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The Mage's Path: Chapter 14
🕑 Added 2024-10-21 08:06:37 +0000 UTCHi all,
Here’s the next chapter. I noticed a huge mistake in chapter 7, where all of Harry's experience points from the completed quests appeared to vanish into thin air. I can’t believe I made such an oversight. I made a change to chapter 7 that fixes it.
Harry is offered a title from the system:
======The system detects the player has more than 2500 experience points stored in their cache. Do you wish to spend it to acquire the ‘Accelerated Growth’ title?
Description: Accelerated Growth is a title that fundamentally alters your character's progression trajectory. Upon reaching level 10, it activates, significantly reducing the experience required for subsequent level-ups. The effect is permanent and compounds with each level, allowing for swifter advancement through the ranks. ======
Chapter 14
Harry stepped out of the gate with Celeste. The gate shimmered and vanished as soon as they emerged, leaving only a sun-dappled forest in its wake. The affected trees and foliage remained, but Harry knew the forest would slowly recover now that the dungeon's corrupting influence had been removed.
"Good riddance to that wretched place," Celeste said. “That place was nasty.”
Harry paused. There was something he needed to say.
"We underestimated the boss, Celeste. We almost paid the ultimate price. In there," he jerked his head towards where the dungeon entrance had been, "there are no second chances. Death is permanent."
Celeste's wings drooped slightly, her usual cheerful glow dimming. "I hear you, Harry. It was... too close."
"It's not going to get any easier with other dungeons," he continued, his tone gentler but still firm. "We need to do better. I think... maybe I was a little too hasty in seeking out another dungeon. Until we're fully prepared, we shouldn't risk entering a new one."
Celeste alighted on his palm, her tiny face scrunched in thought. "What if you changed the settings from dynamic? That way, the enemies wouldn't always keep pace with our level. It might give us a bit more breathing room."
Harry's eyebrows rose, considering the idea. "That's a good suggestion. But there's something else I want to try first."
Celeste's wings fluttered nervously. "Does that mean... we're going back in there?"
"With the Dungeon Recall feature, we need to wring everything out of it that we can. But," he added, noticing Celeste's dismay, "we aren't going back in there for some time. We need to go to France first."
Celeste's wings perked up. "Ooh, that’s right! Does France have delicious food?"
"Yes, although some foods might not suit your palette."
"What do you mean?"
"Why ruin the surprise?"
He glanced at his watch, noting it was almost lunchtime. As he did so, he became aware of a new notification that had appeared as soon as they'd exited the gate. He opened it, reading:
======Congratulations! The player completed the Main Quest: Conquer the Aspen Horrors.
Quest Completion Rewards: 500 XP; Acolyte Mage skill unlocked.
Sub Objectives Completion Rewards: Minor Health Potion Recipe; Shadow Orb; Aspen Wand Wood (material). ======
Harry closed the window. The rewards could wait; right now, he needed a well-deserved break.
They began making their way out of the forest.
"So, how are we going to get to France?" Celeste asked.
"We'll take the ferry," Harry replied.
Celeste's wings buzzed with excitement, but then she paused, hovering in front of Harry's face. "Oh... can kids do that without an adult's permission?"
Harry stopped in his tracks, his brow furrowing in consternation. It was a complication he hadn't considered. While he didn't doubt he could board the ferry with a ticket, obtaining one might prove challenging.
He ran a hand through his messy hair, thinking aloud. "Well, I already look like I'm twelve, thanks to all the physical training we've done. That should help. And if push comes to shove, I could always... persuade... my relatives to buy a ticket for me."
Celeste pumped her fist. “Yeah! Threaten them with violence!”
"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," he decided. "For now, let's focus on getting out of this forest and finding some real food."
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
After lunch, Harry returned to his magical tent. He sat in the living room and opened his menu to process the gains he received from the dungeon. Although the final part of the dungeon had given him a scare, there was no doubt that both he and Celeste benefitted greatly from it.
First, he opened his inventory to examine the items he gained from defeating the boss and completing the quest. Celeste perched on his shoulder, kicking her feet in anticipation of some good loot.
He examined the health potion recipe first. The main ingredient was the bloodroot, and there were several other common ingredients he needed, all of which could be purchased in Diagon Alley. Once he had mastered the recipe, he would have a steady supply of health potions.
