Chapter 189: Max-level Disarming Charm, Instant Annihilation!
Donald lowered his hand, his expression grim.
Another important reason he was so eager to catch Jack Graves was his fear of the latter falling into Vaughn Weasley’s hands.
As Head Auror, Jack knew many family secrets.
If those secrets were exposed to Vaughn Weasley, exposed to the Federation, he couldn’t imagine what consequences that would lead to…
But…
“Damn it!”
Watching Vaughn play with his wand, Donald could only curse inwardly, unable to do anything else.
Vaughn shook the wand twice, transforming a clump of soil into a rope to bind Donald. He then turned his attention to Jack Graves.
In his pupils reflected the image of Jack struggling to resist Oliver and the others, and the mushroom cloud frozen behind him.
The Alchemical Marvel’s time-freezing effect created concentric rings of light, a wondrous spectacle layer upon layer.
But in Vaughn’s eyes, the true appearance of that place was far from the docile surface presented by visible light—the waveform patterns representing electromagnetic waves were oscillating minutely and fiercely in that space-time.
Frozen time could restrain macroscopic field motion, but in the microscopic world, the movement of photons was not linear but “quantum leap”-like.
They jumped from one “coordinate” to another, without any linear, continuous movement process!
Therefore, in essence, photons should not possess the concept of “time” and would naturally not be constrained by it.
The reason they appeared frozen at this moment was not that they were truly frozen, but that a powerful magical force had distorted space-time, causing photons to continuously jump back to their origin!
Thus, in Vaughn’s view, the “light” within that space-time was actually engaged in an abstract cycle of going back and forth!
“Photon geodesic motion… or curvilinear motion. Muggle physics describes photon motion as being influenced by gravitational fields and following geodesics, like sliding along a bubble… Ha!”
Vaughn suddenly let out a laugh.
Observing the laws of motion of light after it was bound, he could almost confidently say that the Alchemical Marvel used by Jack Graves to contain the nuclear explosion must have involved Muggle scientists in its creation!
At the very least, the concept of binding light must have come from Muggles!
Because only Muggles would equate gravitational fields with space-time; wizards would absolutely not have such a concept.
“Quite interesting… Gamma ray projectiles with special calculations and parameter design, and an Alchemical Marvel incorporating Muggle scientific theories… what a surprisingly delightful day.”
With that thought, Vaughn raised his wand and swept it across in front of him. A smooth sphere appeared before him, and Vaughn stepped into it.
The next moment, he had traversed nearly 100 feet of space, appearing beneath the enormous mushroom cloud.
“Who’s there?”
Beneath the mushroom cloud, Jack Graves, who was struggling to resist the attacks of Oliver and Zack, immediately sensed Vaughn, the unwelcome guest.
This seasoned Auror possessed extensive combat experience. The instant he uttered his surprised question, he had already reacted—his wand flashed with white light, a fleeting Full Body-Bind Curse deflecting an incoming Disarming Charm. With an almost instinctual adjustment of his posture, the deflected Disarming Charm shot directly at Vaughn.
Then… it was casually swatted away by Vaughn!
Without even using his wand.
Jack Graves stared in disbelief at the suddenly appearing red-haired youth, who, as if flicking away a falling leaf, reached out and “pushed” the Disarming Charm he had rebounded aside.
A milky white light, different from the common Full Body-Bind Curse, flickered faintly around Vaughn as his robe billowed and his clothes danced, deflecting a Disarming Charm without causing even the slightest ripple.
The hand holding his wand was slightly raised. No incantation was spoken; the tip of the wand merely twitched, and a thick, astonishing red light erupted!
“Fk!”
Seeing that familiar red light, Jack Graves instinctively swore, pulling his wand close to his chest like facing a formidable enemy, hastily casting a Full Body-Bind Curse.
The next second, his head suddenly spun for a moment.
In the distance, Donald, trapped in mud and restraints, watched with his own eyes as Jack, under Vaughn’s Disarming Charm, had no ability to even slightly resist.
