Marvel: Trading with Worlds

Hermione's eyes widened in surprise. "Professor Snape's textbook notes? Doesn't he want them anymore?"

Kain shook his head. "He left them when he was young. Back then, Snape's talent in potions was unmatched. While others were still learning the basics, he was already innovating and conducting his own research."

He sighed, reflecting on their comparative talents. "Even with all the resources I've provided you—an unlimited supply of ingredients—you're not quite at Snape's level yet. But you've done incredibly well to master every known potion so proficiently. As for creating entirely new potions, that will likely take more time. I imagine you'll start making significant breakthroughs in innovative research when you're around 20."

Noticing Hermione's expression, Kain could guess what she was thinking. 

He said, "Don't underestimate Professor Snape. If he hadn't wasted so much time joining the Death Eaters in his youth, and instead devoted himself entirely to potion research, there would be almost no one in the entire wizarding world who could surpass him."

Hermione's eyes widened in surprise. "Snape is that good at potions?"

"It's not an exaggeration at all," Kain replied. "If he weren't so difficult to communicate with, I would've asked him to teach you directly."

Hermione quickly shook her head. "Forget it. Even if he's brilliant, learning from him might end up being counterproductive. As for that Advanced Potion-Making textbook, I'll take a look at it when I get back."

While the two continued chatting, the second task of the Triwizard Tournament was nearing its conclusion. 

Unlike Kain's earlier memories, Fleur wasn't eliminated. Although she was slightly late, she managed to rescue Gabrielle from the lake just in time.

Dumbledore soon announced the results of the task: Cedric took first place, Harry second, Viktor third, and Fleur fourth.

As the results were announced, the spectators around the lake began to disperse. Despite not seeing what transpired underwater, their imaginations and post-task discussions were enough to entertain them.

Seeing that everyone had been rescued safely, Hermione suddenly turned to Kain and asked, "Godfather, if I were the one in the lake, what method would you use to save me?"

"Waterproof and moisture-proof charms," Kain replied casually. "I'm not a fan of getting my clothes wet."

Hermione gave him a skeptical look. "Godfather, this is a lake. Waterproof and moisture-proof charms are just family-level spells."

Kain smiled knowingly. "Hermione, any spell—if infused with enough magic power—can be elevated to a much higher level, even if it's a simple household spell."

To demonstrate, Kain pointed at the lake. Suddenly, the calm surface of the water was forced apart by an invisible power, revealing the lakebed for over ten meters. Plants and magical creatures that hadn't managed to escape were now visible.

"You see, the story of Moses parting the sea spread to Muggles because of a wizard. With enough magical power, even dividing a lake like this is possible," Kain said, his voice steady.

Hermione's eyes lit up in astonishment. "…I understand, Godfather," she replied, her tone filled with awe.

As Kain withdrew his magic, the lake returned to its normal state. A few students still lingering nearby were equally stunned by the display. 

Before they could call their friends to witness it, Kain and Hermione had already made their way back to the castle.

At this stage, Kain's strength lay primarily in his immense magical power. However, once he successfully constructed the magical vortex, his magic would undergo a transformation, becoming even stronger. 

The title of Archmage wasn't something Kain invented for himself—it was a claim he could back with countless calculations.

To construct the vortex, Kain chose the inner space of his pet pocket, which was large, safe, and isolated enough to ensure no disturbances. 

He also drank a small dose of Felix Felicis for good measure.

Despite spending additional time searching for alternative methods, Kain ultimately concluded that his initial design for the vortex was the best option. He abandoned further research and focused on execution.

"Construct the runes, transfer them into the body, and stabilize them," Kain murmured, recalling the sequence. He had meticulously prepared for this and was confident there would be no mistakes.

With steady hands, Kain began inscribing ancient runes. Each one formed precisely under his control before being guided into his body. 

The first hundred runes were designed to mobilize the magical power across his entire body, creating the foundation for the vortex. Slowly, the runes began to align, forming the structure of the Maelstrom.

The next step was the most critical: maintaining both stability and adaptability. Keeping the magic vortex balanced would allow Kain to access his magic effortlessly, making spellcasting far more intuitive.

Of the thousands of runes left to construct, many were only partially understood by Kain—he knew their basic function but lacked a complete inheritance of their meanings. 

This gap left him slightly regretful; with a full understanding, the magic vortex could have been even more perfect.

Time passed slowly. As each rune was carefully sent into Kain's body, his magical power began to shift. Gradually, it coalesced and started to form a vortex. 

With every additional rune, the vortex grew faster yet remained increasingly stable. Remarkably, Kain's magic showed no signs of spilling over or destabilizing.

When the final ancient rune was integrated into the vortex, the immense magical whirlwind within him stabilized completely. Though it continued to spin, its structure had become fundamentally different.

"Success."

A smile appeared on Kain's face. The process had gone more smoothly than he had anticipated. Perhaps the Felix Felicis he'd consumed earlier had contributed, keeping his mind clear and focused throughout.

Leaving the inner space of his pet pocket, Kain instinctively cast a detection spell. With the enhancement provided by the magic vortex, the spell was exponentially more powerful than before, allowing him to sense the entirety of Hogwarts Castle.

He even uncovered hidden details, including secret passages and the Room of Requirement on the eighth floor. 

…

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