The next item he examined was the Shadow Orb. It was an obsidian-black sphere, roughly twice the size of a marble, that seemed to absorb light around it, creating a subtle distortion in its immediate vicinity.
======
Shadow Orb | Level: 1 | Rare | Type: Support | Enchantment Slots: --
Description: The Shadow Orb is a formidable summoning artifact that grants its wielder the power to conjure and command shadow creatures. These are copies of animals found in the world, replicating not only their form but also their abilities. These shadow creatures range from tiny insects to massive predators, each with unique strengths and applications. The complexity and size of summonable creatures scale with the wielder's proficiency and available mana.
* Initially, it can only be used once per day by those proficient in shadow magic.
* Simple creatures (insects, small mammals): Can last for hours.
* Medium-sized animals (wolves, deer): Typically persist for 30 minutes to an hour.
* Large or complex creatures (bears, large cats): May only last for 5-15 minutes.
* Mythical or enormous beasts: Might only manifest for 1-5 minutes. ======
It was fortunate that he had levelled up his Appraisal skill; otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to appraise the item.
“I believe this is for you,” Harry said, handing it over to her.
“Yes!” Celeste grinned. “I can call forth my own minions!”
Harry watched as she scrunched up her face as she focused on the orb, clearly trying to summon a creature for her to order about. After half a minute, she gave up, grumbling under her breath.
“Why isn’t it working?” Celeste asked.
“Did you picture something in your mind?”
“Yes.”
“What was it?”
“A dragon.”
‘A drag—Celeste, what the hell?”
“What?”
“Didn’t you read the description?” Harry poked her in the stomach. “You're not going to be summoning a dragon anytime soon. Think smaller. Much smaller.”
"Boring.”
Celeste focused once more, her brow furrowing with concentration. This time, the orb responded by emitting a dim glow. A small shape emerged from its inky depths, tumbling through the air. Just before it could hit the cushion below, delicate wings unfurled, and the creature took flight.
Harry extended his finger, and the shadow butterfly alighted upon it with gossamer grace. It was a creature of pure darkness, its wings shimmering with an oily iridescence that seemed to absorb the very light around it. Intrigued, Harry scanned it with his skill.
"Hmm," he mused, eyebrows raised. "Level one, parameters all in low single digits, and only five HP. Not exactly a combat powerhouse, is it?"
"You're looking down on me!" she exclaimed, her wings buzzing with annoyance. "Butterfly, attack that cretin!"
Harry couldn't suppress a snort of laughter as the diminutive shadow creature dutifully obeyed, repeatedly bumping against him with all the force of a falling snowflake.
"Well," he chuckled, "at least we know it follows your commands perfectly. How much mana did summoning our fearsome warrior cost?"
"Two hundred," Celeste admitted. "It's... kind of expensive."
Harry nodded thoughtfully. "You might want to start thinking about creatures that could be more useful in various situations. You need to experiment. See how far you can push this ability. What are the limits? Can you summon larger creatures? Multiple ones? Can you communicate with them at longer distances? There's so much to explore."
Celeste's wings perked up, her natural curiosity piqued by the challenge. "You're right. Next time, I'll summon something that'll really impress you!"
He examined the loot drops from the boss monster, but they were only more crafting materials. One sounded like another component for making a golem.
Next, Harry looked at the new skill he had unlocked for his Acolyte Path.
=======Mana Amplification | Active | Level: 1 | Upgrade: (0/25) | Cost: 10 MP/second | Attribute: INT
Description: This skill allows the caster to temporarily boost their magical power by drawing upon and concentrating ambient mana. The amplification enhances the potency of spells cast while active but requires constant mana expenditure and intense focus to maintain. Upgrade this skill to increase its effectiveness and reduce its mana cost.
* Increases spell power by 50% while active.
* Amplification lasts for up to 30 seconds per use.
* Cooldown period of 2 minutes between uses.
* Grants a 5% chance to cast spells without consuming additional mana while active.
* Upgrades to level 2 after successfully maintaining amplification for a cumulative total of 25 minutes. ======
The skill would be useful in specific situations, but the cost was prohibitive. He would need to work on levelling the skill to make it more effective.
