https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-600-I-ve-Never-Heard-of-Such-Magic-/13449311/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-602-Is-Magic-Really-That-Important-/13449313/
Chapter 601: The Instantly Concluded Duel!
Chapter 601: The Instantly Concluded Duel!
"Could everyone please step back a bit!" Cedric turned and addressed the crowd of young wizards who had gathered around.
Everyone obligingly moved back, none wanting to be caught in the crossfire of the duel.
However, no one actually left. They were all intensely curious to see who would win this duel.
"Hermione, you can be the referee!" Ivan said.
The young witch looked a bit worried; dueling in the Great Hall could certainly result in the professors taking away points. But at Ivan's insistence, Hermione stepped to the side and began directing the two to bow according to the duel's protocol, then loudly counted down.
"Three, two, one—begin!"
Hermione waved her right arm.
Cedric immediately took a few quick steps backward, tapping his wand against his chest and chanting, "Protego~ (Protego)"
An invisible magic shield enveloped him, providing protection.
This Protego was a spell he had mastered after intense practice last year, giving him a significant advantage in duels!
However, contrary to Cedric's expectations, Ivan did not launch an immediate attack. He simply stood there, looking at Cedric with his right hand loosely gripping his wand, making no move at all.
Stunned?
This was the first thought that crossed Cedric's mind, but he quickly dismissed it. He had heard many stories about Ivan at school, and the other boy was far from being that weak!
The only other possibility was disdain!
Ivan might simply not take him seriously, which was why he was behaving so casually in the duel.
This thought made Cedric angry; it was the first time he had been treated with such disrespect!
"Expelliarmus~ (Expelliarmus)!" Cedric quickly drew his wand, pointing it at Ivan, and shouted. A crimson beam shot from the tip of his wand.
The distance between them was less than four meters, and the beam reached Ivan almost instantly!
At this moment, Ivan slowly raised his wand, and without uttering a spell, the crimson beam was deflected back at an even faster speed. Cedric tried to dodge, but it was too late.
Fortunately, the Protego he had cast earlier provided the necessary protection, repelling the attack.
But Cedric did not relax for a moment, his heart leaping to his throat as a second spell beam approached, breaking through the weakened magic shield and striking him squarely.
He didn't even need to chant a spell?
In the critical moment, Cedric's face turned pale with confusion. He had not heard Ivan chant a single spell, only seeing him wave his wand twice.
The thought flashed through his mind, and the next moment, Cedric felt himself being thrown backward, crashing into the Hufflepuff long table, scattering empty plates and candelabra to the ground.
At the same time, Cedric's wand flew from his hand, spinning through the air before landing in Ivan's grasp.
The students who had gathered to watch were stunned, unable to believe what they had just seen.
They might have expected Cedric to eventually lose to Ivan, but they had not anticipated the duel ending so quickly. The actual combat lasted only an instant, and Cedric was sent flying!
Krum and Fleur in the crowd also looked on with mixed emotions as they watched Cedric lying on the long table. Unlike the majority of the inexperienced young wizards, they saw a lot from this brief duel.
Especially Ivan's two instances of silent spellcasting left them utterly amazed.
Non-verbal spellcasting?!
Fleur thought to herself. She could also cast spells silently by mentally reciting the incantation and releasing magic, but it usually required a very focused state of mind and took longer to prepare than verbal casting!
However, Ivan's casting was clearly different; it was done with ease and grace. After casting a protective charm, he effortlessly followed up with a disarming charm in a matter of moments, which did not align with the typical characteristics of non-verbal spellcasting that required prior preparation.
Unless, the other party was using a more advanced form of wandless spellcasting!
But how could that be possible?
If she hadn't seen it with her own eyes, Fleur would have never believed that a fourth-year young wizard could achieve such a feat.
"Cedric, are you okay?" The Hufflepuff young wizards, after a brief moment of shock, rushed to help Cedric up, showing evident concern.
A few even stood in front of Ivan, as if to prevent him from making another move against Cedric.
Ivan scratched his head, wondering if he had been too harsh, but in reality, he had held back, giving Cedric the first move to avoid embarrassing him too much.
Now, with the help of his peers, Cedric stood up, his face pale and his gaze filled with complex emotions.
He couldn't believe he had lost so thoroughly, unable to put up even the slightest resistance!
Even more agitated were the Hufflepuff young wizards. They had surrounded Ivan with the intention of proving that Cedric was the true champion candidate!
Now, seeing their pride fall so easily, most of them found the outcome hard to accept.
Some even accused Ivan of cheating or suggested that Cedric hadn't performed well, demanding a rematch!
Hearing their words, Ivan frowned and looked at Cedric. "So, are you planning to have a rematch?"
"No, no need for that. I lost! I think the result would be the same even if we tried again," Cedric rubbed his still sore chest and shook his head with a bitter smile.
"By the way, I didn't hear you say the incantation. Have you mastered wandless magic?" Cedric asked with a serious expression, equally skeptical as Fleur and Krum about a fourth-year young wizard possessing such advanced skills.
"Actually, you came at a bad time. I just learned it recently!" Ivan nodded.
Ever since learning the secrets of magic from Nicolas Flamel, Ivan had been practicing wandless magic techniques.
Now, he could successfully cast frequent spells without incantations, though the power of the magic was significantly reduced, making it suitable for dealing with weaker opponents or catching enemies off guard in formal battles.
"Remarkable!" Upon confirming Ivan's words, Cedric was completely convinced, sighing in admiration. He then turned to the gathered students.
"Everyone, disperse. You've seen it; I was outmatched! Ivan Hals is indeed more suited to be the Hogwarts Champion!"
(End of Chapter)
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