Demon Of Mahoutokoro

February 5, 1993, 4:00 PM, Forbidden Forest, Hogwarts

As the afternoon sun began its descent over the grounds of Hogwarts, the January air carried a crisp chill that made sure everyone remembered that winter was still here. Wispy clouds drifted lazily across the sky.

The grounds were bathed in a soft golden light, illuminating the snow-covered lawns and casting a warm glow upon the ancient stone walls of the castle. In the distance, the Forbidden Forest loomed, its dark canopy of towering trees standing sentinel against the horizon.

Its depths were shrouded in secrets and untold dangers. Yet, despite its forbidding reputation, there was a certain allure to the forest, a primal call that beckoned the adventurous and the curious to solve its mysteries.

A burp broke through the peace in the air, disrupting the tranquil atmosphere with a burst of unexpected sound. Absol the Thestral, perched in a most regal fashion nearby, gave a long sigh, her milky eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

Beside her sat a ghost, her ethereal presence casting a faint glow in the fading light of the afternoon. Despite her incorporeal form, Helena radiated a sense of serene contentment as she enjoyed the company of her friend.

The unlikely pair sat together in companionable silence, Absol’s nearly skeletal presence naturally complimenting Helena’s ghostly form. Indeed, there was a sense of harmony between them, which they had forged through mutual understanding over the past few months.

Absol let out a happy chirp, her dark eyes sparkling with affection as she basked in Helena’s comforting presence. Despite the moment of contentment, her stomach let out an audible gurgle, betraying the hunger that still gnawed at her.

Sensing her companion’s need, Helena’s hand solidified, her ghostly form briefly taking on substance as she reached out to caress Absol’s neck. Her touch was gentle and reassuring, and it comforted her friend.

“It’s all right, my dear.” Helena murmured soothingly, her voice soft and gentle. “I’m sure you’ll have something to eat soon enough. Don’t worry.”

Absol leaned into Helena’s touch, her eyes closing in silent gratitude as she savored the warmth of her friend’s presence. In that moment, as the afternoon light bathed them in its golden glow, she felt safe.

The two had spent a lot of time together in the last few months. It hadn’t been anything either of them had planned. One night, early on in the summer, Helena had sought her out. Their only real connection had been Adam, but thanks to that, the two had formed a bond of friendship of their own.

Soon enough, Helena and Absol met up every night, either to sit together and enjoy each other’s company, or to fly, unfettered in the night sky, as recklessly and as exhilarating as they had done in the Abyss.

Absol turned to Helena, determination gleaming in her white eyes as she expressed her readiness to seek out her own meals. With a tentative movement, she began to unfurl her wings, the anticipation of the hunt coursing through her veins. But as she extended her injured wing, a sudden twinge of pain shot through her, causing her to flinch and retract it with a pained chirp.

Concern etched on her features, Helena floated closer to Absol, her translucent form radiating sympathy and understanding. She observed as Absol inspected the scar on her wing, her expression clouded with frustration and disappointment.

“All will be made right, my friend.” Helena soothed her friend again. “Though you must still wait before taking flight. Your wound may have healed physically, but the dark magic that caused it will take time to dissipate. Patience is key, however sour it must taste.”

Absol let out a resigned sigh, her gaze drifting to the scar that marred her once pristine wing. Though her instinct to hunt gnawed at her, she knew that she would have to wait until she was fully healed before she could take to the field again.

At this point, she would settle for not feeling pain when her wing was jostled. With a heavy heart, she settled back down beside Helena, the weight of her injuries a constant reminder of the dangers that lurked beyond the safety of her tribe.

Those fools deserved everything they got.

Helena’s ethereal form seemed to shimmer with a hint of sadness as Absol responded with a despondent sigh. She reflected on recent events: though Adam might have interpreted the incident as a personal failure, Helena, with her centuries of wisdom, harbored no such judgment. She knew that no one, not even her own mother, could be everywhere at once, nor could they prevent every misfortune that befell their companions.

