Hogwarts: Dumbledore reigned over the wizarding world.

Chapter 295 The Mystery of Magic and God

This was a direction Dumbledore had probably never considered before, and he was visibly taken aback, his tone somewhat bewildered: "For example?"

Vaughn shrugged: "It's hard to explain in a short time. You can check the documents and policies issued by the Muggle government in England for that purpose, and you'll understand."

Upon hearing this, Dumbledore understood.

Most likely, it's some random bill involving sanctions or other Muggle-related legislation.

He scratched his head: "But they have demands on Muggles, so why are they targeting us?"

"It's not surprising. Didn't you also not understand why they came after you?"

The words were a bit convoluted, and it took Dumbledore a moment to realize that this was a matter of ingrained thinking under two different countries and two different systems.

In his view, the complete separation between the wizarding world and Muggle society was a matter of course and commonplace.

From an Eastern perspective, it is only natural for the magical world to be intertwined with the secular world, without any distinction between them.

Thinking about it, Dumbledore scratched his head again, this time feeling troubled. He sighed, "If it's really as you guessed, then this is difficult. I'm neither the Minister of Magic nor the Muggle Prime Minister. What can I do about their demands?"

Hearing the sigh, Vaughn rolled his eyes.

He could tell, of course, that the old man was finding it troublesome and wanted to bargain.

"Don't look at me. No matter what, the Central Qi Refining Academy must join this potion exchange program and establish friendly relations. This is part of our pre-semester deal!"

"—Hehe, looking at your head, there's absolutely nothing wrong with it."

"Thank you. At least I can still hear the underlying message from some people who want to cheat and shirk responsibility."

Unfazed by Vaughn's sarcastic remarks, Dumbledore stroked his beard, pondered for a moment, and asked, "Do you have any suggestions for our next encounter?"

"Communication? Don't you have the channels for that?"

"Channels? Those Qi cultivators from the Five Great Paths?"

"Of course, they are part of the wizarding world. Even after being isolated for more than 40 years, they understand the European wizarding world's system and way of thinking better than Muggles. You can encourage them to take the initiative and try to find out what those Muggles really want. Perhaps what they need is not difficult for the wizarding world to achieve."

"Vaughn said casually."

He understood his hometown during this period; it was a non-aligned and non-involved society, so the demands there were mostly not political.

It's most likely due to technological blockade.

In terms of politics, Dumbledore was indeed powerless. Although the English wizarding world and the Muggle government cooperated, the level of cooperation was very low.

In other words, each Minister of Magic establishes contact with the Muggle Prime Minister and some high-ranking cabinet officials, and during special periods, the two sides cooperate to a limited extent on cases involving violations of the Secrets Act.

Even if Dumbledore were just the headmaster of Hogwarts and held no administrative position, he wouldn't have the right to interfere with the policy direction of the Muggle government.

Otherwise, the Confederation will be the first to retaliate—even if Dumbledore is the Grand Master of the Confederation, it won't matter.

But Vaughn, referring to his memories of his past life, felt that the East shouldn't be so "fanciful" as to pin their hopes on a group of foreign wizards in the face of political difficulties.

The other party's true purpose may be focused on high-tech industries.

For example, small jobs like helping to smuggle lathes.

Whether wizards are good at other things is debatable, but judging from the spells most wizards possess, almost every wizard is a natural smuggler.

While it may not be possible to completely disappear without a trace, it can certainly evade Muggle detectives.

The "Storage" has a seamless stretching spell, which is even more amazing. A small bag placed in a suitcase can actually have enough space inside to hold a house. It really tests the imagination of Muggles.

To conceal one's identity, there are Polymorph spells, Confusion spells, and Muggle Expulsion spells. No Muggle is exempt from these; there is no way to escape them!

Anyone with even a basic understanding of wizards can think of many ways to "get rich" through magic, whether for an individual or a nation!

As they were talking, Professor McGonagall returned carrying a huge tray.

As Dumbledore had anticipated, and perhaps wanting Vaughn to recover faster, dear Professor McGonagall prepared a large quantity of desserts: scones, Victoria's Secret, curd tarts, apple pie—enough to buy a dead man, even by English standards of sweetness.

And a big cup of hot cocoa!

Ivor's eating habits are unappetizing to look at, but this time he didn't pick at his food. Dumbledore was right, the damage to the mind and body can only be healed by the body in the end.

There is no other way.

Increasing calorie intake recently can indeed help with recovery.

