The air crackled, and Hekkeran felt a magic circle activate under his feet. In the next moment, the intrepid Foresight team found themselves ensconced in an inescapable azure glow. The world around them shifted, as if the veils of reality had been deftly rearranged.
"Be careful! Stay alert!...?"
Although the Ghouls had vanished and the surroundings were different, they were still on edge from the battle. Even so, after such an unexpected occurrence, it was no surprise that they were dumbfounded for a few moments. Hekkeran shook his head, regaining his focus. The most basic thing he had to do—although learning about their current situation was also important—was to ensure the safety of his comrades.
Imina, Arche, and Roberdyck.
All the other members of Foresight had maintained their formation as the magic circle activated, and nobody was missing. After mutually confirming that they were all safe and sound, the four of them continued observing their surroundings.
This place was a wide corridor, dimly lit and with a high ceiling. Even a Giant could walk freely through here. The flickering flames of faraway torches provided unsteady illumination, and in their light the long shadows seemed to dance. Along the tunnel and ahead of them was some kind of latticed gate, like a portcullis. Rays of white, magical light shone through the gaps in its surface.
Behind them, the path stretched into darkness, and along the way, several doors opening into the corridor could be seen, lit up by torches. With everyone remaining quiet, only the crackling of the torches could be heard. In any event, they did not seem to be in any danger of being attacked immediately. After they realized this, their tension eased.
"Although I don't know where this place is, it has a completely different atmosphere to what we've seen up until now."
The style of this place was completely different to the tomb they had just left. In fact, signs of civilization could be seen here. The members of Foresight surveyed their surroundings, and whilst they were trying to grasp where this place was, only Arche's attitude was different from the rest.
"—This place is..."
Keenly perceiving the meaning behind the words, Hekkeran asked Arche:
"Do you know? Or perhaps you have a clue?"
"—I know of a similar place. The Roman Empire's Colosseum."
"Ah... indeed, you are right."
"That means the arena should be behind that."
Roberdyck pointed towards the latticed gate.
"That should be the case... then being teleported to this place means that... is that what it is?"
They were to fight in an arena. Although, they had no idea who or what might be waiting for them.
"—It's dangerous. I didn't see any Portkey and being able to teleport without any discomfort has only been heard of in stories. This site must have been constructed by someone with unimaginable skill in magic. It's not favourable for us to accept the opponent's invitation. I suggest we proceed in the opposite direction."
"But, if we accepted the opponent's invitation, don't you think there might be a path to survival? Wouldn't rejecting the invitation antagonize the other side?"
"Both sides seem dangerous. Rober, what do you think?"
"There's a case to be made for both arguments. But I have some doubts about what Arche-san has said. Is this really a trap? Could it be that they're just using something created by an unknown third party?"
They looked at each other and exhaled in unison. There was no point in staying here and discussing the matter further. They did not have enough information and their opinions did not match, but they had to make a decision right now.
"—What Rober said makes sense. Who knows, maybe this was done by him."
"Ah. You mean that person is trying to contact us?"
"...I see. Then I'm in favour of heading out to the arena. In any case, since we were brought here by a trap, they would not allow us to escape."
In response to Roberdyck's statement, everyone nodded, gathered up their determination, and began moving. When they approached the gate, it rose upward with impressive speed, as though it had been waiting for them all this time. The first thing they saw as they entered the arena were rows upon rows of audience seats around the colosseum.
The structure was no less impressive than the one in Rome. In fact, it might have been even more so, given that it was covered in lanterns enchanted with {Lumos}, which lit the grounds up as brightly as if it were the day. Everyone in Foresight was astonished, especially when they glimpsed the audience above them. This was because sitting there were innumerable clay figures, the dolls known as Golems.
{Piertotum Locomotor}
This was a charm used to bring life to those artifacts that had, previously, been inanimate and unmoving. The target's movements could be controlled by the caster of the charm. Without the need for food or sleep, and immune to fatigue and even the ravages of time, they were treasured as guardians and labourers. They were valuable constructs, and this arena seemed to be overflowing with them.
