Regardless of their individual preferences, Alan's products left a deep impression on everyone present.
During the subsequent negotiation, neither Minister Bagnold nor Director Bones chose to bargain, directly agreeing to his initial offer. Perhaps Alan's previous preferential treatment had left a stellar impression, or perhaps they simply recognized the high-end nature of the gear.
This made Alan overjoyed. He knew that once the Ministry of Magic set the price, it established a precedent. Ministry employees would pay the same price when purchasing upgrades at his shop in the future. After all, one couldn't stop an ambitious Auror from wanting to invest in their own protection.
After completing the equipment demonstrations, Alan brought out the Humanoid Target. This was a powerful tool, and for the first time outside of Hogwarts, he began promoting his definition of "power value." If a standard didn't exist before, it was fine; but the moment a standard is established, the person who set it becomes the biggest beneficiary. He wanted to promote his philosophy to these high-ranking figures.
"Power value?" Minister Bagnold and Amelia looked at him with confusion.
"That's right. This is the standard unit I use to measure the intensity of a spell. It involves complex calculation formulas—not only for impact force but also for measuring continuous and hidden damage."
"Of course, that sounds complicated. Just imagine that the higher the number displayed, the greater the power of the cast. If you don't believe it, try it yourselves. Rest assured, the Humanoid Target has immense endurance; you can cast spells as you please."
Alan explained with a chuckle. The most valuable part of the target was the rune structure integrated within. Although he could not yet mass-produce these with a magic lathe—meaning each had to be handmade—the material cost was similar to that of a Tactical Vest. Every unit sold brought exorbitant profits, which made him very enthusiastic about the pitch.
"So, casting a spell directly on it detects the caster's control over that spell?" Minister Bagnold seemed to understand.
"Exactly. For example, with the Stunning Spell, a normal adult wizard's usage typically yields a power of around 40 points." Alan raised his wand and casually waved it at the target.
With a crisp sound, the spell struck. The target swayed slightly and displayed the value 40 on its chest.
"Aurors or Hit Wizards who have undergone actual combat training will have stronger control, and the numbers they hit will be higher." Alan waved his wand again, casting another Stupefy that hit for 60 points.
"I see." Minister Bagnold nodded thoughtfully, though she was a little suspicious. *How come every time he casts a spell, the numbers are perfect integers? Is he really that precise?*
"Aseria, you come and try it." Minister Bagnold looked around for a non-combat staff member and pointed to the young woman.
"Me?" Aseria pointed to herself with a bewildered expression. After a moment, she reacted, obeyed the command, and drew her wand.
Aseria's wand matched her appearance perfectly; it was an aspen wand as white as ivory.
*Aspen?* Alan raised an eyebrow. He hadn't realized it at first. Was this beautiful witch actually a master of dueling? Aspen wand holders were known for their skill in combat magic.
Aseria held her breath, aimed at the target, and cast a Stupefy. The display flashed a value of 42 points.
Alan frowned. Aspen owners were supposed to be exceptional at dueling. Was that all she had, or was she hiding her strength? He glanced at her with a hint of playfulness, but his expression remained neutral.
Aseria pursed her lips awkwardly and looked at the Minister, her gaze asking if she should try again.
"Try again. Use Incendio and the Freezing Charm," Minister Bagnold ordered. She was beginning to see how useful this device could be for the Ministry's training programs.
"Yes, Minister."
Aseria focused and cast a Fire-Making Spell.
61! The target displayed a number far higher than her previous attempt.
Alan sneered inwardly. This older sister was indeed suspicious; she must have deliberately suppressed her magic during the first spell. However, if she thought using the same output for Incendio would yield a similar number, she was mistaken. Elemental spells rely heavily on affinity. Wizards with high affinity for specific elements produce much higher power values for the same magic consumption.
Aseria seemed genuinely stunned by the number, and the people around her looked on with surprise.
"Why did the value increase so much with Incendio?" Minister Bagnold asked.
Alan decided not to expose her for now. He wanted to see why she was playing the role of a "pretty face" so carefully.
He chuckled. "As I said, power value isn't just simple impact. Under the same conditions, the damage caused by fire is naturally higher than a stunning jinx. Aseria likely has a high elemental affinity, which accounts for the difference."
"So that's how it is." Minister Bagnold felt it made sense and nodded to Aseria. "You can step back now. I'll let someone else try."
She then turned her head toward Moody.
Moody chuckled, his expression fierce. He had been curious about this device and had long wanted to test his own limits. He hadn't realized Alan was keeping such a toy to himself.
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