True strength lay not in perfection, but in the acceptance of one’s vulnerabilities and the unwavering support of those who stood beside them.

Adam, for his part, still had yet to fully grasp this concept. His pursuit of magic and power was one to be commended, to be sure, but power needed to be tempered by purpose and worldliness.

Still, something else niggled at Helena’s consciousness— a question she had pondered for some time, and yet never felt the need to ask.

Until now.

Helena’s ghostly form leaned closer to Absol, her translucent presence exuding a sense of curiosity as she asked her next question, her voice barely higher than a whisper. “Can you feel my mind, Absol?”

Absol stopped for a moment, her eyes meeting Helena’s. Then, she nodded.

“Truly?”

Another long moment passed, and Helena started, feeling the most minute of psychic nudges touching her presence. Was this the beginning of a familiar bond?

“Remarkable.” She said, and continued to caress Absol’s neck.

Helena couldn’t help but wonder, not for the first time, about the strange occurrences surrounding her return to a semblance of the life she once had. What did it all mean?

Adam had given her quite a bit of information, but she still didn’t understand most of it. What unseen forces were at play, guiding her destiny and weaving the threads of her existence together in ways she could scarcely comprehend?

Someone had to be behind all of these machinations, but who? Who hid beyond the veil of death, beyond the Abyss, itself?

Why had they seen fit to return a modicum of life to her? Why had they allowed her to forge a new bond with a creature linked to what Adam liked to call the ‘void’?

Helena’s ghostly form shimmered with a faint glow as she contemplated the words, her translucent features betraying a hint of recognition. It was true that her bond with Adam, as well as Alef Ard, had played a significant role in her return to a semblance of life. Through those connections, a modicum of life had been infused into her deathly form, granting her a heightened sense of consciousness and awareness that defied the limitations of her spectral existence.

Yet, despite the newfound sense of purpose and identity that coursed through her veins, Helena remained acutely aware of the delicate balance that existed between life and death. She was a being caught between two worlds, a ghostly presence tethered to the mortal realm by the threads of fate and destiny.

As she pondered all of this, Helena found herself drawn deeper into the enigmatic web of mystery and intrigue that surrounded her newfound connection with Absol. Though the answers remained elusive, she couldn’t shake the feeling that they were right under her nose.

On top of all of that, another notion lingered in Helena’s mind like a ghostly whisper, tantalizing in its possibility yet terrifying in its implications. Could it be possible for her to fully regain her life, to shed the shackles of her ghostly existence and return to the world of the living? The mere thought sent a shiver down her ethereal form, stirring a tumult of conflicting emotions within her spectral heart.

But as quickly as the thought had surfaced, Helena pushed it away, banishing it to the recesses of her mind with a resolute determination. There was no point in dwelling on the impossible, no sense in entertaining fantasies that could never come to fruition. She was a ghost, bound by the laws of her afterlife, and to harbor such desires was to court further disappointment and despair.

Yet, as she gazed into the light, soulful eyes of Absol, a flicker of longing stirred within her, igniting a spark of hope that refused to be extinguished.

Perhaps she should, however, just enjoy the moment, and not obsess over what could be. There would be time for that later.

A dull roar broke through the silence, echoing across the grounds of Hogwarts and drawing Absol’s attention toward the general direction of the Quidditch pitch. The distant sound signaled the beginning of the next stage of the dueling tournament, a spectacle that promised excitement and anticipation for all who bore witness to it— and they both knew Adam was participating.

Absol turned to Helena. With a look that spoke volumes, she conveyed her trust in Helena to relay the events of the dueling tournament, to recount the trials and triumphs of their friend in his quest for victory.

Helena smiled in response, her ethereal features alight with warmth and affection.

“Of course, Absol.” She said with a small smile, her voice carrying across the quietude of the forest as she rose from her comfortable seat on the snow. “I’ll tell you all about how Adam does. We’ll be cheering for him every step of the way.”

