All day long, Harry continued attempting to brew Essence of Murtlap under Vison's guidance.
As for the results…
Not ideal.
Vison even began to question his own teaching abilities. But when he noticed the Tree of Wisdom's progress bar slowly inching forward, he decided to keep teaching a little longer.
Over the next few days, Harry persisted in his lessons with Vison. Though Harry wasn't particularly fond of Potions, he would do anything to avoid returning to the Dursley family.
In the spare time between his brewing sessions, Harry also explored many of the plants growing in Vison's greenhouse.
There were dancing cacti, mushrooms that could change their size, and more—each discovery felt novel and fascinating.
Fortunately, Vison hadn't planted any dangerous specimens inside the shed, so he didn't stop Harry from looking around.
The Devil's Snare, though, grew along the outer walls and would occasionally stretch its vines inside to tease him.
Lately, Vison had noticed something peculiar. The Devil's Snare seemed to be growing more intelligent.
[Species: Devil's Snare]
[Level: 2]
[Characteristic: Intelligence]
[State: Growing (96%)]
Only the "Intelligence" trait appeared on its status panel.
This explained why it could not only understand Vison's commands but even exhibit independent thought.
As he observed the Devil's Snare's growth bar sitting at 96%, Vison nodded to himself.
It wouldn't be long before it evolved to the next stage.
During a short break, the Devil's Snare extended its vines toward Vison, playfully wrapping around his hand.
Vison looked at the eager plant and chuckled softly.
"It seems like it's time."
He retrieved a bottle of dark red potion from a storage shelf. The liquid inside glowed faintly with a fluorescent shimmer.
This was a special concoction Vison had prepared—designed specifically for plants affected by his unique "Alienation" ability.
The potion could greatly accelerate plant growth. Of course, its ingredients were equally unusual. The main component? Vison's own blood.
A wizard's blood carried potent magical energy, and Vison's particular magic was especially beneficial for enhancing plant development.
Uncorking the bottle, Vison poured the entire contents over the Devil's Snare's vines.
Immediately, the plant convulsed as though electrocuted, then stretched out violently.
Red, streamer-like patterns appeared on its dark green surface, spreading rapidly like veins coursing through its body.
Vison narrowed his eyes and observed the transformation in silence.
The Devil's Snare soon quieted, though the new red patterns pulsed faintly—flirtatious yet eerie.
Cautiously, Vison reached out and brushed his fingers along its surface.
The Devil's Snare wrapped around him in response, and a notification popped into his mind:
[Species: Devil's Snare]
[Level: 3]
[Characteristics: Intelligence, Parasitism]
[State: Growing (0%)]
It had advanced to the next level in an instant. Vison was slightly taken aback.
And it had gained a new characteristic—Parasitism.
Vison squinted.
"Parasitism?"
Just from the name alone, he couldn't be sure what effect it had.
The vines gently tightened around his wrist, slowly creeping up his arm and entwining themselves until they covered his entire upper body.
"It seems that 'Parasitism' isn't meant literally… this feels more like an advanced form of symbiosis."
Vison muttered, making no effort to resist. He allowed the Devil's Snare to continue its integration.
As the vines wrapped further, he felt a distinct sensation—they weren't just binding him; they were fusing with him.
This was a deeper, more profound connection.
At last, the vines began to withdraw, slipping away like a receding tide.
Vison lowered his gaze, lifted his robe sleeve, and examined his arm.
A dark, web-like pattern now spread across his skin—like a miniature Devil's Snare imprinted beneath the surface.
The lines pulsed rhythmically, in tune with his breathing.
With a slight frown, Vison summoned his magic.
In response, the pattern on his arm glowed faintly, and a slender vine burst forth from his palm.
Vison flexed the vine, controlling it as naturally as his own limbs.
He waved it a few times—its flexibility was remarkable.
"I see…"
Vison regarded the living vine thoughtfully before clenching his fist.
The vine instantly recoiled, melting back into the shifting patterns on his skin until they vanished.
"Eldra, analyze the 'Parasitism' trait of the Devil's Snare."
A moment later, the Tree of Wisdom returned its assessment:
[Parasitism: Devil's Snare can fully integrate into the host's body to operate externally. It absorbs the host's magic for self-repair.]
A simple but effective ability.
Vison nodded, satisfied. This new trait would greatly enhance the Devil's Snare's stealth potential.
Yet, a conflicted feeling stirred within him.
When the vines had slithered out from beneath his skin and waved about…
He couldn't help but feel like some kind of grotesque creature.
A monster.
Or worse… a tentacle monster.
The thought made Vison shiver.
"Get off me for now, Devil's Snare," he ordered.
The vines hesitated for a moment, reluctant to let go, but ultimately loosened their grip and retreated.
The dark patterns faded gradually until there was no trace left.
The main body of the Devil's Snare reappeared, its vines trembling slightly—as if pouting.
"Don't act spoiled," Vison scolded gently, patting the plant. "Go back outside. If I need you, I'll call you."
The Devil's Snare seemed to consider his words, then slowly crawled back to the greenhouse wall, returning to its usual spot.
Meanwhile, Harry, who had been watching from the side, stood frozen—his jaw practically unhinged.
He had just witnessed vines big enough to blot out the sun wrap around Vison… then vanish… only to reappear again.
Honestly, the whole scene looked more than a little terrifying.
"M-Mr. Vison…" Harry stammered, his throat dry as he pointed at Vison's arm. "Those vines… got into your skin?"
"Oh, don't be so nervous," Vison replied with an easy smile. "That's just Devil's Snare. I introduced it to you before, remember?"
Harry swallowed hard.
"Can I learn that?"
Vison chuckled softly.
"No."
This wasn't something an ordinary person could handle.
Clapping his hands, Vison signaled the end of the spectacle. "Alright, Harry. Break time's over. Let's get back to practicing that fascinating Essence of Murtlap."
Harry's face fell, his expression stiffening.
Damn Potions.
At this rate, he was sure that once he got to Hogwarts, Potions would top his list of most hated subjects.