Harry Potter: The Legend of Nero Ravenclaw-Chapter 106: An Eagle’s Mind and Japan Wizard Society

Nero, Zen, and Mu were seated comfortably in the living room, enjoying their tea in silence.

Over the past month and a half, sipping tea had become one of Nero's favorite moments of the day.

Calm, reflective, and filled with a certain quiet sophistication that he found oddly satisfying.

Mu set his teacup down gently, his gaze settling on Nero with an unreadable expression.

"Nero, let's put your theoretical knowledge to the test," he said smoothly.

"I have three questions for you."

Nero smirked. "Only three?"

"The fourth one has to be deserved." replied Mu.

Nero placed his teacup down, his expression showing interest rather than apprehension.

"Go ahead."

Mu nodded in approval before posing the first question.

"In Onmyōdō, what is the role of the Five Elements, and how does it differ from the Western concept of elemental magic?"

Without missing a beat, Nero responded.

"The Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water represent a dynamic cycle of interaction and transformation.

In Onmyōdō, they aren't fixed categories to be mastered individually, but interwoven forces to be balanced.

In contrast, Western magic treats elemental spells as discrete, standalone tools.

You learn a fire spell, a water charm, an earth shield... each one isolated, predefined.

But here, it's not about the element itself, but how it relates to the others, how it flows.

Wood feeds Fire, Fire creates Earth, Earth bears Metal, Metal enriches Water, and Water nourishes Wood.

Onmyōdō uses this cycle to enhance, disrupt, or harmonize magic.

Western magic casts with structure. Eastern magic casts through understanding.

"Correct." Mu gave a rare approving smile.

"Now, regarding Shikigami Arts, how does the bond between a practitioner and their Shikigami differ from a wizard and their summoned creature?"

"Shikigami aren't just summoned beings, they are extensions of the practitioner's will.

Unlike magical beasts or spirits that wizards might tame or bind, a Shikigami is created through spiritual craftsmanship and often carries a fragment of the caster's own magic.

The bond is deeply personal and rooted in intent.

The stronger the connection, the more independent and capable the Shikigami becomes.

A poorly forged bond, however, results in a fragile or rebellious construct, prone to failure in crucial moments."

Zen whistled. "Damn, Mu. He's even phrasing things like you now."

Mu ignored the comment and asked his third question.

"Fūinjutsu: if you wanted to create a seal to contain spiritual energy without it dispersing over time, what reinforcement method would you use?"

Nero leaned forward.

"A layered inscription approach, combining cyclical containment patterns with a stabilizing core.

The core serves as an anchor, absorbing excess energy and redistributing it through the seal's network.

If constructed properly, the seal self-regulates against external fluctuations, preventing premature breakdown."

Mu placed his teacup down. "Flawless answers."

Zen whistled. "Have people ever told you that you're a bookworm monster?"

Nero smirked. "Don't you know? Ravenclaws are famous for their motto: 'Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure.'"

Mu gave a quiet nod.

"A saying with weight, assuming the wit is applied wisely."

"Do I deserve a fourth question?"

"If you wish. Let's make it a bit more complex then."

Mu took a sip of his tea before speaking.

His calm, measured voice carried a hint of challenge.

"Elemental Convergence is more than simply combining two elements," Mu said.

"It's about merging them into a unified, stable force. Tell me, Nero, if you were to fuse water and fire, how would you prevent their opposing natures from canceling each other out?

And further, how would you stabilize a high-temperature steam spell to ensure it doesn't disperse before reaching its target?"

Nero smiled slightly, already piecing together the answer.

"The key lies in balance and structural reinforcement.

Fire and water oppose each other naturally, but Convergence isn't about forcing harmony, it's about creating conditions where their traits complement each other.

To prevent cancellation, I'd use a third element as a mediator.

Depending on the spell's intent, I'd choose either Wind or Earth as the stabilizing force."

He paused, then continued.

"If my goal were an offensive steam spell, I'd use Wind to compress and channel the vapor, maintaining pressure and direction.

By forming a sealed high-pressure zone, the steam would remain concentrated, usable as a cutting force or an explosive burst."

"Alternatively, if I wanted a stable, continuous stream of boiling water rather than just steam, I'd introduce Earth, perhaps by infusing it into the flow, thickening the water and allowing it to retain heat, much like a hot spring drawn from deep underground."

He lifted his cup of tea, swirling the liquid inside.

"Nature already shows us the balance: volcanic springs, geysers, even steam rising from a kettle.

