."

Lin Xia's voice suddenly came from beside my ear. She asked with concern, "I saw that you performed very well in class today. Did you do any related exercises during the winter break?"

Neville shook his head: "No, but my grandmother took me to clean up the manor and had me plant some magical plants."

Lin Xia smiled and asked, "Do you really enjoy gardening?"

Neville nodded quickly, his voice cheerful: "I love it!"

Lin Xia said regretfully, "It's a pity you didn't come to Hufflepuff. You must have been interested in our common room."

Neville was also disappointed.

He also felt that Hufflepuff was the school specially prepared for him. (End of Chapter)