https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-346-Chris-Differential-Treatment/12538596/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-348-There-Are-No-Gentle-Souls-Among-Those-Who-Deal-with-Magical-Beasts/12538606/
Chapter 347: A Signal
Chapter 347: A Signal
In the third week of his stay at the Fire Dragon Reserve, Kyle had gradually grown accustomed to the alternating periods of busy and leisurely life.
More importantly, his efforts had been fruitful.
Just from selling damaged and defective goods these days, he had made enough money to buy two sets of Anti-Hex Gloves, a substantial sum of one hundred and twenty-five Galleons.
But that was all he had managed so far...
Towards the end of the second week, the fire dragons engaged in their most intense and prolonged skirmish.
This time, even Kyle was unable to sit idle. Along with Newt and Chris, he had been busy treating three injured fire dragons, more than the total number of dragons they had tended to in the previous two bouts combined.
And when it was all over, only two fire dragons remained in the sky.
One was a Hungarian Tree Bee, and the other, a Ukrainian Ironbelly... not the one Kyle had encountered before, but one of a larger build.
They rested for just a day before resuming their battle for the highest cliff.
Most people gathered around, united in anticipation of the final outcome.
Judging by their sizes, the Ukrainian Ironbelly seemed to have the upper hand... According to Charlie, it weighed around seven tons. Its sheer bulk made it appear several times larger than the Hungarian Tree Bee, resembling an adult dragon accompanied by a child.
However, Charlie did not favor its chances.
"Although they're both Ukrainian Ironbellies of similar builds, this one lacks the wisdom of Old Pino.
During their previous skirmish when all the dragons were nearly exhausted, it had the chance to win but failed to seize the opportunity. And now..."
Charlie shook his head. "A larger size means greater energy expenditure. One day of rest isn't enough. The Hungarian Tree Bee is aware of this, which is why it initiated the attack earlier.
...It doesn't stand a chance now."
Indeed, events unfolded just as Charlie had predicted.
After only three hours, the Ukrainian Ironbelly began to slow down, swaying unsteadily in the sky like a sitting duck.
The Hungarian Tree Bee, like an experienced hunter, exploited its speed advantage and quickly gained the upper hand.
It was evident to everyone that the outcome of this battle was decided, and it was only a matter of time.
"Hogwarts must be opening soon, right?" asked Professor Rakshona, a hint of boredom in her voice, as she walked up to Kyle. "Is it also in September?"
"September 1st," Kyle replied. "Less than two weeks left."
"So, you'll be starting your fourth year soon."
Kyle nodded.
"Interested in transferring to Beauxbatons?" Professor Rakshona asked abruptly. "If you do, I can assure you that you'll have access to the best materials for your Alchemy classes."
Kyle stared at Professor Rakshona, his mind filled with question marks.
Was this a common practice at Beauxbatons? First Headmistress Maxime, and now a professor from the same school was making the same suggestion. Was this part of their onboarding training?
"I'm sorry, but I don't have any plans to transfer at the moment," Kyle replied after a moment of silence.
"And with the O.W.L.s examination coming up next year, it wouldn't be ideal to switch schools at this point anyway."
"It's alright, it's alright," Professor Rakshona waved her hands dismissively. "I'm just asking. You don't have to take it seriously..."
Leaning closer to Kyle, she lowered her voice and said, "To be honest, Headmistress Maxime asked me to inquire about this... I mentioned your situation in a letter to her a few days ago, and she seems quite keen on having you transfer to Beauxbatons.
You know each other as well?"
To be frank, he had been just as bewildered when Headmistress Maxime had suggested the same idea in her letter.
Although he didn't receive much each time, the total cost for all three transactions had amounted to nearly one thousand Galleons, and the school would have to reimburse him for these expenses.
That was why he took the opportunity to write to Headmistress Maxime under the pretext of reporting his situation, subtly reminding her to prepare the funds.
Little did he expect that instead of sending the money, she would task him with the additional mission of poaching students from Hogwarts...
Nevertheless, he had accomplished what he set out to do.
"Headmistress Maxime?"
Kyle thought for a moment before replying, "I met her once in Paris during last year's holiday."
"Oh... that explains it," Professor Rakshona said with a nod. "I recall that she rarely leaves France, so it would be unusual for her to know a young wizard from Hogwarts otherwise."
As the two spoke, the battle between the two fire dragons was drawing to a close.
Without any surprises, the Hungarian Tree Bee emerged as the victor.
It stood proudly on the cliff, roaring and spewing out mushroom-shaped clouds of fire into the sky.
The air was filled with the sound of dragon roars, a sign of submission from the other fire dragons.
"It's finally over," Charlie said, rubbing his forehead.
He hadn't had a good rest in over a month. While he could manage with his nerves stretched taut, now that things had calmed down, he felt like his head was being pounded mercilessly, leaving him in a state of discomfort.
Now, he could finally get some well-deserved rest.
Although he had many things to do, there was no rush, and he could take his time...
"Roar!"
Another dragon roar pierced the air.
Unlike the previous sounds of submission, this roar was filled with anger.
Charlie was startled, snapping him out of his daze.
Everyone's gaze turned simultaneously toward the direction of the sound...
It was an Australian Opaleye, and unlike the other fire dragons that had settled on the ground, it hovered in mid-air, spewing flames angrily toward the earth below.
At the same time, a blinding red light exploded next to it, leaving a large spherical pattern hanging in the air.
It was a unique signal used by dragon keepers.
"Damn those cunning hyenas!"
Charlie quickly mounted his broom and flew in the direction of the signal.
"Be on the lookout for anyone trying to steal dragon eggs," he called out.
Sensing Kyle's confusion, Professor Rakshona leaned in and whispered, "It's a special signal used in the Fire Dragon Reserve. Red indicates an unidentified intruder, and the sphere represents dragon eggs."
"Should we go and help?" Kyle asked.
"No need," Chris replied as he walked over and shook his head. "Others are already on their way."
"That's right," Locknell smiled. "The reserve anticipated this situation. For the past two weeks, someone has been stationed by each nest of dragon eggs.
Additionally, there's a special protective enchantment on the eggs that prevents them from being Apparated away."
As they spoke, more and more dragon keepers arrived near the Australian Opaleye.
However, just a few minutes later, two more red lights exploded in the southern sky, followed by another two in the north...
A total of seven locations had sent out signals, each at a considerable distance and in different directions.
"So many people, and all at the same time... It looks like they've planned this carefully," Chris remarked, a hint of surprise in his voice, though his expression remained unchanged.
...
(End of Chapter)
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