With a gentle nod of farewell, Helena’s translucent form drifted away, her ghostly presence fading through the trees as she headed towards the Quidditch Pitch.

Alone once more amidst the ancient trees, Absol turned her attention back to the Thestral herd to the side. With a soft set of hesitant, slow steps, she joined them, their presence reassuring her, but not enough to make her feel absolutely safe.

Not after what happened.

Absol blinked in surprise as she was approached by the Alpha of the Thestral herd, his imposing presence radiating a sense of authority and strength. Before she could react, he bopped her forehead gently, a playful gesture that caught her off guard. Annoyance flickered in Absol’s eyes, but it quickly melted away at the sound of the Alpha’s amused snort.

Sensing her tension, the Alpha nudged her gently, his silent reassurance guiding her toward the safety of the pack. Absol followed obediently, her steps lighter as she fell into line with the rest of the herd.

She felt a wave of gratitude wash over her, thankful for their unwavering support and protection, despite her bond with a few outsiders. She knew that she was in good company, surrounded by those who would stand by her side through thick and thin.

Now, if only she could score herself a nice meal…

oooo

Same Time, Quidditch Pitch, Hogwarts

Harry Potter

Seated in the bustling Quidditch stands, Harry Potter watched with rapt attention as the latest dueling match unfolded before his very eyes.

Around him, the crowd buzzed with animated chatter, their voices rising and falling in a symphony of excitement and awe. Spectators exchanged enthusiastic commentary on the impressive maneuvers and daring gambits displayed by the dueling contestants, their admiration evident in every word.

“Just in time!” “That looked like it hurt.”

“The way she countered that, though?”

“That witch from Uagadou is something else.”

Harry couldn’t help but smile at the enthusiasm of the crowd, their passion for the tournament binding everyone together in wonder and enjoyment. As he listened to their spirited discussions and animated reactions, he realized, not for the first time, what the point of this tournament was: to transcend the boundaries of house, nationality and status.

“You have to admit, though.” Ron said, drawing Harry’s attention. “While she did well, I still think that Beauxbatons bloke in the previous match did loads better.”

“What was his name?” Harry said. “De Fontaine?”

“De La Fontaine.” Behind them, Hermione said helpfully.

“Yeah, him. He’s got a sense of style, doesn’t he?” Ron exclaimed, his admiration evident in his voice.

Beside them, Tony joined in the conversation, his grin widening as he teased Ron. “Style, eh? I see why you like him, Ron. Fellow gingers stick together, right?”

Harry chuckled at Tony’s comment, nudging Ron playfully. “Is that why you’re such a fan, Ron? Because he’s got red hair like you?”

Ron rolled his eyes, but a grin tugged at the corners of his lips.

“Oh, shut it, the both of you.” Ron said, rolling his eyes. “It’s not just because of that. His dueling skills are top-notch! You can’t expect me to ignore that, can you?”

“I suppose not.” Tony said, and the three boys shared a laugh.

A minute later, as the announcer declared a short intermission in the dueling tournament, Tony turned to everyone with an easy smile.

“Anyone hungry?” He asked, his eyes scanning the group.

Hermione shook her head, though she gave the boy a grateful look, regardless. “I’m not hungry, thanks.”

“I’d love some chocolate frogs, if you don’t mind!” Beside her, Su spoke up.

Ron’s eyes lit up at the mention of chocolate frogs. “Same here!”

Harry hesitated for a moment before shrugging. “I’m not very hungry, but I could go for a chocolate frog, I suppose.”

With their orders decided, Tony nodded in approval.

“Alright then, chocolate frogs, it is!” He declared, before setting off to find the nearest concession stand.

As Tony disappeared into the bowels of the Quidditch stand, the group settled back in their seats, chatting amongst each other as they waited for the tournament to resume.

