Sleep after Star-track Guided Meditation has an excellent effect.
It was like being immersed in a tranquil, starlight-woven body of water, where the soul was nourished and consolidated, and fatigue was quietly smoothed away.
Upon waking, not only was his mind clear and refreshed, and his limbs filled with a solid sense of strength, but even with every breath, he felt magic flowing more smoothly within him.
This progress, which could be clearly perceived almost every moment, was intoxicating.
Regulus knew that this was likely the initial stage of rapid adaptation and growth for the body and mind under the unprecedented systematic stimulation of the unique Star-track Guided Meditation method.
Like parched land receiving abundant sweet rain for the first time, every drop was greedily absorbed.
However, he was also soberly aware that this rapid progress could not continue indefinitely.
Both the body and soul have their limits of endurance; once potential is initially tapped and foundations are solidified, the rate of growth will inevitably slow down until it hits an insurmountable bottleneck.
By then, to advance further, it might require some essential transformation, or finding new, even more efficient methods.
But for now, he had to take one step at a time, and he enjoyed this initial period of rapid accumulation.
On Wednesday afternoon, right after Charms class, Regulus was carrying his books and preparing to go to the library when he was called by Avery Cuthbert.
"Regulus," Avery's voice was less casually arrogant than usual: "Can we talk back in the dormitory? It's about something."
Regulus glanced at him, then nodded: "All right."
Back in the Slytherin dormitory, Alex and Hermes were not there.
Avery closed the door, a seriousness unbefitting his age appearing on his face, mixed with a hint of youthful awkwardness.
He cleared his throat and said: "My father… wrote to me last night."
Regulus listened quietly, not responding, roughly understanding what was happening.
Avery paused for a long while, seemingly organizing his thoughts, then, as if having made a decision, blurted out a string of words:
"He said that the atmosphere in the Ministry of Magic has been subtle recently, and many ancient families are readjusting their strategies.
He heard about your performance at Hogwarts, specifically mentioning your… well, 'exchange' with the fifth-year Travers last time.
He believes that with an heir like you in the Black family, they might play a more important role in the upcoming changes.
He hopes I can maintain a good relationship with you."
The words were a bit stiff, but the meaning was clear.
The Cuthbert family, also an ancient pure-blood family, whose current patriarch holds an important position in the Ministry of Magic, had keen senses.
The strength and potential Regulus displayed had spread through various channels, attracting the attention of these calculating or far-sighted pure-blood families.
They began to re-evaluate the Black family's worth and tried to establish or consolidate connections through the next generation.
Regulus was noncommittal about this.
After Avery finished speaking, he looked at Regulus somewhat nervously.
He was actually already convinced by Regulus; the disparity in strength was real.
His family's instructions merely gave him a more legitimate reason to approach.
An eleven-year-old boy didn't understand political investment or family alliances; his thoughts at this moment were simpler and more direct: Regulus was strong, following him wouldn't be wrong, and it wouldn't be embarrassing.
Regulus looked at Avery's complex expression, a mix of family duty, personal conviction, and a hint of youthful pride unwilling to fully bow his head, and understood.
Even with the most elite pure-blood education, an eleven-year-old was still a child. To clearly express his attitude toward such a person, Regulus pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke:
"Avery, we live in the same dormitory, attend classes together, we are already companions. You want to maintain a good relationship with me, that's fine."
He then adopted a more serious tone: "But there are some things I need to make clear first."
Avery subconsciously straightened his back, as if engaging in a serious conversation, though he didn't know why he felt this way.
Perhaps it was because Regulus's demeanor and expression were more like an adult in his family, so he subconsciously reacted that way.
"First, strength is fundamental. The glory of our family provides us with a starting point, but true pride should be built on the strength we possess ourselves, not merely on a surname."
Avery couldn't agree more with these words. He yearned to prove himself, to achieve personal glory beyond the shadow of his family.
His eyes burned, fixed on Regulus.
"Second, learn to observe and think. Slytherin isn't short on clever people, but often, cleverness is misplaced. Look further ahead."
These words were pointed, and Avery didn't fully understand, but he still nodded vigorously.
"Third," Regulus looked at him: "Adhere to the most basic bottom line, at least in front of me."
Avery nodded heavily almost without hesitation: "I understand, I will do it."
He felt that Regulus wasn't treating him as a mere follower who needed to obey orders, but rather making an agreement with him, which made him feel much better.
Who wasn't a pure-blood young master?
Seeing the agreement initially reached, Avery seemed to relax a bit. He lowered his voice and gestured towards Hermes's tightly closed bed curtains: "Regulus, don't you think… Mulciber is a bit strange?
He often disappears at night, and when he returns, he always has a strange smell on him. Last time in the duel, he even used that…"
Regulus followed his gaze to the dark curtains and said calmly: "Avery, everyone has their secrets.
It's basic to grant a certain degree of privacy and respect unless the other party actively reveals something or causes substantial harm."
Then he changed the subject: "However, maintaining appropriate attention is necessary.
His behavior is indeed somewhat abnormal, possibly involving some less common magical fields, or even curse-related things.
He might have his own purpose at Hogwarts. We don't need to pry, just keep a limited watch to avoid getting involved in unnecessary trouble."
Avery nodded thoughtfully, but did Black mean that Hermes was in trouble? *I didn't see that! I thought he was just a Dark Arts enthusiast…* But what Regulus was thinking was another matter entirely.
Hermes Mulciber, gloomy, dangerous, possessing unconventional Dark Arts knowledge, with clear objectives.
Such a person, if merely treated as a roommate to be wary of, would be a waste.
He could perhaps become a good executor, provided he could be controlled, or at least establish a stable relationship based on mutual interest or deterrence.
Deterrence should have been initially formed, but interests still needed to be found.
Avery could be brought under control through a display of superior knowledge and power.
As for Hermes, it would likely require more direct and powerful strength and an exchange of interests.
In the same dormitory, so-called privacy is inherently fragile in the face of absolute power.
Regulus didn't intend to pry into every detail, but he needed to know Hermes's bottom line and needs, so that at the right time, he could extend an olive branch of cooperation.
The conversation unconsciously shifted to Alex Rosier.
Avery pouted: "Rosier… too soft, cowardly, and his talent is mediocre. In our dormitory, he's a bit… out of place."
His words were full of disdain and contempt.
Even after Regulus's previous guidance, Avery's arrogant nature still made him look down on Alex, who was on the fringes of pure-blood society and had a gentle, slow personality.
Regulus understood the mindset of a boy like Avery; simple lecturing would easily cause rebellion.
"Avery," he changed his approach: "Do you think, to accomplish a great task that requires many people's participation, such as upholding family honor or achieving a certain goal, is it better to have more people around you, or fewer?"
Avery paused: "Of course, the more, the better."
Regulus continued to guide: "Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Alex might not excel in dueling.
But he is meticulous, patient, his Potion and Herbology notes are always the most complete, and his grasp of basic theory is solid.
Moreover, he comes from the Rosier family; even if it's just a branch, it represents a connection, an attitude, and power."
He looked at Avery's thoughtful expression and continued: "Power comes in many forms.
Pure combat ability is one, but meticulous logistics, reliable information, or even just a stance of not being against us, are all forms of power.
Pushing away someone who could potentially become your strength, merely due to prejudice, is not a wise move."
Regulus was demonstrating to Avery a level of understanding far beyond an eleven-year-old boy: pragmatism and the ability to integrate resources.
Avery didn't fully grasp the intricacies, but he had to admit that Regulus made sense.
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