In the woods behind it.
Snowflakes drifted down.
Sharl had been standing there quietly for a long time.
His clothes were piled with snow.
But he just stood there silently, eyes closed, as if listening to some beautiful celestial music.
Until a certain moment.
The wonderful feeling in his bloodline receded.
Sharl opened his eyes with a sense of loss.
With a gentle shake, the snow fell off.
The whole world seemed to be renewed.
On the system panel.
The Magic Perception Enhancement, which had been stuck at silver level for a long time.
Now it had completely turned golden.
Intense and dazzling!
Sharl took a deep breath, his heartbeat slowly accelerating.
"Lumos!"
The extremely familiar Lumos Charm emanated from the tip of his wand.
Then, in an instant.
Incredibly clear "breathing" and "heartbeat" entered Sharl's mind from the Lumos Charm.
The countless particles that made up the Lumos Charm clearly appeared in Sharl's mind.
This feeling was much more obvious than when the Lumos Charm was promoted to platinum level previously.
A sudden realization dawned on Sharl.
"Previously, my Magic Perception must have held back my Lumos Charm mastery."
"Now that Magic Perception has caught up, the platinum-level Lumos Charm mastery can be utilized more fully."
Then.
He tried again to implement his previous idea.
To make the particles in the Lumos Charm achieve frequency synchronization as much as possible.
Previously, he could only maintain synchronization for a fleeting moment with a very small portion of particles.
But now.
The former limit was instantly broken.
Two or three times more particles than before easily achieved frequency synchronization under Sharl's control.
The Lumos Charm in his hand suddenly emitted an extremely high brightness.
A beam of light, which had solidified somewhat, emanated from the tip of his wand.
Reflected by the snow, it illuminated the entire forest in front of him for an instant.
Sharl's eyes lit up.
Although this was still far from his envisioned effect of all particles having the same frequency, forming something similar to a laser.
But compared to before, it was a huge improvement.
"Is this what a golden-level Magic Perception Enhancement is?"
"Crossing this threshold really makes a big difference."
A hint of anticipation appeared in Sharl's mind.
"I have been practicing the Holy Tree Potion for a whole week."
"There are dozens of failed Potions."
"But I'm still a little short of success."
"It's that instant when all the ingredients' magic are finally harmonized; it's difficult to make the magic achieve a harmonious and perfectly blended state."
"Ultimately, it's because my Magic Perception is still a little lacking."
"Even with the assistance of platinum-level night vision, I can't fully grasp the magical conditions in the cauldron."
"But now—"
Sharl took a deep breath.
He started walking.
He walked quickly towards the Potion classroom.
"It should work."
However, on the way from Hagrid's Hut back to the Castle,
An undisguised fervent gaze was cast down from the Castle tower.
Making Sharl's heart skip a beat.
He looked up.
His gaze pierced through the vast snowstorm.
He saw Quirrell standing by the window of the corridor.
That fervent, urgent gaze was cast by Quirrell.
Sharl's heart sank slightly.
He had no doubt.
If it weren't daytime now.
Quirrell might have directly attacked him.
The next moment.
Quirrell retracted his gaze.
His figure disappeared from Sharl's sight.
But Sharl knew.
This guy was just waiting for an opportunity.
Most likely after dark.
Sharl suddenly clenched his fist.
Of course, he could always hide in the dormitory and not come out at night.
Or rely on the protection of Snape, Professor Sprout, and others.
In that case, Quirrell would probably find it very difficult to do anything to him.
But this also meant.
It would be difficult for Sharl to fully utilize the nighttime to improve himself, as he used to.
Even the time for planting trees would decrease.
Thinking of this.
A cold glint immediately burst forth in his eyes.
He could tolerate anything.
But interrupting his tree planting was intolerable!
A cold expression appeared on his face.
Sharl first returned to the common room.
He kept his bat with him.
In a sense, this body combined with the bat was Sharl's most destructive method at the moment.
A sudden strike.
The Two-Faced Man might even fall!
Immediately after.
Sharl then walked towards an empty Potion classroom.
After taking a deep breath.
Sharl didn't rush to prepare the Holy Tree Potion first.
Instead, he slowly washed the cauldron.
He lit the fire, scorching every last drop of water remaining in the cauldron until it evaporated.
At the same time, Sharl meticulously cleaned every tool he would use next.