Since he had enough experience points, he levelled up to level ten. He noticed that the experience required to reach the next level didn’t rise too sharply. This was thanks to the title he gained from giving up all that precious experience previously. Speaking of the title, he received a notification with some bad news.
======= The player has gained the Accelerated Growth burden for fully unlocking the associated title. The player will experience early puberty and accelerated body growth.
“What?” Harry cried out in shock.
Celeste, startled by his outburst, zipped over to read the notification. Her tinkling laughter filled the air after reading the notification. “Harry is becoming a man. I see some hilarious situations in the immediate future.”
"Shut it," he growled, dismissing the notification with more force than necessary. "Bloody system... not a single warning about this when it dangled that title in front of me. Some 'gift' this turned out to be."
Celeste's giggles subsided into occasional snickers. She dramatically wrapped her arms around herself, fluttering just out of Harry's reach. "Now, now, keep those incoming hormones in check, Mr. Potter. I'm but a delicate, pure fairy. I can't have some gangly, voice-cracking teenager lusting after me!"
"Oh, brilliant. You're hilarious."
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Harry leaned on the railing of the ferry, his fingers tracing the cool metal as he gazed out over the English Channel. The sea stretched before him, a vast expanse of choppy grey-blue water that seemed to merge with the overcast sky at the horizon. The salty breeze whipped through his unruly hair, carrying with it the distinct scent of the sea.
As the ferry progressed, Harry could make out the occasional cargo ship in the distance, massive containers stacked high on their decks like colourful building blocks. Closer to the ferry, a few smaller fishing boats bobbed on the waves, their weathered occupants no doubt hoping for a good catch. He spotted one fisherman casting a net, the silvery mesh glinting briefly in a rare shaft of sunlight that had broken through the cloud cover.
The trip was already halfway complete, the ferry having covered a significant portion of the stretch between Dover and Calais. Harry reflected on how surprisingly easy it had been to obtain a ticket. The teller hadn't even given him a second glance. He'd been prepared with a cover story about meeting relatives in France, but it hadn't been necessary.
For the past few days, Harry had been diligently training his attributes. While he continued to work on his physical attributes, his main focus had shifted to improving his intelligence. Through trial and error, he'd discovered that puzzles, particularly those involving logic and reasoning, were the most effective way to train this attribute. He'd brought along several puzzles, including a Rubik's cube, a book of sudoku puzzles, and even a small set of tangrams. So far, he'd managed to increase his intelligence by five points.
Though he noticed the effectiveness was beginning to slow, he was confident he could reach twenty Intelligence with another week or two of consistent training. He had already noticed subtle changes, such as an improvement in his ability to recall information.
Harry's musings were interrupted by the sound of giggling nearby. He turned his head towards the noise, only to realise that a group of girls, probably a year or two older than him, were talking about him and stealing glances in his direction. Quickly, he turned away, his cheeks burning as he groaned internally. It had only been a few days, but he could already feel the effects of the accelerated puberty taking hold. His voice had started to crack at inopportune moments, and he'd started paying more attention to girls.
Celeste poked her head out of his shirt pocket, her tiny face scrunching up as she surveyed the gloomy weather. "Why is the day so dreary? Not the best start to our vacation."
"Who said this was a vacation?" Harry replied, keeping his voice low.
"You packed your magical tent, didn't you?" Celeste countered, raising a miniature eyebrow.
Harry shrugged. "Just in case of an emergency."
"Nothing is stopping us from staying for a few days," Celeste pointed out, her wings fluttering with excitement. "There's plenty of food to try. I've heard the pastries are divine!"
"We'll see how it goes," Harry muttered. "Now be quiet before you give me away."
As the ferry pulled into the port of Calais, the French coastline came into clearer view. The harbour was a hive of activity, with massive cranes loading and unloading cargo ships, their metal arms swinging in a carefully choreographed dance.
The town itself was visible beyond the port, a fascinating mix of modern and historical architecture hinting at its rich history. Harry could make out the spire of a Gothic church rising above the rooftops and what looked like the remnants of mediaeval fortifications.
Harry disembarked from the ship with the other passengers, taking his first steps onto French soil. As soon as his feet touched the ground, he received a notification for a new quest.
