Upon seeing this, Wentworth and the others immediately understood, this potion was likely the key to the entire Wizarding Schools Potions Championship.
Sure enough, Dumbledore soon began to explain:
"Believe me, children, there is nothing in this world more precious than life! If, while on the island, you find yourselves unable to go on, don't hesitate, drink this potion immediately. It will give you just enough strength to make it back to the shoreline!"
"At the shoreline, the storm-petrels that brought you will be waiting, ready to return you safely. However, the moment you drink the potion, it will signify that you have forfeited the competition."
As Dumbledore spoke, Snape, who stood beside him, began distributing the potion to Wentworth and the other contestants.
When Snape handed the potion to Wentworth, he spoke coldly:
"Drink it when you must, no need to be sentimental. Frankly, your talent in Potions isn't all that impressive anyway."
Wentworth froze for a moment at Snape's words, then smiled faintly. Before he could respond, Snape had already moved on to Nala.
Once each of the four had received their potion, they began walking one by one toward the massive storm-petrels waiting nearby.
At that moment, Nala walked over to Wentworth and said with visible frustration:
"The Headmaster told me that during the competition, I'm to follow your lead in everything!"
Wentworth gave a curt nod, his expression unreadable, and replied in a low, calm voice:
"Once the competition begins, try to find me and regroup as soon as you can. I've got a feeling this competition might not be as straightforward as it seems."
"The rules may sound simple, but the simpler they are, the harder the challenge usually is."
"They didn't even forbid collaboration, that alone tells us it's allowed. Which means the dangers on that island are probably more than any one person can handle alone."
Hearing Wentworth's reasoning, Nala slowly nodded, a thoughtful look in her eyes.
Wentworth then quickened his pace and walked over to Yukina. The moment she saw him approach, a pair of dimples appeared on her cheeks as she smiled sweetly.
In return, Wentworth smiled and repeated what he had just told Nala.
Yukina beamed and nodded without hesitation, clearly delighted with the plan.
Seeing Yukina agree so readily, Wentworth breathed a silent sigh of relief. After all, today's competition wasn't his only task on the island, there was something even more important he had to do.
With that in mind, Wentworth finally made his way over to Vitaly Vladasovich Grachev from Koldovstoretz.
Vitaly had observed Wentworth's interactions just now, but his expression remained unchanged.
Wentworth approached and repeated his proposal, acting in good faith, after all, he didn't want the competition to feel like three ganging up on one.
But to Wentworth's surprise, Vitaly responded with a polite smile and a firm shake of the head.
"No need. Sheep move in herds. A tiger hunts alone."
Before Wentworth could say another word, Vitaly turned and mounted his storm-petrel, giving Wentworth no further chance to speak.
Seeing this, Wentworth didn't press him. He turned and, along with Nala and Yukina, climbed onto his own storm-petrel. The four contestants took to the skies, heading for the unknown volcanic island.
As they departed, Dumbledore and the others settled into their seats. Yusei, who had been waiting nearby, stepped forward with attendants, bringing trays of uniquely Japanese fruits and beverages for the assembled headmasters and guests.
While their school leaders enjoyed a moment of peace, the four contestants exchanged wary glances as they approached the volcanic island.
From above, the vague outline of the island could be seen, but it was completely shrouded in thick mist. Even as the storm-petrels began their descent, none of them could make out the vegetation or terrain clearly.
As planned, the storm-petrels split off, diving toward four separate points on the island's perimeter. Each contestant would approach the island's center from a different direction.
At that moment, Wentworth drew his wand and pointed it at his storm-petrel's head, saying coldly:
"Follow that one!"
He was pointing to the storm-petrel carrying Yukina.
Whether Wentworth's bird didn't understand or simply didn't care, it continued on its predesignated path without changing course.
Without hesitation, Wentworth raised his wand again and muttered:
"Cruci—"
Before he could finish the curse, the storm-petrel abruptly veered off, sweeping in a wide arc through the sky, redirecting toward Yukina's location.
As Wentworth's bird passed Vitaly's, the Russian stared in shock.
"What on earth is he doing?!"
Regardless of what Vitaly thought, Wentworth had achieved his aim, his storm-petrel landed directly beside Yukina's, startling her.
The moment she saw it was Wentworth on the back, her eyes lit up and a joyful smile spread across her face.
Wentworth had barely climbed down before Yukina threw herself into his arms, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist and saying with emotion:
"Wentworth, were you worried about me?!"
Startled, Wentworth met her hopeful gaze for a second, then smiled and nodded firmly.
Yukina immediately gave him another hug before pulling back, eyes misty as she said:
"You don't need to worry about me, Wentworth. I'm not as weak as you think! I… I have a special way of protecting myself!"
At her words, Wentworth's expression darkened slightly. Yukina tilted her head in confusion, but he spoke gravely:
"The special ability you're talking about… it's not an Obscurial, is it?"
Yukina froze, and then, like a child caught doing something wrong, bit her lip, took two slow steps back, lowered her head, and whispered:
"So… you already know…"
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TN: This fanfic has been fully translated and is available on my Patreon —— patreon(.)com/PrimalDemon [remove the parentheses ( )]