Even if the entire Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes came here, controlling this vast army of golems would be an impossible task. To Hekkeran, it spoke of how strong the people behind all of this were. It can't possibly be done by a single wizard. The members of Foresight looked briefly at each other's faces, as though they had already come here many times before, and then they walked silently towards the centre of the arena.
"Outside?"
In response to Imina's voice, they looked up, and saw the night sky. The surrounding illumination was strong and eclipsed the light of the stars, but even so, there was no doubt that this arena was open to the night sky.
"Were we teleported outside?"
"Then, we could summon our brooms to escape—"
"TOOOOOH!"
A figure jumped from the balcony of the VIP box, in time with the voice that had interrupted Arche's words.
The figure somersaulted in mid-air as it descended from a height that seemed roughly equivalent to a six-story building, making people wonder if it might have wings as it gracefully landed upon the ground. There was no magic at work there, only pure physical prowess. Even Hekkeran had his breath taken away by the perfection of the movement.
The figure absorbed the impact with a mere flexing of its knees and smiled radiantly. Before them stood a young house elf. Seeing the dark elf, Imina let out a gasp of surprise.
"—Ah!"
Imina had never seen an elf so beautiful before. With an androgynous appeal that blended the charm of both boy and girl, the little elf smiled as brightly as the sun. His long ears twitching slightly amidst the golden, silky strands of his hair that cascaded like a waterfall. His striking azure eyes sparkled with a mischievous yet commanding light, and he exuded an aura of youthful exuberance and formidable power, making his presence truly mesmerizing.
His attire was a stark contrast to that of a typical house-elf. The dark elf was dressed in a suit of tight-fitting, light leather armour, crafted from jet black and deep crimson dragon scales. Over this, he wore a white vest embroidered with golden threads, bearing an emblem sewn onto the breast. The craftsmanship of his clothing was exquisite, befitting the prestige and wealth of his master. Even Arche felt a pang of embarrassment, realizing that the elf's attire was more splendid than that of most noble wizards.
The members of Foresight couldn't help but compare him to the house-elves they knew—diminutive, humble creatures dressed in simple, often ragged garments. House-elves were known for their intense loyalty to their masters, a loyalty so profound that they would not accept freedom unless presented with clothes by their master. This loyalty compelled them to perform their duties to the utmost of their abilities. Yet, even the most content house-elf would not possess a smile like this.
The elf's smile was effulgent, exuding a joy and freedom that seemed almost otherworldly. This was not the smile of a slave, bound by duty and servitude. It was the unrestrained, jubilant smile of a being living life to its fullest, unburdened by care.
The stark contrast between this boy and a house-elf was evident not only in their attire but also in their demeanour. The elf's presence was commanding and radiant. In contrast, a house-elf, despite their loyalty and dedication, would carry an air of subservience and humility.
As the members of Foresight stood before this radiant figure, they realized that they were in the presence of a being of extraordinary power and grace, a true embodiment of the grandeur and mystery of this enigmatic place.
"—The challengers have arrived!"
The boy's voice, amplified by the rod-like object he held, echoed throughout the arena. His bright and cheerful tone seemed incongruous with the gravity of the situation, yet it resonated with an undeniable authority. The very ground beneath their feet trembled and shuddered in response to his proclamation.
As the members of Foresight looked around, they noticed that the previously motionless golems were now stomping on the ground, creating a cacophony of noise. The rhythmic pounding reverberated through the arena, adding to the surreal and intimidating atmosphere.
"The challengers are four reckless fools who have invaded the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick! And, facing them is the Child of Prophecy, the one guided by the Supreme King of Death, Harry! Potter!"
The portcullis on the opposite side of the arena rose upwards at the same time as the Dark Elf's voice rang out. From the darkness of the path beyond, another child stepped into the light. Not a House-Elf, but a human child.
The first thing that caught everyone's attention were his eyes—emerald green and vivid, glowing with an inner light. These eyes, so strikingly similar to his mother's, held a depth of emotion and power that was unmistakable. They drew the gaze of all who beheld him.
