Seeing the Great Hall fall silent, Ethan offered words of comfort:
"Don't worry. To better suit the magic level of the young wizards, after an on-site inspection with the professors, I made some adjustments to the layout of the Ancient City of Saen."
As he said this, the professors on the stage twitched at the corners of their mouths.
As if recalling something unclean, they all showed pained expressions.
Professor Quirrell, rest in peace.
Ethan continued: "All the animated armors have been replaced with training dummies, and the side blades have been replaced with swinging hammers—at most, you'll get a concussion from being hammered, but you won't actually be cut in half."
Everyone: "..."
It doesn't seem much better, does it?
Ethan's smile was gentle, like a spring breeze.
He seemed to genuinely believe he had made a great concession and was safeguarding the students' safety.
"The giant dragon at the top of the Ancient City has also been safely sent to the Forbidden Forest, under specialized care. This means that from now on, in our Care of Magical Creatures class, we'll be able to see real dragons!"
As soon as this was said,
Except for those who blindly adored him, like Hermione, and some who were genuinely interested in dragons,
Most students showed expressions of terror.
Especially the upper-year students from third year and above, their expressions were as if they saw "Jumping into Hell's Magma" written in next semester's timetable.
Care of Magical Creatures class, using a real dragon as a teaching aid?!
What kind of Spartan training is this?!
Durmstrang, known for Dark Arts and harsh teaching, would have to admit defeat!
Someone cast a pleading gaze towards Headmaster Dumbledore.
But the latter seemed determined to make Hogwarts the "number one school in Europe" and smiled, saying nothing.
Hermione rationally analyzed: "Clearly, the great and benevolent Ethan Vincent is leading the entire school to progress and fight against the evil You-Know-Who!"
Ron: "Excellent. When You-Know-Who really returns, he'll be surprised to find that Hogwarts has already lost half its students."
Harry nodded in agreement.
Although he was somewhat interested in Ethan's ideas and eager to try, he didn't think he could actually clear the Ancient City of Saen.
After all, there was no "power of love" in there, only torment.
Just as Harry was thinking this, he heard Ethan say:
"I see hesitation on your faces, I see shrinking back. Don't underestimate yourselves, everyone, because there is already one student who has successfully cleared the Ancient City of Saen!"
"That is the first-year student from Gryffindor—Harry Potter!"
"Clang!"
The silver fork in Harry's hand dropped onto his plate, making a crisp sound.
Wh-what?!
Harry suspected he had misheard and stared blankly at Ethan.
However, the hand extended in introduction and the attention of all the teachers and students clearly indicated that he had not misheard.
Ron gasped: "Mate? When did you secretly go and clear the challenge by yourself?!"
Harry panicked: "I, I don't know either—"
Hermione puffed out her cheeks indignantly, like a ruffled chipmunk: "You actually snuck off behind our backs! You really can't judge a book by its cover!"
Harry: "..."
Harry racked his brains and suddenly remembered the painted door he had pushed open under the trapdoor.
—So, that counts as clearing it?
Harry looked up and met Ethan's gaze.
Ethan winked at him slyly, as if saying:
You're welcome, friend.
"..."
Harry would rather not have this honor.
With Harry as the precedent, the atmosphere in the Great Hall changed.
"Even the Savior Harry Potter has actively joined Ethan's club, proving that this club must be very righteous!"
"Then why don't we try it? Maybe it's not that difficult."
"Haha, Ethan wouldn't really kill a student, would he? He's just trying to scare people—right?"
At the Gryffindor table,
The Weasley twins exchanged glances, immensely excited, wishing they could immediately go on an adventure.
Cedric of Hufflepuff also clenched his fists firmly, thinking:
Having been soundly defeated by Ethan in the challenge, this time, he must prove himself!
Ethan, wait for me!
Most of Slytherin remained silent.
Only Malfoy secretly clicked his tongue.
He hadn't expected that annoying "Potter" to secretly usurp the position of Ethan's closest junior, a position that could only belong to him, Draco Malfoy!
His Malfoy family would never be inferior to anyone!
Ethan looked at the Great Hall, buzzing with discussion, and felt as if he saw bright lamps lighting up Hogwarts.
Although still faint, in the future, they would surely bring new vitality to the magic world!
During these years at Hogwarts, he had to give them many trials, much careful attention and cultivation.
