Chapter 186: The Silent Spell
Chapter 186: The Silent Spell
Over the next half-hour, the members of the Magic Club diligently practiced casting silent spells, with a few successfully performing spells without uttering a word.
Of course, a small handful chose to cheat, whispering the incantations softly so that others would assume they had also mastered the technique.
However, such deception would not lead to any meaningful progress.
Albert had achieved success several times, but he himself realized that it was challenging to execute a spell as simple as Lumos solely through intention and a wand movement.
The enhanced magical power granted by his wizarding lineage did not seem to increase his chances of success, and he couldn't even find any information about silent spells on his skill panel.
Silent spells were a casting technique, not a specific spell, and to learn and master them, one would have to practice diligently. It was a difficult process.
The key to success lay in one's willpower and the ability to focus intensely.
Some said that magic was a product of idealism, and it wasn't entirely inaccurate.
"Magic is the miracle born of willpower twisting reality."
Albert recalled reading this statement online in his previous life, and he tended to agree with this perspective.
From his current perspective, there was some truth to this notion.
Albert wasn't sure if his willpower was strong enough, but he felt that with a little more effort, he could be just as capable as anyone else. After all, he had successfully cast Lumos silently several times.
At the very least, one thing was certain: he was faring much better than his friend next to him.
Truman's face was reddening, his mouth tightly shut as if he were constipated. He would look even more like it if he hunched over slightly.
"Why don't you start with simpler spells?" Albert couldn't understand his friend's approach. Everything required a gradual process, and it was unrealistic to expect instant mastery. Didn't his friend understand that?
"Sigh!" Truman exhaled in resignation, deflating like a punctured balloon. "Silent spells are just too difficult for us right now."
"After all, this is an advanced sixth-year class. It's not surprising that it's challenging," Albert agreed outwardly, but inwardly, he felt a bit indifferent.
With his cheat-like system, he had the confidence to master silent spells, even if he didn't have the system; he still believed he could do it; it would just take more time.
Albert could understand Truman's mindset. Failing repeatedly could easily sap one's confidence, and without confidence, it became even harder to succeed at silent spells. Albert's advantage was his unwavering belief in his ability to succeed.
When Professor Flitwick saw that everyone had practiced enough, he spoke up to regain their attention.
"I never expected any of you to master silent spells in a single session," Professor Flitwick said. "Today was merely an introductory attempt. I trust you all realize by now that silent spells are a rather advanced casting technique. They can give us an edge in duels, and that's important. A wizard proficient in silent spells can seize the initiative and prevent their opponent from countering based on the incantation. I mentioned this earlier, but I'll reiterate it because it's sure to come up in your exams."
"Of course, I imagine your more immediate concern is how to master silent spells," Professor Flitwick said with a smile. "I've noticed that some of you can cast silently, but you've also realized that you can't do so fluently yet. You're unable to cast silently the spells that you're not already proficient with."
He had hit the nail on the head.
Everyone listened intently, hoping to glean some useful insights from the professor.
"I won't deny that not all wizards can cast silently, but most wizards can master silent spells to some degree with sufficient training," Professor Flitwick said, surveying the group. "The distinction lies in the level of proficiency one can attain." Suddenly, he asked, "Mr. Anderson, could you share with us what you believe to be the key to your success with the silent Lumos spell?"
Albert was taken aback by the professor's unexpected request for him to share his thoughts. After a moment of silence, he summarized, "First, one needs to focus intently while casting. Second, attempt silent casting with spells you're most proficient with. And third, believe in your ability to succeed."
"That's about right," Professor Flitwick nodded in satisfaction. "You need to experience success first to build your confidence. The more complex the spell, the harder it is to cast silently. There's nothing unusual about that; it's similar to wandless magic."
As the Charms professor mentioned wandless magic, he raised his hand and made a few gestures. A piece of paper floated into the air, suspended by a Levitation Charm, right before everyone's eyes.
"Even Headmaster Dumbledore couldn't cast complex spells without a wand," Professor Flitwick continued, ignoring the floating paper. "Silent spells are simpler than wandless magic, but to use them with intricate spells requires not only strong willpower but also ample practice. After the Christmas break, we'll delve further into silent spells, and by then, I expect you all to have a basic grasp of them."
"Professor, aren't we learning silent spells a bit early?" asked a Hufflepuff student.
"Too early?" Professor Flitwick repeated, his expression odd. "As far as I know, African magic students used to practice wandless magic, so... do you think you're learning silent spells too soon?"
The students exchanged glances, whispering among themselves about this revelation.
"Can students from the African Magic Academy really cast wandless magic?" someone asked, incredulous. "How do they manage that?"
"They do so because they don't have wands," Professor Flitwick said matter-of-factly. "Of course, learning magic without a wand is more challenging."
Now, they understood why Professor Flitwick had said that most wizards could master silent spells with sufficient training.
If Africans could master the more difficult wandless magic, why couldn't they master silent spells?
"As long as you're willing to put in the practice, you should be able to achieve a basic level of proficiency with silent spells," Professor Flitwick continued. "I hope to see some pleasant surprises from you all after the break."
After these words, Professor Flitwick asked everyone to take out their copies of Charms Innovations to begin the discussion for this session.
Albert's copy of the magazine had been temporarily lent to him by Professor Flitwick.
For the remainder of the session, they continued the previous discussion about an innovative spell mentioned in Charms Innovations.
The new student, Albert, felt a bit lost as he tried to follow the conversation.
(End of Chapter)
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