"Many wizards have died trying to explore new forms of magic. Young wizard, you wouldn't want to leave this world before your family, would you?"
Ollivander's sharp gaze was fixed on Dylan.
Dylan blinked.
To be honest, he didn't think that researching new spells would necessarily be as dangerous as Ollivander suggested.
This confidence came from his complete mastery of the three Unforgivable Curses.
The Unforgivable Curses, being extremely powerful and aggressive, contained an immense amount of magical complexity. Yet, he had them fully under control. What spell could possibly be more dangerous than these three?
Maybe there were some, but definitely not many.
"I understand, sir. Thank you for the warning," Dylan nodded.
Even though he felt that delving into new spells might not be as perilous as Ollivander implied, he wasn't planning to do so before he fully grasped the complete magical system.
Because while Ollivander was speaking, Dylan had caught onto something—magic possesses its own sentience.
Uncontrolled magic was bound to spiral into chaos.
If he lacked the ability to subdue and master it,
too much reckless experimentation could very well create an Obscurial.
"Even the Unforgivable Curses don't scare these things. I should probably play it safe."
Seeing Dylan's commitment, Ollivander resumed searching for a suitable wand.
"You are quite... hmm, let me think. Ah, yes, you have great nerve. A very daring young wizard indeed."
Ollivander pulled three wand boxes from the shelves, then disappeared into the depths of the shop and returned with seven more, carefully placing them on the counter.
"I think I have a guess as to what kind of wand would suit you."
"Let's start with these three," Ollivander gestured to the boxes on the far right.
Dylan picked them up one by one, testing each wand.
As he did, Ollivander spoke again: "Young wizard, do you know why I'm having you try so many different wands?"
"I assume it's to find the one that suits me best, the one that resonates with me and helps stabilize my magic?"
Dylan picked up a wand with intricate carvings and gave it a gentle flick—only to be met with a small explosion.
"Oh! Very well said!"
Ollivander's eyes lit up as he set aside the three wands on the right.
"Try these next."
"Everything you said is correct. A compatible wand is essential, but its true purpose is to greatly restrict the uncontrolled release of chaotic magic."
Dylan tested two more wands, but Ollivander seemed dissatisfied with both.
"Please, continue, sir."
"Young wizards tend to unleash their magic without restraint when they're unfamiliar with spells."
Ollivander handed him another wand, his tone carrying a hint of complexity. He cast a brief glance upward at the ceiling.
"If chaotic, directionless magic isn't properly channeled—say, through a spell—it can lead to disastrous consequences. Just like what happened moments ago… This one's not right for you either."
He passed Dylan a fourth wand.
"That's why wands are crucial. They help limit the reckless outpouring of magic, especially when young wizards don't yet understand how to control it."
"I see," Dylan nodded as he waved another wand, only for yet another series of explosions to follow.
Was he becoming some sort of demolition expert…?
"No worries, we still have plenty to try." Ollivander chuckled, handing him another wand.
Dylan took it.
The moment it touched his palm, his mind sharpened.
He could feel his magic surging through him, more active than before. Almost effortlessly, it flowed into the wand.
As the wand absorbed his magic, a deep, dark light erupted from its tip.
The black glow, like tendrils from the depths of the underworld, coiled around Dylan twice before dissipating.
The sight startled him.
For a moment, he thought he had unconsciously cast one of the Unforgivable Curses.
But the darkness faded quickly, leaving no lasting effect.
Ollivander arched an eyebrow at the display and grinned, showing a row of teeth. "Ah-ha! Thirteen and a quarter inches, yew wood, with a Thestral tail hair core… It seems death and power will always walk beside you, young wizard."
"I had a feeling—you resemble the kind of wizard with extraordinary talent but one who is at risk of straying down a dangerous path."
Dylan: "…"
Excuse me? Sir, do you realize how rude that sounds?
He barely resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
"Damn those Unforgivable Curses! Just because I know them doesn't mean I'm extreme!"
All he ever wanted in this world was to invest in some stocks and live a peaceful life!
"Thestral tail hair is quite rare these days. This wand was one of my creations from my younger years—these others as well."
Ollivander handed Dylan another wand.
"Back then, rumors of a certain legendary wand surrounded me. Inspired by its power, I created these wands."
"Yet, after all these years, they had never found a wizard who could truly wield them."
Ollivander sighed softly.
Dylan blinked.
A legendary wand?
The Elder Wand?
His eyes flashed with intrigue, but he kept his tone neutral. "Thestrals? Are they some kind of magical creature?"
"Wait, don't tell me all these wands were made using tail hairs from the same Thestral. Sir, you didn't pluck it bald, did you?"
"Oh, hahaha! No, no, nothing like that."
Ollivander burst into laughter and shook his head.
"In truth, when I was younger, I sought to recreate the legendary wand's supreme power. So, each of these wands was made using the strongest tail hair of a Thestral—harvested at the exact moment of its death."
Then, as an afterthought, he added, "Of course, times have changed. Unrestrained killing is no longer allowed. You mustn't follow my example, young wizard."
Dylan knew that, for most wizards, magical creatures were seen merely as sources of magical materials.
But after magical creatures were excessively hunted, the wizarding world had to adopt a more sustainable approach.
Wizards like Hagrid, who genuinely cared for magical creatures, were rare.
The realization that every wand he had tested so far was essentially a replica of the Elder Wand gave Dylan a headache.
At least none of them had caused any major incidents in his hands.
And, thankfully, they weren't all made from the same Thestral's tail hair.
Otherwise, he might have seriously considered buying them all, just to keep them out of the wrong hands.
(End of Chapter)