====== New Side Quest: Unlocking France
Description: A new geographical area has been detected. Meet the requirements to add France to the gamer system and unlock a plethora of new opportunities.
Main Objectives:
1. Meet four of the specified requirements to unlock the country.
2. Progress: 1/4 (Reached level 10.)
Quest Completion Rewards: France unlocked. New skill obtained.
Time Limit: None. (This may change if the player takes too much time.)
Failure: None. ======
The system was trying to tempt him by offering rewards. He was already thinking about adding the country, so nothing changed.
Harry glanced around the bustling port, taking in the sights and sounds of his new surroundings. The air was filled with a cacophony of voices speaking rapid French, the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from a nearby café, and the distant honking of car horns from the town beyond.
Harry set off towards the town centre. He needed to locate an information centre to determine the best way to travel to Paris. It occurred to him that he should have prepared more before travelling to France, but where was the fun in that?
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Harry stepped off the train at Gare du Nord, his legs stiff from the long journey. The cavernous station bustled with activity, a cacophony of announcements echoing off the vaulted ceilings. Harry's eyes darted around, taking in the unfamiliar sights and sounds of Paris.
Outside, the Parisian summer heat hit him like a wave. Harry squinted in the bright sunlight, joining the queue for taxis. A sleek black Peugeot pulled up, and Harry climbed in, grateful for the air conditioning.
"Montmartre, s'il vous plaît," Harry said to the driver, wincing internally at his mangled pronunciation. The driver, a middle-aged man with a neatly trimmed moustache, raised an eyebrow but nodded without comment.
As they drove, Harry pressed his face to the window, drinking in the sights of Paris. They passed the majestic Opera Garnier, its ornate façade gleaming in the sunlight. The wide boulevards were lined with elegant Haussmann buildings, their wrought-iron balconies and mansard roofs so different from the architecture back home.
The taxi wound its way through increasingly narrow streets, climbing the hill of Montmartre. Harry caught glimpses of quaint cafés, their terraces filled with people sipping espresso and nibbling on croissants. Street artists set up their easels, capturing the charm of the neighbourhood on canvas.
Finally, the taxi came to a stop near the base of Sacré-Cœur. Harry paid the driver, fumbling slightly with the unfamiliar francs and exiting the vehicle.
The streets of Montmartre were a maze of narrow lanes and steep staircases. Harry's suitcase rattled noisily as he pulled it along, earning him annoyed glances from locals. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he navigated the hilly terrain, checking the small piece of parchment with instructions on how to find Place Cachée.
After several wrong turns and backtracking, Harry found himself in a small, secluded square. Tucked away in a corner, partially hidden by the drooping branches of a chestnut tree, stood the bronze statue he was looking for. It depicted a wizard in flowing robes, his wand raised high. The statue's face was weathered with age, but its eyes seemed to follow Harry as he approached.
Glancing around to ensure no Muggles were watching, Harry placed his hand on it. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, with a grinding of metal on stone, the statue shuddered to life. It stepped aside with a bow, revealing an archway that materialised in the wall behind it.
Harry hesitated for a moment, then stepped through. The archway sealed itself behind him with a soft whoosh, the sounds of Muggle Paris fading away. He found himself standing at the entrance to Place Cachée, blinking as his eyes adjusted to the change in lighting.
The magical district was a stark contrast to the Muggle world he'd just left. The main street stretched before him, wide and inviting. The cobblestones underfoot were smooth and even, without a speck of dirt to be seen. On either side, elegant shops lined the thoroughfare, their windows filled with displays that moved and sparkled.
Unlike the somewhat haphazard layout of Diagon Alley, Place Cachée was clearly designed with an eye for symmetry and beauty. The buildings, while varied in size and purpose, all shared a cohesive architectural style. Delicate wrought-iron balconies adorned the upper floors, many supporting window boxes bursting with magically enhanced flowers that changed colour as Harry watched.
At the centre of the district stood a grand fountain, easily three stories tall. Water cascaded from the wands of marble statues representing famous French wizards and witches. The water itself shimmered with magical properties, occasionally forming shapes of magical creatures before dissolving back into spray.