Seconds turned into minutes, and Harry’s thoughts drifted to his friend Adam and the recent ordeal he had been through. The injury to Absol had undoubtedly taken its toll on the boy. Harry couldn’t help but notice the subtle shift in Adam’s demeanor in the aftermath of the incident.

At times, it felt like he was talking to an angry cat, the usual warmth and joking manner replaced by a prickly predatory intent. It amused Harry in a way, seeing his typically composed friend bristle with the sort of frustration and agitation that was more common to himself, but beneath the amusement lay a twinge of sadness, knowing that Adam was struggling to come to terms with the trauma he had experienced.

I suppose I am, too, all things considered. Harry thought, remembering the corpse he’d seen in the Forbidden Forest. He didn’t know what Adam had done with it, and he didn’t dare to ask.

It was probably better that way.

Shaking his head slightly, Harry pushed these dark thoughts aside, instead observing the participants gathered at the bottom of the Quidditch pitch. His gaze focused on Adam among them. Despite the recent challenges and the turmoil brewing beneath the surface, Harry knew that Adam deeply cared for him and the others.

It was evident in the way he had stood by them through thick and thin, offering unwavering support and loyalty, even if he kept secrets and engaged in less-than-desirable acts, at times.

Harry also understood that Adam needed an outlet for the emotions swirling within him. He reckoned that his upcoming match would provide just that— a chance for Adam to channel his frustrations and fears into something productive and competitive.

He scanned the small crowd of participants, trying to spot Adam’s opponent, Akio. However, among the sea of faces, he struggled to pick out the boy he had seen only once before. Even then, Harry’s attention had been captivated by the distinctive golden robes Akio wore, a symbol of his status as a prodigy from Mahoutokoro.

He couldn’t help but wonder how the upcoming duel would unfold. Akio’s reputation preceded him, and his status suggested formidable skill and expertise.

Yet, Harry knew that Adam himself was also formidable. In fact, Adam was also a prodigy in his own right. It was just his relentless drive and unwavering dedication that truly set him apart. While he possessed undeniable talent, Harry knew that Adam often downplayed his own abilities, attributing his success more to hard work than innate skill.

It was true that Adam had a natural talent for magic, far more than he perhaps cared to admit to himself. However, his prodigious nature never seemed overwhelming to Harry. Harry suspected that their familiarity with each other played a role in this perception. They had faced many challenges side by side, and witnessed each other’s growth and development firsthand.

Despite Adam’s modesty, Harry couldn’t help but marvel at his friend’s achievements. Whether it was mastering complex spells or outsmarting formidable opponents, Adam had consistently risen to the occasion with a combination of skill, determination, and sheer grit.

“Ladies and gentlemen, gather ’round!” Boomed Griffiths’ voice, echoing across the Quidditch pitch as Tony returned with the food in hand. The crowd hushed in anticipation, their attention drawn to the sides of the arena, where Harry saw two floating platforms gently carrying their passengers up.

“We have another thrilling match lined up for you today.” She continued, her voice tinged with excitement. “Hailing from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, we have the redoubtable Adam Black!”

A ripple of applause and cheers erupted from the crowd as Adam stepped forward, his expression focused and determined. “The Rising Star of Hogwarts himself, Adam has proven his mettle against opponents far outstripping him in experience with his prodigious talent alone! Who could rightly oppose him? Well…”

Griffiths gestured towards the other corner. “You’ve seen what he can do. His own prodigious talents are spoken of in the same reverence as our own Mr. Black! Representing Mahoutokoro School of Magic, we have the esteemed Akio Nakamura!”

The crowd burst into equal applause, and they all chattered with anticipation, their eyes flickering between the two contestants as they prepared to face off.

“I’m not one to extend the moment. Let the duel begin!” Griffiths called out. The duelists squared off, and the crowd erupted into cheers, eager to witness the clash that was about to unfold before them.