He was dressed in a finely tailored, dark suit made of luxurious materials, with subtle magical enhancements woven into the fabric. The suit's design was elegant yet practical, allowing for ease of movement in both formal settings and combat scenarios. The dark hues of his attire contrasted sharply with the healthy radiance of his skin.
Harry's physique was lean but muscular, honed by rigorous training in both physical combat and magical arts. His movements were graceful and steady, exuding confidence and authority. His face appeared refined and composed, with an air of mystery and power.
Around his neck was a collar with a broken chain dangling from it, the ends waggling in the air. The collar, though seemingly ordinary, added an unsettling element to his appearance, making it seem as though he were enslaved.
As he stepped into the arena, the air around him seemed to hum with latent magical energy. He carried no visible weapons, but the aura of power that surrounded him was unmistakable. The challengers could sense that they were facing a formidable opponent, one whose abilities and strength were beyond ordinary comprehension.
The arena quaked with stomping, as if to welcome the debut of this new entrant, before turning into thunderous applause. It was a reception befitting the arrival of a champion.
The young boy reached the centre of the arena amidst the thunderous applause from the surrounding Golems. He bowed politely towards the VIP Box, and it was then that Hekkeran noticed who stood there.
The figure was imposing and otherworldly. A skeletal being, draped in a robe-like vestment that flowed with an eerie grace. Crimson radiance flickered within the eye sockets of the white skull, casting an ominous glow. The Undead Monarch stood with an air of absolute authority. His presence was both terrifying and awe-inspiring, a testament to his immense power.
The Skeletal Overlord waved his hand before them. The movement looked as if he was wiping something away. The sounds disappeared. In an instant, the golems' movements stopped, and the almost painful silence returned.
"Welcome to Nazarick," the Undead King intoned, his voice resonating as he scrutinized the intruders with a calm, calculating gaze. "You have trespassed upon sacred ground, and for that, you must face the consequences."
Hekkeran, the leader of Foresight, tightened his grip on his sword, his eyes narrowing with determination. "We mean no harm. We were investigating anomalies and were brought here against our will."
"Intentions matter little in this place. Only actions and their repercussions."
With a simple, dismissive gesture, the Sovereign of Death signalled the start of the battle. The air grew tense as he returned to his seat, his gaze never leaving the intruders.
Realizing that reasoning with the skeletal figure was futile, Hekkeran shifted his focus to the boy standing before them. "You… you're Harry Potter, aren't you? We've come here to find you… to rescue you."
Harry's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and sorrow. "Save me? Where were you when I needed saving all those years back? Where were you when Voldemort came to kill me? When he brutally murdered my parents?"
A gasp escaped from one of Hekkeran's female companions at the mention of the One who cannot be named. A shiver running down his own spine.
Hekkeran took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "Harry, you don't understand. You've been manipulated, bewitched. This place, these people—they've twisted your mind."
Harry's eyes narrowed, his emerald gaze piercing through Hekkeran. "Manipulated? Twisted? You have no idea what you're talking about. Here, I've found people who truly care about me."
Desperation edged into Hekkeran's voice as he tried a different approach. "Harry, think about your past. The life you were meant to have. This place—it's not your home."[1]
For a fleeting moment, Harry's expression wavered, softening. But in the blink of an eye, his face hardened again. "My past? My life was taken from me the night my parents died. Here, I've found a new purpose—a new family."
Hekkeran pressed on, knowing his time was running out. "But this… this isn't real. They're using you, Harry. Just look at what they've done—"
His eyes flicked towards the collar around Harry's neck. Almost instinctively, Harry's hand brushed against it. "This collar isn't what you think. It's not for you to understand."
Hekkeran shook his head, frustration evident in his eyes. "Harry, please. We're here to help you. You don't have to fight us."
Harry's stance shifted, his body tensing in preparation for the inevitable confrontation. "I don't need your help. If you want to leave here alive, you'll have to prove your strength."
With that, the tension in the arena reached its peak. The members of Foresight readied themselves for battle, knowing that words had failed and only actions remained.
"If you are not going to come," Harry declared, his voice resolute and cold, "then I will."
