Chapter 722: Declaration
Chapter 722: Declaration
The speech was lengthy. It began by exposing the U.S. government's secret and illegal detention and control of young wizards, the theft of confidential information, and the covert hunting of solitary wizards. It then reviewed the escalating anti-wizard sentiments and violent incidents across various social strata, which had been recently incited. Finally—
"…this seriously violates the Charter of the Confederation and Alliance. If we do not stand up and resist, the rights of wizards will not be protected, and our children will face a fate even more cruel than the Middle Ages."
"This country is no longer suitable for regular wizards to operate openly."
"For these reasons, the International Confederation of Wizards and the International Alliance of Magical Practitioners have jointly issued a statement, suspending all exchanges and contacts between the Americas and other regions, including but not limited to tourism, visits, graduation trips, participation in international magic events, and hosting collective activities. The issuance of international Portkeys has been halted, the Floo Network has been cut off, negotiations have been suspended, and all bilateral cooperation has been terminated. American wizards will go underground and conceal their identities according to the former Secrecy Act. The Confederation and the Alliance reserve the right to further voice their stance and take necessary measures…"
The news anchor on TV dutifully reported the news, while outside, a fierce wind and sleet battered the windows. Inside, the electric stove hummed. Vernon slumped on the sofa, his flabby body compressed into strips. He repeatedly changed channels with the remote control—this was the umpteenth time he had heard similar news this week. If he included what he had read in newspapers and heard from colleagues, it must have been over two hundred times.
"…the White House spokesperson denies the existence of brainwashed wizards, further confirming that the American Congress of Magic has infiltrated the government. According to declassified documents, a severe incident occurred in the 1920s, reportedly…"
He changed the channel. "The United States has submitted a 'Wizard Management and Control Draft' to the United Nations. The American Congress of Magic has responded positively, stating, 'We will not compromise,' and demanding the handover of the perpetrators…"
He changed the channel again. "The International Court of Justice has issued a statement—"
"Wizards, wizards, and more wizards."
Vernon grumbled, angrily switching to another channel.
"The International Confederation of Wizards' International Court of Justice explains Article 7 of the Charter of the Confederation and Alliance…"
There was a commotion at the door, followed by the sound of the door opening and footsteps. Penny, shivering, entered the house carrying a net bag full of vegetables and food. Her lips were blue from the cold, her cheeks were high, and her hair was sprinkled with snow. Her long neck was tucked into her collar, her shoulders hunched, like a giraffe forced to winter in the snow.
She walked in, glanced at the TV, and immediately pursed her lips but said nothing. She quickly went into the kitchen. Half an hour later, Penny called from the dining room, "Dinner is ready." "I'm coming", Vernon muttered, preparing to turn off the TV— "We interrupt this program for an urgent news bulletin!"
His hand froze in mid-air.
The news anchor was flustered, taking several seconds to regain composure.
"…at 2:40 PM local time, a group of wizards appeared out of nowhere in New York Harbor. Their intentions are unclear, and a large number of journalists and onlookers have gathered at the scene. High-definition camera footage shows that these wizards are wearing the emblems of the American Congress of Magic and the International Confederation of Wizards. Could they be planning something at the largest port in the United States? They are all facing away from the harbor, their expressions solemn… There's something in the water, switch the camera to it!"
Vernon stared at the TV, not even noticing Penny coming out of the kitchen.
The calm surface of the harbor suddenly churned, and a massive black shadow began to emerge, like a silent, deep black fish. The fish's head rose, becoming clearer and clearer. It was a submarine.
A black submarine appeared in New York Harbor. "It's almost unbelievable, it seems to have appeared out of nowhere. The Coast Guard and shore personnel did not issue any warnings—the submarine is already partially exposed. My colleagues are urgently verifying the submarine's identification… Judging by the exposed shape and markings, it might be used for marine scientific experiments—oh, my God!"
Vernon's eyes widened. He didn't bother to complain about the anchor's dramatic tone, sitting back on the sofa with a thud. The springs groaned. His mind was blank—
The front of the black submarine was abnormally raised, like a lifeless fish, but it was too large, creating a strong sense of oppression. The camera panned over the harbor, and people's eyes were glued to the water. The submarine's curvature was like a rocket ready to launch, its height increasing as the black hull broke the surface, creating a massive whirlpool. It completely detached from the water and hovered in mid-air.