The conversation was interrupted by the meal, but there wasn't much to say about Dumbledore's work in the East. The rest was basically about adjusting the strategy according to Vaughn's advice and continuing to communicate with them.

So, after finishing his meal and Professor McGonagall leaving, Dumbledore dismissed Madam Pomfrey and, while tidying his beard, smiled at Vaughn, who had stuffed himself full of desserts and looked utterly miserable: "My dear, tell me, what happened to you in the Aether that made you look so disheveled?"

"I thought you weren't going to ask!" Vaughn quipped, feeling like he was soaked in sugar, his mouth filled with a sweet taste. Thankfully, his words remained sharp and concise: "Giants!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Vaughn noticed that Dumbledore's smiling expression froze for a moment.

He narrowed his eyes slightly and continued, "A giant whose size was impossible to discern. When I entered the ether, I fell directly into its dream, which was an endless ocean—"

He described in detail what he had experienced at the time.

At the same time, they were also observing Dumbledore's changing expressions.

As he expected, Old Deng's expression grew increasingly solemn as he listened.

When he heard Vaughn describe the pale blue, transparent figure and the twilight-like light emanating from the giant's eyes...

He couldn't contain himself any longer and stood up, pacing back and forth in front of the hospital bed.

After finishing his narration, Vaughn fell silent, quietly watching Dumbledore. Judging from Dumbledore's behavior, he clearly knew about the endless ocean dream, and what the towering giant submerged in the sea was. Perhaps he had even come into contact with them in the ether.

Old Deng's behavior, which did not conceal this fact, indicates that the other party did not intend to hide it from him.

Sure enough, after pacing a few steps, Dumbledore fell silent, then sat back down next to Vaughn and sighed, "I originally thought you might have encountered something else, perhaps a wizard from the past or the future. Remember when I told you that I once encountered a life form that might have been from another planet—"

He paused, then shook his head: "That's not important. I just never expected you'd encounter... Death!"

Does God exist in this world?

Or, to put it another way, should there be a God in this world?

Vaughn had considered this issue long ago, and frankly, his attitude toward it was very complicated.

From the perspective of someone with independent thought, God is of course not a real being; He is merely a clay or wooden puppet, a source of spiritual sustenance for people.

If the concept of "God" truly existed, especially those with personified gods as described in many religious texts, it would be a catastrophe for all life forms inferior to them.

Because this is the logic of the laws of nature—big fish eat small fish, and small fish eat shrimp.

Perhaps the existence of "gods" does not necessarily involve competing with humans for ecological niches; it may be a way of life that transcends human understanding.

But having personality and wisdom is already terrifying enough.

Having wisdom means having perception, memory, cognition, understanding, association, logic, discrimination, and even emotions, judgment, analysis, biases, etc., which can be summarized as thinking and are sufficient to form the concept of "value".

In this way, even if there is no ecological niche conflict between "gods" and humans, what would happen if one day this being, who is stronger than humans, felt that the value of humans did not match its own?

Think about it: if a mosquito bites you, what would you do instinctively? You'll understand.

On the other hand, as a wizard who pursues the truth of magic, he sees no end in sight on the path of magic.

But if the existence of "God" is proven, does that mean there is a completely new and broader realm above magic?

For more than a decade since coming into this world, Vaughn has tried to avoid thinking about "God," which is partly due to his difficulty in defining his own beliefs.

Because whether you agree with him or not, you can't avoid thinking about corresponding solutions, which is too exhausting.

Perhaps we should bury our heads in the sand for now and ignore it.

I just didn't expect it—

"grim Reaper----"

A moment of confusion flashed in Vaughn's eyes.

This was indeed an answer that surprised him.

Before this, because he had been taken into the Aether by Dumbledore and heard that Dumbledore had encountered extraterrestrial life, he had always thought that the giant might have come from another planet. Although humans have never observed the existence of extraterrestrials, extraterrestrial civilizations must exist on a cosmic scale.

The reason Vaughn decided to invite Aether last semester wasn't primarily for alchemy—this time it was brought forward simply because the twins' progress had slowed him down.

His previous interest in the ether was mainly focused on the possibility of encountering extraterrestrial life there, and he was wondering if the origins of magic could be traced back to this place.

After all, Vaughn had always believed that the source of magic might not be on Earth.

However, Dumbledore's words at this moment made him realize that his "wild idea" back then had actually been conservative—

He didn't know what to say for a moment.

At the bedside, Dumbledore noticed Vaughn's temporary confusion and hesitation. He wasn't surprised, and simply said, "I know this might be a bit shocking, but I think that now that you've met him, you should know some things that can't be learned from textbooks."

