Anton's exploratory gaze lingered briefly on the scene before swiftly advancing under the pendant's guidance.
The illusion magic wielded by his magical prowess lacked the capacity for rapid alterations.
Following each demonstration, the scene would collapse, then flicker and freeze once more.
Consequently, Pedro and Vulchanova's centuries-old grievances and disputes were nearly unveiled before the small gathering.
The sensation that enveloped Anton could best be described as a 'public spectacle.'
In essence, it narrated a tale of a scholarly royal sister sheltering a timid goblin follower.
[Despite their differing races, the two scholars found common ground in numerous topics. While the Vulchanova witch scorned Pedro's fear of death and inclination towards self-preservation, she respected his scholarly insights.
An ancient goblin and an ancient witch.
Although they had coexisted for centuries, their relationship remained platonic, devoid of any physical intimacy.
Their bond resembled that of friends united by a shared ambition to unravel the mysteries of knowledge.
Until one fateful day.
"Ha, Pedro, behold my latest discovery!"
With a burst of smoke, the Vulchanova witch transformed into a large python.]
...
...
All eyes turned to Anton.
Waving his hand dismissively, Anton remarked, "Her transformation are really impressive; you can tell right away."
Indeed, they were undeniably remarkable.
[Nerida leaned in, her eyes alight with fervor as she shared her latest research with Pedro, "Humanity harbors a vast treasure trove, with the essence of all species concealed within the depths of our blood. You see, Pedro, I yearn to delve into the realm of the gods' creation!"
Pedro appeared visibly taken aback, his expression a mix of confusion and intrigue. "Nerida, what do you mean by 'all species'?"
"Yes," Nerida's eyes gleamed with the depth of swirling galaxies, reflecting the vast expanse of the Milky Way. "Everything traces back to the primitive age, Pedro. Every species can be traced to the most primitive origin."
There was a serene grace in her smile as she continued, "Humans, goblins, all can find their roots in this singular point of origin."
"In theory, I could take on the form of a goblin, while you could embody the essence of a human," she proposed, her words carrying a sense of profound possibility.
"No!" Pedro's response was adamant, his tone laced with stubborn determination "Goblins surpass humans in nobility; we are the original masters of this planet, while humans are merely a secondary form of intelligent life!"
Nerida's heart stung deeply upon hearing these words.
Thus, the centuries-old friendship between these two witch and goblin came to an end.]
...
...
A solemn silence enveloped the group.
"It's tit for tat," Anton sighed wearily, his voice filled with resignation.
Time reveals who the heavens favor; the wisdom of our ancestors' words rings true. Today, goblins have become the discriminated second intelligent beings.
Undoubtedly, Nerida was an exceptionally skilled witch.
However, she was also a meticulous individual.
[In retaliation, she transformed Pedro into a human!
"Ha! Pedro, embrace your human form for eternity. If you wish to avoid becoming a second-tier intelligent being, perhaps severing ties is the solution. It's quite simple, isn't it? Just refrain from drinking the Stubborn Phelps potion." Nerida declared icily.
This act marked the most severe curse and humiliation Pedro had ever endured.
In retribution, he cast a spell that permanently transformed Nerida into a viper.
Thus began another century of love and betrayal.
Yet, to this day...
Due to their severed ties, Nerida lost access to the Stubborn Phelps potion supply and met her demise.
Even in death, she remained in serpent form.]
...
[Humans are indeed peculiar beings. We often fail to appreciate them when they are with us, only to feel heartbroken once they are gone.
Pedro's actions took a drastic and unprecedented turn, driven by a surge of madness.
Utilizing the potent Time-turner, he manipulated time, surpassing the feats of numerous goblin predecessors. As a sage who amalgamated goblin and human wisdom for centuries, he made a profound decision. He took his own life, replacing himself with a version of himself from the past, seeking forgiveness from Nerida.
During that moment, he should have found solace.
Embracing his humanity, he willingly married a witch and welcomed a child into the world. They adopted several children, intending to pass down their accumulated wisdom.