Witches and wizards milled about, their conversations a mix of rapid-fire French and other languages Harry couldn't identify. Their robes were noticeably more fashionable than what he was used to seeing in Britain, with bold colours and avant-garde cuts.
As Harry took in the sights, he felt movement in his pocket. Celeste poked her head out, no longer needing to hide. She flew out and alighted on his shoulder.
"It's quite different from Diagon Alley, isn't it?" Harry murmured to Celeste.
"That’s for sure."
They began to explore the district in greater detail. Harry noticed that while Place Cachée shared some similarities with Diagon Alley—there was an imposing branch of Gringotts Bank—it also had its own unique features. A shop window filled with self-writing quills caught his eye; the quills danced across the parchment, leaving trails of shimmering ink in various colours.
As they walked, Harry pulled out the card of the wandmaker he needed to find: Eloise Beaumont. According to the information he had, her shop was located in one of the branching streets off the main thoroughfare, in a less reputable area.
Harry frowned, glancing down at Celeste. "Why would her shop not be in the main area?" he asked. "Ollivander said she was a reputable wandmaker."
Celeste shrugged. "Who knows? That Ollivander seemed off his rocker to me. Can't trust what he says."
"I came to France on his word," Harry deadpanned.
Despite his misgivings, Harry headed for the street where Beaumont's shop was supposed to be located. As they moved away from the main area, the atmosphere changed noticeably. The bright, airy feel of the main street gave way to something darker and more claustrophobic.
The buildings here were packed tightly together, their upper stories seeming to lean towards each other, blocking out much of the sunlight. The elegant shop fronts were replaced by grimy windows and peeling paint. Narrow alleys branched off in all directions, their depths shrouded in shadow.
Harry saw several shady-looking wizards and witches eyeing him as he passed. One, a hunched figure in a tattered cloak, seemed to sniff the air as Harry walked by, yellow eyes gleaming from beneath a hood. Harry kept alert, his muscles tense.
He pressed on until he reached the wandmaker's place. It was a narrow, three-story building wedged between a junk shop and a dingy pub with blacked-out windows. A faded sign above the door read "Baguettes Beaumont" in spidery script.
Harry raised his hand and knocked sharply on the door. For a moment, there was silence. Then, without warning, the door flew open with such force that Harry stumbled backwards.
In the doorway stood an older woman, her appearance as eccentric as her choice of shop location. Her grey hair was a wild mane, sticking out in all directions as if she'd been electrocuted.
She scowled at Harry, her eyes narrowing as she took in his appearance. "Qu'est-ce que tu veux, gamin?" She barked in French, her voice raspy but strong.
Harry, caught off guard, fumbled for the right words. "Êtes-vous Eloise Beaumont?"
The woman's scowl deepened, if that was possible. "Your accent is terrible," she said, switching to English. Her own English was accented but clear. "You've got the right woman. Now answer my question."
Relieved to be able to speak English, Harry explained, "I need a wand. I got a recommendation from Ollivander in England."
Eloise rubbed her chin, her expression thoughtful. Her fingers were long and slender, stained with what looked like wood varnish.
"You must be a special case if he can't serve you. All you British are predictably boring in wand choices." She paused, then shrugged. "Well, I suppose you can come in."
She stepped aside, allowing Harry to enter the shop. The interior was a stark contrast to the building's exterior. While cluttered, it was clearly well-maintained. Wand boxes were stacked haphazardly on every available surface, some teetering in piles that defied gravity. The air was thick with the scent of different woods, magical ingredients, and the indescribable tingle of raw magical potential.
Eloise closed the door behind them with a wave of her wand. The sounds of the street outside cut off abruptly, leaving them in a bubble of silence. "So," she said, fixing Harry with a penetrating stare, "what's your story, boy? Why has Ollivander sent you all the way to Paris for a wand?"
"Ollivander doesn't think a conventional wand would work for me,” Harry explained. “He suggested I try... alternative methods."
Eloise's eyebrows shot up. "Do you know how I make my wands, kid?"
"Call me Harry," he corrected. "And no, I have no idea."
"I'm Celeste," the fairy waved from his shoulder.