This was Snape's teaching.
"Never underestimate the impact of even a tiny bit of residual magic on cauldrons and tools on a Potion."
"The more complex the Potion, the greater the destructive power of even a speck of impurity."
"Believe me, you would never want to see precious ingredients wasted due to such a foolish mistake."
"Furthermore, the process of cleaning your tools is also the process of cleaning your mind."
At this moment, Sharl.
Put down all the urgency and anxiety in his heart.
His mind was as calm as still water, undisturbed.
As if Quirrell's threat didn't exist at all.
When all the preparatory steps were completed in an orderly manner.
Sharl finally began the preparation of the Holy Tree Potion.
One by one, materials containing magic of various properties were skillfully placed into the cauldron by Sharl.
Complex magical reactions took place within it.
Over the past week, Sharl had to concentrate fully during this process.
Even the slightest distraction could immediately lead to the Potion's failure.
But this time, Sharl handled the entire process with ease.
Even at the final magical harmonization point, where he had failed for a whole week.
Sharl did not feel that the magical reactions within it were beyond his control.
With the final stir.
A pot of silver-white Potion, emanating a rich, sacred magical aura, appeared in the cauldron.
Sharl's eyes also showed uncontrollable joy.
Although it was far from as perfect as Snape's demonstration.
This was indeed a successful Holy Tree Potion.
With it.
The Guardian Tree's growth could reach its optimal state.
It could provide resistance against Dark Arts to those who touched the Guardian Tree.
This was another reliance for Sharl to deal with Quirrell.
Quirrell had been weakened by the Holy Tree Potion for a week straight.
Even though those were all failed products.
But Sharl's brewing skill was getting higher and higher.
The sacred magic contained in the Potion was also getting stronger and stronger.
With such accumulation, Quirrell should be in his weakest state currently.
Facing the Guardian Tree after being irrigated with the Holy Tree Potion.
Even if it was just a newly planted seedling.
Quirrell probably wouldn't feel good.
What's more...
Sharl looked at the pot of Holy Tree Potion in front of him.
"It should be enough for the initial irrigation of five Guardian Tree seeds."
He lightly caressed his chest.
There were still four sets of Guardian Tree materials that Professor Sprout had previously given him to replenish.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
Sharl didn't stop.
He quickly walked towards the Greenhouse.
He arrived at the spot where he had previously planted the Guardian Tree seed.
Ten days had passed.
Logically speaking, there should have been signs of germination.
But this Guardian Tree seed still showed no movement.
Even the reward light sphere floating above it was no different from when it was first planted.
Clearly, due to the lack of Holy Tree Potion irrigation.
The growth state of this seed was not optimistic.
And at this moment, Sharl took out the newly prepared Holy Tree Potion.
It was also at this moment.
Sharl felt that the Guardian Tree seed was like a hungry infant.
It conveyed a strong desire.
Sharl was also very careful.
He tilted the Potion bottle.
A drop of silver-white Holy Tree Potion immediately fell onto the soil.
And seeped downwards.
Suddenly.
The sacred magic in the Holy Tree Potion was completely absorbed by the Guardian Tree seed, like a long rainbow drawing water.
The magical aura emanating from the Guardian Tree seed suddenly became more vibrant, sweeping away its previous half-dead feeling.
The reward light sphere above it also grew slightly at a visible speed.
Sharl no longer hesitated.
He then continuously dripped more than ten drops of Holy Tree Potion.
Only then did this long-"hungry" Guardian Tree seed finally get satisfied.
Then.
A tender green sprout emerged from the soil.
Seeing this scene.
Sharl's expression lit up with joy.
The Guardian Tree had sprouted!
This meant that it had left its most unstable seed stage.
It would no longer die on Sharl like it used to.
And at this stage.
Although not as good as when it was mature, it could already start providing some blessings.
Especially for Sharl, the planter.
Because the Guardian Tree itself contained magic left by Sharl.
Therefore, its blessing effect would be much better than for others.
Sharl tried to gently touch the tender sprout.
Immediately.
A sacred and warm magic surged from it.
Sharl suddenly felt as if he had an invisible barrier on his body.
It seemed to be able to help him resist some low-intensity Dark Arts power.
This made Sharl's eyes gleam with a strange light.
And he felt a few points more at ease in his heart.
Then.
He took out the other four sets of Guardian Tree materials in his hand.
