"Protego Totalum! The indestructible shield!"
"Protego Totalum! The indestructible shield!"
The robed wizards recited the spell, and silver-white light surged from the tip of their magic wands, merging into the massive translucent barrier.
The barrier, originally like a thin membrane, gradually became solid and stable, and from above it looked like a crystal shield added to the earth.
Vid approached Grindelwald and heard the old man ask in a low voice, "Do you remember what I told you, the magic that can suppress Fire Shield Protection?"
"I remember," Vid said.
Spells like "Finite" are universal tools against all spells, but they are not the best choice. Especially when dealing with increasingly powerful fire magic, it is notably less effective.
According to Grindelwald's theory, the best way to counter Fire Shield Protection and Fiendfyre is to fight fire with fire.
The same destructive fire, Fiendfyre seems to have life and thought, characterized by "burning all combustibles," but its temperature is not particularly high.
Therefore, even a few feet away from the flame, as long as there is no direct contact, there will be no thermal radiation damage, nor will anyone be burned by high-temperature air or suffer gas explosions.
The highlight of Fire Shield Protection lies in its selective destructive power, where enemies touching the flame are instantly turned to ash, yet allies remain unharmed, not even feeling noticeable heat.
And in the Dark Magic books Grindelwald gave to Vid, there is another flame spell recorded, which emphasizes extreme temperatures and destructive power, capable of instantly suppressing and swallowing Fiendfyre, and breaking through Fire Shield Protection, destroying the casting wizard instantly.
The downside is that this spell exhausts the wizard greatly and lasts only a very short time.
"You mentioned before that my past strategy was wrong; slaughter and dictatorship cannot change the Magic World."
Grindelwald's words made Vid's expression slightly uneasy. He thought Grindelwald had skipped that part, not expecting it to be brought up now.
Then, he heard the former king arrogantly say:
"Most wizards are foolish, content sheep. When a lion wants to lead them into becoming a wolf pack, not only do they refuse to accept it, they want to rise in resistance."
Vid slightly raised an eyebrow and said, "Isn't it natural to fight for oneself and one's family's life?"
Behind them, the barrier seemed almost fully formed, but Grindelwald's magic wand remained in his pocket, showing no intention to act.
He chuckled lightly and said, "I'll admit your words have some truth. It's clear you've seriously thought about how to change."
"But child, that's not enough… only thought and morals are insufficient to make people willingly submit to you."
"Many people in this world will only fear violence much stronger than themselves, they won't be grateful for others' help and kindness."
Grindelwald's eyes appeared to look far away, and Vid believed, at this moment, he was subconsciously thinking of Dumbledore, just like himself.
Even though the story where the Ministry of Magic slanders, expels Dumbledore and Harry, and attempts to pin various crimes on them had not happened yet, Grindelwald seemed to see it transpiring.
He knew very well—the Magic World does not thank their Savior, no matter which one.
"If you want others to listen to you, you must showcase your power… destructive power, then everyone will become courteous, love peace, and respect your will."
Grindelwald chuckled and said, "Even Athena wields a shield and a spear, Vid. Only violence can stop violence. So go, let everyone see your strength."
As soon as his words finished, a continuous series of loud roars erupted in the forest.
"Boom—boom—boom—"
In Vid's line of sight, seven or eight giant trees pulled their thick roots from the earth and began to walk toward the camp.
The trunks twisted and transformed, the branches and leaves shook, enormous branches wildly swinging, crushing smaller trees in front, and even two nearby massive trees were fiercely battling with each other.
The shortest of these trees were equivalent to five or six floors high, and the tallest reached thirty or forty meters, hidden in the darkness as they roared forward, causing the ground to tremble violently.
Seeing this scene that seemed to be earth-shattering, Grindelwald surprisingly laughed.
"I thought that guy would wait until after the competition, but it seems our friend lacks a bit of patience."
His magic wand pointed upward, and a huge light ball soared into the sky, like a new sun brought to the wasteland, illuminating everything around in vivid detail.
Under the black hoods, the faces of many members of the Witch Pure Party turned pale, their legs unable to stop trembling. If not for Grindelwald standing in front, many of them might have used Apparition to flee upon seeing the giant trees emerge.
Even Antoine stopped joking with those nearby, gripping his magic wand with slightly more force.
The witch beside him, holding the Flow Mirror Mother Mirror, was a young girl with short brown hair. Her hands trembled as she fearfully asked, "Why are we facing this monster alone? There are a hundred thousand wizards in the stadium behind us!"
"Mr. Grindelwald naturally has his reasons," Antoine said with a stern face, forcing composure, "Have faith in our leader."
The girl nodded and then saw that Vid, who didn't look particularly strong beside Grindelwald, was actually walking forward… toward those monstrous giant trees.
"What… what is he trying to do?"
The brown-haired girl asked in terror.
Antoine remained silent, concern in his eyes as he glanced at Vid, then at Grindelwald, involuntarily taking a step forward, then stopped under Delaine's gaze.
When Vid walked forward, strangely, he didn't feel fear, instead, an unusual sense of calm.
This mental state surprised even him, as though what he was about to face was not giant, deadly trees akin to skyscrapers, but simply going downstairs to buy breakfast.
He thought: initially, I didn't wish to change anything, nor did I intend to gain much power… I just wanted to learn more magic, safely.
Magic is magical, the wizarding world is wonderful, but if Voldemort returns, he even considered taking his parents and leaving this land for a safer country.
But when did his thoughts start to change little by little?
Vid looked at the giant tree ahead, sighed gently, and raised his magic wand—
"Ignis Divinum Furor! (Fury of the Flame God!)"