"Charmed," Eloise grunted. She leaned against her workbench, arms folded. "I grow wands using a highly unconventional method. I plant a miniature version into the wizard's body and let their magic and blood nurture it slowly. Get a greater connection that way. Takes anywhere from two to six weeks, depending on various factors."
Harry's eyes widened. "Is that safe?"
"Perfectly," Eloise said, reaching out and tapping his arm. "This is usually the best place to grow the wand, but you could choose the leg as well."
"How much does it cost?"
Eloise grinned. "A lot. It takes skill to do what I do without damaging the customer. I also use very specialised wand components, which aren't cheap either."
"Do I have to come back to get it removed?" Harry asked.
"Yes. Extracting a wand isn't easy. They can be volatile when reacting to magic."
Harry nodded, considering. "Well, can we get started? The sooner I get it done, the better."
Eloise showed him the wand woods, instructing him to hold his hand over each component to see if any reacted. Harry tried all the woods, but none worked for him. Then he had an idea.
Reaching into his spatial pouch, Harry pulled out the Aspen wood he'd gotten from completing the quest. As soon as he touched it, he felt warmth radiating from it.
"I found this in my travels," Harry told her. "I have a strong reaction to it."
"Then it will do," Eloise said, snatching the wood from him. "Aspen, eh? Highly unusual. They don't usually react well to magic. Kid, never get into Wandlore. There's always something new to learn. It's frustrating as hell."
Eloise gestured to a long table covered in an assortment of strange objects. "These are my wand cores. Some conventional, others... less so. Hold your hand over each and tell me if you feel anything."
Harry approached the table, eyeing the bizarre collection. There were the usual suspects—phoenix feathers, unicorn hairs, dragon heartstrings—but also more unusual items: what looked like a crystallised tear, a vial of silvery liquid, and even a small, pulsating seed pod.
He began moving his hand over the cores, concentrating on any sensations. Most produced no reaction, but as he passed over a small, iridescent scale, he felt a sudden warmth in his palm.
"This one," Harry said, pointing to the scale. "It feels... right."
Eloise peered at his choice, her eyebrows rising. "Interesting. That's a scale from a sea serpent. Tricky to work with, but powerful. It tends to excel in water-based magic and adapts well to changing situations. Fitting for someone Ollivander couldn't match."
Harry nodded his head, completely perplexed.
She scooped up the scale, examining it closely. "This will pair nicely with the Aspen. Flexibility and strength; change and perseverance. Contradictions, but that often makes for the most intriguing wands."
Eloise disappeared into the back, returning twenty minutes later with a miniature wand. She told Harry to sit down at the table and lay his arm on it.
"This is going to itch a little," Eloise warned. With a wave of her wand, the miniature wand disappeared, and Harry felt an itchiness in his arm.
He flexed his arm, swearing he could feel something lodged in it, although it wasn't as uncomfortable as he'd first imagined.
"That will be two hundred galleons," Eloise said cheerily. "Come back in a few weeks so I can check how it's progressing."
Harry paid the woman and left the building, stepping back into the dimly lit street. He rubbed his arm absently, still marvelling at the strange sensation beneath his skin.
"Well, that was... different," Celeste remarked, settling back onto his shoulder.
"You can say that again," Harry muttered. He glanced around the shabby street, then back at Beaumont's shop. "I hope this works. Two hundred galleons is a lot to gamble on an experimental wand."
"At least it's growing in your arm and not somewhere else," Celeste quipped. "Imagine if she'd suggested putting it up your-"
"Let's not," Harry cut her off hastily. "Come on, we should find somewhere to stay."
Harry made his way out of the street. As he rounded the corner, a commotion up ahead caught his attention. He heard a brief scream and the sounds of struggles. Two men sprinted towards him, one clutching a writhing sack over his shoulder.
He took the situation in at a glance. Judging by the size of the sack, the one being kidnapped was a child.
"Celeste, flank them," Harry muttered. The fairy vanished without a word.
Harry stepped into the men's path, hood low. They skidded to a halt, the one without the bag brandishing his wand.
"Stay out of this, kid," the man growled in accented French.
Celeste swooped down, aiming for the bag carrier's face. But the man was quicker than expected, swatting her away with surprising speed. She tumbled through the air, barely righting herself.