With a fluid motion, Harry conjured a resplendent white knight's sword and a pristine white heater shield from thin air. The sword gleamed with an ethereal light, and the shield bore intricate runes that pulsed with latent power.
Without a moment's hesitation, he invoked the [Lesser Vidyārāja Strike], a formidable technique imparted by his master uncle. The air around him crackled with energy as he unleashed the devastating attack.
Sensing imminent danger, Hekkeran's instincts screamed at him to evade. Unwilling to risk direct confrontation, with a snap of concentration, he swiftly utilized {Apparate}, vanishing from sight and reappearing behind Harry in a burst of displaced air.
However, Harry, ever vigilant, with a subtle gesture, he silently casts [Delay Teleportation], warping the spell and dragging Hekkeran's reappearance out of sync.
Sensing the magical distortion behind him, Harry deftly laid down [Drifting Lesser Mines] in his wake and retreated to a safer distance. The mines hovered ominously, ready to detonate at the slightest provocation.
The other members of Foresight, realizing the peril, sprang into action, hurling spells like {Confundo}, {Stupefy}, and {Flipendo}, their intent clear—to subdue Harry with minimal harm. Each spell was cast with precision, aiming to disorient and subdue rather than kill.
In response, Harry raised his shield and invoked [Lesser Veil of Moon], a defensive spell that enveloped him in an immaterial magical barrier. The barrier shimmered like moonlight as the oncoming spells flickered and faded out of existence before they even managed to touch Harry.
Hekkeran, now emerging from his delayed Apparition, felt a surge of life-threatening danger.
Acting on pure instinct, he triggered his Animagus transformation. His body began to shift, muscles rippling and expanding, bones realigning with a rapid series of cracks. His skin darkened as a sleek coat of blonde fur sprouted, adorned with rosettes as dark as the night itself. A striking tuft of red fur appeared near his forehead, a vivid streak that mirrored the highlights of his human hair. His eyes glowed an intense blue, now sharp and predatory.
With a powerful leap, the transformed jaguar tried to escape the trap. His feline agility propelled him forward, but he wasn't quick enough.
BOOOM!!
The explosion erupted just as he took off, the intense force of the magical blast propelling him through the air but also searing his side. The blast burned deep, and he crashed heavily onto all fours, blood matting his fur. The pain was excruciating, but his senses were sharper than ever before as his azure eyes blazed with a fierce, unyielding light.
The explosion's aftermath rumbled across the arena, leaving scorch marks on the stone and stirring the air with an acrid scent.
"Hekkeran!" Imina cried out in alarm, her voice breaking through the din as she saw her comrade in peril.
Harry's eyes flickered with a mix of curiosity and disdain. "An Animagus, I see? Perhaps the Ministry has more tricks up its sleeve than I gave it credit for," he remarked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
As Harry moved to finish the job, his blade gleaming dangerously, the rest of Foresight leapt into action, determined to protect their fallen comrade.
"{Protego}, {Arresto Momentum}, {Depulso}!" The spells flew from their wands, shimmering barriers and bursts of force manifesting between Harry and Hekkeran. Yet Harry surged forward, brushing aside the defensive magic with chilling ease.
"{Glacius}!" Arche shouted, conjuring an enormous ice wall that formed instantly in front of Harry. Imina, quick to follow, encased him in a massive shimmering bubble with {Ebublio}, while Roberdyck scattered a handful of seeds onto the ground, chanting {Herbivicus}. In an instant, the seeds erupted into Chomping Cabbages and Venomous Tentacula, their leafy maws snapping and writhing as they lunged at Harry.
Seizing a moment of respite, Robberdick hurried to Hekkeran's side, casting healing spells. "Just what kind of Protective Charm does he have?" He asked befuddled. No matter the type of spell they ditched out, nothing worked on the boy.
"I don't know. However, those runes…" Arche pointed to the shield glowing with arcane incantation. "I think that artifact possesses Ancient Magic."
Harry, bursting through the bubble, obliterated the rampaging flora with a devastating swipe of his sword. Shattering the ice wall, he emerged unscathed, pressing forward with relentless determination, he confronted them once more.