The thick red light arrived in an instant. His Full Body-Bind Curse shattered like broken glass, and in the sudden explosion of white light, Jack was sent flying backward.
While still in the air, his wand flew from his grasp, landing “obediently” in Vaughn’s hand.
Even more astonishing was the subsequent change in Vaughn’s Disarming Charm—as it struck Jack away, it itself suddenly dispersed, splitting into dozens of thin red lights, scattering and leaping like swimming snakes.
In an instant, a “net” made of the red light of the Disarming Charm filled that space, falling down onto the array of Purifiers above.
This sudden change would have sent even the most experienced Auror into a frenzy, let alone those rigid and mechanical Purifiers whose every move was stiff and unvarying?
With crackling sounds, the Purifiers struck by the red light uncontrollably dropped their wands, and they themselves were sent tumbling by the spell’s immense magic power.
The originally tight formation of Purifiers, as the net of red light swept over it, suddenly had large gaps, and their defense consequently crumbled.
Wizards in the sky, engaged in combat with the Purifiers, cheered as they charged into this area of broken defense.
The tide of battle immediately turned.
Below, after a fully powered Disarming Charm had destroyed the Purifier formation, Vaughn paid no further attention to the outcome. His immense magic power surged around his body, like an unanchored wind, making his exquisite velvet robe flutter.
His red hair also danced like flames.
Against the backdrop of the concentric rings of light from the mushroom cloud overhead, he was brilliantly striking.
Looking at Jack Graves, who had fallen to the ground and even lost his wand, Vaughn’s gaze gradually shifted to his left hand.
There, the Alchemical Marvel, shaped like a remote control, had not been knocked down by the Disarming Charm.
“Specially treated to counter Disarming Charms?” A hint of curiosity flashed in Vaughn’s eyes. After a moment’s thought, he reached out towards the Alchemical Marvel, saying, “Accio!”
The Accio spell could, to some extent, omit the item’s name as long as the wizard casting it was sufficiently powerful!
Powerful magic surged around Vaughn.
But the spell did not take effect.
Jack Graves, his face ashen from being defeated in one blow by Vaughn, finally managed a trace of a sneer: “Hahahaha, Vaughn Weasley, I’ve heard your name so much these past few days my ears are about to grow calluses. Genius, powerful, knowledgeable… rumors say you’re almost omnipotent, but now it seems we should add ‘arrogant’ to your label!”
As he spoke, Jack Graves raised his hand, displaying the Alchemical Marvel.
His thumb was already pressing the button, and the smile on his lips grew wild: “You want this? Tsk tsk, you should have taken it the moment you disarmed my wand, instead of arrogantly believing a Disarming Charm could solve everything, or that Accio would work on it… See? The activation button, as soon as I press it, BOOM—”
Making a spasmodic explosive gesture, Jack’s face contorted, and he roared:
“If you don’t want a nuclear explosion to happen, get out of here immediately!”
His loud shouts released the pent-up frustration in Jack’s heart. His mood at this moment was complex.
There was both fear and a kind of morbid, twisted pleasure. He stared intently at Vaughn, as if wanting to see the boy’s calm face show panic, fear, shame, and helplessness, and how wonderful that would be.
But to his surprise, Vaughn Weasley merely tilted his head slightly and watched quietly.
As if waiting for him to press it.
Jack Graves was a little stunned: “You… you think I wouldn’t dare?”
While speaking, his finger moved, his expression growing more sinister. He, Jack Graves, was not one to just boast.
If he were afraid of death, he wouldn’t have planned to betray the Graves family!
Observing his demeanor, Vaughn shook his head slightly: “No, judging by your mental state, I believe you dare.”
“…?”
Then, Vaughn suddenly smiled: “But I am certain you cannot do it.”
“You…”
Jack was increasingly bewildered, and this bewilderment soon turned into anger. His expression shifted rapidly, and strange gasps escaped his throat.
Then, he pressed down with his finger.
The next moment, his expression froze.