He looked at the experimental plot in front of him, where he originally planted Luminous Mushrooms.
Sharl gritted his teeth.
The Lumos has already reached platinum level; to improve it further, it would probably require harvesting the Luminous Mushrooms in this experimental field at least several times.
What's more, the current Lumos is pretty much sufficient.
It won't bring me much help in the short term.
As for the Guardian Tree, this is something that can continuously enhance my proficiency in Defense Against the Dark Arts and my resistance to Dark Arts.
The earlier it is planted, the greater the benefit.
After weighing the pros and cons, Sharl still decided to temporarily give up on Luminous Mushroom cultivation.
This experimental field will now be entirely used for Guardian Tree planting.
However, the planting density of Guardian Trees cannot be as high as that of Luminous Mushrooms.
This experimental field can probably only accommodate a maximum of fifteen Guardian Trees.
Sharl shook his head.
"The experimental field isn't enough."
"Fortunately, as my aunt said, after Christmas, I should be able to get a few new experimental fields."
"By then, the scale of Guardian Tree planting will be able to increase further."
A strange glint appeared in his eyes.
"And if Quirrell can't find a breakthrough with me for too long..."
"I'm afraid he'll still use the dragon egg after Christmas, just like in the original story, to trick Hagrid into revealing the method to get past Cerberus."
"Given my relationship with Hagrid, borrowing a bit of dragon blood from the young dragon shouldn't be a problem."
"Then the blood emerald can also begin to be mass-planted."
"I will then have Piranha Algae, Guardian Tree, and blood emerald—three silver-level reward plants!"
A wave of anticipation rose in his heart.
But soon, Sharl still focused his attention on the Guardian Tree.
While there was still time.
He had to quickly plant all four Guardian Tree seeds.
Sharl calmed his mind.
He waved his wand.
He continued to process the seeds.
By now.
Compared to two months ago, Sharl was extremely proficient in handling Guardian Tree seeds.
The first one.
The second one.
By the time the sky had gradually darkened.
Sharl let out a long breath.
His expression was joyful.
This time, his luck was very good.
He had originally thought that one or two seeds might have issues.
But all four seeds were successfully planted.
And with the watering of the Holy Tree Potion.
Four tender sprouts also emerged from the soil one after another.
Sharl could immediately feel it.
The layer of protection on him was becoming increasingly dense.
His Charms also seemed to have undergone some slight changes due to the sacred magic blessing brought by the Guardian Tree saplings.
It seemed to have some restraining effect on Dark Arts.
Sharl even looked at the bat in his hand.
He felt as if it was covered in a layer of silver light.
Sharl showed a satisfied expression.
Then.
A cold glint flashed in his eyes.
With his personality, he didn't want to take too many risks.
It was best to develop steadily and plant trees.
He would never get involved in any danger unless he had absolute certainty.
But if someone wanted to disturb his gardening...
No matter who it was, they would pay a heavy price!
It was fine if Quirrell didn't come.
But if he really made things difficult for him and prevented him from working overtime to plant vegetables...
Tonight, Sharl would let him know what the hell legendary power was!
As night deepened.
In the Castle, a figure wearing a large scarf quietly walked out.
He headed straight for the Greenhouse.
Quirrell's heart was filled with urgency.
The Christmas holiday was fast approaching.
Many Professors and students would be on holiday, which was a good opportunity for him to seize the Philosopher's Stone.
Therefore, he had to control Sharl before then.
In a flash.
Quirrell had already arrived outside the Greenhouse.
Looking at the lights still on inside.
Quirrell breathed a sigh of relief.
"Fortunately, Sharl is very diligent; he doesn't return to the dormitory every night."
"Otherwise, it would be really difficult for me to find such an opportunity."
Recalling the previous two times Sharl had ungraciously refused him.
Quirrell gritted his teeth.
This time, he didn't intend to use weak words anymore.
One Imperio would be enough to make this boy completely subservient to him and use his life to hold back Cerberus.
Quirrell lightly tapped his wand.
The door of the Greenhouse immediately let out a creak and slowly opened.
Quirrell walked into the Greenhouse with his wand.
But the next second.
What he didn't expect was...
With a click.
All the lights in the entire Greenhouse seemed to be swallowed by a vortex.
Only pitch blackness remained.
Quirrell froze for a moment.
