Inside the bedroom.
Moonlight illuminated the messy room.
As if a hurricane had passed through, the bed curtains were torn down, and books and various items were scattered across the floor.
But Ethan didn't care about any of that.
He stood amidst it all, head tilted back, gazing mesmerized at the enormous creature standing proudly before him.
His entire being was absorbed, unable to recover for a long time.
Its dark mane rolled like flames, occasionally flashing with a wisp of crimson fire.
Between its mane, raw, red muscles were exposed, as if its entire body was covered in ribbons.
Dissolving and regenerating, constantly oozing sizzling pus and blood, its muscles surged like waves with every movement, conveying a powerful sense of strength.
Its three pairs of foolish, chaotic eyes showed none of the tamed gentleness seen in Cerberus.
All that remained was pure brutality and bloodlust.
Suffering was evident on their faces.
And this suffering intensified their ferocity.
There was no doubt that if this monster were guarding the door, no one would ever be able to enter the trapdoor.
"Roar…"
The monster furiously shook its heads, continuously growling, displeased at being confined within the canvas.
Its claws, capable of easily disemboweling a person, scraped and gouged the ground, leaving deep scratches.
It was as if it were a living being.
No.
It was a living being!
A creature that did not exist in this world, a new creation brought forth by Ethan, with his soul and paintbrush!
The hound of Hades, the subordinate of the Underworld King—Cerberus!
[Detected a painting of extraordinary grade, automatically added to the gallery]
[Congratulations! You have successfully created a Living Painting!]
[Name: Corrupted Hell Cerberus]
[Type: Portrait]
[Grade: First-tier · Purple Epic]
Upon seeing these words, Ethan's heart trembled!
A Purple Epic grade painting!
The highest painting grade within the same tier!
This was not only an affirmation of his painting skills but also represented a more powerful card effect!
Ethan's heart surged with excitement, and he eagerly continued to read.
[Description: Death is the end of torment, but they are eternal.]
[Effect: ① It is absolutely loyal to the creator—that is, "you"—and will not betray or actively harm you;]
[② You can summon this creation into reality; it continuously consumes Magic while present.]
[③ This creation's attacks inherently possess fire and corrosive properties; this creation can be harmed by fire, has resistance to curse-type Magic, is weak to light; it can hide in shadows and move quickly between shadows; it cannot be harmed by physical attacks, and will quickly self-heal after being injured… ]
[Evaluation: Has a miraculous effect when combined with 'broomstick rash'… But who would be so wicked?]
As he read the string of effect descriptions, Ethan felt his heart pound and his head spin.
Too strong, so strong…!
Hagrid's Cerberus was already powerful enough to surprise Professor Snape with a bite.
But the Hell Cerberus plus version he created was several times stronger!
That string of characteristics was enough to overwhelm any enemy.
Even the most ordinary physical attacks carried scorching and corrosive properties.
Ethan's eyes widened, and a ring of white appeared around his pupils, making him look somewhat eerie.
"Too strong… too perfect…"
Ethan murmured entranced, smiling, and reached out his scarred hand to caress the monster he had created.
"Grrr…"
Cerberus stirred, lowering its raised heads, allowing Ethan to stroke them.
Even through the canvas, Ethan could feel the scorching heat and the chilling cold.
Cerberus's mane was cold, as cold as death, yet the flames emanating from its body were enough to melt everything.
Including their own flesh.
[Two promotion conditions met: Created a Purple-grade painting!]
[Reward: Map of Herpo the Foul's Abandoned Mansion in the Corrupted Great Swamp!]
With a whoosh.
A complete and detailed map unfolded in Ethan's mind.
His pupils slightly constricted, and his breath hitched.
Instantly, the vast swamp had nowhere to hide from his eyes.
[When you are within the map's range, your current location will be automatically marked.]
—It's a cheat!
Damn it! Doesn't this make his victory seem unfair?!
Ethan: "Holy cow, bring on more, hehe."
How can rewards be called cheats?
These are all the fruits of his long-term efforts!
Just then.
Two figures burst in with a bang.
It was his roommates, Michael Corner and Anthony Goldstein.
"Ethan, are you okay?! Merlin! What on earth happened—huh?!"
When they saw what was on the giant painting, it was as if they were all choked at once, their voices abruptly stopping.
Oh, glorious Merlin… Am I still in the human world?
Ethan turned his head and enthusiastically invited, "This is my new friend, Little Cerberus, the Hell Cerberus. Do you want to come play with him?"
As he spoke, the three-headed monster on the canvas turned its heads to look at them.
Saliva mixed with bloody foam dripped from its jagged, pointed teeth.
Michael & Anthony: Don't come any closer!
Who's playing whom?
Is that monster playing with them?!
"…Damn it, I'm betting all my pocket money on Ethan winning."
Michael said tremblingly, his legs shaking, his voice tinged with a sob.
Anthony didn't respond but nodded stiffly.
Now, they truly felt sorry for the other contestants.
—It was a race against Death.
…
At the same time.
In an unnoticed room.
Quirrell recovered from his fright, his body trembling twice.
That terrifying roar just now seemed to pierce his soul, making him tremble with fear.
[That child doesn't want to join us. It's a waste of effort… ]
"Forgive, forgive me, Master…"
Quirrell gritted his back teeth.
A waste of effort?
He had invested not only effort but also his spirit and money!
For nearly two months, he had been circling Ethan like a clown!
[If we can't get him, then destroy him… We can't act inside the school, but outside, Dumbledore, that old man, can't protect him!]
[Did you do what I told you to do?]
"Of course, of course, Master!"
Quirrell nodded repeatedly, a hint of delight and malice flashing in his eyes.
"I've already planted a suggestion on those two Slytherin contestants at the Hog's Head."
"They will try everything to eliminate Ethan ruthlessly!"
[I hope you won't disappoint me.]
"This time, it will be foolproof! Master! In a competition where accidents frequently occur, eliminating a first-year young wizard is very simple…"
Farewell, you ignorant brat.
Waiting for you to lie in St. Mungo's, perhaps I'll even squeeze out two tears.
Quirrell imagined the scene, unable to resist a low, sinister chuckle.
…
The next day.
The day of the challenge match.
Thanks to Madam Pomfrey's superb skills, Ethan, who had happily made his second visit to the Hospital Wing, woke up feeling completely recovered.
"I feel refreshed."
Ethan waved his arms, striking a strongman pose, and smiled at his two roommates who were sitting by his bed:
"I can go into the competition at 120%!"
Michael: "Uh—I think 70% is enough."
Ethan: ?
Anthony pushed up his glasses: "If you need legal aid later, my parents work in the Ministry of Magic's legal department."
Ethan: ??
Ethan tilted his head, looking at the two of them amusedly, and comforted them: "Don't worry. I won't be bullied."
Michael & Anthony: "…"
No! We're worried about you bullying others!
Ethan hummed "A Happy Day," changing his clothes with an incredibly joyful mood.
With the Hell Cerberus and the map, Ethan had a brilliant new plan in mind.
One that would make this competition even more colorful.
After getting ready, Ethan checked the potions and tools in his pouch one more time.
Then he pushed the door open.
He was met by a crowd of people.
Students from all grades and houses were gathered at the door, waiting for him to come out!
And the previously restless atmosphere suddenly quieted the moment they saw Ethan.
Pairs of eyes stared intently at him, parting a path like Moses parting the Red Sea.
It was as if they were welcoming a king going to war.
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