Because he discovered that his finger wouldn’t move. Not only his hand but also his eyes, his mouth, every muscle.
He stood frozen in place, like a machine that had lost its power.
On the other side, Vaughn Weasley’s eyes lit up with a brilliant azure light—
Legilimency!
When?
“When?” On the other side, Donald, who had been observing the battle, also widened his eyes in astonishment.
He had been annoyed earlier when Vaughn was calmly trying to use Accio to take the Alchemical Marvel, thinking Vaughn was too arrogant and hadn’t seized the right moment.
To his surprise, the other party had, without him realizing it, used Legilimency to control Jack Graves.
This surprised Donald, and his heart sank further.
He had just been thinking that even if Jack fell into Vaughn Weasley’s hands, there wouldn’t be no room for maneuver. If he could escape today and return to his family, he would have a chance to get Jack back later.
But now it seemed his plan was going to fall through…
Donald felt a moment of dejection, both for his foiled plans and because he had personally experienced what “genius” meant today!
He had always thought that so-called geniuses were not much stronger than himself, just like the difference in strength between him and his Aurors—there was a gap, but not a significant one.
Not until Vaughn Weasley appeared before him…
The rumored extraordinary Potions talent, profound and powerful magic, exquisite, even incomprehensible spellcasting ability.
Now, the other party had also displayed that silent, mysterious Memory Magic!
“…Is this genius?”
He suddenly began to understand why Percival Graves, who was technically his grand-uncle, had become dejected and passed away after Grindelwald replaced his identity.
Being ambushed and controlled by a wizard was not something shameful. No wizard dared claim they could resist all spells in the Wizarding World.
The modern spell system had developed for hundreds of years, with countless talented wizards dedicating themselves to it. Throughout history, there had been wizards who attempted to create a white magic that could protect against all spells.
But even now, no spell had achieved such an effect, and even resisting one percent would be remarkable, like the Full Body-Bind Curse!
If one also considered the Potions system, it became even more impossible to defend against.
He had always believed that his grand-uncle lacked psychological fortitude, thinking it was just being controlled by Grindelwald and momentarily becoming a laughingstock after his identity was usurped—what was there to be depressed about?
Of those who mocked Percival Graves, how many could claim they wouldn’t have fallen into the same situation when facing Grindelwald?
Only now did Donald vaguely understand that Percival’s severe blow and subsequent demise might not have been due to gossip from the outside.
It was because he had faced and fought against a true genius, Gellert Grindelwald, and then his spirit was utterly broken…
At the very least, Donald now felt that same jealousy and envy towards extraordinary talent!
…
On the other side, Vaughn paid no attention to how much of a blow his displayed power had dealt to a seasoned Auror.
He merely maintained the Legilimency with interest, controlling Jack Graves to hand over the Alchemical Marvel to him, while asking in a gentle voice:
“What is its name?”
Don’t answer!
Don’t answer!
Jack’s main consciousness screamed frantically.
However, with his limited understanding of Memory Magic, he couldn’t sense that his mindscape had changed and that unfamiliar things were intruding.
The mindscape still responded to him. Influenced by his anxiety and anger, this void space that didn’t exist in reality was filled with storms, lightning, and thunder.
But within that illusory wind, rain, and lightning, wisps of extremely fine white mist wove through. As they extended, the color and texture, like rolling white smoke, gradually “polluted” the thunder and rain.
Everything in this illusory world, the clouds, lightning, rain, wind, mountains, water, and even the bubbles that flashed and disappeared like fleeting thoughts floating in the air, water, and rain.
Their original colors gradually faded, constantly shifting towards paleness.
Deepen!
The colorful scenery seemed to be transforming into an Eastern ink wash landscape painting, with perilous brushstrokes and harmonious dark and light tones.
Only in some scenes representing fleeting thoughts and ideas could one see that the white “polluting” them was both mist and constantly disintegrating and re-expanding human silhouettes.
Externally, the azure light in Vaughn’s eyes slowly faded, and pale mist floated onto his pupils like a thin film.