With a loud thud, the submarine landed. A large crater formed in the harbor ground.
All who witnessed this scene felt as if their hearts had been shattered like concrete, leaving them gasping for breath. In the distance, the sound of propellers roared as local law enforcement finally reacted.
At that moment, the dozen wizards waiting on the shore suddenly moved. Their wands, like precise scalpels, made a series of unpleasant "squeaking" sounds as they peeled away the submarine's outer shell, revealing its inner contents.
As is well known, the interior of a submarine is relatively cramped, but the area near the center is notably spacious, highlighting its importance. This modified section is divided into three spaces, with the Connection area separated by steel and thick glass doors, offering a vague glimpse inside. The outer side retains only a narrow corridor. The wizards continue to efficiently dismantle the submarine, spells flashing as they go, causing pipes and valves to fall away. They tear through the specialized walls as if opening a bag of chips, revealing the interior layout to the onlookers. The first two spaces are equipped with various instruments, recognizable even to the uninitiated from TV programs—a place reminiscent of a small laboratory.
The wizards continue to wave their wands, their wrist movements growing more vigorous, as if in a hurry, and their actions becoming more forceful. Sheets of metal and pipes are pushed aside, along with several people who appear to be encased in amber—six or seven of them in white lab coats. Half a minute later, the last thick iron door is opened.
A young man with black hair and blue eyes emerges. It is Felix, recognized by many thanks to the extensive media coverage in North America, where some view him as a cult leader. Remarkably, he has also garnered a significant following, mostly among the youth.
Felix’s hand trails behind him, seemingly pulling someone along. Soon, those near the port can see that it is a child in a hospital gown. Through the high-definition footage, the boy’s pale, almost sickly white complexion is clearly visible, as if he has never seen the sun.
Next out is a little girl in a sleeveless dress, her eyes darting nervously, clearly uncomfortable with the crowd and trying to hide behind the adults. Her arm is covered in needle marks, and half of her hair is missing, her eyes squinting, showing a clear sensitivity to light.
The port falls silent. At this moment, six or seven helicopters fly over, circling above them, their machine guns aimed downward. "Warning! Warning! Drop your weapons, drop your weapons, and surrender immediately—"
The voice abruptly cuts off. They have no idea how far the Mind Chamber’s influence extends or what it means to enter that range. On the shore, others look up, watching the thin, fluttering images in the sky, like movie posters falling from the heavens.
...
Four children emerge from the submarine. Felix then faces the gathered journalists for a brief press conference.
"Magic and science are two excellent systems with the potential for complementary interaction. I’ve noticed that some scientists are referring to magic as the engine of the next technological revolution... or the key. They are eager to update and replace existing scientific theories... If true, it’s unfortunate that some countries might miss out."
"The International Confederation of Wizards and the International Alliance of Magical Practitioners uphold the overall interests of wizards. We respect the laws of every country as we respect our own. The Charter of the Confederation and Alliance emphasizes this point. We only come together to negotiate when our paths intersect. However, in the past few months, we have been deceived and given empty promises... Conflict? We have tried our best to avoid conflict, but that doesn’t mean we will allow our children to be used as test subjects for blood samples; Calm? The fact that I can still speak calmly instead of unleashing a fiery blaze is proof enough that wizards still possess enough reason. But as long as such incidents continue and the perpetrators remain at large, negotiations cannot proceed... Perhaps your understanding differs from ours?"
"Today’s events only confirm the accuracy of our previous warnings. This land is fraught with danger and unsuitable for regular wizards to live... The Wizard Federation and the Alliance will do everything in our power to help wizards in need leave this place that harbors evil. Despite the fact that they should not be under threat, a legitimate wizard government was established over a century ago alongside the non-magical government."
"Fleeing in disgrace? No, they will leave with honor... The evacuation will take place in about half a month, and the location... I think this place is perfect, spacious and open, capable of easily accommodating hundreds of thousands of people... Ha, even as a battlefield, it would be suitable."
This is undoubtedly a declaration of war.
The journalists present catch the underlying message. While conflicts have occurred before, they were mostly accidental. This time, however, the time and place have been predetermined, giving the government ample time to mobilize the military. This is a clear indication of a full-scale confrontation.