The two, despite the beginning announcement, stood facing each other with unwavering determination, their gazes locked in a silent exchange of challenge and resolve.

Adam, with his dark hair and intense, mismatched eyes, exuded a sense of quiet confidence. Dressed in a set of black robes, he stood tall and poised.

Opposite him, Akio Nakamura cut an imposing figure in his modified, still golden robes, a testament to his status as a prodigy from Mahoutokoro. With his sleek black hair and piercing, brown eyes, he radiated an aura of focused intensity, while also somehow managing to seem at ease with the situation around him.

On some unseen signal, the duel commenced; Adam and Akio began to feel each other out, each testing the other’s defenses with cautious movements.

Adam, opting for safe and familiar spells, sought to gauge Akio’s reactions and vulnerabilities. With each incantation, he watched closely for any hint of weakness, hoping to catch his opponent off guard.

However, Akio proved to be a formidable adversary, his deflections and dodges executed with precision and grace. Every movement was deliberate, every response calculated to perfection, leaving Adam with little room for error.

As Harry watched from the stands, he couldn’t help but be impressed by the skill and prowess displayed by both duelists. Adam’s strategic approach and Akio’s flawless rebuttal made for a riveting spectacle, captivating the audience with their mastery of the basics of their magical arts.

With each passing moment, the tension in the arena grew, the crowd holding its breath in anticipation of the next move. And as Adam and Akio continued their intricate dance of spells and counterspells, Harry found himself on the edge of his seat.

Akio, with no warning, unleashed a sudden flurry of spells, his incantations twice as fast as before; Adam found himself caught off guard, stumbling backwards enough that he dropped to the ground.

Harry watched in concern as Adam swiftly regained his footing, his movements frantic as he desperately flung his wand left and right to deflect Akio’s relentless onslaught. Each incantation seemed to come at him with lightning speed, leaving Adam struggling to keep up.

Despite his best efforts to regain his place, Adam was being pushed back with alarming ease, the force and sheer speed of Akio’s spells driving him further and further away. Harry’s heart sank as he saw his adoptive brother quickly being pushed to the edge of the arena.

Harry couldn’t shake the sense of unease that settled over him. Adam’s determination was evident, but Akio’s relentless assault seemed like a tidal wave, sweeping everything away in its wake. With each spell that flew, Harry wondered if this would be the moment when Adam’s luck would run out, and he would be forced off of the platform.

“Blimey, are you seeing this?” Ron exclaimed, his voice tinged with disbelief. “That Mahoutokoro bloke’s fast! How’s Adam even staying in the game?”

“It doesn’t surprise me.” Tony’s voice came from the side, his expression grave.

“What do you mean?” Ron said, and before Harry could answer, Tony took the initiative.

“It’s all about training.” Tony said, his tone serious. “Adam’s been pushing himself to the limit lately, doing an extreme form of speed training where he takes attacks from every direction.”

Ron’s eyebrows shot up in surprise at Tony’s revelation.

“Mental…” Ron said, his voice tinged with both incredulity and admiration. “But I guess it’s paying off. He’s holding his own against Akio, even with all that speed.”

“Trust me, he didn’t get there naturally.” Tony said with a dark look in his eyes which only Harry picked up on.

He watched Adam navigate through Akio’s onslaught of spells and couldn’t help but notice a subtle shift in his friend’s approach. It wasn’t just about deflecting or dodging anymore— “the training seems to have done more than that.”

The others looked at him.

“What?” Su said.

“Look at him.” Harry said. “He’s choosing which spells to take, which to dodge and which to deflect. It’s all being calculated. That’s probably what he was aiming for.”

Hermione frowned at that before observing the fight once again. Moments later, her lips pursed, and Harry realized she understood.

Yes, Adam had honed not only his reflexes but also his judgment, discerning which spells posed the greatest threat and which he could afford to absorb without serious harm.

It was an extremely risky strategy, one that required precise timing and split-second decision-making. But as Harry observed Adam’s confidence and determination in the face of Akio’s relentless barrage, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride for his friend.

