In the spacious room, everyone took turns stepping into the magical array at the room's center to determine their innate attributes. The ancient black stone pillars occasionally radiated different colors, each representing a distinct school of magic.
Among the 25 individuals, the three members of the Weasley family were all aligned with the Wood attribute. This was unsurprising, as magical affinity often runs strongly within families due to shared bloodlines. Neville, Luna, Marietta (a classmate of Cho from Ravenclaw), and Ernie Macmillan from Hufflepuff's third year were all identified as possessing Water attributes. While Water and Ice are closely related, Ice is considered more offensive in nature, whereas Water is often used in healing spells, complementing Light magic.
What caught Augustus by surprise was Cho's affinity for Arcane magic. In this world, most elemental magic draws power from the active elements around them, but the source of Arcane magic lies in the omnipresent arcane energy within the Weave. Arcane magic flows in structured patterns, forming the threads of the Weave. A true arcane mage can connect with these threads to create spellcraft, making Arcane magic an essential component of disciplines ranging from evocation to divination.
Training a true master of the Arcane would be a monumental challenge, even for someone like Augustus, with his wealth of knowledge and experience. The complexity and intricacy of Arcane magic demand deep understanding and precision. Still, even if Cho were to reach only an intermediate level, her combat potential would be significant and difficult to underestimate.
Next, Hermione's results revealed a pure Light attribute. In this world, devoid of gods, a Light-aligned mage doesn't enjoy any divine blessings. However, in the original world, a commoner with Light affinity would undoubtedly be recruited by the church at any cost. Light magic, known for its purity and connection to higher planes, has always been rare. It symbolizes a clean and noble soul and serves as an ideal conduit for celestial beings, often becoming the chosen vessel for archangels in heavenly realms.
Even in a godless plane, a Light mage's spells can be devastating to evil creatures. Without strong magical resistance, even a low-level Light spell can drive away creatures like Dementors far more effectively than a Patronus Charm.
Hermione was visibly thrilled by her alignment with Light magic. Observing Augustus use similar magic against Dementors during their third year, she had suspected his alignment. Now that she could join such a powerful school of magic, her excitement was unmistakable.
For Harry, this was a defining moment. Never before had he felt such an intense yearning for power. This opportunity represented a sword of fate, offering him control over his destiny—free from the constraints of uncertainty. Entering Hogwarts was his first turning point, but joining the Julius Corps might mark a decisive transformation of his life.
With anticipation and nervousness, Harry stepped into the magical array. The silver glow of the magic circle shimmered faintly, and the 14 black stone pillars stood tall around him, their inscriptions glowing as magical energy coursed through his body. The energy gathered at his feet, forming a concentrated feedback loop. Suddenly, one of the black stone pillars lit up with golden brilliance, and the room echoed with a metallic resonance.
"Metal magic," Augustus noted approvingly. A formidable school, Metal magic has immense offensive potential in battle. A true Metal mage is akin to a magnet surrounded by weapons, capable of manipulating external metals and creating metallic armor. Such mages are ultimate war machines, pure instruments of destruction.
Among the remaining individuals, most were aligned with mainstream attributes. Summoning, Illusion, and Necromancy—rare schools even in the original world—were unsurprisingly absent among the 25 candidates. Having someone like Cho with her Arcane affinity was already an unexpected boon.
Ginny, Michael Corner, and Anthony Goldstein were all identified with Earth magic. Although considered a conventional school, Earth magic boasts strong defensive capabilities. At advanced levels, its destructive force becomes unparalleled, enabling practitioners to channel the planet's power for devastating attacks.
Finally, Zacharias Smith and Justin Finch-Fletchley were revealed to have Dark magic affinities. Augustus noted that even with his legendary status and vast knowledge, mastery of Dark magic required grueling self-discipline. Its unique properties make it impossible to master quickly, meaning these two would eventually need to rely on their own perseverance to reach higher levels.
To Augustus's surprise, Angelina showed a Fire affinity. As a dual-affinity mage of Ice and Fire himself, Augustus paid special attention to these attributes. He made a mental note to keep an eye on Angelina's talent and growth.
After everyone's affinities were tested, the black stone pillars dimmed and returned to silence. The group gathered around Augustus, their emotions ranging from excitement to determination.
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