Chapter 518: Flame Deity
Chapter 518: Flame Deity
"Protect all! Unbreakable shield!"
The wizards in black robes chanted their spells, wands emitting streams of silvery light that merged into the massive translucent barrier.
The barrier, initially like a thin film, gradually became solid and stable. From above, it looked like a crystal shield had been added to the earth.
Vid approached Grindelwald and heard the old man ask in a low voice, "Do you remember the spell I told you about that can counter the Fire Shield?"
"I remember", Vid replied.
Spells like "Cursed End" were universal counters to all magic, but they weren't the best choice. Especially when dealing with flames that grew stronger the more they burned, these spells were particularly inefficient.
According to Grindelwald's theory, the best way to combat spells like the Fire Shield and Fierce Flame was to fight fire with fire.
Fierce Flame, though highly destructive, behaved as if it had a life and mind of its own. It had the characteristic of "burning everything that could burn", but its temperature wasn't particularly high. Therefore, even if one was just a few feet away from the flames, as long as there was no direct contact, there would be no heat radiation damage, no burns from hot air, and no risk of gas explosions.
The key to the Fire Shield was its selective lethality. Enemies who touched the flames would be instantly reduced to ashes, while allies would remain unharmed, feeling no significant heat.
In the dark magic book Grindelwald had given Vid, there was another fire spell that emphasized extreme heat and destructive power. This spell could instantly suppress and devour Fierce Flame, break through the Fire Shield, and destroy the casting wizard in an instant.
The drawback was that this spell was extremely draining for the wizard and had a very short duration.
"You once said that my past strategies were wrong, that slaughter and tyranny couldn't change the magical world."
Grindelwald's words made Vid's expression slightly uneasy. He thought Grindelwald had skipped over that part, so why bring it up now?
Then, the former king said arrogantly:
"Most wizards are foolish, content with the status quo. When a lion tries to lead them to become a pack of wolves, they not only refuse to accept it but also rise up in rebellion."
Vid's eyebrows arched slightly, and he said, "Fighting for the lives of oneself and one's family is only natural, isn't it?"
Behind them, the barrier seemed to be almost fully formed, but Grindelwald's wand remained in his pocket, showing no signs of him joining in.
He chuckled, "I'll provisionally admit that your argument has some merit. It's clear you've given serious thought to how to bring about change."
"But, my boy, that's not enough... ideas and morals alone won't win people's hearts."
"Many people in this world will only fear violence far greater than their own, not be grateful for the help and kindness of others."
Grindelwald's eyes seemed to look far into the distance. Vid believed that at that moment, they both subconsciously thought of Dumbledore.
Even though the Ministry of Magic's plot to defame, expel, and charge Dumbledore and Harry with various crimes hadn't yet unfolded as in the original story, Grindelwald seemed to have already foreseen that scene.
He knew all too well—no one in the magical world would ever be grateful to their savior, no matter who it was.
"So if you want others to listen to you, you have to show your strength... destructive strength, so that everyone will become polite, peace-loving, and respect your will."
Grindelwald chuckled lightly. "Even Athena held a shield and a spear, Vid. Only violence can stop violence. So go ahead, let everyone see your strength."
As he spoke, a series of thunderous booms echoed through the forest.
"Boom—Boom—Boom—"
Vid watched as seven or eight giant trees pulled their massive roots out of the ground and began moving toward the camp. The trunks twisted and deformed, branches swayed, and huge limbs flailed wildly, knocking over smaller trees in front of them. Even two of the larger trees, standing close together, began to viciously battle each other.
The shortest of these trees was as tall as a five- or six-story building, and the tallest reached up to thirty or forty meters, advancing through the darkness, causing the earth to tremble violently.
Seeing this scene that seemed to herald the end of the world, Grindelwald actually laughed.
"I thought that guy would wait until the end of the competition. Looks like our friend lacks a bit of patience."
He pointed his wand upward, and a massive sphere of light shot into the sky, like a new sun illuminating the wilderness, revealing everything in stark detail.
Under their black hoods, many faces of the Magi Puritan Party turned pale, their legs trembling uncontrollably. If not for Grindelwald standing at the front, many would have Apparated away the moment they saw the giant trees approaching.
Even Antoine stopped jesting with the person beside him, his grip on his wand tightening.
The young girl with brown short hair, holding the Mirror of Streams, trembled, fear evident in her voice. "Why are we supposed to face these monsters alone? There are ten thousand wizards in the stadium behind us!"
"Mr. Grindelwald has his reasons", Antoine said, his face stern as he forced himself to remain calm. "Trust our leader."
The girl nodded, then watched as the wizard standing beside Grindelwald, who didn't look particularly strong, began to walk forward, heading straight toward the menacing giant trees.
"What... What is he going to do?"
The brown-haired girl asked, her voice trembling with fear.
Antoine didn't respond. He glanced worriedly at Vid, then at Grindelwald, taking a step forward before stopping under Drean's gaze.
As Vid walked forward, he felt an odd sense of calm, almost devoid of fear. This mental state puzzled him. It was as if he were not about to face towering, deadly trees but simply going downstairs to buy breakfast.
He thought: At first, I didn't want to change anything, nor did I think about gaining much influence... I just wanted to learn more magic peacefully.
Magic was amazing, and the wizarding world was beautiful, but if Voldemort returned, he had even considered taking his parents to a safer country.
But when did his thoughts start to change, bit by bit?
Vid looked at the giant trees ahead, sighed softly, and raised his wand—
"Ignis Divinum Furor! (Wrath of the Flame Deity!)"
(End of Chapter)
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