Soon, a smile touched his lips, and a scroll of the illusory world slowly unfurled before his eyes—the Persona Embodiment had successfully invaded; Jack’s inner world was now entirely visible to him.
However, Vaughn was not in a hurry. The invasion of the Persona Embodiment was only the first step. A person’s consciousness is composed of both the conscious and subconscious.
The conscious mind being breached did not mean the subconscious was also breached. According to the normal procedure, he needed to continue deepening until he entered the target consciousness and the Dream Boundary.
According to the Golden Soul Theory, dreams and thoughts are part of the subconscious.
Vaughn continued to “sink” in the world of the mind.
If magic is a product of idealism, then the human mind is idealism within idealism.
Even though everything that constitutes a person’s consciousness originates from a mapping of reality—sensory organs receive external information to form memories, memories give rise to thought, and thought forms consciousness—specifically, each person’s mindscape is different.
Not only is each individual different, but the scenes observed by an observer entering an individual’s mindscape also differ!
During his time away from England, Vaughn had not only conducted experiments but also continued his research into Memory Magic, no longer limiting himself to perfecting the Persona Embodiment.
He also delved deeply into the Golden Soul Theory, which he had previously only had a superficial understanding of.
Although the Golden Soul is a concept of modern Alchemy, its theoretical core is to interpret wizards’ understanding and cognition of the world, the universe, all living things, and even the soul.
【 The natural universe is one, and the body and soul are also one; this is a dualistic division 】
This was a summary of Alchemy, or rather, the Golden Soul Theory, that Vaughn had deciphered from an introductory Alchemy book after awakening his Alchemy Talent a few months prior!
The Golden Soul Theory posits that the universe initially was “One,” the Great Reality. At that time, there was no distinction between matter and soul （ and spirit ）; everything was integrated into the Great Reality.
Until one day, this creator dispersed like sunlight.
His substantial form materialized into matter, and His soul became Aether. Therefore, the natural universe and the physical body and soul were originally indistinguishable; they were all part of “One,” perfect. It was only because of the disintegration of the Great Reality that dualism arose, leading to the imperfection of all things!
The establishment of the Golden Soul Theory was to remedy this defect.
Consequently, the Golden Soul is not exclusively applied to Alchemy; it also holds significant importance in Memory Magic.
Even Potions Mastery could not escape the “influence” of the Golden Soul.
From the perspective of some theoretical researchers, the fact that Potions Mastery mixes a large number of completely unrelated herbs to brew a potion is itself a favorable proof of “all things returning to one”—
It is precisely because they originate from the same source that they can be brewed into potions with various specific functions, rather than a pool of strangely poisonous liquid.
Extending further, the topic would become rather lengthy.
Vaughn pulled back his wandering thoughts and, while “sinking,” observed the “world” before him.
As he continued to deepen, the mindscape of Jack Graves that Vaughn was witnessing constantly changed.
Upon passing through the superficial chaotic storm and the fragmented picture scrolls representing fleeting thoughts, his perspective widened as if falling out of the clouds, and a vast ocean appeared “below.”
The quotation marks are used because, like Aether, directions have little meaning in the world of the mind.
Vaughn looked down at the ocean that suddenly appeared before his eyes, watching the deep azure sea lie calm and still, stretching out to the horizon of his vision, where a massive island sat at the arc of the horizon’s end.
Then, in the blink of an eye, he was standing on the island.
“Island of Humanity…”
Vaughn was still reflecting on the scene of seeing the giant island just now. In his previous entries into others’ mindscapes, he had never encountered a similar concept.
That was because, at that time, he lacked the understanding of an “Island of Humanity”!
Yes, the island he was currently standing on did not actually exist. True minds are formless. Both the mindscape’s owner, Jack Graves, and the observer, himself, entering the mindscape, saw things that were influenced by the observing subject.
Vaughn’s previous understanding of the mind was a mixture of memory and thought. Therefore, the mindscapes he entered at that time were actually the target’s memories, thoughts, and fleeting ideas!
