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Borgin suddenly sensed a potent and ominous surge of magic coursing through his body. The dormant magic within him, stagnant for an extended period, now surged dramatically, transforming his body at an accelerated pace.
Although inundated with intense magical energy, the accompanying pain was inconsequential compared to the exhilarating pleasure of witnessing his strength rapidly escalate. Overwhelmed with excitement, Borgin couldn't help but tremble.
After an indeterminate amount of time, Borgin perceived that the magic enveloping him had stabilized and ceased its ascent. He delicately clenched his fists and flexed his body, every inch resonating with newfound power. The overwhelming strength tempted him to unleash a triumphant shout; he yearned for a confrontation with Dumbledore and Voldemort, craving the opportunity to fully unleash his newfound might.
"Borgin, how do you feel?" Ivan's voice echoed suddenly in Borgin's ear as if a cold deluge had doused him, abruptly restoring his composure.
Recalling that his master was still present, Borgin, despite his enhanced strength, recognized his subordinate position. He comprehended that his master, capable of elevating his power in minutes, could effortlessly surpass him in an instant. The seemingly casually bestowed treasure only underscored his master's formidable prowess.
With this realization, Borgin swiftly suppressed his vigor and humbly bowed to Ivan, expressing gratitude for the bestowed gift.
"Thank you for the master's generous gift. I feel exceptional. This newfound power is extraordinary. Even if Dumbledore and Voldemort were to unite against me, victory would be assured. No one in the magical realm can impede my future endeavors. I am eager to serve you better and gather more resources."
"That's excellent. I will seal one into your body using a secret method, allowing the two of you to merge seamlessly. The remaining strand will effortlessly integrate with you, becoming an integral part of your power.
With this unique ability, you can absorb magic energy directly from the air, theoretically without limits, allowing for infinite casting."
"However, every advantage comes with its drawbacks. Because your magical power comes too easily, it may result in insufficient control. Therefore, I strongly advise against the reckless absorption of magical power. Move on to the next phase of absorption cautiously.
Only the power under your complete control truly belongs to you. Otherwise, possessing formidable magical energy without rational utilization can make you vulnerable in battle, risking capture or even loss of life."
Borgin took Ivan's words to heart. Upon hearing the advice, he nodded immediately and replied, "Thank you, Master, for your guidance. I will be mindful of it."
Regardless of whether Borgin genuinely internalized the advice, Ivan believed he had fulfilled his duty. After contemplating for a moment, he retrieved a test tube containing red liquid and a scroll from his person, handing them to Borgin.
"This is a specialized magic-transformation biological potion crafted by me. Formulated with the blood of an Ancient fire dragon and other components, drinking it will infuse you with a trace of the Ancient fire dragon's blood. Following the incantations recorded on the scroll, you can undergo Animagus Transfiguration, transforming into an Ancient fire dragon exceeding 100 meters in length—capable of vanquishing gods and Buddhas alike."
Borgin respectfully accepted the test tube and scroll, expressing his admiration, "It's truly commendable that the master acquired the blood of an ancient fire dragon. Your subordinate is deeply impressed by this feat."
Ivan responded with irritation, "Enough with the flattery. In reality, I've created over a dozen magic-transformation biological potions using the blood of the Ancient fire dragon. This one happens to be the most advanced. I'm giving it to you because, under the current circumstances, you're the only one in the entire magical world who can fully exploit its potential."
Curious, Borgin inquired, "Why is that? Are there any special conditions for using this magic-transformation biological agent?"
"There are no specific conditions for using the magic-transformation biological potion. However, mastering bloodline Animagus Transfiguration afterward is no easy task. Moreover, the magical power required to transform into a fire dragon exceeding 100 meters is staggering."
"This means that you've successfully merged silently, possessing a potent reservoir of magical power. This accomplishment sets you apart. If someone else were to undergo this process, even individuals like Dumbledore or Voldemort, half of their magical power might be drained during the transformation. They would likely be limited to using lower-level potions, and the resulting fire dragon could not exceed 50 meters."
