HPxLOTM: A Wizard's Path to Divinity

Edward let out a sigh. "Alright then, so what exactly do you need me to do when the time comes?"

"During the battle, you'll just need to stay on standby and observe," Sharron replied. "If that demigod shows up, we'll need you to lure him away."

At that moment, Maric added, "As payment—besides the materials you requested—once Teacher is free from Suah's attention, she'll also lend her aid to you again."

"Deal."

Edward had already witnessed the strength of another Rose School of Thought's demigod, Shanks, back when he was still at Sequence 7. Even then, Shanks had only used five abilities, and under a stroke of luck, Edward had barely escaped.

But now he could devour ten abilities and store more than twenty. If it was just a matter of stalling and fleeing, it shouldn't be too difficult.

"Hmm…the only concern is if he suddenly pulls out some powerful Sealed Artifact and one-shots me."

With that thought, he asked, "Do you guys know what kind of Sealed Artifact that demigod carries?"

Sharron replied, "It seems to be a glove…capable of stealing someone else's abilities or items."

A Marauder Pathway Sealed Artifact?

That's a pain to deal with.

Maybe I should reach out to a few high-level friends and record some life-saving abilities just in case?

Last time, Bernadette's 'Emperor's New Robes' was really handy.

Also…could Klein's Paper Figurine Substitute ability work too?

Probably not.

Abilities recorded by the Scribe were ultimately weaker than innate ones, and they required casting time. Passive abilities like Paper Figurine Substitute only worked if triggered instantly—recording them might not be effective.

(This is inferred based on how the Scribe's powers worked in the original novel.)

"When are you making your move?"

"We're not certain yet," Sharron said. "But on the morning of the operation, we'll inform you of the time."

"Alright."

At this point, the room fell silent. Especially Maric—his body language practically screamed please leave now.

Edward was speechless. Am I that scary to be around?

He reached into his pouch and pulled out a small tin box. "Mr. Maric, are you interested in this?"

As soon as he opened the lid, Maric's expression changed. "An Beyonder characteristic of a Wraith?"

"Correct. This came from Admiral of Blood, Senor, after his death. You know of him, right?"

Maric stared at Edward in stunned silence. "You…you're that moody and unpredictable Gehrman Sparrow?!"

Edward didn't confirm, but didn't deny it either. "So? Interested, Mr. Maric?"

Maric stared at the extraordinary characteristic for a long time before slowly shaking his head. "I…can't afford it."

Sharron, on the other hand, spoke softly, "Please hold on to it for now. I'll find a way."

"Sure."

Edward put the box away under Maric's longing gaze. "Sequence 5 characteristics have volatile prices. They can range anywhere from 5,000 Pounds to 10,000 Pounds. Since we're friends, I'll ask for just 6,000 Pounds. That's fair, right?"

Both Sharron and Maric nodded.

By Sequence 5, mystical materials were often not something you could buy even if you had the money—so markup was common.

"Well then, here's another item. Miss Sharron, you might want to take a look—see if it's useful to you."

Edward stood up, reached into his palm-sized pouch, and pulled out a coffin.

Yes, a real miniature coffin—the mummy brought back by those five old idiots from who-knows-where.

To advance from Sequence 5 Wraith to Sequence 4 Puppet, one needed a mummy. Whether it was a ritual component or material, it was definitely essential.

In the original novel, Sharron and Klein had to join forces under the protection of several powerful figures to steal a rare mummy. After that, Sharron advanced to demigod realm.

But that mummy had belonged to a high-ranking Beyonder in life. Edward wasn't sure if the one he brought back from the Harry Potter world would work.

However, as Sharron's expression shifted visibly, Edward realised: It's useful!

Thank goodness.

Those five elders had really gone through hell to get that thing, and at least now it had proven its worth. Next time he went back, he definitely had to thank them properly.

Sharron gently caressed the coffin with her pale fingers and murmured, "The one inside…was a powerful figure during their lifetime. It should be enough to support my advancement to demigod."

Powerful in life?

Just how strong could someone from the Harry Potter world be?

He couldn't help but think of Ariana and that 'Death' again.

But he quickly shook off those thoughts and smiled. "So, what do you think this thing is worth?"

"…"

Sharron remained silent for several seconds before replying, "Its value…cannot be measured in pounds. I…need to consult Teacher."

"No problem." Edward was in a great mood. Heh, Miss Exeggutor, weren't you the one who wanted to stay far away from me? Now look at us—we're only going to get more and more entangled!

"How about I give it to you in advance? If you manage to ascend to demigod, then this upcoming crisis should be a breeze to handle, right?"

"My Wraith potion…hasn't fully digested yet."

"Ah, well…what a pity."

Edward placed the coffin back into his pouch. "Alright then, I'll head back and wait for your message. All of them."

He waved casually as he left the poker room. "See you."

———

[Backlund, Psychiatric Hospital]

By the time Audrey finished "visiting" the mental patients, night had already fallen.

Today's experience had shown her, for the first time, what truly mentally ill people were like—not the adolescent psychological issues of Hogwarts students, nor the madness brought on by Dementors in Azkaban.