As the old man spoke, he winked playfully, trying to ease the tension.

Unfortunately, Vaughn did not respond to him, but stared at him blankly, as if waiting for his explanation.

Dumbledore's smile faded, and after a moment of deep thought, he suddenly asked, "You've read *The Tales of Beedle the Bard*, haven't you?"

"----certainly."

"You're probably familiar with the story of the Peverell brothers and the Deathly Hallows, which is recorded inside." He paused, then asked, "Do you think the Grim Reaper in the story matches your understanding of 'god'?"

"In which aspect?"

Vaughn countered with a question.

Seeing how quickly he recovered from his shock and regained his rationality, a hint of appreciation flashed in Dumbledore's azure eyes behind his crescent-shaped glasses: "Don't worry about the direction of the interpretation, just follow your true feelings. Do you think that Grim Reaper matches your understanding of God?"

Vaughn didn't hesitate: "It doesn't fit. His interactions with the Peverell brothers are too human."

"Hmm—what are your expectations of God?"

Huh?

Vaughn was somewhat surprised, but after thinking for a moment, he still said, "From the current perspective, the God I expect should be an existence without emotions or will, that does not concern itself with the good, evil, happiness, or suffering of individuals, and that does not interfere or reward or punish."

A standard Vaughn Weasley-esque response.

Rather than expecting a "god," it is more accurate to say that Vaughn's imagination of the natural laws of the universe and the intrinsic driving force behind the operation of things in reality.

Dumbledore wasn't surprised at all; the Vaughn he knew was just that kind of guy, devoid of romance and aesthetics!

No, rather, that's what smart people would expect!

Thinking about it, he smiled again and said, "In the mid-Middle Ages, before it was included in the Tales of Beedle the Bard, the story of the three Peverell brothers was only passed down among a limited number of families. The Grim Reaper in the story is the figure you described. Back then, a wizard heard this story and, during a trip to the ether, he, like you, fell into the giant's dream. But unlike what you are experiencing now, the giant back then had no emotions or will, like a puppet, just like the one he heard in the story."

"The wizard gained some benefits from the giants, but he was also very curious about their existence. After returning from the aether, the wizard, the alchemist, reworked the story he had heard, combined it with his own conjecture, and told it to a poet named Bedou."

"The poet's story spread throughout Europe, and years later, when the alchemist once again entered the giant's dream, he discovered that the giant had begun to possess emotions and will—"

Upon hearing this, Vaughn was somewhat stunned. In an instant, as if he had thought of something, his golden-brown pupils widened slightly.

Noticing the change in his expression, Dumbledore's smile grew even gentler: "That wizard, the alchemist, is named Nicolas Flamel. The magical world has always found it strange. The theory of the Golden Soul has been around for hundreds of years, and countless brilliant alchemists have been unable to break through the limitations of lifespan. Why is it that only Nicolas Flamel could create the Philosopher's Stone? This doesn't conform to the general laws of things!"

Yes!

Everything in the magical world, just like everything in the real universe, follows certain laws.

Laws exist objectively; it's impossible for one person to discover a law and create a physical object based on it, while others can't do the same.

Both sides are based on the same knowledge system, so there shouldn't be such a big gap between them.

Unless, Flamel used something that no one else had to make the Philosopher's Stone!

"As you probably guessed, Nico's Philosopher's Stone was forged from the flesh and blood of a giant," and the giant's appearance was due to a story he heard years ago.

"Just like the theory you proposed last year in 'Extraordinary Potions,' stories become legends, legends influence mystery, and mystery bestows characteristics—the dreams and fears of many mortals can endow ordinary plants with magical miracles, while the legends of several families over hundreds of years and the knowledge of a legendary wizard give birth to—gods!"

"An artificial Grim Reaper!"

Looking at Vaughn, Dumbledore slowly said, "This secret, Nico never told anyone until one day, probably when he began to think about embracing death, perhaps not wanting to take the secret to his grave, so he told me and made me swear that I would never create a new god."

"I kept this secret as well, until you published that paper last year—now you know why I suddenly agreed to collaborate with you, and you understand why Nico wanted you to invite Ether to meet him before he died, right?"

grim Reaper.

It was "made" by humans.

This was a lot of information, and Vaughn felt increasingly headache-ridden, unsure whether it was a side effect of the damage to his mental body that was gradually deepening, or a result of some shock to his beliefs.

Vaughn pinched his forehead, trying to relieve the pain while thinking.