He just hoped that Adam could endure the punishment long enough to get the win.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we’re witnessing a remarkable turn of events here!” Exclaimed the announcer, her voice ringing out over the tumultuous cheers of the crowd. “Adam Black, who seemed to be on the back foot, has slowly begun to turn the tables on his opponent!”

The audience erupted into cheers as Adam, with newfound determination and skill, began to reflect Akio’s spells back towards him with precision and accuracy. Akio, caught off guard by the sudden reversal, found himself forced onto the defensive, struggling to keep up with Adam’s own comeback.

The crowd gasped in awe as one of Adam’s spells struck true, slicing through the air with deadly accuracy and cutting into Akio’s arm, drawing blood. A collective roar of approval rose from the spectators.

“And there it is!” Griffiths cried out in excitement. “A brilliant counterattack from Adam Black; Akio Nakamura who, to date, has not been harmed by any of his opponents, has been struck! The unassailable has been assailed!”

Harry’s eyes narrowed, however. Something was off.

Before Harry could dwell much on it, a voice rang out from behind them, cutting through the tension like a knife. It was Hien, one of Adam’s former opponents in the tournament.

“The Oni is about to show his true face.” Hien declared, his words hanging heavy in the air like a dark omen. “The Demon of Mahoutokoro.”

Harry stared at the boy for a moment, and he wondered what he was even doing here, but the gasp of the crowd drew Harry’s attention back to the match.

Akio’s demeanor in the last second had undergone a dramatic transformation. With a swift and decisive motion, a powerful barrier rose from the ground, enveloping him in a protective shield, buying him a few seconds of time, which he took to assess the damage caused by Adam’s counterattack.

A chilling grin spread across Akio’s face, his expression morphing into one of twisted satisfaction. The sight sent a shiver down Harry’s spine, a foreboding sense of unease settling over the arena.

“Finally…!”

Things were about to take a dangerous turn. Harry braced himself for whatever Hien had meant by the ‘demon’ showing his true face.

He didn’t have to wait long. Spells flew out of Akio’s wand at a rate he couldn’t even begin to fathom, the boy’s laughter ringing out in manic glee with each incantation, his hands moving in a blur of motion.

Adam, undeterred by Akio’s increased speed, matched him spell for spell, his determination unyielding as he sought to maintain his footing under the onslaught. For a time, the two duelists seemed evenly matched, their spells colliding in a dazzling display of magical light.

As the intensity of the duel reached its peak, a particularly powerful spell from Akio broke through Adam’s defenses, sending him tumbling to the side with a forceful impact. Harry’s heart clenched in concern as he watched his friend stagger under the blow, his resilience tested to its limits.

The crowd gasped in collective shock as Adam struggled to regain his footing, brought down back to the floor twice as he attempted to regain his position. His opponent, however, was relentless, and would not suffer Adam’s defiance any longer.

Adam, to his credit, refused to yield, even as he was sent running by his foe’s onslaught. With each impact, he rolled, and he bided his time until he retaliated with a swift counterattack.

Akio, caught off guard by the unexpected counter, was forced to dodge, if only for a fleeting moment.

It’s like he’s never had anyone challenge him like this.

Akio wasted no time in regaining his composure, however, his excitement reaching even greater heights and fueling a relentless barrage of spells that rained down upon Adam with ferocious intensity. The air crackled with power as each spell seared through the air, gouging holes in the tiles and filling the arena with the acrid scent of ozone.

Adam, now battered, bruised and thrown around like a ragdoll, fought valiantly to deflect and evade Akio’s barrage, his movements fluid and precise despite the chaos unfolding around him. With each passing moment, however, Harry could tell that the strain of the battle weighed heavily upon him, his strength waning as he struggled to keep pace with his implacable opponent.