Only by getting used to trials would they not be terrified when they left Hogwarts in the future and faced the evil Lord Voldemort.
He was truly painstaking.
Another day of doing good deeds. Ethan curled his lips, unable to help but marvel at his own kindness and selfless dedication.
He was full of anticipation for next semester's club recruitment and talent cultivation plans.
Amidst the blue and bronze decorations of the Great Hall, beneath the soaring eagle,
The students quickly immersed themselves in a sea of food, and the atmosphere became lively again.
Professor Flitwick, who hadn't won the House Cup in a very long time, bounced around excitedly, shaking hands with each professor.
Even Professor Snape, whose continuous winning streak had been broken, didn't show much emotion.
After all, his opponent was Ethan Vincent.
A once-in-a-century magic genius and a chosen of Khorne, losing was not a loss.
The end-of-year feast concluded in a lively atmosphere.
It seemed like in the blink of an eye, everyone's wardrobes were empty, and their belongings were packed into suitcases.
Neville's toad was found by Hermione using "Toad Accio," successfully casting the spell, which made the little girl beam.
Led by Hagrid, they crossed the Black Lake—and Ethan's plan to "provoke the giant squid for a thrilling Black Lake escape" was stopped.
The group, trembling but ultimately safe, arrived on the opposite bank and boarded the crimson Hogwarts Express.
Ethan occupied a compartment alone, gazing at the scenery rushing past the window, contemplating his summer plans.
Could he visit Professor Snape, who also lived in Spinner's End?
Perhaps he could share with him the interesting idea of making "Spinner's End" literal—
Luna said she would pick him up, but he couldn't just keep staying at her house.
Luna would be happy to, but Mr. Lovegood would break down.
Hmm—maybe he could buy a house in a wizard village, but the residents there were too shy and might not accept outsiders. Leaving Hogwarts, all expenses would have to be paid by himself, so he needed to plan.
"After all, I can't earn money by selling hooks like little Tom," Ethan sighed.
"It's just a pity that true connoisseurs are hard to find, and few can appreciate my art, otherwise a single painting could sell for thousands of Galleons—"
"A good student's summer should involve social practice to enhance their personal resume. The Daily Prophet has a commission column, some of which offer very substantial rewards, so I can look into that then—hmm, with my abilities, there will definitely be 0 bad reviews."
As he thought, Ethan's mood became joyful again.
He had a myriad of things he wanted to do in his mind, wishing he could get off the train now and embark on grand endeavors.
At the same time,
In a lavish, luxurious room adorned with portraits of a golden-haired man,
Gilderoy Lockhart stroked his golden curls, gazing at The Daily Prophet spread before him.
It read: [WARNING! SUMMER IS HERE! EVIL DEMONS FLOW FROM Hogwarts INTO THE WORLD, THEY COULD BE RIGHT BESIDE YOU!]
Reported by Rita Skeeter.
On the other side was a clipped news report, the front page after Ethan participated in the challenge.
"A rising celebrity, Ethan Vincent, is that right—he must be my fan too!"
Lockhart confidently grinned, admiring his clean, white teeth in the mirror.
He swiftly picked up his quill and wrote:
"Dear Mr. Ethan Vincent, don't be surprised, don't question it. Yes! You have received a letter from none other than the famous me—Gilderoy Lockhart!"
"I've noticed your recent rise to fame. I imagine you might be troubled, or perhaps gloating. Oh—I have so much experience with this."
"I invite you, yes, I personally invite you to join me in handling a dangerous Dark Arts incident, which you may have already seen advertised in The Daily Prophet."
"Don't be afraid! With me, I will ensure you return completely unharmed." After Gilderoy Lockhart finished writing, he held up the letter, admired it for a moment, sprayed it with a rich violet perfume, and nodded with satisfaction. He was about to become the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts. Although Headmaster Dumbledore had strictly forbidden him from contacting the famous Savior Harry,
He hadn't said he couldn't contact Ethan.
Although Dumbledore's expression seemed a little strange when he made this request—but that must have been because he was worried Ethan's confidence would be shaken upon seeing someone as formidable as him!
"Ethan Vincent—you seem to be my next excellent subject," Gilderoy Lockhart murmured, watching the letter fly away with the owl, a triumphant and sinister smile spreading across his lips.
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