"Chirp! Chirp chirp!"
The little creature, just hatched, heard its master refer to it and angrily chirped back, carelessly pecking at the eggshell. It stumbled out, pecking at Wayne's fingers. Due to its recent birth, the creature's attacks felt more like tickling than anything else.
Wayne scratched his head in confusion, not understanding why it was so upset. "Wait a minute, how can something just born evolve into its final form? You should be called 'Fire Sparrow.'"
Upon hearing the name 'Fire Sparrow,' the little one stopped pecking, trembling all over, before starting to peck even more vigorously. Even the system seemed speechless and unusually took the initiative to jump in.
[Host, this is the Phoenix King.]
"Wow!" Wayne exclaimed, staring at the little creature in surprise. "This is the Phoenix King?"
Looking closely, it did bear some resemblance to the Phoenix King, though it was featherless, looking more like a large beak sparrow. The little creature lifted its head proudly, seemingly saying, "Finally, you recognize my identity, Master."
It turned away and began gnawing at the eggshell, presenting its backside to Wayne.
Watching the Phoenix King enjoy its meal, Wayne was overwhelmed with joy. This was the Phoenix King, the legendary Pokémon with extraordinary abilities, even capable of resurrecting the deceased. Although its combat power might not be particularly strong, in comparison to other divine beasts and even ordinary Pokémon or quasi-gods, it was definitely not weak.
Compared to the phoenixes in this world, the Phoenix King was sure to be far superior. The system's two gift packs were incredibly generous—an SS-level template card that elevated Wayne's talent to a historical level, and the other pet was, unexpectedly, the Phoenix King, reaching peak status in terms of potential.
"System, how can I level up the Phoenix King?" Wayne asked.
[By absorbing energy-rich food, the Phoenix King can grow over time. Defeating other Pokémon can also yield battle experience, accelerating level-ups.]
Wayne nodded, finding the requirements quite simple. Observing the little creature rapidly devouring the eggshell, he couldn't help but smile.
"I guess I'll just keep calling you the Phoenix King. The King of Phoenixes. When I get to Hogwarts, I'll take you to the Forbidden Forest to train so you can reach your peak form as soon as possible."
Upon hearing his master's words, the Phoenix King chirped in response, flapping its tiny wings against its chest, as if guaranteeing its commitment.
...
In the days that followed, Wayne embraced the role of a caregiver, tending to the Phoenix King at home every day. He bought a large variety of pet food from the magical creature shop, allowing the Phoenix King to choose its favorite flavors, and even splurged on a few bottles of Erumpent milk, which the creature seemed to love.
A week passed, and Hermione returned the books she had borrowed from Wayne. When he asked if she wanted to borrow more, she declined. She wanted to start preparing for their first-year textbooks, in case she fell behind when school started.
Wayne found this a bit ridiculous. Most people study the night before class; who starts preparing during summer vacation? No wonder she was known as the study diva at Hogwarts.
Once home, other than playing with the Phoenix King, Wayne didn't return to practicing spells. Instead, he shifted his focus to Herbology and Potion-making.
If one wanted to empty a young wizard's wallet, the most effective method was to sell prank products or some entertaining potions, much like the twins did. Wayne aimed to quickly improve his potion-making skills, create unique products, carve out a new niche to avoid homogenization, and achieve a competitive advantage.
Thanks to his memory palace ability, he made astonishing progress in learning, and even when he tried brewing potions himself, he didn't make any major mistakes.
Still, Wayne was somewhat dissatisfied. Compared to others who possess talents rated at SS or S, having only an A-level potion-making talent felt a bit lacking. However, there was not much he could do; he was currently broke, with only a handful of points, and couldn't afford any lottery draws.
Before he knew it, Wayne was eagerly awaiting the start of term.
Finally, August 31st arrived.
After work that evening, Humphrey went straight to Wayne's house. He was staying there for the night to take Wayne to King's Cross Station early the next morning.
Looking at his sister's only son, Humphrey couldn't help but offer a few reminders: "You must be careful in the magical world. From what I've gathered, there was apparently a major upheaval about ten years ago."
"If you encounter any danger, you can always reach out to the Minister of Magic or directly come to me. As long as it happens on the British Isles, I can handle it for you."
As he finished speaking, Humphrey instinctively tidied his suit, unable to suppress a smile.
Wayne noticed something and cautiously asked, "Uncle Humphrey, are you... getting promoted?"
"Not certain yet…" Humphrey waved his hand modestly, but his smile betrayed him.
"Sir Arnold has decided to retire; he thinks I've been doing a good job."
Arnold was someone Wayne referred to as the 'Dark Lord' and was likely the most influential man in the British Isles. The Prime Minister was merely a figurehead, while the true puppeteers were the civil secretaries.
"In that case, let me congratulate you in advance, Uncle." Wayne raised his glass and drank down the milk in his cup. Humphrey finished his wine and, putting down the glass, sighed, "Finally, I'll be free of that third-rate minister, Hack."
Wayne looked at him thoughtfully. "I actually think that nudging a bit isn't a bad idea."
"You mean… push Hack up?" Humphrey expressed incredulity. "You can't be serious, Wayne. He's just a third-rate politician, graduated from the economics academy; how could he possibly…"
"That's not important. What matters is that you and Uncle Hack have worked together for three years; you know him well."
"Rather than partner with someone unfamiliar, why not continue cooperating? Isn't that a good thing?"
Upon hearing this, Humphrey fell into contemplation.
Wayne's suggestion was indeed valid. If Hack became Prime Minister, they wouldn't need to exert much effort to work together seamlessly. Although Hack's priorities were votes and approval ratings, his occasional instinct for survival could throw him off balance.
But fundamentally, he was still a good-natured politician, so there wasn't much to worry about.
"I'll think about it. Alright, let's not dwell on this anymore…"
...
The next morning, at ten-thirty, Wayne arrived punctually at King's Cross Station.
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