The first man fired off a barrage of spells. Harry dodged, retaliating with a Whirlwind Blade. The magical wind sliced towards the man's wand hand, but he deflected it with a Shield Charm.
"He's using wandless magic!" the first man shouted.
The second man lunged at Harry. A Gust Leap propelled Harry over his attacker, but the man anticipated this, grabbing Harry's ankle mid-air. They crashed to the ground, and Harry's breath was knocked from his lungs.
Celeste recovered, and launched a Shadow Lance at the first man. He deflected it, the spell ricocheting and shattering a nearby window.
Harry struggled with his opponent, trying to break free. He managed to summon a Gale Force Push, but in such close quarters, it sent them both flying. They slammed into a wall, Harry's head cracking against the stone.
Dazed, Harry saw the first man advancing, wand raised. Celeste intercepted with a Void Burst, but the man shrugged it off with ease.
The second man pinned Harry down. "Not bad, kid," he grunted. "But you're out of your league."
Harry, vision swimming, concentrated hard. He activated Mana Amplification, feeling magic surge through him. With a roar, he unleashed a supercharged Whirlwind Blade. The wind magic exploded outwards, sending both men flying.
Celeste, seizing the moment, peppered them with Shadow Lances. The men, caught off-guard by the sudden onslaught, failed to defend in time.
Harry staggered to his feet, head pounding. He channelled his magic into a massive Gale Force Push. The spell slammed both men against the wall with bone-jarring force. They slumped to the ground, finally unconscious.
Panting heavily, blood trickling from a cut on his forehead, Harry surveyed the scene. The street was a mess of debris, the two men lay motionless, and the sack had stopped writhing.
Harry tapped the side of his glasses, activating his HUD.
Milun Blmont - Wizard/Kidnapper - Level 26 (unconscious)
Gerald Gage - Wizard/Kidnapper - Level 27 (unconscious)
"Should have kept my HUD activated," Harry muttered, wincing as he touched the cut on his forehead. "But I wasn't expecting to have to fight."
If he had, he might not have engaged the men. Judging from their level, they were nothing special, but they were still out of his league. It was hard to judge a human opponent because he couldn’t see their attributes. Maybe he won by the surprise factor alone.
The sack began squirming again, a girl's voice demanding in French to be released. Harry rushed over, Celeste flying alongside him. He fumbled with the knot, fingers still trembling from the adrenaline of the fight.
As the sack fell open, a head popped out, framed by long, pale golden hair. A pair of clear blue eyes locked onto his, filled with a mixture of fear and defiance.
"Qui êtes-vous?" The girl said, her voice trembling slightly.
Gabrielle Delacour - Witch/Veela - Level 3
"Just a passerby," Harry replied in French, his accent causing the girl to furrow her brow. He helped her out of the sack, noting how young she looked—no more than five years old.
Gabrielle scrambled to her feet, brushing off her clothes. Her eyes darted between Harry, Celeste, and the unconscious kidnappers. She spoke rapidly in French, her words tumbling over each other in her haste.
Harry held up his hands, trying to calm her. "Doucement, s'il vous plaît," he said, straining to understand. "Parlez... er... plus lentement?"
Gabrielle took a deep breath and repeated herself more slowly. Harry caught the words for "saved" and "thank you," but much of it still eluded him.
Celeste hovered near Gabrielle's face, causing the young girl's eyes to widen in wonder. "Une fée!" she gasped, momentarily forgetting her ordeal.
"We need to alert the authorities," Harry said, glancing at the prone forms of Belmont and Gage. "But first, let's get you out of here. Do you know where your parents are?"
She tilted her head in confusion. After a moment, she pointed towards the main street and said something about "Place Cachée" and "Maman."
Harry frowned. He couldn't just leave the kidnappers here, but his priority had to be getting Gabrielle to safety. As if sensing his dilemma, Celeste spoke up.
"I can stay and keep an eye on these lowlifes," she offered. "You get the girl back to her family."
Harry hesitated, then nodded. "Okay, but be careful. If they start to wake up, hide immediately."
He turned to Gabrielle, offering his hand. "Allons-y," he said, hoping he'd got the phrase right. "Let's find your parents."
So, what do you think? In the next chapter, Harry meets the Delacours.
Thanks for reading.
