"May involve dangers including drowning, dismemberment, melting... etc."
"I acknowledge the above possible consequences and voluntarily assume responsibility."
"Signature: Ethan Vincent."
Ethan signed his name in neat, elegant handwriting in the blank space.
When the last stroke was completed, a circular emblem appeared over the signature like an anti-counterfeiting mark.
"That's magic to verify you are who you say you are and acknowledge that the signature has legal effect," Professor Flitwick explained, winking at Ethan. "To prevent some people from being malicious and signing others up."
It sounded like something the Weasley twins would do, Ethan thought.
Only when Professor Flitwick put away the registration form did Ethan's heart, stirred by the thousand Galleons, slowly calm down.
Only then did he have time to look around this office.
Most conspicuous was a huge glass cabinet containing a golden trophy with crossed wands surrounded by floating golden powder. Engraved on it was:
[Dueling Championship World Cup Gold Medal]
On the wall hung a "Dueling Master" poster. The muscular wizard holding a wand grinned at Ethan with a tough guy smile that would make Schwarzenegger proud.
Besides this, Professor Flitwick had collected many exquisite trinkets—dragon-like skulls, gem-encrusted turtle shells, silver pots on cushions... All glittering in the sunlight, weaving beautiful colors.
Looking at this collector-like office, Ethan couldn't help but think of the rumors about Professor Flitwick having goblin blood.
After all, human preferences were diverse. If they could do it with giants, presumably those goblin-like creatures could also...
"—Mr. Vincent?"
Ethan suddenly shuddered, looked up, and met Professor Flitwick's puzzled gaze.
He paused, then raised a polite smile: "Nothing. I was just thinking about some biological content and got a bit distracted."
"Oh, that's fine. Love of thinking is a good habit."
Flitwick nodded instinctively. For some reason, his head felt a bit pointy.
"The selection will be held next Friday evening, mainly testing how to pass through the giant purple toad nest. After confirming Ravenclaw's registered students, I'll give you all a unified briefing on the specific content."
"Alright," Ethan nodded. "Thank you, Professor."
"You're welcome."
Professor Flitwick smiled, looking at Ethan with eyes full of appreciation for talent.
Of course, Ethan couldn't possibly pass the school selection. He was just a first-year who had only been at school for a few months! Although he had repeatedly demonstrated very high magical abilities, he ultimately couldn't compare to those upperclassmen who had studied for several more years—especially those who had been preparing for this competition for a long time.
For them, this competition had high value. Participating and achieving results could add a significant highlight to their resumes. No matter where they wanted to work after graduation, with results from this competition, they would basically be set.
As far as Professor Flitwick knew, the competitors included:
Penelope Clearwater—the next prefect candidate and one of the vice presidents of the Round Table Council society.
Sean Mike—the six-time consecutive year champion and another vice president of the Round Table Council.
Percy Weasley—the new prefect from Gryffindor. Flitwick was secretly watching his interactions with Miss Penelope.
Cedric Diggory—the third-year hero from Hufflepuff. Flitwick's impression of this child was that he was quite handsome, with more sunshine than Ethan.
Gemma Farley—prefect from Slytherin, a proud and excellent girl.
They were all signing up for the challenge, all determined to pass the selection and achieve good results in the final competition—both to prove themselves and to add honor to their graduation resumes.
Ethan Vincent? Impossible~
"Friendship first, competition second. Don't put too much pressure on yourself, Mr. Vincent," Professor Flitwick advised with a chuckle.
"Yes, alright, Professor."
Ethan could see Professor Flitwick's dismissive attitude. Obviously, the professor didn't think he would pass the selection at all.
But Ethan didn't say anything. He bowed slightly, holding the "Complete Guide to Secret Realm Tracking Challenge" that Professor Flitwick had given him, and walked out of the office.
A flash of determination and resolve passed through his eyes.
Only earth-shattering facts could awaken these sleeping people. Make them discover in shock that reality wasn't always what they expected!
A thousand Galleons, Herpo's treasure. I'm coming!
...
Before the selection, there was also a Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Slytherin.
However, since Professor Quirrell was still lying in the hospital wing, without his mid-game interference, this match proceeded surprisingly smoothly.
"—Harry Potter caught the Golden Snitch! One hundred fifty points to Gryffindor! Gryffindor wins!"
Lee Jordan, a good friend of the Weasley twins, shouted hoarsely, so excited his voice cracked.
Harry held up the golden Snitch amid overwhelming cheers. His sweat-covered face showed a smile of genuine joy. This little boy, who had spent eleven years under his relatives' oppression in a dirty cupboard, now seemed to glow from every pore.
In the Ravenclaw stands, Ethan smiled and applauded with everyone else. He took out his wand, which naturally transformed into a paintbrush in his hand according to his thoughts. Ethan waved the paintbrush, using magical power as paint, quickly sketching in mid-air.
Soon—
"ROAR—!"
A resounding lion's roar echoed throughout the entire Quidditch pitch! Everyone turned in surprise. Above the Ravenclaw stand floated a lifelike golden-red male lion, roaring majestically.
The Slytherins' faces turned as black as pot lids. Professor Snape's gaze seemed to be contemplating 108 ways to poison Ethan.
Harry naturally saw this scene too. He struggled to poke his head out from his teammates' embrace, looking at the lion drawn by the paintbrush, unable to help but tear up. He raised his hand, waving desperately at the figure occupying an entire row in the Ravenclaw stands.
—After the first Quidditch match ended perfectly, the school selection for the Secret Realm Tracking competition gradually came into public view.
More precisely, it was the first-year registrant Ethan who attracted everyone's attention.
First year! Who allowed him to register?
Oh, it was Professor Flitwick who extremely favored him. Never mind then.
Originally, Ethan's discussion level was already high, and with this incident, everyone was even more stirred up. Under his brilliance, even the third-year Hufflepuff ace Cedric Diggory received no attention. This left Cedric somewhat frustrated.
Some admired Ethan's courage, while others mocked his overestimation of himself. But regardless, they all looked forward to Ethan's performance in the selection—or rather, his "embarrassment."
[Chapter Complete]
***
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