He didn't doubt that Dumbledore was lying to him; firstly, it made sense chronologically.

Nicolas Flamel was born in 1327. The birth year of Beedle is unknown, but according to various sources, The Tales of Beedle the Bard was written in the late 14th century, a time that is certain (Dumbledore made a note when he gave Hermione the Tales in the original book).

Both were indeed wizards of the same era, and the story of the Peverell brothers became a well-known legend in Europe when it was published with the collection of stories.

As for how legends influence mystery, and mystery bestows characteristics (miracles), this is a theory developed by Vaughn himself.

Theoretically speaking, that is indeed feasible.

It's incredible!

The reason I say "theoretically" is because Vaughn, who proposed the "legend-driven property" theory, was well aware that there were too many aspects of this theory that could not be explained.

The most crucial question is—the legend influences the sense of mystery. So, what exactly is mystery?

In this regard, not to mention Vaughn, no one in the entire magical world, who has studied magical theories for thousands of years, can clearly explain what the mystery is.

Long ago, there wasn't even a fixed word to describe "mystery".

Until more than a thousand years ago, a classical alchemical school proposed a relatively definite term, Myicim. In the theoretical system of that school, as the root word "My" (Mi) suggests, the mystery within mystery is a kind of "foggy, seemingly existing but not clearly visible secret".

im stands for "knowledge," representing specific beliefs, theories, and knowledge.

In modern terms, the whole term means a kind of "knowledge" that mortals cannot observe, describe, or define.

This "knowledge" only acquired a definite meaning and identity hundreds of years after the development of this school of thought, and was called the spirit of the universe.

That's right, the classical alchemy school is called "Mysticism".

They later pioneered the theory of the Golden Soul, based on the indescribable "knowledge" and "spirit of the universe," and the entirety of modern alchemy.

Seeing Vaughn deep in thought, Dumbledore, who knew which alchemical books he had borrowed and what knowledge systems he had been exposed to, was well aware of what Vaughn was thinking.

Old Deng chuckled and teased, "That's right, darling. The theory you published last year isn't anything new. Ancient alchemists discovered its mysterious nature long ago, and found that legends could influence the creation of miracles."

"The emergence of the Secret Code and the refinement of the Golden Soul theory almost entirely revolve around it. Alchemists have always wanted to understand what responded to their requests, bestowing upon them the symbols to help them accomplish the great power to manipulate reality."

But they didn't understand.

At this thought, Vaughn's mind suddenly wandered. He looked up at Dumbledore, seemingly puzzled yet also certain: "According to you, Nicolas Flamel's creation of Death wasn't his invention? Before him, alchemists already knew how to—create gods?"

Dumbledore smiled and nodded: "Yes."

"Have they implemented it?"

"certainly."

"What god?"

Dumbledore's smile slowly faded, and he sighed, "Of course, it's the biggest one—the core of modern alchemy!"

After Deng finished speaking, Vaughn fell silent.

Spirit of the Universe!

Or rather, the golden soul!

"You once said that magic is an idealistic worldview, and that is indeed the case in reality. Young wizards start magical outbursts because of emotional outbursts, spells interfere with reality because of the involvement of emotions, potions bring the dead back to life and heal the wounded because of legends, and alchemy achieves miracles because of desires and wishes."

Dumbledore said quietly, "But how all this was accomplished remains an unanswered question for wizards throughout history. Theories reached their limit in the idealistic, abstract world. Then one day, a group of old men seeking the true meaning of magic came up with a whimsical idea—if we bring 'mystery,' that unobservable and indescribable knowledge, to life, could it answer our questions?"

"So, they created a golden soul for this universe?"

Vaughn found his voice to be somewhat hoarse, a sign of his inner turmoil.

However, anyone who has encountered so many things as he has today would probably not be at peace.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Dumbledore nodded slightly, then said, "Of course it's not that easy. You can imagine how whimsical and enormous that project is. Compared to the almost infinite universe, our world is too small, even though the idea was proposed and implemented by the most powerful group of people in our world."

At this point, Old Deng paused and asked Vaughn, "You borrowed a lot of books before, so you must have seen that before the Golden Soul theory was proposed, there was a theory called 'Ten Source Element'?"

Vaughn nodded.

The Ten Elements theory is a doctrine that existed before the Golden Soul theory matured. It was the first to explicitly propose dividing the world and the universe into two parts: matter and spirit. It distinguishes between positive and negative events, and between yin and yang objects. It proposed that the material world has material rules, and the spiritual world also has illusory rules, and the two should be viewed separately.