The Wind and the Wings of Hogwarts

Grapland continued reading the documents. "The purpose of our society is scholarship, and collaborative research into the mysteries of magic. Most of our members dislike involvement in politics and struggles; we have always preferred wizards who focus solely on magic itself..."

“Stop.” Scott said helplessly, reaching out his hand. “Just give me the parchment and let me read it myself.”

“No problem.” Grapland agreed with unusual ease, even eagerly stuffing the parchment into Scott’s hand.

Scott quickly glanced at the parchment with one hand.

The writing on the parchment was all handwritten, and the content was arranged somewhat haphazardly.

He recognized the handwriting on the paper; it was Grapplein's.

However, he quickly learned what kind of magical society the so-called Scholars' Alliance was from the contents of the paper.

According to Grapland's writings, the so-called League of Scholars was founded in the 15th century, more than 500 years ago. Although not as old as Hogwarts, it still has a long history.

As its name suggests, this organization is a loose alliance formed by a group of scholar-wizards. Its initial purpose was to gather talent and revive ancient magic together.

However, after these years of development, the organization no longer restricts the research directions of its members.

If what's written in the materials is true, this seems to be just an academic exchange organization that doesn't involve any politics or struggles.

But Scott didn't fully believe the contents of the document.

Medea's green-robed men... no, the entire witch council, and they even use the banner of "for a better future."

"So, aren't you tempted?"

Once Glapland saw that Scott had seen enough, he immediately began to persuade him.

"By joining the Scholars' Alliance, you can interact with many outstanding young people like yourself, scattered throughout Europe, each a rare genius. You can also consult with many knowledgeable wizards at any time; they are all renowned experts in their respective fields. In my opinion, our Scholars' Alliance is undoubtedly the most suitable organization for you!"

What's with this tone of voice that sounds like a hairdresser from a past life trying to sell a hair salon membership card?

Scott really wanted to complain.

Grapland's pitch continued: "We will provide tremendous help to every one of our members, whether it's money or knowledge. If you encounter a problem you can't solve yourself, other members will lend a hand. You can even get everything you want here."

“That sounds good,” Scott asked with a smile. “So, what do I need to give in return?”

Despite Grapland's eloquent claims, Scott was utterly unconvinced that joining this so-called alliance of scholars would come without any cost.

"Price?" Grapland said confidently, "You don't need to pay any price."

Scott looked at her with distrust in his eyes.

Grapland said with a touch of fanaticism, "The Scholars' Alliance exists to ensure the continuation of wizarding civilization! Join us, and you can exchange your knowledge for academic credits, and then use those credits to buy anything you want. Of course, all of this is entirely voluntary!"

It turned out to be the case.

Scott's distrust of Grapland's words lessened somewhat.

That's right, it's normal to reap what you sow.

Based on what she just said, I thought I could get everything without doing anything.

Scott became interested in learning more.

He asked, "Knowledge exchange? Can knowledge be quantified? And how do you exchange it for so-called academic credits? Can any kind of knowledge be exchanged?"

“Of course not,” Grapland said. “Only knowledge that you create yourself can earn you credits.”

She gave Scott several examples.

For example, the knowledge Scott learned in school or read in books cannot be exchanged for academic credits.

But what if he invents a new spell—knowledge that can be exchanged for academic credits?

In addition, if he could recreate some ancient magic, translate ancient magical scripts that have never appeared in the world, invent a new magic potion, discover new ancient ruins, or even understand the habits of a strange magical creature... all of these would be eligible for exchange.

In short, any knowledge that the organization has not retained can be exchanged for corresponding academic credits according to its value.

Scott raised an eyebrow.

Is this so-called Alliance of Scholars trying to gather all the knowledge in the magical world?

Such an appetite is a bit too much, isn't it?

“It’s still the same question,” he said. “Can knowledge be quantified, and how can organizations achieve fairness?”

Grapland reached in and pulled out the gold card again.

She dangled the card between two fingers, smiled, and said, "This is the one to solve this problem."

Scott looked puzzled.

Grapland explained, "More than 100 years ago, in order to better preserve the wizarding civilization, the great scholars of the Scholars' Alliance worked together to construct a great magical device using large-scale magical rituals and alchemy. This device is now called the [Knowledge Bank] by its members."

Before Scott could ask another question, she placed the gold card into her left hand, which was holding a pipe, and extended a finger to Scott with her right hand. "First, [Grand Scholar] is the highest title awarded to members of the Scholars' Union. They are all great wizards who have made outstanding contributions to the development of wizarding civilization."

Then, she extended her second finger.

"Secondly, the [Knowledge Bank] is a magical device responsible for storing all knowledge. It also handles the exchange of knowledge for credits and credits for other things. It is simply a magical device without the ability to think, so you don't need to worry about anything unfair happening."