However...
Time forcefully corrected itself.
Pedro lost a significant portion of his memories and reverted to his goblin form. The witch vanished entirely from existence, and their child transformed into a snake, wandering aimlessly until captured by a traveling circus.
The inexplicable appearance of human apprentices in Pedro's life sparked a frenzy of revenge.]
...
...
...
A somber silence enveloped the group.
"It's the curse of time!" Pedro's voice trembled with fear and despair, his form sinking into the mire of uncertainty.
Andre's expression darkened as he fixed his gaze on Pedro. "I have only one question, and only one concern: can Nagini and Anna be saved?"
"It's impossible" Pedro's expression reflected profound sorrow.
"Unattainable. Even if Nerida were to be resurrected, it would be futile. This is the relentless curse of time!" Pedro's words carried the weight of acceptance and resignation.
Andre, robbed of hope, knelt down and embraced Anna tightly. The large snake slithered over, gently caressing his cheek with its tail.
"Hahaha!" Andre's laughter rang out, the sound laced with a hint of madness, "I've been a mere pawn in life's game. Despite my countless struggles, nothing has changed, and nothing can be resolved."
On the contrary, Anna displayed remarkable strength as she gently patted her father's back, "It's alright, father. Perhaps this is fate."
Even Fiennes was visibly moved, "Manipulating time and destiny is a dreadful endeavor."
"I have something to say..."
Anton's hands came together in a resounding clap, drawing attention to himself. "I have always been responsible for Nagini and Anna's care. Why has none of you sought my assistance?"
Gasps of surprise echoed among the group.
Pedro let out an anguished sound, the tone heavy with desperation. "Is there no alternative? It's futile, can't you see?"
"I understand your frustration," Anton shot back, his expression set in a firm line. "Step aside."
Guiding Pedro away, Anton turned his attention to Anna.
"Only one statement from Pedro rings true today—that human beings typically live for over one hundred years," Anton proclaimed, gesturing broadly. "To be precise, most do not surpass this age."
Anna nodded in agreement, with Andre echoing her sentiments.
"It's a simple matter," Anton suggested, his tone decisive, "If we abandon the notion of living centuries like Pedro, we can concentrate on prolonging the transformation process into a snake."
"The blood-cursed individuals initially transition between human and snake forms freely. Once a critical threshold is reached, the human consciousness, memories, and will are gradually overtaken by the snake form, ultimately resulting in a complete transformation into a snake." he explained, his words laden with gravity.
Anton snapped his fingers, a gesture of revelation, as he elaborated, "Our goal is to prolong this critical juncture, delaying it until the end of a normal human lifespan, or even beyond..."
"The issue of blood-cursed individuals transforms into the transformation occurring posthumously, turning into a snake after death." he continued.
"Is this an acceptable resolution?" he inquired, seeking validation from the group.
In moments of despair, Anton always manages to find a solution.
Anna regarded him with admiration, her eyes reflecting trust in him.
Addressing the group with unwavering confidence, Anton pointed decisively, "Initially, I lacked the means to delay this critical juncture. However, within Pedro's memories, the witch Vulchanova meticulously detailed the principles. Coincidentally, I have been exploring this area, with my Avis charm aligning perfectly with this theory."
With a swift motion, Anton opened a large vial of potion, took a sip, and sealed it shut.
"Thanks to Andre for the potion, I can now effortlessly utilize the 'Oculum Mutatio' charm," Anton called out, beckoning the group closer. "Let us collaborate as I recount the insights shared by witch Vulchanova, extracting every detail from your memories."
Pedro swallowed uneasily, his anxiety palpable. "Is it going to torment me tens of thousands of times again? The sensation of having my memories probed is incredibly unsettling, akin to a brush incessantly scraping against the tongue."
"Hehe," Fiennes chortled with a hint of smugness by his side. "It's difficult to say, dear teacher. You've spent centuries with the Vulchanova witch."