Chapter 740: The Plan
Chapter 740: The Plan
Bellatrix descended through the dark tunnel, the only light coming from the blue cold light of black candles placed at intervals in niches along the walls, faintly illuminating the downward staircase.
However, this did not remain constant. As Bellatrix continued down the stairs, the temperature gradually increased. After about five or six minutes, the heat around her was as intense as a midsummer day under the Sun. When she finally reached the bottom and turned a corner, the tunnel’s darkness was dispelled by a glaring red light, illuminating the entire tunnel as bright as daylight.
At this point, Bellatrix’s path became level, and she walked along the smooth, mirror-like stone surface until she emerged onto a platform.
The platform was situated on the wall of a massive Sky Pit, much like a palace balcony. Standing there, she could hear the sounds of explosions and rock collapses echoing from below.
Looking over the edge of the platform, the most striking feature was the lava pool in the cave below, its roiling molten rock casting a light that made the cave resemble the Sahara Desert at midday in summer.
Several Death Eaters, dressed in black robes, were busy around the lava pool, occasionally moving in and out of small openings in the cave walls, much like industrious worker bees.
Most of the Death Eaters were casting spells to separate large chunks of lava from the pool and transfer them to altars built around the edges. Another group of Death Eaters, once the lava chunks were suspended above the altars, walked to the edges and used magic to send various materials into the molten rock, simultaneously channeling different streams of magic power with their wands.
As the Death Eaters cast their spells, various colored lights gradually enveloped the floating lava. Under the combined effect of the magic power and the added materials, the lava began to cool and shape itself, forming obsidian golems and gargoyles of varying sizes and forms.
When Bellatrix reached the bottom of the cave via a walkway from the platform, a two-story-tall obsidian golem puppet had just been formed. The dense bone spines and fierce face clearly marked it as a pure killing machine.
At that moment, a Death Eater wearing a silver mask approached, carrying a brass lantern. As he drew near, the temperature around Bellatrix dropped sharply, and she even saw a layer of white frost forming on the lantern and the Death Eater’s thick leather gloves.
The lantern contained a baseball-sized azure flame, and if one looked closely, countless wraiths could be seen trapped within, silently screaming. Even a powerful Dark Wizard like Bellatrix felt a deep chill spreading from her heart to her entire body as the lantern neared.
The Death Eater, holding the lantern, walked to the newly crafted puppet and raised it overhead. He then recited a spell, using his other hand to draw a rune in the air with his wand.
As the final stroke of the rune was completed, a bolt of blue flame shot from the lantern like an arrow, striking the obsidian puppet on the altar.
As the flame penetrated the puppet’s chest, the entire construct came to life, blue flames emanating from its joints and facial features. It raised its head and let out a roar.
"Very nice, this should be Grade A", Bellatrix murmured to herself, then watched as the stone golem puppet, under the control of another group of Death Eaters, marched into a tall cave and disappeared from view.
"Bellatrix, come to the meeting room. There are important matters to discuss", a black mist emerged from a stone wall, carrying Voldemort’s command.
Bellatrix immediately jogged to a spot by the cave wall and tapped it with her wand upon receiving Voldemort's command. After a few taps, the stone wall vanished, revealing a deep cave.
This cave was more refined than the others, with the walls and floor showing signs of careful polishing. After walking down a short corridor, she soon stopped at a wooden door and turned the doorknob without hesitation.
Inside the meeting room, only one person sat at a stone table that seemed to be part of the floor, facing the room's entrance. The room was empty except for a large golden chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
To the right of this person, a massive viper was encased in a translucent orb covered in stars. Bellatrix recognized it as Nagini, protected by a powerful protective enchantment.
She felt a twinge of jealousy for the snake, as recently, Master Voldemort had shown more concern for Nagini than for any of his servants. It seemed that even all of them combined did not receive as much attention as the snake.
“Bellatrix, my most loyal servant. Come and sit at my right hand,” a high, clear voice rang out from the head of the table. “I am pleased to see you responded to my summons immediately.”
Bellatrix took her seat at the designated spot and waited quietly. A few minutes later, five or six more figures in black robes entered, removed their hoods, and seated themselves around the table.
Once the small stone table was filled, Voldemort turned to the wizard sitting second to his right and asked the first question. “Rodolphus, how is the preparation of the undead obsidian golems coming along?”
“Master, we have done our best to fulfill your orders,” Rodolphus Lestrange began, intending to boast a bit. However, upon seeing Voldemort’s snake-like eyes, he quickly reined in his words and answered earnestly. “The 5,000 Magic Puppets will be completed within three days. We have already produced 988 Grade A puppets, 1,215 Grade B, and the rest are Grade C.”
“Still too slow,” Voldemort said, sounding displeased. “I want all 5,000 Magic Puppets ready by tomorrow, with at least 1,000 of them being Grade A.”
“Master, the lava pool has reached its limit, and we—” Lestrange's words were cut short as Voldemort drew his wand and cast the Cruciatus Curse on him.
“I do not want to hear excuses. If you fail, I will not hesitate to replace you,” Voldemort hissed, leaning close to the writhing Lestrange. Everyone in the room shrank back in their chairs, except Bellatrix, who gazed at Voldemort with adoration, not even glancing at her husband on the floor.
“Very well, if anyone here believes they cannot complete their task, speak up now,” Voldemort said, straightening and looking around the room. “I can reduce your burden.”
The room fell silent. After a few seconds, Voldemort nodded in satisfaction. “Excellent. I expect everyone to be battle-ready by tomorrow. In ten days, I will lead you to turn the tide of the war, eliminate those blood-traitors, and reclaim the glory that is rightfully ours.”
“Yes, Master,” the Death Eaters responded with renewed vigor, their faces showing excitement. “We are willing to do anything for you.”
(End of Chapter)
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