As the duel raged on, the crowd watched in awe and apprehension, their cheers and gasps echoing through the arena as Adam and Akio clashed in a titanic struggle of wills. Harry could only hope that his friend would find the strength to endure, no matter the cost.

“I just don’t understand.” Su said. “Why isn’t he using— oh, here it is.”

Finally, with a challenging cry, Adam summoned his chains. They burst forth from his wand in a swirling typhoon of spirals, each one aimed at ensnaring Akio and bringing an end to the relentless assault. But Akio’s speed was unmatched, his reflexes honed to a razor’s edge as he effortlessly deflected and weaved his way past the oncoming chains.

“That is perhaps why.” Hien said as he took a seat beside the girl, giving her a nod of respect as he did so. “He knows that his foe possesses the speed to counter him.”

With a fluid grace, Akio maneuvered through the onslaught, his movements a blur of motion as he deftly redirected the chains, causing them to collide with each other and form a tangled mess.

Harry realized that it was more than that. It was as if Akio had anticipated Adam’s every move, his actions executed with a precision that bordered on preternatural.

“You told him about the extent of Adam’s abilities.” Harry said in a low tone, and all eyes went on Hien.

“Of course.” Hien said without even a shred of guilt. “Though Nakamura-san had already divined many of my rival’s skills even without my aid.”

“Why?” Came Su’s question, and she sounded betrayed.

“It was only fair that he knew.” Hien said, giving her another bow of apology. “I told Adam about the skills of Nakamura-san, after all.”

Scowling, Harry turned his gaze back to the fight. Despite Adam’s best efforts, he found himself outmaneuvered and outmatched by his opponent’s uncanny speed and agility. The chains, once a formidable weapon in his arsenal, now seemed powerless against Akio’s near surgical counters.

He hoped against hope that his adoptive brother would find a way to turn the tide before it was too late.

“Oh! It looks like we’re about to see a conclusion!” Griffiths’ voice boomed, echoing through the now tense silence of the arena. “Adam is on the ropes; it’s only a matter of time now before—”

Before the announcer could finish her sentence, a sudden turn of events unfolded before their eyes. Akio, in his fervor to press his advantage, overextended himself, leaving an opening that Adam swiftly exploited. With a swift and precise motion, one of Adam’s chains struck Akio’s leg, sending him stumbling back with a pained grunt.

The crowd erupted into a frenzy of excitement and disbelief as Akio recovered quickly, his determination unwavering as he prepared to resume his assault. But once again, his aggression got the better of him, and he found himself overextending yet again.

This time, Adam wasted no time in capitalizing on the opportunity. With a well-aimed strike, another chain struck Akio square in the chest, sending him hurtling backward with a cry of pain and buying Adam the time he needed to recuperate.

Something wasn’t quite right… Nakamura hadn’t made any mistakes like this before, so why was it happening now? Had he finally lost steam? Had this simply been a battle of attrition, with Adam being the eventual winner?

It couldn’t be that simple, could it?

Akio staggered to his feet, his determination burning brighter than ever. He wasted no time in launching another attack. With a swift set of spells, he burst through Adam’s nets of chain and struck Adam’s forehead with a Bludgeoning Charm, the force of the impact sending him reeling to the side with a sickening thud.

Harry’s heart skipped a beat as he watched his friend falter under the devastating blow, a surge of concern flooding through him at the sight of Adam’s injured form. It looked serious, and for a moment, Harry feared the worst.

Before he could voice his concerns, Hien leaned forward, his voice cutting through the chaos of the arena with quiet authority.

“It’s over.” He declared, his tone firm and resolute.

Harry’s brow furrowed in confusion as he turned to Hien, ready to defend Adam’s chances in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. But Hien shook his head, his expression grave as he met Harry’s gaze.

“Adam has won.” He stated simply.

The group exchanged puzzled glances, struggling to comprehend Hien’s nonsensical declaration.

“Have you been watching the same fight, mate?”

