Tangmu Lideer couldn't follow Andeluosuo's train of thought.
The incident had passed. Why was this righteous man hotter-tempered than him, retaliating without loss?
Seeing Tangmu's bewilderment, Andeluosuo laughed heartily. "Don't misunderstand. I'm not petty."
"Sifu has something I need—no, you need."
"I need?" Tangmu paused, then realized. "Potion ingredients?"
"Exactly."
Andeluosuo admitted, then asked, "Tangmu, how did wizards fight in my era?"
Tangmu was confused. "Magical duels, poisoning, assassination, ambushes, ganging up…"
Andeluosuo's eyelid twitched. "Most of that… true. Don't say it aloud again."
He couldn't deny it—wizards of his era used despicable means to win or survive.
Andeluosuo's expression turned serious. "Magic's powerful, but…"
He struck a bodybuilding pose. "Physical strength can't be overlooked!"
"Massive muscles, passionate combat!"
"Dodging spells or swift attacks needs a strong body. In close combat, a fist outshines spells!"
Proudly, Andeluosuo said, "I pounded 'geniuses' to death with these fists. They kept distance, casting spells. Up close, they crumbled—academic wizards, no real skill."
"To strengthen your body, I've got a training regimen and potion recipes. I planned to teach you after you'd gained wealth, but Sifu's stash lets us start early."
"My poverty held me back…" Tangmu muttered. Martial arts needed wealth, but magic was pay-to-win too.
"What materials?" Tangmu asked.
Andeluosuo listed over a dozen high-level potion ingredients:
Dragon's heart: Eight Galleons an ounce, not fresh, Tangmu recalled.Dragonblood grass: Fifteen Galleons a stalk, needing eight.Sphinx claw-eye: Rarer than dragon parts, from a protected creature. Unstocked in shops, maybe in Knockturn Alley, no fixed price.
Most were in Sifu's collection.
"Let's do it," Tangmu agreed. Damn Sifu, time to rob him blind.
Pupils improve, professors sponsor, right?
"I observed," Andeluosuo said. "Sifu's confident—no magical lock or protective spells on ingredients. We need a chance to sneak in."
Tangmu had activated the Learning Space before entering Sifu's office (Chapter 23). If Sifu attacked, he'd have summoned Andeluosuo. So Andeluosuo saw the office clearly.
"Let me plan," Tangmu said, thinking deeply.
Zero-cost acquisitions were easy, but Sifu and Dengbuliduo weren't fools. In their castle, caution was key.
As he prepared to discuss stealth magic, the dormitory door opened.
Laisi Zhasini, Saiodo Luosiai, and Kasal Nuote entered, excited, thinking the room empty.
"Lideer's not here!"
"Sifu must've punished him. Detention, probably."
"Nonsense!" Luosiai barked. "Maybe expelled!"
"Exactly," Nuote nodded. "Lawless on day one… expulsion's deserved."
They laughed loudly.
Tangmu laughed too, exiting the Learning Space.
The trio floated, arms bound by invisible ropes, knees buckling, dropping to kneel.
Disillusionment Charm—released.
Zhasini, Luosiai, and Nuote stared in horror at the appeared boy.
Holy sht! Why's he here!?*
Wasn't Sifu supposed to take him? Released already?!
Tangmu savored his casting.
Firm will. Surging emotion.
Wand used, no spell spoken. A successful silent cast, precise, near-normal magic.
Andeluosuo's words on will and emotion resonated.
Too much force, emotions spiral; too little, magic fails.
Tangmu swung his wand. The trio blasted back, slamming the wall—Tangmu frowned.
Failure. He aimed to pin them.
He approached slowly.
Zhasini's eyes widened, shaking his head, backing away on knees. "Y-You! Don't come closer!"
Tangmu's wand became a whip.
"Didn't we agree?" Tangmu tilted his head. "Seek revenge, accept failure's consequences."
"Tattling? Not bad."
He clicked his tongue. "Too bad Sifu called it a minor scuffle. No punishment."
Their world collapsed.
Wasn't Sifu furious (Chapter 23)? How's it a 'minor scuffle'?
Nuote pleaded, tears streaming. "Lideer, I was wrong, don't hit me!"
"Absolutely not," Tangmu shook his head. "None escape today."
"Each gets a guaranteed ten-pull!"
[^1]: In the Wizarding World, potions require rare ingredients, often costly or restricted. A Disillusionment Charm hides the caster, and silent casting requires advanced skill.