"{Accio}," "{Expelliarmus}," "{Locomotor Wibbly}!"
The members of Foresight launched their attacks. Hekkeran, his wounds mended enough for him to rejoin the fray, lunged forward. His was a frightening speed that shrunk the distance between him and his foes to nothing in an instant. Counting on his beastly strength, he followed with a grand strike downwards using his sharp claws—an attack with great destructive power, capable of killing anything it struck.
'Taking this would be very dangerous, especially for an eleven-year-old,' Hekkeran reasoned as his claws descended like a decree. Knowing a hard block would turn this into a contest of power, he believed the boy would be overwhelmed by his beastly strength. The two claws inscribed gleaming arcs in the air as they scissored toward Harry's head.
"Hnh!"
Harry interposed his pristine shield in the path of the claws, stopping them cold. While most would falter, deeming it impossible, the boy managed the feat effortlessly. The clash sent shockwaves through the arena.
Hekkeran, despite his astonishment, remained composed. Realizing he had to act quickly, he grabbed the shield with his paws, attempting to pry it away with brute force. But, Harry retaliated with his sword sweeping towards Hekkeran's throat. The jaguar-man leaped away in a panic, feeling the wind from the blade's passing as it sheared through his fur. The narrow escape sent chills racing down his spine.
"This way!" Imina conjured and launched two arrows from her wand. Because she had cried out, it was no sneak attack; Harry casually avoided the projectiles.
But in that fleeting moment of distraction, Hekkeran charged forward again. With immense strength, he slammed into Harry; intent to knock him off balance. However, Harry stood his ground, deftly parrying the blow.
He swung his sword as to not miss this prime chance for a counterattack again, only to lose his foothold when the ground beneath him got a hole blasted to it.
"{Deprimo}!!"— "{Apparate}!!" Hekkeran was quickly teleported out of the sword's way.
"This isn't working," Imina murmured, worry etched on her face. Hekkeran knew that this stalemate couldn't continue. At this rate, casualties were inevitable. They needed stronger spells, even if it endangered Harry's life. They can't let their own comrades die.
Hekkeran met her gaze, understanding the gravity of her words. "Alright," he agreed, determination hardening his expression.
He leaped forward, mouth wide open to bite Harry's hand off while Arche hurled {Combat Bolt}.
"Child's play." Harry didn't even bother looking at Arche. The bolt of light flickered and faded out of existence before it even managed to touch him. Arche's shock was palpable.
—Well it certainly is a child's play for this boy… Hekkeran thought.
Noticing something, Imina frowned and cast the Arrow Shooting Spell again. In response, Harry's shield whirled in a deadly arc, deflecting the arrows while continuing onto a brutal bash against Hekkeran's face.
The Animagus decided to turn this into an opportunity, making his move. He aimed his claws at Harry's belly, reasoning that the bulk of the shield would create a blind spot in the defense. However, Harry easily swept his claws aside with a splendid manoeuvre of his sword.
—He saw through it!
His eyes followed the wall-like shield as it approached, and he barely evaded the blow by the skin of his teeth—and then a [Heel Drop Kick] came at him.
Hekkeran pounced back as the weight of this crushing blow was comparable to an object weighing several tons, forming a small crater.
Confirming her hypothesis, Imina nodded to her comrades. If magical attacks didn't work then they just have to deal out physical blows.
"{Aqua Eructo}!" Arche shouted, sending a powerful jet of water surging from her wand. Roberdyck summoned more of his plant army, vines and snapping vegetation growing rapidly to ensnare Harry. Imina loosed arrow after arrow, numerous enough to make any Appleby Arrows fan envious. As Hekkeran moved behind Harry in this moment of overwhelming attacks.
Harry, his lips curling into a scornful smirk, raised his shield once more. "[Lesser Wall of Jericho]," he commanded, summoning a crystalline barrier to form around him. The barrier shimmered with an impenetrable brilliance, and none of the spells, arrows, or verdure made so much as a crack on it.
Stunned, Hekkeran quickly backed off as Harry stabbed his sword where he had been just moments ago.
