The reason Alan exclaimed was not for anything else, but because he discovered two familiar techniques within the mask. These were the rune array overlay technique and bloodline linking technology, which he had only encountered once before in the Travers family's magic books.
Although the magical patterns on this mask were intricate, Alan had seen even more complex overlay systems, so he quickly determined that there were only two layers of rune arrays on the mask. This meant that, theoretically, the mask only had two functions, but it was completely connected to the user's bloodline. This made it difficult for others to misuse the alchemy tool; only the original owner of the mask could activate it.
At the same time, the engraving method was very special. The magical patterns were extremely fine, far beyond what could be achieved with an ordinary rune carving knife. This made observation quite difficult; fortunately, Alan had specialized instruments, otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to clearly see the patterns with the naked eye.
"How is it? Any findings?" Mavis's curiosity was piqued by Alan's reaction, and she couldn't help but ask.
"Hmm, very interesting," Alan replied perfunctorily, his lips curling slightly as he continued to observe.
This left Mavis rather conflicted, her heart itching with curiosity, but she knew Alan was working seriously and it was inconvenient to disturb him. She could only stare intently at the mask, as if she could actually discern something herself.
Alan discarded all distractions and focused on examining the rune patterns. What he needed to do now was separate the two layers of rune arrays before he could determine their respective functions one by one. He kept writing and drawing on two pieces of parchment while peering through the observation instrument.
Fortunately, the patterns were relatively simple; it was just that due to the density of the runes, he had to occasionally tap them again with the analysis hammer. After more than two hours of analysis, Alan finally managed to make rubbings of the runes. Once he had copied them all, he stopped observing the mask and focused his energy on the two rune arrays.
Mavis, who had also spent two hours waiting, saw Alan's movement. Her fatigued spirit suddenly perked up, and she leaned closer again.
"How is it? Have you successfully deciphered it?" Mavis stared at Alan with bright eyes, appearing even more excited than him.
Alan gave Mavis an exasperated glance; he wondered if this Auror was a bit too excitable. "Not yet. This is just the beginning; the next stage requires painstaking effort, but I already have a clue."
"Oh? Any discoveries?" Mavis asked, then pulled out her pocket watch to check the time. "You're about to close, aren't you? I also need to return to the Ministry to report. Tell me your findings so I can report back to the Director."
"I can roughly discern two functions in this mask: one is for communication, and the other is for identification. Of course, the more specific effects will only be known after deeper analysis. However, this communication function seems to have a long-range effect, but the rune structure within it is very unfamiliar and will require more time. I think if the details can be clearly analyzed, it might help you find others wearing these masks."
Alan told Mavis what he could safely disclose. What he said was indeed true; the communication runes on the mask were much more complex than those he knew, and their function was even more powerful than his Communication Amulet, which aroused his strong curiosity.
"Really? If you can truly help us locate the other criminals, that would be wonderful!" Mavis became even more excited. "The help you've provided is very valuable; I need to quickly go back and report to the Director!"
*Are you really here to protect me?* Alan thought.
He considered himself quite familiar with the working style of the Ministry, but their version of protection having shifts still made him speechless. However, it was fortunate that Alan didn't want her staying and getting in the way. After Mavis left via the Floo Network, Alan remained, calmly studying the charms in his hand.
He found that the rune structures used on the mask were quite unfamiliar and their efficacy was stronger, representing an entirely different alchemy style. Studying these arrays provided him with many ideas and expanded his knowledge.
When the Ministry learned that Alan's research was progressing, they took it very seriously. The next day, Mavis brought another mask, along with a promise from Minister Bagnold. The Minister stated that if Alan could help the Ministry decipher these masks, they would be willing to add another batch of equipment orders. This was also influenced by the fact that Alan's products were proving to be highly effective.
In truth, even without the Ministry's promise, Alan would have tried his best to complete the analysis. On one hand, studying the charms allowed him to gain more knowledge; on the other hand, the Silver Spears were already his target. After spending several days, Alan finally figured out the specific functions.
The identification function helped the wizard wearing the mask recognize the identities of other masked individuals. It also had an auxiliary visual effect; wearing the mask would not obstruct vision but instead help the wearer see through mist and darkness. It was precisely for this reason that the Silver Spears were able to calmly engage in battle within the Dispersing Mist Charm. By analyzing this rune, Alan enriched his library; this charm might be even more useful than the Echo Charm in certain scenarios.
The other communication rune was even more impressive; it could transmit messages to long-distance targets, outperforming Alan's Communication Amulet. If Alan's amulet was like a telegraph machine, only able to make remote targets respond, then this rune was like an upgraded pager capable of sending detailed messages. Because the mask had a bloodline binding effect, its confidentiality was extremely high.
At the same time, Alan discovered that the potential of this rune was even greater; it adopted a communication structure that simulated the Floo Network, but with a wider channel capable of outputting more magic power. Alan believed that if this charm were further developed, it could even create communication equipment similar to telephones.
However, although Alan had clarified the functions, he couldn't directly use the mask to track enemies because the bloodline binding made it impossible for outsiders to use. In response, Alan decided to use bloodline alchemy on Aethonan's mask. Aethonan had already become demented, and he had plenty of blood. Alan wanted to see if he could use this method to bind himself to the mask.