It was Saturday, and Ryan had practiced a morning obstacle spell with Hermione. After lunch, he made an excuse to sneak into the Forbidden Forest.
After walking for less than five minutes, Ryan saw a centaur standing ahead. However, it was not the Betty he knew but a male centaur he had never seen before.
This centaur was slightly larger than Betty, with a creamy yellow horse body. His head had pale blond hair, and his eyes were sky blue like Headmaster Dumbledore's. He looked much younger than Betty, likely a young adult.
"Did Aunt Betty send you to pick me up?" Ryan asked.
"Yes, you are Ryan. My name is Firenze. Nice to meet you," the centaur introduced himself, bending down and extending his hand.
Ryan recognized the name—Firenze was the centaur who would later teach Divination at Hogwarts. It made sense for Betty to send him. As he pondered this, Ryan reached out and shook hands with Firenze.
They walked along a fork in the path leading to an unfamiliar place, though the direction indicated they were heading toward the dead jungle from the Emerald Dream.
Firenze confirmed Ryan's suspicion: "We are gathering near the valley where the eight-eyed giant spiders are entrenched, so we can reach the battlefield directly after assembling. The village shaman has set up a natural barrier, so there's no need to worry about the spiders discovering us too soon."
Along the way, Firenze seemed curious about Ryan's life at Hogwarts and human society.
He also explained that Ryan's participation in the battle had sparked a dispute among the centaurs. The conservatives, led by Overton, believed this was a Forbidden Forest matter that did not require human intervention.
However, Betty argued that Ryan had been recognized by the Emerald Dream, and as children of nature, centaurs should not reject someone favored by nature in the fight against darkness.
"You wouldn't believe it," Firenze said, "but half of our tribe supported inviting you to the hunt, and the other half opposed it."
Ryan nodded. "Then I assume I'm here because you agreed with Aunt Betty? How did she persuade the others?"
"Persuade?" Firenze scoffed. "Overton and his lot are as stubborn as mules—convincing them was impossible. But then, the unicorns somehow learned about you. At yesterday's meeting, they insisted you be allowed to participate. With the unicorns siding with Betty, Overton had no choice but to agree."
Ryan realized that saving the injured unicorn earlier had earned him their trust. It was proof that good deeds were often rewarded.
Firenze then said, "While we centaurs are honest and won't sabotage you, Overton and his followers won't give you a warm welcome. Don't take it personally."
Ryan smiled. "I understand. Internal strife is never wise when facing a common enemy."
"Good. They might grumble, but I assure you, there won't be any underhanded tricks during the battle." Firenze visibly relaxed after hearing Ryan's response.
After more than half an hour of trekking, they reached a clearing in the forest with several large stones.
Ryan immediately stopped, slapped his legs, and chose a stone to sit on. The jungle path was difficult, and despite Firenze's slow pace, his four legs still moved faster than Ryan's two. Keeping up with him had been exhausting.
Thanks to his assassin training and Maoshan techniques, Ryan's physique had improved, allowing him to keep up without embarrassing himself.
Firenze chuckled. "I thought your human legs wouldn't last. I was ready to carry you if you collapsed."
After some lighthearted conversation, the bushes ahead rustled, revealing a path.
They soon reached a small valley where over forty centaurs, a dozen unicorns, and a massive gray wolf stood. It seemed this was the entire force assembled to fight the eight-eyed giant spiders.
The numbers were small—no wonder the spiders had ruled the Forbidden Forest for decades. Eliminating them completely with such a force seemed impossible.
Two more centaurs arrived, and with that, everyone was present. Betty climbed a rock and began assigning battle roles.
Ryan grew bored and drifted into thought until Betty suddenly called his name.
"Ryan, demonstrate your plants so we can plan accordingly."
"Of course, ma'am," Ryan said with a bow. He then released one of each plant he intended to use in battle and demonstrated their attacks.
The skeptical centaurs—especially Overton's followers—watched with intrigue. The effectiveness of Ryan's plants forced them to reconsider their stance.
A tall, red-haired centaur with a red horse body approached. He was clearly older than the others.
"Human, I am Overton," the centaur said. "I admit I misjudged you. Your abilities make you indispensable in this battle. I apologize for my earlier prejudice."
Ryan accepted the apology. Betty smiled at the exchange before continuing her assignments.
Ryan was grouped with the gray wolf and tasked with setting up a blockade. He also distributed supplies to the centaurs.
With only an hour and a half before the hunt began, Ryan and the wolf rushed to their designated position.
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