After the bloodstains were cleared, the entire piece of cowhide took on a rough, hard leather texture, remarkably similar to that of a Tebo Warthog. Following the method described in the magic book, Alan held the leather and activated his magic. Soon, the cowhide returned to its original softness. When he infused magic again, it became rough once more.
"The effect is quite obvious, but when the magic array is functioning, the circulation in some individual patterns isn't smooth. This means the efficiency hasn't been fully utilized," Alan observed, summarizing his findings. "The amount of blood required for the ritual is related to the size of the array and the material. Drawing the array and operating the ritual doesn't actually need that much fresh blood. Splashing an entire tube on it is clearly wasteful. Next time, I'll try using a conduit and applying it precisely to see the result."
Upon returning, Alan immediately set to work optimizing the magic array. He modified over a dozen diagrams at once, preparing for the second phase of testing. A month passed quietly, and just before the end of the school year, Alan finally arrived at the most concise and efficient diagram. The process had consumed dozens of cowhides and an entire Tebo Warthog.
Having improved the drawing process and the blood infusion method, he was finally ready to create his first Bloodline Magic alchemy tool. On this day, Alan went to the Forbidden Forest cabin and placed a leather mask on his workbench. The mask was white, with the fine, characteristic textures of animal hide. He had crafted it from Mooncalf hide due to the creature's high magic affinity and vitality.
Next, Alan retrieved a crystal bottle from a hidden compartment under the floorboards. This contained Tonks's blood, drawn a week prior. To ensure her cooperation, he had compensated her with two large Tebo Warthog hams and a pair of custom magic boots. He carefully uncapped the bottle and quickly replaced it with a metal lid connected to a soft rubber tube. The liquid flowed through the tube into his engraving pen, and Alan began to focus on the improved array.
He planned to create a transforming mask using the Metamorphmagus bloodline talent. He specifically chose a small item to ensure that the ritual wouldn't require a dangerous amount of blood from Tonks. She was only eleven, and the total amount used across both procedures needed to stay below 100 milliliters.
Alan carefully drew the array onto the mask. Dealing with a curved surface was far more difficult than a flat one; a single mistake could ruin the entire project. By the time he had nearly exhausted the liquid in the bottle, the array was complete. He tested it with his observation instrument, and upon seeing that the magic flow was stable, he breathed a sigh of relief.
"Tonks, come in!" Alan called out, poking his head through the cabin door.
"Coming, coming! I feel so unlucky; ever since I met you, I'm always getting my blood drawn," a tall, white-haired girl grumbled as she bounced into the cabin.
"It sounds like my compensation wasn't enough. Charlie told me you spent all day showing off those Phase Boots. I didn't hear you complaining then," Alan said, rolling his eyes.
"Hmph!" Tonks made a face at him, then sat in the chair beside the operating table. "Is this plain mask the alchemy equipment you said could replicate my talent?"
"It's still uncertain if it will work. This is my first attempt at Bloodline Alchemy. Remember, when I draw the blood, you must keep transforming. Focus entirely on the shift. Don't fail, or we'll have to start over."
"Oh my goodness, you'd draw more blood? No, I don't want that!" Tonks stomped her feet in protest.
"Enough nonsense. Be serious. I've tested this several times, so as long as you concentrate, there won't be a problem." Alan frowned slightly. "Hold out your arm."
"Fine." Seeing him so serious, Tonks pouted and extended her right hand.
Alan took out a syringe and carefully aimed.
"It hurts, it hurts so much!" Tonks cried out, closing her eyes tightly at the sight of the needle.
"I haven't even touched you yet. Why are you panicking?" Alan sighed, then applied pressure. "Alright, it's in. Quickly, activate your magic and use your talent."
Despite her nerves, Tonks obeyed. As her blood began to flow into the specialized applicator pen, she focused on her inner magic. Her hair and face began to shift rapidly, her features distorting as she cycled through different appearances.
Alan moved with precision, applying a thin, even layer of blood across the mask's surface. He had designed this tool to minimize waste, having discovered that the ritual only required the blood to cover the array, regardless of thickness. To ensure success, he applied it back and forth three times until the patterns were completely hidden. Only then did he stop the blood flow and seal the instrument.
"Wait, that's it? I thought it would take longer," Tonks said, looking surprised.
"Every step costs blood, so we have to be fast. It's your blood, after all." Seeing that she still had the energy to talk back, Alan felt a sense of relief.
"So, is it finished?" Tonks stared at the mask, now stained red. "Did it work? Hurry up and try it!"
"Mm." Alan was equally curious. He picked up the mask and carefully placed it over his face.