X
Ainz leaned forward slightly, his skeletal visage unreadable to most, but a glint in his eye conveyed an unusual intensity. Watching Harry face the party below, he was gripped by a flicker of genuine concern, masked behind the calm façade only his closest allies could discern.
'These guys are… good,' he thought, replaying the conversation they'd had earlier. 'It might've even fooled me if that man claimed about him having permission from one of my friends… Is Harry truly alright?' A cascade of alarm bells went off in his skull.
Perceiving the subtle shift in her master's demeanour, Albedo leaned closer, her voice laced with a softness reserved only for him. "Is everything to your satisfaction, my lord?"
"Umu…" Ainz responded, steadying his tone. "Harry has indeed grown—not only in strength but also in his resolve."
Beside her, Cocytus nodded, his mandibles clicking with approval. "Indeed. Ainz. Sama. Harry. Has. Shown. Immense. Potential. His. Spirit. Is. That. Of. A. True. Warrior. Resolute. And. Fearless. Following. The. Teachings. Of. The. Supreme. One. I. Anticipate. That. His. Future. Will. Hold. Greatness."
Mare shifted nervously but chimed in, "Yes, Ainz-sama. Harry has learned so much from us. He's even managed to acquire those… Lesser classes that are new to us."
The "Lesser classes" were an unexpected discovery in this world—a deviation from the high-tier job classes of Yggdrasil. Though weaker than their original counterparts, they required fewer prerequisites to obtain and opened up new possibilities for the Great Tomb of Nazarick. With these, Nazarick could potentially enhance its forces in novel ways.
Demiurge tilted his head thoughtfully, his glasses glinting in the light. "A pity he cannot acquire Racial Skills in the same way. However, with Ancient Magic, he may still unlock new skills, perhaps even something akin to [Aspect of the Devil]. This world has shown that transformation into varied forms is possible—even into objects as mundane as chickens or exploding barrels."
Shalltear smirked, crossing her arms. "He already mastered my trump card, though."
"Wasn't that just an adaptation of a native spell from this world?" Aura interjected, raising a brow.
Their discussion continued as they continued to observe the spectacle. Despite their praise, the battle dragged on longer than expected.
X
"{Lumos Maxima}!!"
A brilliant flare of light burst in front of Harry. Whether he resisted it or not, the spell would blind him momentarily. Yet, for him, it seemed utterly pointless, serving only to rouse a flicker of irritation.
"Interfering busybodies!" Harry clicked his tongue at Hekkeran, who had closed the gap thanks to his Beastly strength and dexterity.
"—{Bombarda}!"
"{Herbifors}!"
Arche and Roberdyck support spells interfered again. Having evaded Hekkeran's attack and deflected his claws, Harry was about to riposte once more when another arrow flew into his face.
"...Hmph!"
The casual ease with which Harry evaded the arrow by simply turning his face was truly befitting a champion.
Hekkeran used the brief opening made by the support fire to back away, sweat coursing down his body from the brief but intense combat.
'To think that a mere child could wield such monstrous power… and with such precision!' The thought gnawed at Hekkeran as he clenched his claws tighter. Only Merlin knew what trials this young boy experienced to gain such combat skills.
Harry's combat prowess was nothing short of prodigious. His technique was flawless, his awareness razor-sharp. Every feint was read, every strike countered with almost mechanical efficiency. Combined with his uncanny shield spells, it was close to a miracle for them to still be alive.
But there was a reason they could stand toe-to-toe with a being like this. That reason was teamwork. It was precisely because they had walked the edge of life and death together, and were intimately aware of what each of the others was thinking, that they could move and act like a single organism.
It was this unity that allowed them to stand against the boy who vanished, Harry Potter. A faint smile lifted the corner of Hekkeran's mouth. Until now, Harry had been untouched. Certainly, he was very strong. But he was not invincible. With this conviction in his heart, he swung his twin claws.
Hekkeran's claws struck, the fastest his augmented body could produce, was deflected by the white heater shield. The arrow flying in was interdicted by the white knight sword. Arche and Roberdyck made use of this opening to hurl a few more spells.
