Chapter 198: The Guest (Part 2)
Chapter 198: The Guest (Part 2) (Request for subscriptions, favorites, and recommendations)
"Our research progress is slower than we imagined."
"Or, perhaps your progress is a bit too fast", the Weasley Twins chimed in.
"Hey, there’s no reason to blame someone for making progress too fast when you’re the one lagging behind", Liam said with a strong voice, completely ignoring the fact that he had leveraged an entire world’s resources and a large number of human volunteers to achieve his results.
Yes, human volunteers. Due to the scarcity of resources in the Wasteland, many people were granted amnesty for the desperate actions they took to survive. However, some were not so fortunate. The worst offenders, such as Raiders who massacred entire settlements, including infants, or habitual cannibals, were transported to the facility for human experimentation. These were individuals who could barely be called human.
"That’s not what we meant, but the data you provided is incredibly detailed. We can even skip some of the human trials, which would significantly speed up the entire process. The only issue is that the variety and quantity of our inventions are still far from enough", Fred explained.
"Human trials? Who are you planning to use?" Liam asked, still sensitive about human experiments after his visit to the Radiant World Academy’s laboratory.
"Mainly ourselves, and maybe we’ll hire some people later", George said uncertainly.
"For now, it’s not necessary. The data I have should be enough to get us through the most unstable part of the research. We only need volunteers for the final product testing, and by then, I think the products should be safe enough. Let me show you what I’ve been working on recently."
With that, Liam ran upstairs to fetch the documents. When he returned, he found the Weasley Twins curiously examining the various appliances in the living room.
Upon seeing Liam, the Weasley Twins cleared their throats, and Fred said, "We’re just interested in the appliances here. It’s amazing how Muggles can come up with so many convenient gadgets without magic."
"Indeed. There’s an old saying in the East: 'Borrowing wisdom from others can sharpen one’s own.' It means we can use the strengths of others to make up for our weaknesses. I think the Wizarding world has become too isolated, which is hindering overall progress", Liam said as he placed the documents on the coffee table.
George picked up the documents and unfolded them. "You’re right. Some Wizards are like old fossils, opposing any change and feeling smug about it. I believe this is why Wizards have fallen behind Muggles in terms of development."
After reviewing the documents for a moment, George looked up. "We can confirm that the Sleeping Flower Sweets and Fever Sweets are basically successful. But why do you want us to reduce the amount of Silverleaf Clover in the Bleeding Bullseye Caramels?"
"Simple. Silverleaf Clover has a very strong anticoagulant effect. If the Bleeding Bullseye Caramels are used frequently in a short period, there’s a small risk of dangerous internal bleeding. After all, we’re selling joke products, and any danger would be inappropriate", Liam shrugged.
"Fair enough. The effects might be a bit weaker, but you’re right. If there’s a safety risk, it goes against our intentions", Fred nodded. "Is the Fat Tongue Toffee also being modified for safety reasons?"
"Exactly. We need to change the magic power injection sequence so that the tongue elongates rather than swells. Tongue swelling can lead to choking, which is quite dangerous."
"What about the Puking Pastilles?"
"You've added too many Bouncing Beans, so the vomiting is too severe. It's impossible to get the antidote into the mouth. The only effective solution I can think of, without reducing the emetic component, is to include a healing needle with each Puking Pastille for direct subcutaneous injection of the antidote..."
For the next hour, Liam explained various recommendations in the report to the Weasley Twins. After a long debate, they finally settled on the report.
Once the report was resolved, everyone started chatting. The conversation eventually turned to the topic of opening a shop.
"Fred and I have always wanted to open a joke shop. Zonko's Joke Shop updates its inventory too slowly, and many prank items are the same as those from our parents' generation. I don't think it can bring much joy anymore", George said.
"But our mother wants us to follow in our father's footsteps and get stable jobs at the Ministry of Magic", Fred shook his head. "So we have to keep our research hidden from her."
"I think you should put this on hold for now, at least until after your O.W.Ls this year. For parents, the best way to judge their children's progress is through exam results. If you don't do well this year, things will be tough for you."
"We don't want to disappoint our mother, but we really don't know what to do. By the way, you always get top marks in your exams. Do you have any tips?" Fred patted Liam on the shoulder and asked.
"Well, I see that most of your inventions already have a basic form, but they just need more refinement. How about this: after Christmas, I'll help you refine these inventions this semester, and you can focus on studying. From your inventions, I can tell that your skills in Transfiguration and Potions are quite advanced. With targeted study, one year should be enough to prepare for the O.W.Ls exams." Liam thought for a moment and suggested to the Weasley Twins.
"Wouldn't that be too much trouble for you?" the Weasley Twins said, looking embarrassed.
"Not at all. It's like reviewing the key points from the first to fifth-year textbooks. It won't take much of my time and will actually help me study. Besides, I've already covered the fourth-year material, so it's time to move on to the fifth-year content", Liam said with a smile.
"Alright, I can't understand the mindset of a model student like you, but thank you anyway." George shrugged.
After discussing the heavy topic of exams, the rest of the time was spent with Liam sharing his experiences as an exchange student in Brazil. The Weasley Twins were quickly captivated by the stark differences between Brazil and Britain. The discussion only ended when Mr. Weasley drove up to pick them up at noon.
After the Weasley Twins left, the rest of the Christmas holiday was very peaceful. However, since the community library was closed during the holiday, Liam and Hermione had to study the Nymph's Spellbook at each other's houses.
On the last day before the Christmas holiday, as they rode the Hogwarts Express back to school, they finally figured out a crucial point in the magic book. It seemed they could start the practical work as soon as they returned to school, bringing the Christmas holiday to a perfect close.
As the train pulled into Platform Nine and Three-Quarters in Hogsmeade, Liam felt a surge of excitement. After a semester away, he was finally back at the familiar school.
(End of Chapter)
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