“Watch.” He said before they could question him further, his eyes fixed on the unfolding scene before them.

As they turned their attention back to the duel, they watched in stunned silence as Adam rose to his feet.

“What?” Everyone said, and that’s when Harry finally noticed it.

It was invisible to the naked eye, and nearly invisible to his own enhanced eyesight, but he saw it; a small film of magic covering Adam’s body.

A hidden Shield Charm! Harry thought. Did it completely negate the blow?

No… It didn’t seem the case, judging by the pain etched on Adam’s face. Still, it forced Akio to hesitate, his faith in his abilities now completely shaken.

He watched with renewed focus as Adam and Akio clashed in a whirlwind of spells and counterattacks. But as the duel reached its climax, Harry’s keen eyes caught something that sent a shiver of realization down his spine.

“Some of those spells… they’re going through Adam’s chains like they aren’t even there.” Harry exclaimed, his voice tinged with urgency as he turned to his companions. “Illusions!”

The realization hit him like a bolt of lightning, his mind racing as the pieces of the puzzle came together. Many of Adam’s chains were nothing more than a clever ruse, a dazzling display of magical trickery.

“The way he looked like he was overextending.” Tony realized.

“That’s right.” Hien said. “Illusory attacks to force Nakamura-san out. I had not expected such a move from Adam.”

Despite the odds stacked against him, Adam had managed to outwit his opponent with cunning and guile, using illusion to turn the tide of battle in his favor.

Harry only nodded at all of this, watching with bated breath as Akio made his final mistake, fully committing to a defense from attacks coming from every angle— an absolute, total reversal of roles. Except, of course, only a few of those chains were actually real.

In a blur of magic, one of Adam’s previously hidden chains snaked out from the tiled floor of the arena and lashed out, wrapping around Akio’s form with a vice-like grip. With a cry of surprise and dismay, Akio stumbled backward, his momentum carrying him to the ground with a resounding thud, the impact to his head dazing him.

Before Akio could recover, Adam’s chains tightened their hold, lifting his prone form into the air with a swift and decisive motion. With a flick of his wrist, Adam disarmed his opponent, the wand flying from Akio’s grasp and clattering to the ground below.

Ignoring the comments of the announcer, Adam wasted no time in delivering the final blow to his defeated opponent, Stunning him without any fanfare.

The spell struck true, and Akio slumped in his chain prison. The crowd once again erupted into wild applause, their cheers reverberating through the air as Adam emerged victorious once more.

Amidst the jubilation, Hien’s expression was one of mixed emotions. With a shake of his head, he sighed, his gaze filled with dismay.

“I warned him about using deception in his tactics.” Hien remarked, his tone tinged with some reproach.

Harry turned to him, somewhat offended that such commentary was being made about his brother. “What do you mean?”

But Hien merely shook his head. “Such underhanded tactics would draw Nakamura-san’s ire. Had he failed in his final gambit, he would have been torn apart.”

Harry listened intently to Hien’s words, his expression thoughtful as he considered the Mahoutokoro student’s advice. Unexpectedly, Hien’s face morphed into one of amusement.

“Instead, he took it as a sign to keep his deception as a final trick.” Hien continued, his voice tinged with something which almost resembled admiration. “And it paid off in the end.”

“Yes.” There was a chorus of agreement from the group.

As the cheers of the crowd continued to wash over everyone, Harry watched Adam; despite the thunderous applause and ecstatic cries that surrounded him, Adam seemed strangely detached, his focus fixed solely on getting to his corner.

With each labored step, Adam’s determination shone through, but Harry could see the toll that the grueling duel had taken on his friend. His movements were slow and deliberate, his face contorted with pain as he struggled to stay upright.

Perhaps those shields he’d been using hadn’t been as effective as he thought. It was then that Harry realized the gravity of Hien’s warning. The older boy was right; had Adam failed in his last attack, it would have spelled his end.

And Harry wasn’t sure what to think about that.