Ever since Harry had clicked his tongue, his hostility toward them had been rapidly weakening. After considering whether or not to press the attack, Hekkeran decided to back down and calm his frenzied breathing.
In fact, Harry was having the time of his life. From his earliest memories, he had lived within the depths of Nazarick. The only faces he knew belonged to its denizens, with rare exceptions—new servants who pledged themselves to the Tomb, who were also one of the only few sources of glimpses to the outside world. The other being the stories he heard from Lupusregina-san and the Mirror of Remote Viewing which he was allowed to use occasionally when he made great achievements in his training or studying.
Now, he stood against true outsiders, foes who challenged him directly. Even though they were enemies, this encounter thrilled him. Most of all…
Ainz-sama was watching. Harry could feel his master's gaze from the VIP box. Every strike, every move was a silent declaration of his progress, a chance to prove his worth.
As Hekkeran pulled back, Harry cast a fleeting glance toward the box. His heart leapt, hoping to find approval in Ainz's expression. But instead, his eyes met Albedo Sama's stern, piercing gaze—a silent rebuke that froze him mid-step.
Harry straightened his posture, exhaling softly. A faint, wry smile tugged at his lips as he assumed a composed, gentlemanly stance.
"Alright… Playtime is over. I guess~ "
A ball of silvery white light coalesced in front of Harry, which slowly shaped itself into a humanoid form.
"I-Is that a Patronus?"
The Patronus Charm—{Expecto Patronum}—stood as one of the most formidable defensive spells in wizardkind's arsenal. A manifestation of pure positive energy, it was a spell of such complexity that even seasoned wizards faltered in its execution. It repelled Dementors and Lethifolds, creatures that otherwise had no true countermeasure.
"A corporeal Patronus at that…!"
Unlike its lesser counterpart, which appeared as an indistinct mist, a corporeal Patronus took a solid, tangible form, capable of driving away even the most fearsome of dark entities. But this—this was unlike any Patronus they had ever seen.
"But… Why does it look like Harry? Or… is it his father?"
However, what Harry used was a little different from the Patronus Charm the members of Foresight knew. The spell had been modified to summon a construct-type avatar almost identical to the caster. This was one of Shalltear's trump cards, [Einherjar] a skill belonging to the job class: Valkyrie.
"It's here! It's finally here~!" Shalltear squealed.
The white light fully resolved itself into the shape of a person. If one ignored the bleached-white suit and the glowing skin, it was the spitting image of Harry.
Despite all things he witnessed today, Hekkeran still couldn't believe such a young child could produce a patronus. As a result, the charging Einherjar landed a solid hit on him.
"Guwaaargh!"
The bright, silvery, translucent being continued attacking, the blows knocking Hekkeran back.
Forced back by the continuous string of attacks, Hekkeran failed to notice that Harry, now free of annoyance, discharged a third-tier attack spell, [Fireball] at his comrades.
"{Protego}!" The fireball flew over and burst forth onto the invisible shield. The charm protecting its caster from harm's way, if only for a second.
As the eruption of the massive blaze died down, out of the dissipating flames emerged Harry using [Dimensional Move].
"You didn't think I could use Teleportation as well. Did you~?"
A spectral fog, dark and writhing, enshrouded his right hand—[Touch of Undeath].
With a seamless fluidity, Harry shifted his stance, executing an [Acupoint Palm Strike], the same technique Sebas had drilled into him. His palm connected with Imina's chest.
A blast of sickly black energy erupted outward in a violent, concussive shockwave engulfing everything in its path.
Imina hurtled backward as though struck by a titan's fist, colliding with Roberdyck in a tangle of limbs before both crumpled to the ground, unmoving.
Hekkeran reacted instantly, attempting to {Apparate} away from the spectral construct to reach his fallen comrades.
But Harry raised a hand.
[Lesser Dimension Lock]
The teleportation spell fizzled out before it could take effect.
Hekkeran's eyes widened in alarm, forced instead to dodge as the Einherjar closed in with another lethal blow.
Harry did not let the opening go to waste.