These people's values—their entire view of the world—were utterly different from ordinary folks. Several times during deep psychotherapy sessions, Audrey had nearly been drawn into their delusions.

Because from their perspective, they were the healthy ones. The people coming in from outside were the ones who were insane.

Some of the things they said shook Audrey to her core. It made too much sense.

How could such insight come from someone labelled mentally ill?

When one patient was asked how he viewed the outside world, he responded, "When people get sick, they take medicine. So why, when the world is sick, does it devour people instead?"

Another was asked about his thoughts on death.

"I'm not afraid of dying," he said, "because I have loved ones waiting for me in both worlds."

And just as Audrey was preparing to leave, one patient shook his head at her with regret and muttered, "Ah… another one's going in."

It wasn't until much later that she realised what he meant: the outside was the real asylum.

And so, the entire afternoon left Audrey in a state of depression.

Lilith, however, had been thoroughly delighted. After all, this was the first place where she could talk to as many people as she wanted—no one would believe a patient who told the doctors that a cat was speaking to them.

Even Susie occasionally engaged the patients in conversation, using her [Mind Reading] to read their superficial thoughts and attempting therapeutic intervention. She hadn't gathered enough materials yet to advance beyond Sequence 8 as a Telepathist, but this was good practice for her acting process.

Back in the carriage on the ride home, Audrey rested her chin on her hand and gazed through the window at the passing pedestrians. The maid Annie, who had accompanied her for most of the day, was already dozing off.

Sigh…I never want to visit a mental hospital again.

As her emotions slowly stabilised, Audrey let out a faint sigh.

Susie glanced at the sleeping Annie and said quietly, "Audrey, the truth is, you're just too kind. That's why you end up absorbing others' emotions and getting affected. As a Beyonder of the Spectator Pathway, our job is to observe from a distance. We are spectators, not actors."

Audrey looked over and said, "I understand."

"But you…"

"But I quickly realised," Audrey interrupted gently, "that the more I stayed in the position of a spectator, the more rational I became—so much so that I began losing my ability to empathise." Her voice grew serious. "I don't want to become like that."

Susie was stunned into silence.

Audrey went on, "When I became aware of that, I felt lost. Should I act as a pure observer to advance to higher Sequences? Or should I delay promotion to preserve my emotional sensitivity?"

"Then Edward told me something that opened my eyes."

A soft smile touched her lips. "You stand on the bridge watching the scenery, while the people upstairs watch you. When you're observing others as a spectator, you are also an actor in the eyes of other 'spectators.' So really, the line between 'spectator' and 'actor' shouldn't be so clearly drawn."

Susie mulled over her words. "Hmm…that's certainly one way to look at it."

Crunch, crunch.

At that moment, the crisp sound of chewing rang out—Lilith was happily gnawing on one of her prized dried mice.

Noticing Audrey and Susie both staring at her, she looked up in confusion and mumbled, "Why are you both staring at Miss Lilith? I don't get a word of what you're talking about."

Girl and dog exchanged a smile. Oh, how enviable Lilith was.

Neighhh—!

Just then, a terrified whinny tore through the quiet night.

The carriage jerked violently to a halt. Inside, the passengers—human, cat, and dog—were flung forward from the momentum. Susie instantly leapt in front of Audrey, cushioning her fall with her soft body. Annie woke from her nap in a panic.

"What's going on?!"

Bang!

A heavy thud landed on the carriage roof, shaking the entire compartment. The next moment, inertia yanked them backward—the horse had suddenly bolted into a crazed gallop.

"Peter! What happened?!"

As the carriage wobbled and struggled to stabilise, Annie clawed her way to the front, calling out to the coachman as she pulled back the curtain and slid open the glass window.

A moment later, a blood-curdling scream echoed through the air.

"AHHHHHHHHH!!!!"

Scarlet blood gushed in like a fountain, spraying Annie's face. Her eyes rolled back, and she collapsed in a dead faint.

Their driver, the coachman who had been seated up front just minutes ago, was now headless. Blood sprayed violently from his severed neck.

The horrifying sight made Audrey's heart stop for several seconds—but she gritted her teeth and forced herself to act. She drew her Dragonbone Wand, casting Disillusionment Charm on everyone in the carriage.

At the same time, she cursed herself inwardly.

Audrey, oh Audrey! You got so used to having Edward around that you never bothered to learn Apparition properly. Regret it now, don't you?!

Screeech—

A grating sound sliced through the air as claws tore jagged openings across the carriage roof.

Bang!

In the very next instant, the entire ceiling was ripped off. A massive, black dog was now standing atop the carriage. Its maw dripped with blood as it chewed on…something.

Its body began mutating rapidly—bat wings sprouted from its back, and curved ram horns with mysterious patterns unfurled beside its ears.

A dog?

A devil?

Was this the Devil Dog Edward had once mentioned?!

The creature's crimson eyes scanned the now-empty carriage, visibly confused. Sniffing the air, it confirmed that humans were still inside. Without hesitation, it raised its razor-sharp claws—and slashed downward with brutal force.

———

[Note]: Don't forget to VOTE. It keeps me motivated.