https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-109-Stealing-the-Power-of-the-Gods/13684834/
Chapter 110: Gralin Farm
"Look at me—I almost forgot about this!" Steven Mor slapped his forehead upon seeing Wade’s Pen Box, then hurried out of the bedroom. Moments later, he returned carrying a brown canvas bag. "Bird-Serpents are highly sensitive to the scent of their own kind. You’ll need to put your pouch inside this bag, or it might provoke an attack from the ones on the farm."
"Got it." Wade took the bag and, as usual, scanned its surface for the intricate Magical Script and Spell combination.
"Is this Professor Mor’s work?"
"Yep… how’d you figure that out?" Steven Mor asked, genuinely puzzled.
"Everyone’s Alchemy Artifact carries their personal Wind signature. Once you know it, you can recognize it at a glance."
Wade explained calmly.
Steven Mor: "..."
Was there really any noticeable difference between this Brown Deerskin Bag and the ones sold in shops? He couldn’t tell. But he’d long since stopped dwelling on things outside his expertise.
...
From Sycamore Manor, one could fly directly to Gralin Farm—Steven Mor’s private estate, named after a Pegasus, its name a whisper of pure longing.
In the morning sun, Wade stretched lazily, his bones popping softly like tiny cracks in wood. He strolled along a narrow path between the Red Brick Cottages, loosening his limbs with gentle movements.
He hadn’t had a chance to take in the farm properly the night before—after arriving in darkness, he’d washed up and fallen straight into bed. Now, for the first time, he could truly see the place.
Unlike the grand, castle-like opulence of Sycamore Manor, Gralin Farm consisted of no more than a dozen or so Red Brick Cottages, giving the impression of a forgotten village from a bygone era.
Nestled against the mountains and beside a winding river, the farm enjoyed breathtaking Wind scenery and air so fresh it felt almost electric. Simple fences, clusters of bushes, and tall Cedar Trees divided the land into patchwork zones. Wild Grasses and vibrant flowers dotted the landscape, lending it a serene, wild beauty.
Like all wizarding settlements, Gralin Farm was protected by Invisibility Charm and Repulsion Charm—invisible on Muggle maps, untraceable by modern technology. As a result, it remained untouched by industrialization, untouched by steel and gasoline. This rare, untouched corner of the world had become a sanctuary for creatures.
Between the leaves, blue Birds darted through the air with joyful ease, yet made no sound. In a thorny bush, a tear-shaped Nest concealed itself, and from within, a large, vulture-like Bird peered out, its wings folded tightly around its body, a look of deep melancholy on its face.
Lurking on branches or hiding beneath leaves were green, amphibian-lizard hybrids, grinning with demonic glee. Each had a red pustule on its head and rows of sharp teeth, their appearance far from welcoming.
"This is a Tree Monkey Frog," Steven Mor said, stepping up beside Wade.
He extended his hand, and the creature—previously hostile—leapt onto it, its long, lizard-like tail curling gently around his thumb.
Steven Mor stroked its head. "If they sense danger, the pustule on their head glows red. That’s why their venom is one of the key ingredients in making Spyglasses."
He gave a light flick of his wrist, and the Tree Monkey Frog leapt back to the branch, vanishing into the foliage.
A Tree Guardian, startled by the frog’s sudden movement, shuffled slowly forward, its crown of leaves trembling faintly.
"This place is amazing," Wade said. "I can finally understand why you wanted to become a Fantastic Beasts scholar."
"Yeah," Steven Mor sighed softly. "The world feels richer because of them. But their habitats are shrinking. Protecting them is getting harder all the time. Even a Fire Dragon wouldn’t survive if discovered by Muggles."
"So I want to do what I can—create a safe space where they can live undisturbed. And I hope more people will come to see how important it is to protect these creatures… and how fascinating they are."
"Wonderful ideal," Wade said. "If there’s anything I can help with, just say the word."
Steven Mor grinned widely. "I won’t hesitate to ask when the time comes. Considering—"
He suddenly stopped, his eyes locking onto something behind Wade.
A strange cracking sound echoed through the leaves. Birds burst into frantic chirping, flapping their wings and fleeing in every direction.
Wade turned around—and saw a massive, bluish-gray creature slowly gliding from the trees. From the outside, it was at least three meters wide.
But as he looked closer, he realized it wasn’t touching the ground at all. It was floating in midair.
"Stay calm," Steven Mor placed a hand on Wade’s shoulder. "It’s a Bird-Serpent. You know it doesn’t eat people. It’s just… a little shy. Don’t startle it."
The Bird-Serpent lunged forward with lightning speed, its eagle-like beak snapping shut around a blue Bird. It stretched its neck and swallowed it whole. In moments, its body shrank to the size of a common serpent, then slithered through the gaps between the trees, finally coiling around a towering Pine Tree.
It kept shrinking, until it was hidden completely beneath a single leaf—nearly invisible.
"Let’s go," Steven Mor said. "It’ll need time to digest."
After walking a short distance, Wade said, "I thought you’d stop it from hunting the Silent Birds."
Steven Mor shook his head. "Protecting Fantastic Beasts isn’t about filling their bellies and caging them. I only want to shield them from human harm. But their natural Predation Relationships shouldn’t be forced to change."
Wade nodded silently, impressed.
"Maintaining a place like this must be expensive," he added. "If you need funding, I can contribute some."
The Galleons in his Treasure Vault were multiplying every second—sitting idle was pointless. Better to use them for something meaningful.
"No need for that," Steven Mor chuckled. "House-elves collect feathers, scales, shed snake skins, and lost horns from the creatures daily. Selling them brings in a steady income—more than enough to keep the farm running."
He flashed a mischievous, childlike smirk. "Don’t judge me by my looks… I’m actually quite wealthy! I only needed my father’s help for the first two years after building the farm. After that, I’ve been completely self-sufficient."
"How many different kinds of Fantastic Beasts do you have here?" Wade asked, genuinely curious.
"Hmm…" Steven Mor paused, scratching his chin. "At least twenty or thirty… though I can’t say for sure. New ones keep arriving quietly, without me even noticing."
"Newcomers are always cautious. Sometimes they’ve already brought their families, and I only discover them through subtle signs. As long as they don’t cause trouble, I usually leave them be."
But creatures that had lived here for years—like the Tree Monkey Frogs—treated Steven Mor as a companion, even a guardian. They were affectionate, trusting.
Wade imagined what it would be like to live this life. Even without a deep passion for Fantastic Beasts, he couldn’t help but feel a quiet longing.
Steven Mor glanced at his watch. "Your friends should be arriving soon. Let’s go meet them."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report