Chapter 40

Here's the revised translation:

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Albert was surprised when he heard the voice; it was that of an adult woman, but different from any professor at the school.

Fortunately, the ability to speak meant the possibility of communication, which offered hope of avoiding a pointless fight that would only attract attention and potentially cost him house points. Albert spoke up, "I hold no grudge and mean no harm. I can leave the forest now."

"I want to thank you for your kindness to the unicorns and your help," the voice said. As soon as the speaker finished, someone emerged from the forest.

"A centaur!" Albert whispered. It was indeed a female centaur, a type not seen in the series before. But considering that centaurs don't grow on trees, how could there be males to reproduce and increase their numbers?

The female appeared to be in her thirties, clad in exquisite brown leather armor, with a black hammer hanging from her waist. Her horse half was white, and she had a round shield and a quiver of arrows strapped to either side.

Since she was unarmed, Albert set aside the plants as a gesture of friendship.

She approached Albert with graceful steps, then bowed and said, "Mars is slowly becoming brighter. Everyone thought it was a very bad omen and strongly believed that the will of the ruler was faltering. However, I believe that sometimes it is our duty and part of the ruler's will to help the innocent. That's why I came out today and saw you healing the unicorn."

"That's what I should do. After all, all creatures in the forest can help someone in danger if they see them," Albert said, raising his head.

"Yes, what kind of beast do you think would attack a unicorn?" the centaur asked.

"I'm not sure, but I found that the injured unicorn seemed to have lost a lot of blood."

"I have made mistakes before, and I hope this time it was a mistake too," the centaur murmured to herself.

Albert looked at the centaur, who seemed in a state of shock, and said loudly, "Ah, by the way, I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Albert—Albert Black, a first-year student at Gryffindor. I met the unicorn during a night stroll today. I came here out of curiosity and, by chance, found the unicorn injured and healed it."

"It's not just chance. Unicorns don't trust humans easily. This is my home, and I'm from a nearby centaur tribe. I'm here to protect this group of unicorns from dark forces," the centaur replied.

"Dark forces healing?" Albert asked in confusion.

"It's quite simple. On one hand, you are still a foal. Male unicorns that haven't reached maturity can still endure that. On the other hand, at this stage…" The centaur glanced at the sky.

"I can sense a lot of life gratitude from you. You've saved at least thousands of innocent lives. I can even feel the natural gratitude you've gained from fighting numerous destructive unnatural beasts. Although this natural gratitude is slightly different from what I know, my mind tells me it's unlikely, but I firmly believe the secrets revealed by the stars are true. So it makes sense to accept healing from a nature friend like you."

At this point, the centaur named Beiti moved closer. As she looked at Albert from top to bottom, she continued, "I'm very curious about how you did it, little man. After all, our leader fought for nature throughout his life and did not receive the same level of gratitude from nature as you have. Not to mention the strange plants around you that nature has blessed."

"Well, I'm a bit embarrassed, so I can't tell you exactly what I did," Albert said, feeling somewhat awkward.

"As long as that's the case, I think I can fully trust those who are favored by nature. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone what I saw."

Beiti said seriously. After all, everyone has their own secrets.

"But I think, as a student, you shouldn't be out now, especially not so close to the dangerous heart of the Forbidden Forest. I'll send you out now."

With that, Beiti retrieved a large basket from behind a tree and placed Albert inside it.

Albert realized that centaurs were indeed close to nature. Even though Beiti was trotting, she could avoid the thick branches blocking the path and walk smoothly on the forest floor.

"By the way, did you just hear me talk about the prophecy after the unicorn lost so much blood? Of course, if this concerns you or the secrets of your tribe, just pretend I didn't ask," Albert asked, adjusting his position in the basket.

"Of course, it's not a secret. Let me think about where to start. Well, do you know the use of unicorn blood?"

"I don't know," said Albert, though he was aware that dark wizards used it. He wanted more information on the subject, so he told Beiti he didn't know.

Albert continued, "We only use their horns and tail hairs in potion-making. I was also a bit curious, but the book I read hinted that 'beast's blood is a dark practice.'"

"That's because attacking a unicorn to obtain its blood is cruel, and the power gained from killing a unicorn by draining its blood is the strongest. It's also extremely evil behavior," Beiti said. "Only the most ruthless and wicked individuals commit such a heinous crime. They seek to escape the laws of nature and continue lives that are no longer natural."

At this point, Beiti shuddered as if facing something terrible.

After a pause, she continued, "As long as you're still breathing, unicorn blood can save your life. But it would be inherently cursed, and the drinker would lead a cursed life, half dead and in severe pain."

"This kind of choice is worse than death. Those in desperate need of life who have an alternative might consider it. To my knowledge, the sorcerer's stone seems to be hidden in Hogwarts Castle, and then—"

Just as Albert was about to finish speaking, Beiti placed a finger in front of her mouth, signaling silence.

"We've seen it. Mars is brightening again. I think you know what will happen next, but please don't mention it because we don't want to get involved in your magical affairs at the moment. Moreover, you're still a foal, so you shouldn't worry about these things."

At that time, Beiti walked to a path less than 20 meters from the Forbidden Forest, lifted the basket, and set Albert down on the ground.

"I don't want to meet anyone else. You can walk the rest of the way yourself."

With that, Beiti turned, swished her tail gracefully, and walked into the forest, disappearing from sight.