Chapter 32: Witchpunk, Ascension of Flesh and Blood?

In alchemy, the creation of magical items requires various magical materials. Generally, these fall into three categories:

First, items harvested from magical creatures, such as dragon heartstrings or unicorn tail hair.
Second, magical plants like dittany.
Third, objects imbued with special mysticism by the subconscious of the masses, such as incense ash, graveyard dirt, or morning dew.

However, there is another type of magical material that is almost always avoided in polite conversation, yet is remarkably effective and was commonly used in ancient times:

...Humans!

In the era of ancient magic, both Muggles and wizards were frequently treated as magical materials, readily available for use in the laboratories of powerful sorcerers. As beings capable of disturbing magic with their thoughts, humans can certainly serve as magical materials—and high-level ones at that.

Inspired by Hermione, Roger realized that while his talent for conventional alchemy was average, if he shifted his perspective toward human transmutation, his potential would instantly skyrocket!

In Muggle society, there has long been research into biological computing. Roger believed he could borrow those concepts and layer his own magic upon them. By using his own body as the raw material for internal alchemy, he could refine a "wetware" biological computer that met his specific needs. If this succeeded, he would not need to perform high-risk magical brain modifications; he could simply use an external brain, much like in *A Certain Magical Index*.

Of course, an Undetectable Extension Charm would be necessary; after all, such a piece of alchemical wetware would likely not be small, much like the first generation of Muggle computers. He lacked the wireless connection technology found in the anime, so he would have to settle for a wired, body-worn connection. To carry it with him, he would naturally need to craft specialized spatial magical items.

To Roger, this technology was no less significant than the human transmutation and longevity research he was currently developing. It would not only enhance his own capabilities but would also be of profound importance to his future path toward immortality.

Roger had never believed that such a difficult path as immortality could be walked alone. Outsourcing the aspects of longevity he could not currently use to Hagrid, or asking Harry if he had any interest in researching immortality—these were all merely rehearsals for his own future.

If one day Roger’s power could crush everything, allowing him to defeat the entire world single-handedly, he would not hesitate to bring about a world-shattering transformation! He would make everyone an exceptionally gifted genius, ensure the world’s resources were infinitely abundant, and provide every individual with the ability and material conditions to pursue truth. And then...

There would be no "then."

Just as Roger had once said to Minerva McGonagall: "I only need to plant a few ideas upstream in the timeline and harvest them when they reach the downstream; it will happen naturally, and thus it shall be."

He would need no further actions. Roger would simply watch human civilization advance, driven by its own desires, while he quietly gathered the fruits in the background. Amidst the brilliant galaxy, he would shepherd civilization, and harvest it.

Time is on the side of the immortal.

***

"Harry, Harry?"

"Are you alright?" Oliver Wood stepped forward, looking concerned. As the captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team, he was extremely satisfied with the boy Professor McGonagall had brought to him. He had never seen such a gifted Seeker. Wood was certain that as long as nothing went wrong with Harry, Gryffindor would definitely win this year’s Quidditch Cup! There was no other possibility!

The team’s two Beaters and three Chasers, having witnessed Harry’s exaggerated athletic ability, had even suggested changing their long-standing tactics to build a new strategy centered around him. Everyone was already raring to go, eyes fixed firmly on the championship.

But an accident had occurred. For the past two days, Harry had been absent-minded and distracted during training. Just moments ago, the Quaffle had grazed his body, causing him to stagger and nearly fall off his broom.

"I..." Feeling the concern of those around him, Harry knew that as a member of the team, he shouldn't bring his personal emotions onto the pitch. But if emotions were something easily controlled, the world wouldn't be in the state it was today.

"I'm sorry. I've been dealing with something lately. I'll adjust my mindset over the next two days; it won't affect the match in November," Harry apologized to those who cared for him. In that moment, he realized he had to make a change.

Since starting school, Harry hadn't done much: learning magic, playing games with Ron, exploring the magical castle of Hogwarts, and gathering information about his parents—he wanted to know them better—along with Quidditch training.

The problem lay in his exploration of Hogwarts castle. In an abandoned classroom, he had found a mirror. Inside it, he had seen... his father and mother!

Harry found it hard to describe the feeling. It wasn't just a simple reflection; as he looked at them, it felt as if they were truly by his side. The warmth of being loved surged within his heart. He was addicted to it. Unable to pull himself away.

Rubbing his shoulder, where a bruise had formed from being hit by the Quaffle, Harry didn't seek treatment. Instead, he let the pain serve as a constant reminder that his mental state was currently in trouble.

Captain Wood and the others were still waiting for him. For the first time in his life, Harry had become someone others trusted and relied upon—not because of the inexplicable, hollow fame of being the "Boy Who Lived," but because of pure, genuine trust in him.

How could he ever allow himself to betray this precious trust?

So...

"Roger, help me!"

"Hm?" Roger turned his gaze calmly toward the door that had been knocked upon. At this time, all classes for the day were over. With Halloween only a few days away, the other students were outside playing and preparing for the upcoming festivities.

Ever since Hermione’s words had enlightened him, Roger had been engrossed in human alchemy research, never stopping even after returning to his dormitory. Hearing Harry’s voice outside, Roger Virgil tapped his left arm—which was glowing with a dazzling blue light, with something like a monster shifting beneath the skin—with his wand, pausing his experiment.

Restoring his appearance to that of a normal person, Roger opened the door.

Once inside, Harry spilled everything out as if afraid he would regret it the next second. Hearing the moment Harry saw his parents in the mirror, Roger knew exactly what he had encountered.

The Mirror of Erised, which reflects one's own desires...

Roger pondered for a moment. Having developed a slight interest in the object himself, he said, "It’s not a big problem. I'll go with you and take a look."