Twin circles of shimmering light formed in the air before him. [Twin Magic Arrows]. Another pair followed immediately. [Twin Lesser Magic Seal Release].
A volley of radiant projectiles streaked through the air, each arrow seeking its mark.
Arche barely had time to raise her wand. The first struck. The second. The third.
Her body seized, the last of her breath escaping in a strangled gasp before she collapsed, her limbs splaying lifelessly against the bloodstained ground like a puppet whose strings had been cut.
Hekkeran let out a furious roar. His boots struck the spectral shield of the Patronus, using it as a launchpad to propel himself forward, toward his fallen teammates.
Harry did not stop him.
He only watched as the last standing member of Foresight gathered towards his fallen friends.
The moment Hekkeran met his gaze, he understood.
This was the end.
All the members of his team were here. Unlike previously where everyone was spread out, kiting Harry from one place to another using Apparate, looking for the briefest opportunity to strike him, now they were all gathered here with no means to escape with two of his comrades down even if he could dodge whatever attack Harry was going to dish out, his friends will die surely.
Hekkeran readied himself becoming a living shield for his friends.
As Harry activated the Ancient Magic, his sword flared with an intense, bright light, casting dramatic shadows around the arena. The air around him crackled with energy, and a low, thunderous rumble resonated, signaling the impending storm.
Harry lifted his sword high, and from the tip, a bolt of pure, crackling lightning shot upward, piercing the sky. The bolt split into multiple tendrils of electric energy, each arcing and dancing with unpredictable intensity. The entire scene was bathed in a stark, blue-white glow, illuminating the surroundings with a blinding brilliance.
In an instant, the lightning tendrils converged on the team with a deafening crash, striking with pinpoint precision. The impact created a spectacular explosion of light and energy, sending shockwaves rippling through the air. Sparks flew and the ground shook as the members of Foresight were engulfed in the electrical onslaught, their form outlined by the searing lightning.
The intense heat and energy left scorch marks on the ground, and the air was filled with the sharp scent of ozone. As the lightning dissipated, no trace of the brave wizards remained. Harry lowered his sword, its glow fading as the ancient magic settled.
X
A few days later...
After suffering catastrophic casualties—where not a single witch or wizard returned from the accursed subterranean vault—the Ministry had designated the site as forbidden, barring all access under the gravest of penalties. The once-hopeful expedition had left behind only silence, a silence punctuated by the flight of hundreds of owls, each bearing a letter from Hogwarts.
CLANG!—CLANG! CLANG!!
One of the twin wrought iron gates, rusted and ivy-clad, now groaned beneath the weight of relentless knocking by a colossal figure.
The giant of a man. His face was almost completely hidden by a long, shaggy mane of hair and a wild, tangled beard, but you could make out his eyes, glinting like black beetles under all the hair.
"'Ello?! Anyone in there?!" the booming voice rang out, startling birds from nearby dead trees. "I've come fer Harry Potter! Got his Hogwarts letter right 'ere! HARRY! I KNOW YEH'RE IN THERE! If yeh don' open up, I'll be comin' in, like it or not!"
The gate, as though weary of resistance, creaked open on groaning hinges. Hagrid stepped through the gate, each bootfall landing with a solid thud. Before him lay a bleak stretch of stone and silence—an old graveyard, still as a held breath, the cold wind curling like smoke through the air.
He sniffed. "Blimey, this place smells like it's been sealed up since Merlin's beard was still brown."
Grumbling to himself, he trudged forward. "Ah, good to see someone's got the decency to open the door. Thought I'd be here all day bangin' away like a flobberworm in mating season."
Yet, as he pressed deeper into the tomb's outer sanctum, the temperature plummeted and the very shadows began to shift. He did not see the creeping darkness pooling at his heels, nor the spectral silence that fell upon the land like a curtain.
"Strange... feelin' like I'm bein' watched," he muttered, reaching for the pink umbrella tucked into his belt.
But the thought hadn't finished forming before his vision dimmed, the world collapsing into inky blackness. And then, silence.
[1] XD! Dursleys. Sorry. Had to mention them. Can’t stop laughing.