Before Robert appeared stood a seed with wrinkled skin and a pungent, almost overwhelming smell. This plant, known as Charati, was unique to the Magical World. As it matured, its aroma intensified, particularly in its leaves, which, when burned, gave off a tobacco-like scent. For some wizards, Charati leaves were considered a luxury, smoked like the finest cigars. Yet, its price was prohibitively high.
Robert, however, paid no mind to its market value. What caught his attention was the reward information displayed on the seed: "Cultivate Charati to maturity and obtain: Mental Enhancement (Black Iron Level)."
Robert's eyes gleamed. With his growing understanding of magic, he had realized the immense importance of the mind in spellcasting. Magic, after all, was an idealistic force. The firmer a wizard's mental will, the more potent their spells became. A strong mind could even push a wizard beyond their natural limits, unlocking power previously unimaginable.
Robert recalled stories from the original Harry Potter. Peter Pettigrew, who betrayed the Potters, once unleashed a spell so powerful it destroyed an entire street. In Robert's previous life, he had found such feats unbelievable. How could someone so timid and despised wield such force? Likewise, Mrs. Weasley, a housewife with no rigorous magical training, defeated the formidable Bellatrix Lestrange in a one-on-one duel.
Now, after experiencing magic firsthand, Robert understood. Pettigrew's sudden display of power was a product of extreme emotional distortion—years of resentment and timidity erupted, allowing his mind to temporarily exceed its usual limits. Mrs. Weasley, driven by the desperation of protecting her children, experienced a similar surge, unleashing her latent power.
In essence, magic perception and intensity were akin to a wizard's natural attributes, while the mind acted as an amplifier. A wizard with a strong mind could channel their abilities at 100%, or even beyond. Conversely, even naturally talented but mentally fragile wizards often underperformed when it mattered most.
Even the famed Elder Wand could not bypass this law. Harry's possession of it did not automatically guarantee Voldemort's defeat, nor did Grindelwald become invincible under Dumbledore's duel. The mind, and the awareness of one's limitations or ownership of magical tools, influenced outcomes profoundly.
Robert's excitement grew. Twice reborn, tempered by countless hardships, and blessed with a strong physique, his mental fortitude already surpassed that of ordinary young wizards. Previously, his magical talent had been too weak to fully leverage his mental strength. Now, with talent growing steadily, the benefits of a strong mind would only become more apparent.
This made the Mental Enhancement reward from Charati irresistible. Even top-tier wizards would value it highly.
As Robert studied the seed, he discovered another magical plant that filled him with ecstasy: the pute fruit. Despite its unpleasant taste, this fruit provided extraordinary satiety. Legends claimed that consuming a single pute fruit could sustain an adult for three days and nights.
Robert's eyes sparkled. Taming more trolls would require vast quantities of food. Hogwarts' kitchen could not supply their appetite. But if he could cultivate pute fruits, the problem would be solved. And trolls, notoriously indiscriminate eaters, would have no trouble with its bitter flavor.
Moreover, the reward for cultivating pute fruit was equally enticing: Stamina Enhancement (Black Iron Level). Stamina directly linked to life force, strength, and even blood production. Securing this ability could be another step toward unlocking the Mythical Level of life. Robert had to have it.
His decision was made. Charati grass and pute fruit would be the first plants he cultivated upon reclaiming land.
However, a problem arose. While Charati seeds were purchasable, pute fruit could not be grown from seeds—it grew from tubers. Cutting and planting pieces of an existing fruit would yield new plants. But the specimens left by Professor Sprout were dried, inert, and unusable.
Professor Sprout's notes provided further insight:
"Pute fruit was historically grown on Dereria Island by the MacBoon and MacLeavore families. As their feud escalated, the MacBoon family transformed the MacLeavores into Five-legged beasts using ancient dark magic. In retaliation, the Five-legged beasts massacred the MacBoon family. Since then, the island has been occupied by Five-legged beasts who retained their magical abilities and refuse to return to human form.
"The Ministry of Magic has repeatedly tried to restore them, but the beasts resist transfiguration and are highly dangerous. Dereria Island has been made unplottable, hiding it from the world. Fresh pute fruits are nearly impossible to obtain, leaving only dried specimens."
Robert frowned, realizing the scale of the challenge. Five-legged beasts were formidable—intelligent, magical, and voraciously dangerous. They dwarfed even Acromantulas in complexity. Securing fresh pute fruits would be perilous. Yet, their potential utility—solving food shortages for trolls and acquiring a Mythical Level enhancement—made the risk worthwhile.
Determined, Robert committed every detail about pute fruit and its habitat to memory, then headed to the library.
"The reclamation permit hasn't been issued yet. Even if it is, preparing land—finding a site, loosening soil, fertilizing—will take significant time. Perhaps I can first gather information about Dereria Island, the Five-legged beasts, and pute fruit here."
Meanwhile, outside the Ministry of Magic, reporters swarmed, clamoring about Umbridge's mysterious death.
"Did she commit suicide due to workplace bullying?"
"Could it be a crime of passion?"
Inside, Minister Fudge paced in frustration, smashing a cup on his desk.
"These despicable reporters! They care nothing for truth, only for sensationalism. And the citizens read it with relish, as if the Ministry is failing!"
An aide approached, carrying documents.
"Minister, here are letters and reports piling up. One is from Robert, requesting a reclamation permit and over a hundred bottles of fertilizing potions."
Fudge paused, then a smile spread across his face.
"Excellent timing. With all this uproar over Umbridge, we can use this to show the Ministry's dedication to improving livelihoods. Robert will serve as the perfect example."
The aide hesitated.
"Minister, what if he reclaims a large area of barren land?"
Fudge laughed.
"Reclaiming land is difficult. Few stick with it, and even fewer accomplish much. The Ministry gains revenue from applications and fees for protective magic. There's nothing to fear."
"So, what size permit should we issue?"
"Unlimited. Whatever he can reclaim, we recognize it. Subsequent costs for protective magic and Floo Network connections will also be waived. Let's show full support for young wizard entrepreneurs."
The aide's eyes widened.
"Unlimited? Isn't that excessive?"
Fudge chuckled.
"It only seems so. He cannot hire others; it must be his effort alone. Can a young wizard truly reclaim that much land? Perspective is key."
Satisfied, Fudge instructed the aide to send the permit and potions to Hogwarts and create publicity around the story.
"Meanwhile," Fudge added, frowning, "the investigation into Umbridge's death must continue. Aurors have a lead pointing to Hogwarts. Let's assign an intern Auror—Tonks, a Hogwarts graduate loyal to Dumbledore—to investigate. Let her handle it discreetly."
With that, Robert's path forward was clear. Land reclamation, cultivation of Charati grass and pute fruit, and uncovering hidden magical knowledge awaited him. The road would be difficult, but the rewards—mental and physical enhancement, solutions for trolls, and the Mythical Level puzzle pieces—were worth every risk.
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