6: Extraordinary Characteristic: Butcher's Instinct

Since being personally invited by Albus Dumbledore to study magic at Hogwarts, the past two weeks of waiting had felt especially agonizing. Yet, after setting out to sneak a peek at the Leaky Cauldron and encountering a mysterious figure cloaked in black, he abandoned that idea and shut himself away inside the orphanage.

Ian shuddered at the thought of the darkness that might lurk within the magical world. He possessed the soul of an adult, but as a university student... how could he possibly withstand such dangers? All he could do was remain obedient and cautious.

[Successfully read Latin; Language proficiency +1]
[Successfully read Latin; Language proficiency +1]
[Successfully read Latin; Language proficiency +1]
...

At his desk, Ian flipped through the books before him, occasionally furrowing his brow in concentration. He repeatedly copied words into his notebook, whispering them softly to himself. Self-study demanded immense discipline—something even a character sheet couldn’t alter.

Every increase in proficiency meant Ian had absorbed new knowledge; each step up was a small epiphany. But such enlightenment required earnest study. Of course, when leveling up, there was a sensation akin to a grand revelation, a profound understanding.

Ian was immersed in learning.

Suddenly, a knock came at the door. The rhythm of his studies was broken. He turned and called out, “Come in.”

The door creaked open. It was Catherine, leaning casually against the doorframe, her eyes sparkling brightly.

“Ian, do you want a chicken leg? The cook said there’s extra tonight!” She held out the chicken leg like a treasure.

At Catherine’s feet, a white short-haired cat darted inside, nimble and lively, leaping onto the desk and crouching.

Startled, Catherine froze, then recognized the cat.

“Jilly! You little rascal!” Ian tapped the cat’s rear, scooped it up from the desk, and reassured Catherine, “It’s okay, Catherine, I’ve already scolded it.”

Catherine nodded, still a bit annoyed as she eyed the cat.

Ian smiled comfortingly. “Jilly didn’t mean any harm, Catherine. Relax.”

“Alright, Ian.”

Children’s tempers were quick to flare but just as quick to fade.

Finally, Catherine’s curiosity got the better of her. “Ian, when can we go to the magic academy?”

Ian smiled at the little girl. Indeed, no one could resist the allure of magic, though he felt compelled to remind her.

“Catherine, we promised to keep this a secret.”

Catherine immediately covered her mouth. “Ian, I…”

Ian smiled. “Of course, only tell me. That’s fine. But to study magic, given your age, you’ll have to wait a few more years.”

“Mmm, I’ll eat more and grow up fast! Ian, let’s go find Norn and the others to play!”

Faced with her eager eyes, Ian shook his head with a smile and glanced at the language book on his desk.

Originally, he had wanted to raise his language skill to level five to unlock extraordinary traits. But after Catherine’s interruption, his mood for studying had waned. Forcing himself now would only reduce efficiency.

He checked his character panel:

Name: Ian Prince
Class: Bloodline Warlock
Mana: Level 4
Skills: Language Mastery (Level 4): 500/800
Biological Anatomy (Level 5): 64/1600
Free Fighting (Level 3): 85/400
Psychology (Level 6): 42/3200
[Psychology Extraordinary Trait: Thought Perception]
[Biological Anatomy Extraordinary Trait: Butcher’s Instinct]

After days of intense study, his language skill had already reached level 4 and was 300 points from level 5. Meanwhile, his other skills hadn’t grown much—he hadn’t performed any divinations lately, so Psychology and Biological Anatomy remained stagnant. This explained the rapid progress in language.

Time was limited, after all.

“Let’s go.”

Ian set the cat down. The white feline immediately darted out of the room as Ian and Catherine left together.

Outside in the yard, children were playing ball. When they saw Ian, their faces lit up. Though not much older than them, Ian often took on a parental role—not strict, but caring and protective.

“Hey! Ian, come join our team!”

“No way. Ian finally came out to play; he should be on our team so we can win!”

The kids nearly came to blows over it.

Ian smiled helplessly. “Alright, alright, I’ll be the goalie!”

With only a few days left before leaving the orphanage to attend Hogwarts, Ian felt a deep, indescribable reluctance toward the people and many things here.

...

Night fell, stars sparse in the dark sky.

After washing up, Ian lay on his bed. Though the day had been fulfilling, his mind lingered on what he longed for most.

“When will I get to practice actual magic skills…”

Sleep soon swept over him.

---

He drifted into a deep, sweet slumber.

The clear sky above was like freshly polished sapphire, crystal and pure. Fluffy white clouds, like carefully sculpted cotton candy, floated lazily. Sunlight filtered through gaps in the clouds, casting dappled shadows that seemed to dance like playful sprites, bringing vibrant life to the tranquil scene.

The dreamscape had come once again.

Ian stretched his arms wide, breathing deeply, savoring the peace of this world.

Beneath this picturesque sky lay a fairytale forest. Trees stood lush and green, leaves rustling softly as if whispering ancient secrets. Small creatures darted among the foliage, butterflies and bees flitted from flower to flower. A winding stone path led deep into the forest, its end swallowed by darkness.

This time, he did not see Arianna.

Ian had grown accustomed to this. After all, time flowed differently between the two worlds.

Only seven minutes passed in reality, but in this dreamlike realm, it felt like half a day.

Each visit to this realm spanned several days, sometimes even months. There was no precise standard for this time discrepancy.

To be fair, running into Arianna last time was just a coincidence.

Ian stepped onto the grass, following the path. Strange animals occasionally dashed from the bushes, glancing curiously before disappearing again. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, speckling the ground with light.

After what felt like an endless walk, he arrived at a small town hidden in a valley.

Though small, the town’s facilities were fairly complete: an ancient post office stood quietly, a tavern’s sign swayed gently in the breeze, and the church’s steeple pierced the clouds with solemn dignity.

Everything seemed ordinary, yet the town lacked the vibrancy of life. All shops were shuttered, empty inside.

It resembled eerie towns from horror films, but without the sinister atmosphere.

“The town of the dead.”

The scene reminded Ian of what Arianna had once said—this place had once been inhabited, but gradually everyone left. Perhaps these souls had forgotten their attachments in this dream realm, or fulfilled them, moving on to even more mysterious adventures.

“A place without life, you can clearly feel the loneliness.”

Ian soon crossed the deserted streets and reached the small cottage where Arianna lived.

“Hm? Where is she?”

The cottage door was firmly shut. Ian approached and peered through the window, which was also closed. Inside was silent, just like the shops—no sound, no movement.

Something felt off.

Over the years, Arianna had never left this town’s vicinity.

This was the first time Ian couldn’t find her.

He wanted to ask about the mark she had given him last time. Could her disappearance be connected to that gift?

Worry crept into Ian’s heart.

At that moment, a voice broke the quiet behind him—elegant, somewhat cold, with a commanding presence.

“Oh, broken-hearted boy, are you waiting for that poor little girl?”

Ian startled and swiftly turned around.

A woman stood before him. Her eyes were deep black gems, slightly upturned at the corners, framed by thick lashes like delicate fans. She exuded an elegant, stunning beauty... a mature woman.

She wore a black robe trimmed with gold thread, radiating an aura both cold and dignified.

Yet such an extravagant appearance seemed utterly out of place in this simple, desolate town.