Ryan was quite excited when he returned to the dormitory, even though martial arts weren't particularly useful in the wizarding world. In wizard battles, ranged magic was typically exchanged, and Apparition allowed wizards to move with great agility. Internal defenses were rarely effective against spells. Therefore, for close-quarters combat, the techniques from the Assassin's Legacy were more than enough. Martial arts were, at best, a bonus.
However, not all martial arts were of little value to Ryan. For example, the Purple Cloud Divine Art was a major gain. It enhanced his hearing and vision, enabling distant detection in areas protected by magic, without triggering magical alarms. It also granted a protective shield, greatly enhancing his physical defenses. Furthermore, it improved his overall strength, agility, and attack power, along with the usual benefits of internal energy cultivation.
This new ability significantly boosted Ryan's chances of survival—an especially valuable asset for someone like him, who had always been somewhat afraid of death.
After obtaining the technique, Ryan didn't seek out new powers for a while. Instead, he focused on refining the ones he had already acquired. Finally, ten days before Christmas, the Hogwarts students' field practice courses began.
The course was set in an ancient Aboriginal site seventy kilometers away. Professor Castro Bruso had built an artificial ecosystem around the surviving magical array in the area, using it as the location for this year's field practice.
The day before departure, Ryan felt a little uneasy. According to the intelligence he had received, there was a high chance that a conspiracy involving the former Saints was brewing around this trip.
Just as he finished his afternoon classes and was about to return to the dormitory to pack, he suddenly heard a voice call out to him from the side of the corridor.
"Please follow me. There is something urgent that I need to inform you of," said Principal Fernando.
Ryan quickly made up an excuse to part ways with Hermione and followed the voice down a deserted hallway. At the end, he pushed open a wooden door and found Principal Fernando sitting at a table. Beside him sat Skorzeny, the owner of the small shop in Mahogany Town—and a former Saint.
"What happened that's so urgent? Didn't you say the Chimera Society was going to attack me tomorrow during the trip? We're not supposed to be communicating like this now, especially in a public place like school," Ryan asked with concern.
"We didn't want to either, but the situation has changed," Skorzeny replied. "Today, the Brazilian Ministry of Magic received what they call reliable intelligence, stating that the local Blood God Cult plans to attack you tomorrow. They've begun mobilizing Aurors and strike forces to the artificial ecosystem in preparation for an ambush."
"Wait, what is the Blood God Cult? I thought we were dealing with the Chimera Society—the former Saints' group?" Ryan asked with a puzzled expression.
"The Blood God Cult are descendants of a group of dark wizards known for practicing blood sacrifices and blood magic," Principal Fernando explained. "After being driven underground by our ancestors, they became the most powerful local dark wizard organization. The local dark wizards we previously mentioned—those collaborating with the Chimera Society—are actually them."
"Oh, I see. So, isn't it a good thing that the Ministry of Magic is acting preemptively? Don't tell me you're upset that they're taking revenge in your place."
"No, absolutely not," both men at the table said, shaking their heads.
"The problem is the timing of this intelligence," the principal said. "Previously, when we reported similar concerns to the Ministry, they only sent a small team of Aurors to patrol. Why would they suddenly go all out now? Keep in mind, these two organizations have remained hidden here for over half a century. Why would their operations be so easily exposed now?"
"Yes," Skorzeny added. "Especially Dietrich, the leader of the Chimera Society. He was the most cunning of the young Saints, and he's only grown more dangerous with time. We've been fighting him for nearly fifty years and have often suffered more losses than gains. I highly doubt a plan this large would be uncovered by a bunch of Ministry idiots."
"Then why did you call me here today?" Ryan asked. "You clearly know more than I do, and it doesn't seem like I can do much with this information."
"We just wanted to warn you about how dangerous things have become," the principal said. "For safety, we might change the location of tomorrow's field practice. But even then, we can't promise that the new site will be completely safe. That's why we're telling you now—so you can stay alert. If anything goes wrong, contact us immediately using the brooch we gave you last time. You're the only student in the group we can trust and reach."
"Why not just cancel the event entirely? You're not seriously putting pride over safety, are you?" Ryan asked incredulously.
"We wanted to cancel it," Fernando replied, rubbing his temples. "But there's a bigger risk. You're from a different country. If we cancel and send you back, and they attack during your return trip, we won't be able to protect you outside the school's barrier. That's why we've decided to lure them here instead—strike first and hopefully solve this once and for all."
"Have the professors leading our group been informed?"
"Yes, we've notified the two Hogwarts professors," the principal said. "They promised to stay on guard. But keep in mind, they'll likely be watched closely and may be targeted first. That's why students like you are crucial in this operation."
"Got it. I'll be fully prepared," Ryan nodded. It was clear now—tomorrow would be anything but peaceful.
The next morning, as the sky began to lighten, the voice of a professor rang out in the dormitory.
"Everyone, please report to the common room immediately. There is an important announcement."
By the time Ryan finished freshening up and made his way down, he found the common room packed. Several students looked nervous, while others tried to comfort them.
For example, Arya was gently stroking the hair of a petite Ravenclaw girl while whispering something soothing to her. Ryan recognized her—it was Alicia Hatter, a second-year pure-blood witch. Despite her background, Alicia's scholarly parents raised her to be open-minded, and she held no prejudice against Muggle-borns or Muggles.
Hermione had once suggested recruiting Alicia into their reading club, so Ryan had remembered her name. Alicia was timid and introverted, and it seemed like the current situation had frightened her. Arya was doing her best to calm her down.
There were other students in similar states. The tension this morning was unusual, and everyone could sense it.
After waiting a few more minutes for the room to settle down, Professor Sprout entered—followed by a bald, unfamiliar middle-aged wizard.
FOR MORE CHAPTERS
patreon.com/STEPHENHART427