Chapter 17: One move!

"Hahaha... Deidre, you've been taken as an easy target!"

The other head students around Deidre Aglis had expressions of amusement, ready to watch the spectacle.

Since they weren't the ones being challenged, they didn't care much.

"Shut up!"

Deidre, feeling deeply humiliated, stepped forward from among the top students.

"Argus, is it? Arrogant brat!"

"Today, I'll teach you how to properly respect your seniors!"

The Aglis family, one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight.

Loyal followers of Voldemort!

Many of their members were still locked up in Azkaban!

In Argus's future plans, this was a group that would inevitably need to be eliminated.

As information about his opponent flashed through his mind, a cold glint briefly appeared in Argus's eyes.

"Both sides, prepare for the duel!"

"Begin the duel!"

Before Prefect Carrow's voice had even faded, Argus was already prepared to cast a spell.

"Stupefy!"

A red beam shot rapidly toward Deidre, giving him no time to react!

"Petrificus Totalus!"

Deidre barely managed to cast a counter-spell, but it was too late!

"Bang!"

A dull thud echoed as Deidre was violently thrown back, coincidentally flying towards Snape.

Amidst a chorus of gasps, Snape waved his wand, tossing Deidre aside.

His face was as dark as coal!

"Well, don't just stand there! Get this fool to Madam Pomfrey at once!"

Several shocked older students quickly lifted Deidre and rushed him out of the room.

The other students were already terrified by Argus's display of power.

One move, just one move again!

Even though there was an element of surprise, Argus had effortlessly handled Shafiq's attack. 

In contrast, Deidre had barely managed to cast a spell— the difference was astonishing!

Pansy and the others were so excited they were practically jumping up and down, almost ready to toss Argus into the air in celebration.

It was extremely rare to see a lower-year student defeat a higher-year student in a head-of-house ranking duel! 

Even if it did happen, it was usually among fifth or sixth years, after years of studying magic. 

For first-year students like them, most hadn't even cast a few spells yet. 

Defeating an upperclassman? That was something they never even imagined!

"Argus, you really are incredible!"

Draco was ecstatic, as if he had been the one to defeat Deidre.

Argus smiled, but there was a hint of regret in his eyes. 

If it hadn't been in front of so many people, and within the walls of Hogwarts, he certainly wouldn't have let Deidre off so easily.

Being a year-level head meant that the person's talent and effort were among the best of their peers. In the future, they might not reach the level of some one very strong, but they'd surely be more than qualified to become an Auror.

Letting someone like that go was akin to letting a tiger return to the mountains.

What a pity... I'll find another opportunity later!

Just as Argus defeated Deidre, a system prompt sounded.

[Congratulations, Host, for defeating the second-year head, earning the achievement: Head (Second Year).]

[Achievement Points Reward: 200]

Argus was surprised. "System, what's going on? Why is it 200 points?"

[Host received additional achievement points for defeating a higher-year student.]

[The greater the year difference, the more substantial the extra achievement points awarded.]

Whoa, does that mean if I take down the seventh-year head, I could earn 700 points in one go?

That would be enough for seven card pack draws!

Argus's eyes lit up, and he suddenly looked at the other heads with eager anticipation.

These are all gleaming achievement points!

"First-year head Argus Grindelwald's challenge is successful! If there are no further challenges, I will announce—"

"Wait a moment, Prefect Carrow."

Being repeatedly interrupted by Argus made Carrow's expression visibly displeased.

"Haven't you already finished your challenge? What else is there?"

"I want to continue challenging the third-year head!"

Third-year head: "???"

'I was just watching the drama; how did it suddenly involve me?

What did I do to deserve this?'

All eyes turned to the third-year head.

"Mr. Grindelwald, please be a gentleman when dealing with a lady."

The third-year head sighed and walked to the center of the common room.

Alekxia Slanrin, a beautiful female student, slim with a well-endowed figure. Her hair was an unusual pale green.

Pureblood, but not one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight.

"Alekxia, don't lose to this guy!"

"Go, Alekxia! We believe in you!"

"How dare a first-year be so arrogant? Teach him a good lesson!"

She was quite popular, with cheers and shouts of encouragement coming from the crowd.

Argus was speechless.

This world's little students mature too early; at this age, they're already aware of appearances.

Back where I'm from, kids this age would still be munching on snacks at the school gate!

Although these thoughts crossed his mind, his actions were swift as he bowed in preparation for the duel.

"The second head-to-head challenge: First-year head Argus Grindelwald versus third-year head Alekxia Slanrin."

"Let the duel begin!"

"Protego!"

Alekxia, having learned from the mistake of the second-year head, Deidre, didn't want to risk being too slow to react. She immediately cast a defensive spell, ensuring her protection right from the start.

She dared not underestimate this elegant junior. A single mistake could lead to an unexpected defeat!

But what she didn't anticipate was that Argus's strength extended beyond just spellcasting!

"Confringo!"

Argus waved his wand, targeting a chair nearby.

The chair shattered instantly, sending countless splinters and shards flying.

With another light flick of his wand, the scattered wood fragments transformed into ravens!

They swooped straight toward Alekxia's abdomen!

"Petrificus Totalus!"

Alekxia reacted swiftly, casting the Full Body-Bind Curse.

The ravens struck by the spell turned into stone statues and crashed to the ground.

Argus remained calm, his wand now pointed at Alekxia's neck, making a subtle motion.

The buttons on her wizard robe twisted and transformed into a venomous snake!

It hissed menacingly, sending chills down her spine!

"Ah!"

Caught off guard, Alekxia fell backward onto the ground.

At that moment, the snake reverted to its original form, turning back into buttons that fell to the floor.

Not wanting to give her a chance to retaliate, Argus quickly cast a Binding Curse while she was down, tightly wrapping her hands.

"Miss Slanrin, I accept your surrender."

"I concede! Now untie me already!"

Alekxia's eyes widened as she glared at Argus, clearly annoyed.

After the spell was lifted, she rubbed her wrists, which were still slightly sore.

She walked up to Argus, and with her slender fingers, she forcefully poked him in the chest.

"Argus, you have no sense of chivalry!"

"I'll remember this!"

"Hmph!"

With a flip of her long hair, she turned and rejoined the group of year heads.

The crowd was silent, and it took a while before someone finally spoke, their voice full of disbelief.

"Alekxia… lost?"

"That can't be true, right?"

"No way, it's absolutely impossible!"

"..."

Argus paid no attention to their words as the system prompt sounded in his mind again.

[Congratulations to the host for defeating the third-year head. Achievement unlocked: Head (Third Year).]

[Achievement points awarded: 300.]

A massive haul, a massive haul!

Today's gains almost matched what he usually made in one or two weeks!

When Argus turned his gaze toward the fourth-year head, they immediately panicked!

Judging by how effortlessly Argus had handled the situation, it was clear he hadn't used his full strength!

If they were to go up against him...

A drop of cold sweat slid down the fourth-year head's forehead.

As soon as Carrow saw Argus's expression, he knew Argus was going to continue challenging. Without saying a word, he turned his gaze toward the fourth-year head.

The fourth-year head, Scarman, reluctantly stepped forward.

"Scarman, show him what you're made of!"

'What the hell!?'

Scarman was already feeling anxious, and hearing the shouts from behind only made him more irritated. He kicked the person who had shouted in the leg.

"Are you out of your mind?"

"Argus is my dear friend, like my brother! How could I possibly fight him?"

He walked to the center of the common room and, under Argus's bewildered gaze, pulled out a handful of candy and offered it.

"Brother, you've been at it for so long; you must be tired, right?"

"How about some candy to help you recharge?"

_____

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