A major news story! Half an hour later, a group of fully armed police take control of the port. Despite their best efforts, they cannot move the equipment inside the submarine, as if it were glued to the ground. In the end, they leave with the disoriented lab coats and a few lifelike helicopter posters.
American Magical Hospital.
Felix hands the children over to the healers. Horace Grinstein, who participated in the rescue, speaks in a low voice, "Based on the memories of the previous senator, we traced and rescued twelve batches of young wizards. Even if there are more, they will remain hidden underground."
Felix slowly nodded.
Horace Grinstein hesitated for a moment, his face uncertain. "Mr. Heap, I don’t mind if American wizards go underground. It’s not much different from before, but a direct conflict... wizards might not have the upper hand."
"What are you thinking? We don’t need your help, just your name."
"Is it the Confederation’s people?"
"Don’t worry about it. The American Congress of Magic will maintain order. I know you’ll stay, and most wizards will choose to stay, but some will want to leave. Let them prepare in advance."
Days passed, and the world seemed to fall silent, watching the American continent with a quiet gaze. For half a century, this was the first time they felt the shadow of war so close. Once bustling cities seemed to enter a great depression early, with countless people fleeing in their cars. The ports were empty except for a few listless guard ships.
The doors of the Capitol Building were tightly closed, with no one knowing what intense debates were taking place inside. Even the British magical world, thousands of miles away, was affected, with the construction of the new Diagon Alley forced to pause—officially due to the impact of a blizzard.
Perhaps it was the last calm before the storm. Felix suddenly found himself with nothing to do. All negotiations were on hold, and everyone seemed to be waiting for the outcome of the conflict. He returned to the school, had a good night’s sleep, and woke up to the surprised looks of students and professors. Professor Mcgonagall immediately appeared and led him away.
In the Headmaster's Office—
"Are you really going to war?" Professor Mcgonagall asked, her expression serious.
"We don’t want war, but we have no choice", Felix said. "If we back down on such a fundamental issue, it won’t just be American wizards— the entire wizarding world’s living conditions will become dire, and it will cause division... Don’t make this too simple. The other side won’t start a full-scale war, at least not against all American wizards, but they excel at bribery, espionage, and sowing discord. If they succeed, the American magical community will face its greatest division ever, leading to a series of chain reactions."
"Is there no way to stop it? Once the war starts, it won’t be easy to stop."
"Don’t ask me, I don’t know", Felix said, shaking his head slightly. "This involves too many factors. Both Akinbad and I don’t want things to escalate. Ideally, we should limit it to North America, specifically the United States. From a broader perspective, both the wizarding and non-wizarding worlds are anticipating a conflict, as if human lives are cheap... Before, there was Grindelwald, and many people might have hoped that I would fight him, with one of us dying. But with the implementation of the Charter of the Confederation and Alliance, that possibility is very low—"
"The establishment of a new order will inevitably come with bloodshed and conflict, facing various challenges. If we succeed, the world will enter a period of peace and development. If we fail, the impact will extend far beyond the living conditions of American wizards—contracts already signed might face new complications. Fortunately, we’ve laid a solid foundation over the past few months..."
"We must seize this opportunity for a confrontation, face-to-face, head-on, to dispel all malicious intentions."
Professor Mcgonagall was silent for a moment before saying, "Felix, I called you here for another reason."
"What is it?"
"Aren’t you always dreaming of talking to the Sorting Hat? It has agreed."
"I’m not always dreaming of it—what did you say, Minerva?" Felix moved his gaze from the ceiling to her, looking surprised. Professor Mcgonagall stood up, her eyes following the portraits of the Headmasters on the wall.
"Not even Dumbledore knew all the castle’s secrets, let alone me. But I think if the founders left a key to unlock those secrets, the most likely place would be the Sorting Hat... I hope it will be helpful to you."
After she finished speaking, she left, leaving Felix alone in the Headmaster's Office.
Felix was stunned for a moment, then stared intently at the Sorting Hat on the shelf. He stood up quickly and approached the shelf, examining the dirty, dusty hat closely. The hat didn’t move. He picked it up, shook it, and returned to the sofa, looking somewhat nervous.
After a few seconds of silence, he put the Sorting Hat on his head.
(End of Chapter)
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