69novels Page 378
Page 378
But it is quite challenging to learn it in less than two months.
Aside from personally providing one-on-one tutoring to Zhang Qiu, Levin didn't have any other good ideas.
Once the main structure of the Quidditch maze was completed, it was time to set up the traps.
"Zhang Qiu, let's not rush to the library. Let's go somewhere else together." After breakfast one day, Levin stopped Zhang Qiu, who wanted to spend time in the library, and led her out of the castle.
"Levin, where are you taking me?" Zhang Qiu asked, puzzled. She was still thinking about the 19 runes she hadn't memorized yet. "We still have learning tasks to complete."
“Oh, forget about those runes.” Levin turned to look at her, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “I have a new idea that might greatly improve your learning efficiency.”
"Hey, really?" Zhang Qiu's curiosity was immediately piqued. "Did you invent another intelligence-boosting elixir?"
“Developing permanent attribute elixirs is not that simple,” Levin shook his head. “The existing intelligence elixirs have already reached the limit of intelligence enhancement through acquired efforts.”
Just kidding, that's a full 5 points of intelligence attribute. 1 point of intelligence attribute increases intelligence by 10, which is equivalent to IQ. A potion that can increase a person's IQ by 50 points is already amazing, what more could you ask for?
To improve upon this, an unconventional approach is needed.
"An unconventional method?" Zhang Qiu's curiosity intensified. "What is it?"
“Animagus,” Levin replied briefly.
By this time, they had already left the castle and were bathed in bright sunshine.
Seeing that Zhang Qiu was still somewhat puzzled, Levin further explained, "As you know, my modified Animagus magic can not only turn people into magical creatures, but also give back some special attributes and abilities depending on the type of creature they transform into."
As he spoke, he suddenly transformed into a chimera in front of the girl, lay down, and invited, "Come on, ride on my back. We can fly there directly and save time."
"Ok."
Zhang Qiu skillfully straddled Levin's broad back—something they often did when playing—carefully making sure her feet didn't get in the way of his wings, and then grabbed his mane.
Feeling that the girl on his back was settled, Levin stood up and took flight with his enormous wings.
They took off and soared above the castle.
The enormous figure attracted the attention of the nearby young wizards.
"So, you're planning to transform me into a creature renowned for its intelligence, is that right?" Zhang Qiu lay nestled in Levin's warm, soft mane, feeling the cold wind whistling across her face, and asked in a muffled voice, "What kind of animal is that?"
Levin smiled mysteriously, without answering directly: "You'll know when you get there."
Zhang Qiu noticed that Levin was flying in the direction of Hagrid's hut, where several huge sheds had recently been built. The smallest of those sheds was as big as a small house, completely covered by canvas, so it was impossible to see what was inside.
Hagrid was working as a construction worker at the Quidditch stadium at the time, and was not at home.
Levin landed directly in front of the largest shed and swaggered inside.
Zhang Qiu, riding on his back, immediately saw the enormous creature standing opposite Levin, who had transformed into a chimera.
It was about the same size as Levin at this time, with a body like a majestic lion, huge paws, a long yellow tail, and a bushy tuft of fur at the tip. However, this monster had a pair of wings growing from its back, and even more strangely, its head was that of a woman.
Zhang Qiu had seen its picture in "The Monster Book of Monsters," and it was indeed a Sphinx—or more accurately, a female Sphinx.
This creature is usually found in the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East, so how did it end up here?
But at the same time, Zhang Qiu also realized that the Animagus species that Levin had prepared for her was the Sphinx.
From this perspective, this creature, known for its riddles, certainly meets the criteria for high intelligence.
Even so, Zhang Qiu was still startled when he suddenly saw the huge monster, but the female Sphinx opposite him reacted even more strongly. The exaggerated expression on her face showed that she was the one who was truly terrified.
"Get out, monster!" the female sphinx shouted in a shrill female voice. "Don't come near me!"
Upon seeing this, Levin immediately transformed back into human form and nodded apologetically to the female Sphinx: "I'm sorry, ma'am, it was my fault for startling you."
"...You're not a Chimera?" Seeing Levin revert to human form, the female Sphinx seemed relieved, but then filled with curiosity, "You're actually human? How did you do that?"
Levin briefly explained the magic of the Animagus to her.
After hearing his explanation, the female Sphinx exclaimed in admiration, "I see! You wizards are indeed very capable."
Zhang Qiu was also somewhat puzzled by the female Sphinx's previous reaction.
"Could the Sphinx be afraid of the Chimera?"
She thought to herself that, in terms of size and ability, the Sphinx should be about the same size as an ordinary chimera.
When asked about this, the female Sphinx turned her head away somewhat awkwardly, "Actually, it's not that I'm afraid, but rather..."
She hesitated.
“That’s because there is no racial segregation between the Sphinx and the Chimera,” Levin continued, explaining, “while to the intelligent Sphinx, the Chimera is simply a beast.”
“There was no racial segregation, which means…” Zhang Qiu’s face turned noticeably red; she instantly understood Levin’s implication. “But how is that possible?”
“Why not?” Levin glanced at the sour face of the female Sphinx and wisely refrained from continuing.
The female Sphinx is a creature that values politeness, and since they now need her help, Levin certainly doesn't want to anger her.
Perhaps out of awe of Levin's ability to transform into a chimera, this female sphinx did not display an arrogant attitude, but instead took the initiative to ask, "Humans, what is it that you have come to me for?"
As a highly intelligent magical creature, she had become accustomed to humans seeking things from her.
The female Sphinx is always generous with human requests—as long as you can answer her riddles correctly.