"Discovering that a fire dragon with a length exceeding 100 meters is possible is truly exhilarating. Are there even more advanced options? Can it become larger?"
Ivan shook his head, "Stop dreaming. Beyond 100 meters is the limit because it corresponds to the length of the blood source."
"That explains it. What a pity."
Borgin couldn't help but feel a twinge of greed, understanding that a larger ancient fire dragon would be even more formidable.
"Alright, that's enough for today. Continue gathering magical materials for me—whether they are books, animals, or precious medicinal ingredients. As long as you find what I need, I won't be stingy with rewards. Keep up the hard work."
"Master, don't worry. I will" Borgin almost patted his chest to assure Ivan, brimming with energy after experiencing the benefits.
"I trust in you. Keep at it. I'm leaving." Ivan departed directly with a phantom.
…
Time flew by, and several years passed. Since Ivan became a father, most of his energy has shifted to his child. However, every seven days, he would open the Devil's Cabin for mysterious trades, and the rest of his time was dedicated to accompanying the child. Even when conducting experiments, he aimed to complete them swiftly, unlike in the past when he would spend extended periods in the laboratory.
Nevertheless, Ivan's accomplishments over the years were considerable. Initially, the Devil's Cabin attracted few sincere individuals for business, with most attempting to exploit Ivan with counterfeit goods.
As time went on and the reputation of the Devil's Cabin spread, it began to attract genuine interest, especially when individuals of status heard that they could exchange life at the Devil's Cabin. They went all out.
In their quest for longevity, influential figures fervently collected mysterious items and sought out Ivan for trade. If their offerings fell short, they resorted to using gold. While exchanging one year of lifespan for one ton of gold seemed steep, those desperate to survive gritted their teeth and endured the cost.
In addition to the amulets crafted by Ivan, they gained popularity among influential figures. While the life force traded from Ivan extended lifespans, it did not confer immortality. Accidents such as car crashes or fires could still lead to death, and it was at such times that the amulets proved invaluable. Acting as protective charms, they could resist fatal attacks, prompting many individuals to visit the Devil's Cabin for these trades, bringing numerous surprises to Ivan.
Despite Ivan's limited presence on Skull Island in recent years, he remained well-informed about the outside world. Shaw, having regained strength, continued his mutant revival efforts beyond Skull Island. However, he adopted a more discreet approach, occasionally returning to Skull Island to confer with Ivan and share news of the outside world.
Ivan, with the super-intelligence of the Red Queen, functioned like a super satellite, keeping him updated on major events. One of the most enjoyable aspects of the past few years was observing Magneto. Establishing Mutant Brothers with the wealth and connections left by Ivan and Shaw, Magneto attracted numerous mutants to his cause, strengthening the Brotherhood of Mutants.
However, Magneto's high profile made him a target. As a vocal racist who considered mutants the future of mankind, he drew the ire of many. Despite his favorable circumstances, Magneto, lacking vigilance, fell victim to targeted ambushes. Several powerful subordinates, including Riptide, the White Queen, and the Angel, were captured, with Magneto himself detained. Mystique, however, was saved by Azazel due to the unique nature of her genes, as instructed by Ivan. The remaining mutants either perished or escaped.
Although Magneto was in the hands of the U.S. government, Ivan wasn't concerned about his safety. Magneto, now the prominent leader of mutants, advocated for their benefit despite his violent methods. With an increasing number of mutants worldwide, many unaffiliated with Magneto, the U.S. government sought a solution that wouldn't alienate the mutant population.
Imprisoning Magneto and demonstrating his continued existence became the U.S. government's strategy to appease mutants and the X-Men led by Professor X. The alternative, risking the animosity of mutants, was not a risk the U.S. government was willing to take, given the global geopolitical landscape.