He hadn't even reacted to what had happened.
Meanwhile, Sharl, who was in his element in the dark environment, had a transparent water tank on his head, gaining the water enhancement effect.
He had already maximized his status.
"Lumos!"
As the all-too-familiar spell sounded.
A bright beam of light, far exceeding Quirrell's imagination and containing sacred magic, shone on Quirrell's body.
From complete darkness to being hit by a strong light.
Quirrell's eyes were as if blind; he couldn't see anything, only dazzling white light everywhere.
The sacred magic within it made Quirrell feel exceptionally painful.
Quirrell subconsciously cast a Shield Charm.
"Protego!"
"Protego!"
An invisible barrier immediately appeared in front of him.
Just as Quirrell felt slightly relieved.
An unimaginable immense force.
Landed heavily on his Shield Charm.
Once.
Twice.
Thrice.
Three consecutive heavy blows with a Giant-like force.
Quirrell's Shield Charm actually shattered!
Immediately after.
A bat, its force undiminished, landed on Quirrell's body.
In an instant.
Quirrell heard a cracking sound from his body.
His ribs were probably broken by more than a dozen.
He himself flew backward like a kite with a broken string.
And just then.
The lights in the Greenhouse returned to normal.
Quirrell, whose vision was blurred by pain, lay on the ground, but he saw Sharl's surprised expression as he held the bat.
"Professor Quirrell?"
"How could it be you?!"
"I thought it was a thief trying to steal vegetables!"
"Recently, people often come to steal vegetables, so I was being careful. I didn't expect it to be you, Professor."
"Professor, are you alright!"
In a flurry.
Sharl fumbled for a Potion and walked towards Quirrell.
"Professor, I have a healing Potion here."
"Bear with it; I'll apply it for you right away!"
Quirrell gasped for breath.
His eyes were filled with gloom and humiliation.
Unlucky!
He was simply too unlucky!
But looking at Sharl hurrying towards him.
Quirrell gritted his teeth and slowly raised his wand.
He could take the opportunity to control Sharl while he was applying the Potion.
But the next second.
Sharl seemed to have walked too fast.
He tripped over his own feet and suddenly fell, the bat in his hand spinning as it flew towards Quirrell.
Crack!
Quirrell felt that the arm holding his wand was already fractured.
The sharp pain made him involuntarily scream.
But that wasn't all.
The Potion bottle in Sharl's hand also flew high at this moment.
A glob of liquid full of sacred magic.
With a gulp.
It poured into Quirrell's mouth.
Familiar recipe.
Familiar taste.
Quirrell's eyes immediately widened, filled with horror, his expression highly distorted.
Sharl, on the other hand, breathed a sigh of relief.
"Good, good."
"Professor, this Potion is good for your body."
"Your injuries will definitely stabilize."
"Do you feel better now, Professor?"
Quirrell gasped for breath.
He squeezed out a smile.
"Comfortable."
"I'm so comfortable."
"Really—"
The next second.
Quirrell's vision went black.
And he fainted again.
For a moment.
A chill churned in Sharl's heart.
But in just a fleeting thought, he suppressed the urge to continue acting.
He merely pressed the emergency button in the Greenhouse.
Quietly waiting for the Professors to arrive.
At the same time.
He replayed the entire process of his action in his mind.
Extinguisher, night vision, water enhancement, Lumos, legendary power—
It could be said that he had planned it meticulously, using all his trump cards, to bring Quirrell to this state.
But if Quirrell hadn't been too impatient.
And hadn't been weakened by the Holy Tree Potion for a continuous week before the action.
This time, it might not have gone so smoothly. If the speed of breaking Quirrell's Shield Charm had been a little slower...
It would have been troublesome once Quirrell reacted.
Sharl took a deep breath.
His magic strength was still not enough.
If he could already use Sectumsempra—
Quirrell's Shield Charm would be like paper, no need for all that trouble!
But a moment later.
Sharl's heart settled.
His gaze subtly swept towards the aquatic plant cultivation shed deep within the Greenhouse.
There, in the thirteen water tanks.
Thirteen massive reward orbs were not far from being harvestable.
Sharl took a deep breath.
"Piranha Algae is about to mature."
"Even if my magic strength isn't enough yet."
"But as long as the water enhancement ability advances, the boost it brings should be enough to allow me to reach the threshold for using Sectumsempra!"
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