This was the first time he had attempted to observe a subjective “world” using the Golden Soul Theory, an idealistic philosophy that contradicted his materialistic worldview!
It all began over a month ago, when he and Dumbledore went to find Morfin Gaunt, and while trying to extract Morfin Gaunt’s memories, Dumbledore demonstrated a method for calling souls.
Vaughn, however, could not comprehend it.
Dumbledore said it was because his materialistic views “constrained” his vision.
The constraint mentioned here is not meant as a criticism.
Rather, it is more akin to differing concepts leading to different directions of thought, and the academic aspects that influence the direction of thought, as well as the development level of related disciplines.
In short, Vaughn’s views leaned more towards Muggle science, and Muggle science’s research into the mind and soul far surpasses that of wizards!
“The Golden Soul Theory divides a person’s mind into three parts. The first part is the primary consciousness, the mental body that alchemists roam in the aether. In reality, our memories and thought processes are all primary consciousness. If we consider a person’s spirit as an island, then the primary consciousness is the part exposed above the sea.”
Looking around at the vast island he was on, everything in his sight was hazy, like a dream.
He stood on a blurred path that extended out from the haze ahead and disappeared into the haze behind.
Neither the beginning nor the end could be seen.
Vaughn recalled what Dumbledore had said, as well as some of his insights from studying the Golden Soul Theory during this time.
“The so-called tripartite structure of the mind in the Golden Soul Theory actually represents three different ‘spaces’…”
“The memories, thoughts, and stray thoughts that I was most familiar with in the past belong to the first layer. Although it can sometimes appear chaotic in certain individuals, it is indeed real, material, and rational. It is the primary consciousness, and it is the embodiment of a person’s wisdom.”
Vaughn looked up, wanting to see the storm he had come from and the myriad of stray thoughts painted across the sky.
But there was nothing in the sky, only the azure, calm expanse, like the sea around him.
Vaughn knew that he had already departed from that rational world.
“The second part is the individual subconscious, which represents dreams, emotions, and fantasy. It is emotional and buried beneath the surface of the sea…”
As he thought, Vaughn took a step forward—a magical thing happened. The island seemed to respond to his thoughts, and in an instant, he was transported from somewhere deep within the island to its edge.
Splash…
Splash…
The illusory, hazy path disappeared. White waves lapped at his feet, where there were also black rocks and golden sand.
However, Vaughn showed no surprise. He simply gazed at the suddenly close ocean, watching the continental shelf that extended from the island, tumbling with the waves, and gradually sinking underwater.
Underwater, would that be the individual subconscious?
Vaughn knew that it was not!
The Golden Soul Theory had clear distinctions. If the primary consciousness space of the first layer was real, material, and rational.
Then, the emotional individual subconscious of the second layer represented chaos, disorder, and contained countless possibilities.
Only the aether could contain those infinite possibilities.
Vaughn knew clearly that he had not entered the aether, so the island he had arrived at was still not the location of the individual subconscious.
It was the deepest part of rationality, or one could say, the furthest edge.
Closest to the irrational.
The Golden Soul Theory called it the Dream Boundary!
As the name suggests, this is the place closest to dreams, the gap between the rational and the irrational, and the “deepest” place Vaughn had been able to step into in the mind world since he began researching the Golden Soul.
Waves rolled and splashed, brushing past his feet, moistening his feet and robe.
He gazed at the deep ocean, and finally took a step back, returning to the illusory path. A person’s beliefs are difficult to change. Due to his experiences in a past life, he had already formed a mature materialistic historical outlook. Moving forward rashly was almost equivalent to a brutal shift in philosophical views.
That would be no different from destruction!
Last time, in Morfin Gaunt’s mind world, Dumbledore dared not teach him how to communicate with souls because of this.
Without sufficient preparation, even with Vaughn’s strong curiosity, he dared not go any further.
Moreover, he didn’t break into Jack Graves’ mind world this time to experiment with his recent learning results.
Composing himself, he no longer thought about it and walked forward along the illusory path beneath his feet.
