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Ghost had always possessed a high level of wisdom. However, the issue lay in its inability to express it accurately. Nonetheless, Ivan could perceive the ghost's thoughts through his powerful mental power. Simultaneously, he could also transmit his thoughts.
But just now, the ghost directly conveyed its words into Ivan's mind. Something changed after absorbing the souls of those Death Eaters.
"Ghost, tell me what's going on. How did you suddenly become smarter? You've also learned to use your mental power. I thought it would take you at least several years to achieve this."
At this moment, the ghost also displayed a look of doubt. After some contemplation, it spoke, "Master, I'm not exactly sure what happened. But earlier, I sensed something unusual about the deceased. I instinctively approached and absorbed what I felt was beneficial to me. Later, I learned that these things are called souls. With each soul I absorbed, more memories flooded my mind. However, there were numerous irrelevant memories, which I discarded. Gradually, I naturally learned to use mental power and communicate with you."
Initially, the Ghost's speech was somewhat disjointed, but over time, it became more coherent and fluid. In the end, it resembled an ordinary person's speech.
Ivan had never expected the Ghost to possess the ability to consume souls. Reflecting upon the situation, Ivan speculated that some peculiar changes occurred when he used reality gems to help the ghost manifest a corporeal form, granting it this newfound ability. However, he hadn't encountered a soul to absorb until now. Considering the potential of this ability to strengthen Ghost, Ivan observed the Ghost's light becoming brighter, and its form growing more distinct. He wondered what the outcome would be if it continued to consume souls.
"Since you've absorbed the souls of these wizards and acquired their memories, can you perform magic? Try it now."
Upon hearing Ivan's command, Ghost transformed into a white blur of motion. Before Ivan could process what had occurred, the ghost had already reached one of the deceased's wands.
Ivan noticed that the ghost's speed had increased, and its power had grown. It wouldn't be long before they became formidable assets under Ivan's command.
"Avada Kedavra"
Ghost gripped the wand and made a swift motion, emitting mental power fluctuations. Ivan sensed these fluctuations but, unfortunately, there was no change in the wand's magic, indicating that the ghost couldn't perform magic.
Ghost appeared somewhat disheartened and was about to discard the wand. However, at that moment, Ivan intervened, saying, "Transform into your spectral mist form and try again."
Ghost complied, morphing into a black mist that enveloped itself. It expanded and contracted, solidifying into a human-like form composed of dense black mist. The transformation was nearly tangible, making the ghost's appearance more realistic.
Ghost waved the wand once more and attempted a spell. A faint light emanated from the wand, but the magic failed to materialize. It seemed that the ghost could use magic in this form, but its magical abilities were exceedingly weak.
"Never mind, my expectations were too high. What truly matters is your ability to strengthen yourself by consuming souls. As long as you continue to do so, you'll become even more potent, regardless of your magical prowess. Have the souls you've absorbed fully dissipated? Is there anything remaining?"
"No, there's a portion I can't digest."
Ghost opened its mouth, and a column of black mist emerged, forming into spherical shapes that writhed and slowly took on a human-like form, hovering in the air.
These were essentially transformed souls, created from the black fog. While their features were somewhat indistinct, Ivan could still recognize that they were once wizards. However, their souls appeared somewhat dulled.
"These are the core of the souls. Although I can't digest them, I seem to be able to control them with a mere thought. They become a part of me, unable to resist."
"So, by absorbing their souls, you ensure that their core remains intact, allowing you to manipulate them in this manner."
Ivan grasped the concept. Ghosts could continuously consume souls, amassing a substantial army, while hiding them within his bodies. When necessary, could release them, effectively deceiving its foes.
"Among the souls you control, are there any that can transform into a spectral form like yours?"
Ghost's mental power fluctuated once more, issuing commands to some of the souls. Two of them briefly transformed into spectral forms, but their appearances remained vague as if they would dissipate at the slightest breeze. This transformation lasted for only a few seconds before they reverted to their black mist state.
"Only these two, and their duration is too brief to be of much use. If I attempt to force the others to transform, they'll likely dissipate instantly."
Ivan scrutinized the two souls but couldn't identify any distinguishing features. After some contemplation, he turned to Voldemort, who had been lying nearby, and inquired, "Tell me, what made these two wizards special during their lifetime?"
Voldemort's countenance was pale, but he dared not withhold any information from Ivan. "These two were the strongest among my followers, essentially my right-hand men."
Voldemort felt a mix of relief and resentment. Survival was a blessing, but the fact that Ivan didn't take him seriously left him deeply humiliated. As the Dark Lord, he had been treated as an insignificant insect. Resolving to enhance his magical abilities and develop powerful means to confront Ivan, Voldemort carried this grudge forward.
Several days later, Kerry informed Ivan that the documents regarding his title and territory had been delivered. Ivan had been granted a rare privilege in British history. He named himself the Dark Earl and designated the desolate mountainous area near the seaside town as his territory.
The castle construction was no easy feat, and Ivan had spent over half a month overseeing the process. He imported various materials and used his abilities to dismantle and reconstruct them, eventually creating a vast castle.
The nearest town to the castle was the seaside town, a mere ten kilometers away. However, the journey took nearly a day due to treacherous mountain roads. Upon arrival, access to the castle was challenging. Ivan had encircled it with a wide and deep cliff and established a magical barrier. Only an advanced automatic bridge connected the gate to the mainland, extending itself upon activation.
With the castle's completion, British authorities sent investigators, but Ivan observed their every move through monitoring equipment. They found nothing amiss within the castle and retreated without incident.
Ivan then ventured nearly 10,000 meters beneath the castle to install an energy extraction device. The surroundings became tumultuous due to its influence, shrouded in perpetual dark clouds and punctuated by thunderstorms, creating an eerie atmosphere. Despite possessing an infinite energy source, Ivan had yet to determine its ultimate purpose and chose to seal it temporarily for future use.
Having resolved matters at the castle, Ivan promptly returned to Skull Island. The magical world had provided him with a wealth of intriguing discoveries, fueling his curiosity. Eager to delve into his newfound knowledge, Ivan immersed himself in his laboratory.