These creatures prefer to live alone and usually have a very long lifespan. Unless they die from an accident, violence, or bad luck, the Sphinx seems to only die when it is tired of living. However, their long lifespan and solitary lifestyle make them extremely bored, and amusing themselves with humans is their favorite form of entertainment. They are also happy to share their wisdom.
This is why some sphinxes were willing to guard the tombs of ancient kings.
The Sphinx in front of us probably agreed to serve as a checkpoint in the Triwizard Tournament for the same reason.
In contrast, the female sphinxes are most fond of riddles—they are also the main source of the sphinx legend.
Among the other types of Sphinxes, the male Sphinx enjoys aloof and noble philosophical discussions, while the sheep-faced Sphinx either likes current events or enjoys listening to flattery.
The hawk-faced sphinx is almost silent; it is the most beast-like of the sphinxes and is indifferent to any words except when threatened by a more powerful being.
Therefore, facing this female Sphinx, he frankly made his request: "I wish to obtain a vial of your blood."
"Do you want to use my blood to enable humans to transform into Sphinxes?" The female Sphinx, as expected of an intelligent magical creature, immediately guessed Levin's plan. "Just like you transformed into a chimera."
Levin nodded, making no attempt to hide anything from the other party.
For these ancient magical creatures, honesty and respect are key to building trust.
“Yes,” the female Sphinx readily agreed, “but I have one request.”
Zhang Qiu noticed a glint of expectation in the eyes of the female sphinx. "If you successfully perform this magic and turn someone into a sphinx, you must bring her to see me."
This condition was easy for Levin, and he agreed without hesitation.
“In that case, you may come and take the blood.” The female Sphinx generously extended her front paws, but after a moment, she hesitated and withdrew them.
"No, no, although your ability to transform into a chimera has already proven your intelligence, rules are rules. If you want my blood, you still have to answer a riddle for me."
Levin smiled slightly, having already anticipated this classic moment. "Go ahead, I'm all ears."
As a member of Ravenclaw, Levin has a deep interest in and confidence in riddles.
After all, with the eagle ring at the entrance, he had to answer a riddle every day on average.
Then the Sphinx recited: "What can bring someone back to life? What can make you weep and laugh? What can make you young again and stay with you until old age? What can be born in an instant and last a lifetime?"
“It’s a memory,” Levin answered without hesitation.
“You guessed right, clever little one.” The Sphinx smiled warmly and stretched out her front paws again.
Chapter 415 The Secret of the Sphinx
After obtaining the Sphinx's precious blood, Levin did not choose to return to the castle, but instead carried Zhang Qiu into the Forbidden Forest.
"Where is our next destination?" Zhang Qiu couldn't help but ask curiously.
After all, they had obtained the crucial material, the Sphinx's blood, and logically, they should have returned to the castle to begin the next step of their work.
“A single Sphinx bloodline is not enough.”
Levin grinned, his lion's mouth opening wide enough to terrify a nearby eagle.
“Without testing, I cannot guarantee that you will perfectly fuse with the blood of the Sphinx. Therefore, I plan to find the bloodline of another magical creature to fuse with the blood of the Sphinx. That way, even if the compatibility is low, it won't be too low.”
This method was actually developed by Levin when he transformed into an alicorn.
After saying that, Levin suddenly adjusted his flight posture, slightly folded his wings, and the entire chimera swooped down to the ground like an arrow.
"This is it."
Soon, Zhang Qiu discovered that Levin had led her into the woods, and after a few twists and turns, they arrived at a cave.
"Where is this place?" Zhang Qiu looked around, very curious about the place.
“Hagrid’s secret base,” Levin revealed, “is specifically used to raise those little cuties who aren’t allowed to stay.”
The cave is located near the mountainside, and the path leading to it is extremely narrow and well-hidden.
Upon reaching the cave entrance, Levin transformed back into human form. "Let's go in."
He took the lead, raised his wand, and a bright orb of light floated out, illuminating their path.
The cave was cold and damp, with an unsettling atmosphere in the air. The entrance sloped downwards, like stepping into an abyss of hell, and the closer you got inside, the more sinister it became.
Zhang Qiu unconsciously tightened her grip on Levin's wrist, her tension rising steadily.
The two walked along the narrow tunnel and soon came to its end. A huge wooden door stood before them, a faint light shining through the crack in the half-open doorway.
Levin pushed open the door and they entered a spacious cave. The cave reeked of a strong, nauseating stench.
Levin immediately cast the [Bubble Head Spell], and a refreshing scent instantly enveloped them, dispelling the unpleasant stench.
In the center of the cave, a monster the size of a lion was staring at them.
The monster's shape is bizarre and terrifying, as if it were a product of nature's malicious piecing together.
Its head combines features of a human and a lion, with huge goat horns protruding from both sides and a lion's mane surrounding its ferocious face.
The lion's body was covered with hard scales, while a pair of huge bat wings spread out from its back, and a black membrane cast a shadow on the cave ceiling.
Its tail is long and thin like a scorpion's, the tip of which gleams with a deadly blue light—its stinger. Its serrated teeth are interlocked, as if ready to tear apart any creature that enters its territory.
The sight before him made Zhang Qiu's heart race. The only thing that made Zhang Qiu feel safe was that the beast was chained up with a thick iron chain, the other end of which was tied to a stone pillar.
“This is a human-headed lion-bodied scorpion-tailed beast~” Zhang Qiu quickly recognized the species.
She had read about this creature in "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them".
This is a notorious magical creature with a danger level as high as "XXXXXX", ranking alongside creatures such as dragons, chimeras, and basilisks.