Although the Dream Boundary was not yet a dream, it already possessed similar characteristics. Almost everything here was illogical, just like in a dream.
One second, Vaughn was in a wilderness, but after taking a step, the next second, he found himself in a huge courtyard.
The courtyard was filled with hazy apparitions, their faces unclear. Only by their height could he judge that they were young, seemingly young wizards, all wearing robes combining blue and cranberry red.
“Is this Ilvermorny?”
Vaughn recognized the robes. They were Ilvermorny’s standard uniform. This magic school, established by Isolt Sayre to make up for her regret of not being able to attend Hogwarts （, was obstructed by her aunt Gremelda Gaunt ）. Although it borrowed many designs from Hogwarts, there were still differences in the details.
For instance, the uniform!
For instance, students could freely choose their house.
“I want to go to Horned Serpent House.”
As Vaughn observed his surroundings, a childish voice sounded in his ear.
Vaughn looked down and saw a black-haired child standing beside him. He was the only one in the entire courtyard with a clear image. He looked up at Vaughn: “Will you support me?”
This was Jack Graves!
That young face already bore a trace of the look he would have in his middle age.
Facing his question, Vaughn remained unperturbed. Dreams and the Dream Boundary might lack logic, but like in a story, every character that appears has a specific role.
Vaughn didn’t know his role in Jack Graves’ “dream” at this moment, so he simply responded to the question: “Of course, you can go wherever you want.”
This statement did not provide comfort.
Young Jack Graves lowered his head sadly: “But… the family doesn’t agree.”
“Why?”
“Because Horned Serpent symbolizes wisdom, and the family values strength more. All Graves should enter Thunderbird House…”
“Perhaps, you don’t have to consider your family’s opinion and follow your own thoughts. After all, Ilvermorny doesn’t forcibly assign a young wizard to a specific house.”
Vaughn judged that Jack Graves was someone who dared to resist—if he didn’t have the courage to resist, how could he betray them?
Indeed, upon hearing Vaughn’s words, the boy’s expression brightened.
The surrounding scene changed accordingly with his mood.
In the blink of an eye, Vaughn saw the courtyard disappear, and he found himself in a manor. Jack Graves, who had been short and young a moment ago, had now grown into an adult.
In the sun-drenched manor, he drew his wand and confronted a group of hazy figures.
“…I’m tired of being manipulated by you. I want to pursue the life I desire!”
In response, he heard a chorus of accusations, like echoes from all around:
“No one can defy the family’s will!”
“Your destiny is Graves!”
“Rebels are traitors!”
“Traitors—”
Then, a massacre erupted abruptly and ended abruptly. The adult Jack Graves, in this illusory manor, slaughtered everyone who stood in his way and accused him.
Lightning, thunder!
Against the backdrop of a dark, cloud-filled sky and writhing silver lightning, Jack walked up to Vaughn, looking at him with a vacant stare:
“What… did I do?”
Vaughn remained unperturbed, as if he hadn’t seen the blood and corpses strewn across the ground behind Jack from the lightning strikes. He calmly said, “You did what you had to do. You are free!”
“Free?”
“Yes, isn’t this what you wanted? I’ve always supported you, supported your rebellion, supported you fighting for your own release!”
“…” Jack stared blankly at Vaughn, “Yes, you’ve always supported me… but why?”
“Because we are best friends!”
Hearing this, the light in Jack’s eyes gradually brightened: “Yes… we are best friends… but why did you come into my dream?”
This abrupt question was chilling!
Thunder roared, and a flash of lightning illuminated the entire “world” for an instant. The sky above the island was covered with dark clouds!
Vaughn saw that as Jack asked that question, the corpses behind him opened their eyes and stared intently at him!
Vaughn’s expression was calm; in fact, this was within his expectations.
In the past, he had always specialized in the field of memory. Memory represents experiences. On the surface, it seems to be an important factor in why a person has a self.
But in reality, memory is merely data that has been collected by sensory organs, reprocessed by the brain, and stored.
