Harry Potter: The Legend of Nero Ravenclaw-Chapter 107: A Fiery First Impression

"Are they your daughters?"

The moment Nero spoke, an explosion of reactions erupted from the two girls standing before him.

"What?! No! Who is?!" The red-haired girl recoiled as if he'd thrown a hex at her.

The black-haired girl visibly tensed, her composed demeanor cracking for a brief second before she regained her composure.

"Excuse me? Our fathers?"

Her voice was colder than a mountain breeze, sharp as a well-honed blade.

Nero blinked, looking between them, then at Mu and Zen.

"Wait, so they aren't your daughters?"

Zen barked out a laugh. "No way! That would require us to have settled down!"

"Not that it's any of your business." Mu added dryly.

The black-haired girl crossed her arms, her cold eyes boring into Nero.

"We are their nieces. Our mothers are their sisters.

We have been taught by them from time to time, but our fathers are very much alive, thank you."

Nero scratched his chin, looking between the two of them.

"Huh. Well, with your faces and hair, I just assumed..."

The black-haired girl cut him off with a smirk, turning her icy gaze toward the red-haired girl.

"I wonder why he thought that, Ayaka.

Could it be because you dyed your hair red to look more like Uncle Zen?"

Ayaka gasped, her cheeks reddening, while her eyes were flaring with indignation.

"Oi! Don't say such weird things!" She grabbed a strand of her fiery locks, holding them up as though to prove their authenticity.

"This is natural!"

Zen, however, was beaming.

"I always knew you had good taste, kid! That color is a sign of greatness."

"I'M NOT TRYING TO COPY YOU!" Ayaka yelled, stomping her foot.

Nero covered his mouth to hide his chuckle.

The dynamic between the two was already more entertaining than expected.

Zen finally calmed his laughter, patting Nero's shoulder.

"Alright, alright. We called these two here for a reason. Ayaka is a sixth-year student, and Mio is in the same year as you.

They're here to help you get familiar with Mahoutokoro.

If you need anything, they'll be the ones to ask."

Mu nodded.

"Since you'll be staying at Mahoutokoro for at least a year, it will be beneficial for you to have capable guides."

At this, the girls' eyes snapped back to Nero, this time with newfound scrutiny.

Ayaka leaned forward, her arms crossed. "Wait. You're from Hogwarts, right?"

"Yeah."

Mio raised an eyebrow. "And Uncle Mu and Uncle Zen are allowing you to train under them?"

"More or less."

Ayaka and Mio exchanged a glance before their eyes darkened in unison.

"Don't tell me," Ayaka said, her voice laced with both awe and suspicion, "you two are personally teaching him Muga and Muso?"

Zen grinned, but Mu merely sipped his tea before answering, "We will, in due time."

The fire in the girls' eyes intensified.

"Why not us?" Mio's voice was sharper than before, demanding.

Zen sighed, glancing at Mu before he spoke, his tone serious but patient.

"Muga and Muso aren't just techniques anyone can pick up.

There's a threshold in magic that not everyone can reach.

If someone attempts to cross it too early, they will risk their own life.

It's not something that should be taken lightly."

Mu nodded, setting his cup down with a quiet clink.

"The path to Muga and Muso isn't just about raw talent or strength.

It requires the right state of mind, a specific balance of self and awareness.

Those who reach it too hastily often find themselves overwhelmed by the forces they've unlocked.

The consequences... are often fatal."

Ayaka raised an eyebrow, but her expression softened slightly.

"So, what, we're not ready?" she asked, arms crossed.

Zen's grin faded. His voice was calm, but unflinching.

"No. You're not."

He held her gaze.

"Muga and Muso mark a turning point in how you understand magic, yourself, and the world around you. And if you reach for them too early, they'll break you."

He leaned back slightly, his tone softening.

"You're both talented, no question. But talent alone doesn't open that door.

"If the time comes, if this path is truly meant for you, we will know," Zen said, his tone steady. "But not everyone is meant to walk it."

He paused, letting the weight of that truth settle.

"What you should focus on now is reinforcing your foundation.

Master the core, polish every step — that's the fastest road to the apex of magic.

If you rush toward a door that you were never meant to open, all you'll find is ruin."

Mio scoffed, clearly unconvinced. "And you think this Nero is ready?"

Mu's eyes narrowed slightly. "Nero has already begun walking that path.

Whether or not he realizes it, he's already in tune with the forces that govern Muga and Muso.

But he's not the only one who can walk this path. You both can too.

But you'll have to prove it for yourselves."

Zen chuckled, his usual carefree attitude slipping through despite the seriousness of the moment.

That's right. Everyone's got to find their own way — not just to the threshold, but to the apex of their magic."

He leaned back with a grin.

"And if it turns out that Muga and Muso aren't your path... that's fine. We'll still support you. There are other ways to reach the summit — just not all of them look the same."

Ayaka clicked her tongue, clearly irritated, her golden eyes flaring.

"Tch. So he shows up out of nowhere and now you're spending all your time on him?"

She crossed her arms, voice sharp with defiance.

"Fine. But don't expect us to sit back and cheer him on. We're going to observe and test him, see if he's actually worth all this attention."

Her glare deepened. "Just because he's taken a few steps down the path doesn't mean he's ready to walk it."

Mio nodded, her cold gaze turning toward Nero.

"We'll see for ourselves just how worthy he is.

After all, if you're going to teach him, you have to make sure he's worth it."

Zen's grin returned, amused by the challenge.

"Oh? You two have something in mind?"

The girls exchanged a glance, the fire in their eyes unmistakable.

Mio turned to Zen and Mu, her voice composed but resolute.

"As you asked, we'll guide him around Mahoutokoro. Help him adjust. Answer his questions."

She shifted her gaze to Nero, eyes narrowing.

"We'll be watching him. Day and night."

Ayaka stepped in, her tone sharper.

"And if we find he's unworthy of the path you're offering him, we'll take action.

Whether you like it or not."

Zen barked a laugh, clearly delighted.

"This is going to be fun."

Nero scratched the back of his head and muttered,

"Why does it feel like I've gained two stalkers?"

"Welcome to Mahoutokoro, kid," Zen said, still grinning.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

50 Chapters ahead on Patreon (Suiijin): Chapter 157: Beneath the Ruins