Convergence draws from that rhythm. Force the elements together without understanding, and the result collapses or cancels itself out."

Mu's expression remained neutral, but there was the slightest glimmer of approval in his eyes. Zen, on the other hand, whistled.

"Bookworm and a natural-born spellcrafter. What's next? You gonna write a book with Mu too?" asked Zen

"With that, I can confirm that within this month and a half, you have digested most of the theoretical knowledge we teach at Mahoutokoro for your chosen subjects. Very impressive."

"I love books, and they love me back," replied Nero with a knowing smile. freēwēbnovel.com

"We'll see how you fare putting this knowledge into practice, though," Zen added.

"After all, tomorrow is the day you officially start your third year."

"Indeed," Nero agreed. "This summer break passed in the blink of an eye. Even though I didn't make any progress regarding the Void Principle, each new piece of knowledge brings me closer to finding something."

Mu and Zen exchanged approving smiles. "That's the spirit, kid," said Zen.

Just as the conversation seemed to settle, Zen suddenly sat up straight, eyes widening.

"AH! Wait a damn minute!" he exclaimed.

Mu raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

"You didn't ask him a single question about Martial Spellcraft!" Zen accused.

Mu looked momentarily embarrassed before recovering his usual calm demeanor. "I... simply forgot."

Zen burst into laughter. "You're still hung up on that book we wrote, aren't you? Come on Mu, it's just a bit unconventional, that's all!"

Mu cleared his throat. "The specifics are unimportant.

Let's continue. Nero, in the context of Martial Spellcraft, what is the key to seamlessly integrating wandless magic into close-quarters combat?"

Nero's answer came without hesitation.

"Three things: Flow, Intent, and Instinct.

Flow ensures that movements and magic are not separate actions, but one continuous sequence, minimizing openings and maximizing momentum.

Intent defines the purpose behind each spell, whether it's to strike, defend, or enhance mobility, so that magic aligns naturally with the body's motion.

And Instinct is forged through experience, the point where conscious thought falls away, and spellcasting becomes second nature."

Mu exhaled softly. "That is an ideal answer."

Zen grinned. "I take back what I said. You're not a bookworm monster, you're a bookworm demon!"

Before Nero could respond, a shikigami fluttered in through the open window and landed neatly in Mu's outstretched hand.

He glanced at the message inscribed on its surface. "They will be here in five minutes."

"This is how we exchange letters or messages in Japan," Zen explained, noticing Nero's inquisitive look.

"I don't know why you guys keep on sending owls to each other in the UK.

Just leave the birds alone.

And we can even tell if something happened to the shikigami on the way, since they are magically linked to us."

Nero coughed awkwardly. "I suppose tradition plays a big part in it."

Mu suddenly turned to Nero. "Speaking of traditions, I believe the UK has a rather unique method of transportation using chimneys and powder?"

"Yes," Nero nodded. "We use the Floo Network. It's a magical powder that allows wizards to travel from one chimney to another.

As long as the fireplace is connected to the network, you can step in and appear somewhere else."

Mu nodded thoughtfully. "An interesting method. Useful, at least, if the person you want to visit has a chimney."

Zen grinned. "But we have something far better here. Come, it's about time we show you how our transportation system works."

They stepped out into the garden, walking along the stone pathway until they reached a red Japanese traditional gate.

"A Torii," Nero murmured, recognizing the sacred structure.

"Indeed," Mu confirmed. "There is a connected system of Torii all over Japan.

We use them to travel from one place to another.

Most wizarding families have a Torii in their home, even small ones.

If it's visible to the outside world, enchantments hide it from Muggle eyes."

As Mu finished speaking, the Torii began to shimmer, the air around it distorting like ripples on the surface of a pond.

A subtle hum resonated through the air as brilliant golden inscriptions glowed along the wooden pillars, forming intricate kanji patterns.

The energy coalesced at the center of the gate before flaring outward in a silent pulse.

Two figures emerged from the gate, stepping gracefully onto the stone path.

The first was a tall girl with long black hair, her demeanor reserved yet serene.

She carried herself with a quiet elegance, her sharp eyes taking in the surroundings with measured composure.

The second was a red-haired girl, a stark contrast to the first.

She exuded confidence, her fiery locks framing a mischievous, outspoken expression.

Nero's gaze flickered between the two, his instincts immediately noticing something.

"...They have an air of similarity with you two."

Mu and Zen remained silent, merely watching his reaction.

Nero narrowed his eyes slightly, then turned to them.

"Are they your daughters?"

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