"I know." Kael nodded, "They were following me all the way here."
"You can sense them?" Grindelwald was somewhat surprised, "Not that I underestimate you, but Vinda was already a top wizard sixty years ago and has been through countless battles. I don't think she'd expose herself to you."
"But in this forest, we're not the only ones." Kael said, vaguely answering Grindelwald's question.
"Alright, it's not important." Grindelwald grinned, revealing dirty teeth, "It's good you've discovered them; this is your first test. If you want to save Albus, you must show your strength...
"Oh, by the way, because of the masterpiece by Nicolas Flamel and Albus, Apparition is forbidden within a twenty-mile radius here, don't think of escaping by using a Fire Dragon; they'll kill your dragon."
"But don't worry, as long as you bring her here when the time comes, I'll naturally protect your life as the ink reward."
"Can't I just kill them?" Kael raised an eyebrow, "Though it's a bit boastful to say, my strength is quite good, I even won the Triwizard Tournament."
"Kill Vinda? It's a good idea." Grindelwald sneered, "A wizard's wand doesn't rust or dull over time, it only becomes sharper. If you can do it, go ahead and try."
After that, Grindelwald fell silent, delicately dipped some ink with his hand, and stared at the parchment, as though considering what to write.
Kael also left the room, went down the stairs back to the entrance, and pushed the door open to leave.
Outside, he paused briefly, a Billywig wobbled over, landed on Kael's shoulder, and emitted a faint humming sound.
"Only nine people visible?" Kael frowned, "Forget it, no problem."
He couldn't understand why Nicolas couldn't just give him a Portkey near Nimongard, so he wouldn't have to deal with the troubles afterward.
"Really." Kael sighed helplessly, turned once again to look at the tall tower behind him, took out his Firebolt, and jumped off the cliff.
If the Fire Dragon doesn't work, a broom should be fine. Kael didn't believe they could be faster than the Firebolt...
As he thought this, a dazzling green light suddenly shot up from below, like a meteor from the ground, illuminating half the forest.
Such a degree of Killing Curse, Kael had only seen on Voldemort.
He cursed under his breath but had to stop the broom.
Because the spell was directed at a spot not far in front of him, it was a warning. If he didn't stop, the next Killing Curse's landing might be unpredictable.
Kael could only change direction and land back on the ground.
He jumped off the broom, but before he could steady himself, a group of people surrounded him... just like those he saw at the forest entrance, none were missing, they were all here.
"Meet again, this... Beauxbatons graduate." The witch came over.
She wore an outdated blue robe, her hair styled in a round bun.
"Oh no, I should call you a Hogwarts graduate, Beauxbatons couldn't possibly produce a student like you."
"How did you know?" Kael asked.
"Because I'm a Beauxbatons graduate." The witch tidied her sleeves, "But I haven't felt a hint of familiarity from you."
"Alright, I should've said Durmstrang." Kael shook his head regretfully.
"In fact, we have Durmstrang students here too." Another rather elderly wizard said, "Kid, how dare you deceive us."
His whole body was hunched, seeming unsteady even with walking, yet his hand firmly held his wand.
"You're one to talk, didn't you deceive me as well?" Kael chuckled, "Claiming to be a Magizoologist; do you even know how many legs a Wampus Cat has?"
"Nonsense, of course, it has four legs." the person blurted out.
"Fool, it has six legs."
"Who are you fooling, spiders have six legs."
"Spiders have eight legs."
Watching the quarreling individuals, Kael's lips twitched involuntarily, he didn't expect these people to be quite amusing.
"Shut up." the witch scolded, ending the farce, "Alright, let's settle this now and discuss the important matter. Could you tell me how to enter that tower? As a reward, we'll pay you a large sum of gold, how about it."
"What tower... I have no idea what you're talking about?" Kael blinked.
"I don't want to waste time." the witch raised her hand, "Perhaps a Crucio Curse will make you smarter."
"Wait, I'll speak." Kael hurriedly raised his hand, "But before that, can you tell me your name? You already know I'm a Hogwarts student, so I should know who you are."
"Amara." the witch said.
"I want your real name."
The witch was silent for a moment, "Vinda Rosier."
It was indeed her, the famous French Black Rose, Grindelwald's most loyal follower, and one of the few well-known individuals from Beauxbatons.
"Can you tell me now? The answer I want."
"Of course, after all, we agreed." Kael nodded, "First, you need to find a photo, it's of Nimongard, containing the location here. Just take a glance, and you can open that door."