"Professor, I absolutely must participate in this competition."
Ethan said decisively.
Located in distant northern England, he had been worrying about how to get there. Who would have thought that this competition's venue was set right there! If that was the case, they would most likely use a Portkey to transport participants directly. Students just needed to focus on the competition, while the organizers handled all the logistics.
A treasure designated by the system... what could it be?
Ethan suppressed the excitement and anticipation in his heart. He could get both the treasure and a thousand Galleons—it was simply perfect.
"Ethan, won't you reconsider?" Penelope urged worriedly.
She felt guilty—after all, it was her slip of the tongue that made Ethan obsessed with this competition. Usually, professors from each house would first recommend their favored students for selection. Only when spots remained would open registration be allowed.
"I'm also participating this year. Three years ago, I tried once... Even though I thought I was quite capable, I couldn't even make it halfway before being forced to withdraw."
"A first-year wizard? It's simply impossible."
"It's fine," Ethan said easily. "There's still the school selection, right? If I'm eliminated, it just means my abilities aren't sufficient yet."
Penelope pursed her lips and said softly, "But Sean Mike—the senior who invited you to join the society—is also participating in the selection."
Ethan raised his eyebrows, understanding her meaning. She was warning him that his "overconfidence" would be mocked by Sean.
What a typical intimidation tactic.
A hint of coldness flashed in Ethan's calm eyes. Then he definitely had to participate. If he abandoned his goals out of fear of mockery, he might as well throw himself through a portal.
Seeing Ethan's determination, Penelope and Professor Flitwick couldn't dissuade him further. A wizard as proud as Ethan wouldn't give up easily—only reality could teach him his limits.
"Here, read the introduction manual first." Professor Flitwick handed Ethan a thick booklet. "You can fill out the registration form afterward."
Ethan took the substantial booklet and saw the cover written in bold, explosive lettering: "Complete Guide to Secret Realm Tracking Challenge! 1991 New Edition."
The cover featured a moving photograph of dozens of young wizards holding torches in a dim cave, smiling at the camera. However, if you looked closely, you'd notice abnormally sharp shapes lurking in the shadows behind them—very much like giant spider legs.
Ethan opened the manual to the first page:
[WARNING! This competition is extremely dangerous!]
[1794 Spider King Cave competition: 13 students and one photographer went missing!]
[Only a broken camera was found at the scene.]
Now, looking back at those smiling students on the cover with the hidden shadows behind them, one couldn't help but feel a chill.
Ethan liked it even more.
His eyes lit up as he studied the cover photo, feeling inspiration surge through him. Just thinking about personally experiencing these treacherous dangers made him tremble with excitement.
Seeing Ethan's expression, Penelope thought he was frightened. She felt pity, thinking she'd need to protect him during the selection to avoid psychological trauma.
Ethan was completely unaware of her misunderstanding as he continued reading with interest.
[The Secret Realm Tracking Challenge tests participants' comprehensive abilities: spell mastery, potion use, plant identification, history, humanities, adaptability, and stress resistance. The danger level is extremely high.]
[Please read the following accident cases carefully:]
[Case 1: 1986 Ancient Egyptian Pyramid—Student Trapped in Coffin Incident]
[According to teammates, the student wanted to "experience pharaoh treatment" and voluntarily entered a coffin to sleep with a mummy. Analysis suggests the student inhaled excessive toxic gases, causing hallucinations.]
Ethan double-checked the name, confirming it wasn't "Michael."
He became interested and continued reading.
[Case 2: 1887 Ancient Battlefield Forest—Student Stuck in Wall Incident]
[A student incorrectly used Apparition while escaping vine monsters, causing his upper and lower body to separate and get stuck on opposite sides of a wall. The student spent a month in St. Mungo's specialized care, suffering severe psychological trauma.]
Ethan stared at the title page again. He'd thought this was a safety manual, not a collection of Darwin Award winners.
City people really knew how to have fun.
He felt doors to a new world opening in his mind. This competition was genuinely fascinating. If previously he'd been motivated by prize money and Herpo's treasure, now he was genuinely interested in this chaotic competition. It felt like he would encounter very entertaining things.
Ethan smiled sweetly, his eyes curving. "Give me the registration form, Professor Flitwick."
"I really want to try cooperating with other students and working together to overcome challenges. It would be very beneficial for everyone's physical and mental health."
Though these were normal words, something about Ethan's tone made them sound... ominous.
Professor Flitwick shrugged off the feeling and reluctantly handed over a registration form. "The school selection starts next Friday, so you won't have much time to prepare."
He hadn't considered that Ethan could actually pass. If Hogwarts sent a first-year to compete, others would think they had no one left—or that this unlucky child was being used as cannon fodder.
"The selection simulates the challenge's secret realm adventure. It'll be held in a cliffside cave under the Black Lake. Students must pass through a nest of poisonous giant purple toads, reach the cave, obtain a token, and return successfully."
There were dozens of agile toads in the nest. Avis alone couldn't handle them all—it would only put the caster in a disadvantageous surrounded position. Ethan's portal could only open one at a time and couldn't transport multiple creatures simultaneously.
With his two strongest abilities neutralized, Professor Flitwick couldn't imagine what other methods Ethan might have.
But as a naive first-year, Ethan couldn't possibly be aiming for actual selection anyway. Participation was what mattered. As Ethan said, the focus was cooperation with others—gaining friendship and knowledge through adventure. What a wonderful thing.
With Ethan being so innovative, others would surely be happy to team up with him, right?
Thinking of Ethan and other wizards helping each other harmoniously, Flitwick couldn't help but smile.
Youth was so wonderful~
[Chapter Complete]
***
Want more? Check out my Patreon for:
✓ Advanced chapters of all my stories
✓ Exclusive novels & fanfics
✓ Early access content www.patreon.com/meowthtl
💪 Community Goal: 500 Power Stones unlocks a bonus chapter!
Thanks for reading and supporting the story!