Char's gaze fell on the word "Sectumsempra." He remembered it vividly, just before entering the Forbidden Forest. Sectumsempra had only been promoted to gold-tier a few days ago, its golden luster still somewhat dim. But now, the glow had noticeably intensified.
It was important to note: the higher a Charm's proficiency rating, the harder it was to improve, especially from gold-tier to platinum-tier—a leap that would be an unprecedented qualitative change. Naturally, this process would be arduous. Sectumsempra, however, was no ordinary Charm.
Char estimated that to achieve even minor improvements, he might have to practice day and night on Devil's Snare for several days. He paused, recalling the struggle against the Acromantulas in the Forbidden Forest. Sectumsempra had cut through the Acromantula's shell then, but the resistance had been immense. Could that be the reason for its growth?
Shaking his head, he thought, "That shouldn't be it. I've felt strong resistance on Devil's Snare too, but it wasn't this obvious." He carefully recalled every detail, scanning his memory for overlooked factors.
Suddenly, it struck him. "At that moment, I was determined to kill one Acromantula first, to establish dominance and intimidate the rest. My desire to tear its flesh and inflict damage was the strongest it had ever been since learning Sectumsempra. Perhaps this is the crucial factor."
Char's eyes lit up with understanding. "Sectumsempra was a Dark Arts spell created by Snape for combat and damage. To fight, to injure, especially powerful creatures like Acromantulas—this makes the spell improve faster. Isn't that the essence of Dark Arts?"
Relief washed over him. Originally, Char had thought that practicing on Devil's Snare would take Sectumsempra only to platinum-tier at most, after which progress would slow drastically. But now, Acromantulas could serve as a perfect training target. Their hard shells and lethal tendencies meant Char could focus entirely on combat. If these creatures could be reasonably bred, perhaps Sectumsempra could even reach diamond-tier!
The thought of returning to the Forbidden Forest to launch a surprise attack thrilled him, but he quickly suppressed the impulse. "Calm down, don't be reckless," he reminded himself. Sectumsempra, Legendary Power—he had already expended most of his trump cards. Given the intelligence of Acromantulas, they wouldn't allow him close easily next time. His current strength wasn't sufficient for grinding on them.
Char calculated carefully. He needed to first harvest Devil's Snare, gain the Fire Vulnerable Epidermis ability to increase his defense against the Acromantulas' venomous fangs, and acquire Poison resistance rewards. Magic power had to increase as well; he needed a fire spell capable of clearing Acromantula webs over a large area. Charms like Sectumsempra had to be able to threaten Acromantulas lethally from a distance. None of this could be achieved overnight.
However, there was one thing he could adjust quickly. His gaze fell on the Water Enhancement ability on the system panel. In past preparations, he could have set up a transparent water tank to trigger this ability, but this time, events had unfolded too suddenly. The battle had been fought entirely without Water Enhancement.
"If Water Enhancement had triggered, the fight in the Forbidden Forest would have been far easier. That can't happen again," Char thought. The solution was simple: a Bubblehead Charm would suffice.
With his thoughts clarified, Char exhaled lightly and stepped toward Hagrid's Hut. Before he could take two steps, Hagrid came running toward him, his massive figure moving faster than Char had ever seen.
"Hagrid, don't worry, it's alright now—" Char called out.
But before he could finish, Hagrid swept him up in a tight embrace. Frantic and tearful, he checked Char for injuries.
"Thank goodness, Merlin bless… you're alright, Char, you're not hurt!" Hagrid's strength faltered, and he slumped to the ground. He slapped himself twice, full of guilt.
"I'm such a fool. How could I watch you, a child, run into the Forbidden Forest after Umbridge? She's desperate, a lunatic! Even I have to be careful there at night, how could I let you go alone? I lost my head… Azkaban scared me out of my mind. But no matter what, I can't let you take risks—"
Char placed a reassuring hand on Hagrid's broad shoulder. "It's alright, Hagrid. Don't blame yourself. I went after her because I was confident."
Hagrid gasped, too emotional to speak. After a pause, he gripped Char's hand tightly.
"Promise me… don't ever do that again."
Char nodded, and Hagrid seemed to regain some composure. Hugging him again, Hagrid whispered like a guardian bidding farewell:
"Don't be afraid, child. The illegal dragon rearing and everything else—it's all my doing. The Ministry of Magic won't implicate you. But Ministry officials may arrive after dawn, so we may not meet again. I might be going to a faraway prison called Azkaban. Remember to write; maybe I'll receive it."
Hagrid then muttered about his belongings, the cold weather, and thoughtful gifts for Char: a blanket for warmth and a pair of dragonhide gloves to protect him from Potion damage. Even in his distress, Hagrid's care was meticulous. Char felt warmth and amusement as he listened, understanding that Hagrid was entrusting him with last wishes and concerns.
"Hagrid," Char said seriously, "no one will come. No one knows this secret now."
Hagrid froze, disbelief flashing across his face. "But… Umbridge—"
Char met his gaze steadily. "There is no Umbridge in this world anymore." He explained briefly what had happened, and when Hagrid heard that Umbridge had attacked Char and even used the Cruciatus Curse, his face turned crimson with righteous anger.
"That scoundrel… she deserves to die for that!" Hagrid exclaimed. Even the kind-hearted giant felt only satisfaction and relief learning that Umbridge had been captured by Acromantulas.
His chest heaving, Hagrid's gaze turned toward the Forbidden Forest. "No… I need to check. Some traces must be handled… and that toad can't die too quickly, or it'll alert the Ministry. Aragog and his kin have ways of noticing."
Before leaving, Hagrid looked at Char once more, whispering with unwavering resolve: "I won't let you take risks. I'll keep this buried in my heart forever. Not even Dumbledore will know. Go—hurry back to the Castle, tend to Norbert, and then show yourself to others."
Hagrid strode into the forest, and Char watched his massive form retreating. He took a deep breath and returned to Hagrid's Hut, where the newborn Hungarian Horntail, Norbert, was sleeping soundly.
Char's eyes flickered as he conjured a syringe, carefully drawing a small amount of Norbert's blood. Then, hastily, he left the hut.
In his hands were two types of 5X-grade magical creature blood: Acromantula and Hungarian Horntail. Char's eyes gleamed with anticipation.
"It's been so long… the blood emerald can finally begin," he whispered, feeling the thrill of progress and power coursing through him.
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