She said she wanted it, and then picked up the gold card with her right hand and waved it.

“If you join the Scholars Alliance, I will activate this identity card for you,” she said. “This magical card can connect to the great [Knowledge Bank] anywhere in the world, where you can exchange credits or use credits to buy the resources you want.”

As she spoke, she reached out her hand again.

"What are you waiting for?" she urged. "Hurry up and seize this hard-won opportunity."

But Scott still didn't accept the card.

Seeing that Scott remained unmoved, Grapland became somewhat discouraged.

"I'm really not suited for this kind of work," she muttered to herself.

Her eyes darted around, and she quickly changed her story.

“Scott, you want to help your friend, don’t you?” She glanced at Milton in the distance. “With the credits, you can help that boy regain his musical talent.”

"Is Kachini also a member of your organization?" Scott asked calmly. "According to you, if she wants to regain her magical talent, she should work hard to earn credits to achieve her goal."

Chapter 272 The Indistinguishable Alliance of Scholars

“Kachini is not a member of the Scholars’ Union, you should know that, she is not qualified,” Grapland said.

No, I don't know, Scott thought.

Does anyone know what the hiring criteria are for these people?

“But one of her relatives is,” Grapland quickly added.

Scott looked at Grapland with a puzzled expression. "Then let her family earn enough credits to fulfill her wish."

“He’s dead.” Glapland shrugged.

"..."

At this moment, Scott really wanted to ask, "What does all this have to do with me?"

“Kachini received some credits left behind by that person, but it wasn’t enough to get what she wanted.” Grapland glanced at Milton as he spoke. “The boy also doesn’t meet the Scholars’ Union’s admission criteria.”

Then, she looked at Scott with a smile.

“If it were you, you should be able to earn some credits,” she said in a seductive tone. “That way, both children’s wishes could be fulfilled.”

Scott also turned to look at Milton.

Milton, standing ten paces away, was watching them nervously, his wand still raised in his hand.

Upon meeting Scott's gaze, he quickly shook his head at Scott.

Scott understood his gaze.

Please do not agree to any of her conditions because of me!

This is what Milton was so eager to express.

“That child is your good friend, isn’t he? He’s very worried about you,” Grapland continued. “Don’t you want your good friend’s wish to come true?”

Scott looked away and turned his gaze back to Grapland.

He suddenly grinned. "Miss Glapland, do you think I'm the kind of guy who likes to give selflessly?"

“But he’s one of your best friends,” Grapland said. “And Kacchini’s ex-boyfriend, that tall guy over there, is also a good friend of yours, right? He did wrong her a bit.”

"What does this have to do with me?" Scott said indifferently.

At times like these, even if he cares about his friends, he won't let Grapland see through his act.

Grapland stared at him for a moment, seemingly trying to ascertain whether he was telling the truth.

Although he did not detect any trace of the other party using mind control, Scott had already activated his mind control technique as a precaution.

Under Scott's calm gaze, Grapland adopted a look of helplessness and resignation.

With a pained expression, she said to Scott, "How about this, if you join the Scholars' Union, I can help Kachini earn some credits so those two kids can regain their own talents!"

"No rush." ​​Scott remained unmoved.

He reached out and handed the parchment back to Grapland.

“I think I need more time to think about it,” he said.

Grapland stared at him for several seconds, then reached out and took the parchment.

She took a deep drag of her special sage cigarette from her pipe, then slowly exhaled the smoke.

“No problem,” she said. “I can give you time to think about it.”

Scott smiled with satisfaction and said to her, "Since Professor Dumbledore knows your identity, he should also know about the so-called Scholars' Union."

“Of course,” Grapland said affirmatively.

Scott deliberately asked her, "So, is Professor Dumbledore a member of the Scholars' League? He must be, after all, he's the greatest wizard of this century, and perhaps he's a wizard who has earned the title of 'Great Scholar'?"

“No.” Grapland’s usually friendly smile became somewhat forced. “Unfortunately, Professor Dumbledore is not one of us.”

Seeing the disappointment on Scott's face, she quickly explained, "Professor Dumbledore is great, but he has been active on the front lines against dark wizards for many years and is not a pure scholar."

Scott then asked, "And what about Professor Flitwick? Professor Barbling? Professor Victor? They are all scholarly wizards who don't get involved in politics. Or can you just tell me, besides Miss Grappleland, which other professors at Hogwarts have joined the Scholars League?"

"Unfortunately, it's just me," Grapland said, somewhat dejected.

Scott said in a doubtful tone, "Don't tell me these professors don't meet the Scholars Union's admission criteria."