Chapter 16: The Cystic Leopard Encounter and the Secret Library

When the efficient machinery of a modern nation's government is fully operational, its power eclipses even that of the wizarding world.

After Amphisbaena pinpointed the possible range of the cystic leopard, a squad of specialized forces donning biochemical gas masks swiftly narrowed down the detection area, following the trail of bloodstains. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, they swiftly locked onto the target.

"Report, sir. The target has been spotted using infrared imaging and is currently in a stationary position," relayed the lieutenant colonel who received the information, glancing at Amphisbaena standing beside him. In many ways, this "special employee of the Prime Minister's Office" was the true commander of the operation.

"For now, avoid provoking the target. We'll wait until we reach the destination," ordered Amphisbaena.

He and the lieutenant colonel then hopped into a jeep, speeding towards their destination.

"The cystic leopard is a recently discovered extraordinary creature. Not only is it highly venomous, but it also moves at speeds approaching that of sound. Despite its current injuries, evading bullets is as effortless for it as eating," explained Amphisbaena, introducing the lieutenant colonel to the special forces team.

"Close to the speed of sound?" The lieutenant colonel responded with an instinctive skepticism. However, upon viewing the remotely captured images, he had no choice but to admit that this was indeed an unseen marvel.

"Do you have a specific battle plan, Mr. Lieutenant Colonel?" Amphisbaena inquired, entrusting professional matters to the professionals. "If we can trap it, I can further reduce its speed."

The lieutenant colonel, relieved to see that Amphisbaena had no intention of manipulating the outcome, felt gratitude. He realized that his companion was not an infallible deity, but rather a valuable teammate.

Without hesitation, the lieutenant colonel made a decision. He commanded the troops to set up a series of traps and positioned numerous machine gunners, aiming to create a crossfire blockade that would restrict the creature's speed.

However, this approach carried risks. The lieutenant colonel was well aware of the implications of the speed of sound. The safest strategy would involve employing Nuclear bombs—a large-scale indiscriminate weapon—to ensure the creature couldn't escape the blast radius. Yet, that required acquiring the creature's corpse.

The lieutenant colonel understood this requirement. After all, an animal nearing the speed of sound held enough value for the United Nations to engage in fierce bidding.

With the preparations complete, the lieutenant colonel issued the order to commence the offensive, punctuated by the crack of long-range sniper rifles. While modern firearms outpaced the speed of sound, considering human reaction time, the intervening distance, and the elusive nature of magical creatures, the cystic leopard effortlessly evaded the bullets.

A beastly roar reverberated through the grove, reminiscent of the mighty roars of tigers and lions. The severely wounded apex predator grew visibly incensed, but found itself confronted by an onslaught of triggered mines and suppressive fire.

After ten minutes of intense battle, one of the cystic leopard's forelimbs was blown off, rendering it unable to continue its rampage.

Wearing a gas mask, Amphisbaena approached the dying magical creature amid the smoky battlefield. It struggled, roared, and displayed its defiance, only to succumb helplessly to a generous dose of anesthesia.

Times had indeed changed. Witnessing such a scene would undoubtedly evoke astonishment and disbelief among ordinary people. Amphisbaena couldn't help but exclaim inwardly at the profound impact this sight would have on the perception of wizards.

The army had accomplished what the Ministry of Magic had failed to achieve, employing an alternative approach that rendered personal intervention unnecessary.

"Excellent work, Lieutenant Colonel," praised Amphisbaena. "However, it is imperative that everyone undergo strict disinfection, medical isolation, and observation."

"Considering the lethal virus carried by this creature, we currently lack the means to assess its danger. It will be designated as a military restricted zone."

"Is it truly that dangerous?" The lieutenant colonel's expression turned grim.

"Fret not. We will provide continued protection, taking all necessary precautions."

The lieutenant colonel nodded. He was beginning to suspect that this creature wasn't a product of nature, but rather an accidental leak from a certain biochemical research facility—a grim realization akin to the events depicted in novels.

In his heart, the lieutenant colonel cursed the politicians and scientists responsible, believing they would inevitably bring about the world's destruction.

The poisonous leopard was swiftly transported away. Nightfall was approaching, and Amphisbaena didn't rush to deal with the magical creature. After all, he had to return home on time; otherwise, Mrs. Black would forbid his outings the following day.

Moreover, his collaboration with the government had only just begun. Downing Street wouldn't hastily discard their agreement over a single cystic leopard.

The next day, the Prime Minister rearranged his entire schedule to personally meet Amphisbaena. Clearly, the encounter with the cystic leopard had convinced Downing Street of his sincerity. Previously, the Ministry of Magic had been reluctant to entrust such matters to ordinary individuals.

No longer were amnestics employed to erase the memories of ordinary people at every turn. No ruler desired to be a puppet. Downing Street had once seethed with frustration, unable to voice their discontent, but times had changed.

Located on the outskirts of London, this traditional manor was now poised to transform into the No. 0 Secret Library under the Prime Minister's personal guidance.

As an institution of power, Downing Street sought to explore the mysteries of magic. Even if they couldn't wield magic themselves, certain magical artifacts possessed inherent power, capable of exerting their effects without the need for users.

The Confidential Library No. 0 revolved around one such magical artifact, known as the [Mystic Glyph of the Celestial Oracle]. This was the library's name for the enigmatic item.

Its function was akin to a loyalty curse. An impervious guardian, it defied all informants, rendering prophecies and spells futile within its confines. This ancient artifact possessed even greater potency.

Even attempts to extract the prime minister's memories through spells would fail to reveal any trace of the [Mystic Glyph of the Celestial Oracle].

"A total of 1760 magic items are currently housed here, with yesterday's acquisition bringing the count to 1831," a researcher informed Amphisbaena.

Amphisbaena paid little attention to the precise numbers or the secrets concealed by Downing Street. After all, the actual figures far surpassed his expectations. The opportunity to study these magic items, to enhance his alchemical and magical prowess, would undoubtedly propel his strength to new heights. This repository represented a trove of magic items encompassing an entire nation.

Furthermore, it far surpassed the disorganized jumble found within the Room of Requirement. Britain's reputation as a plundering leader during the colonial era had spread worldwide.

Among these artifacts were numerous perilous items, such as the [Maleficent Soulstone]. Extracted from a deity's statue in India, this gem served as the deity's eye. Any mortal possessing it would suffer under the curse of the deity.

Only here, within the confines of the [Mystic Glyph of the Celestial Oracle], was the cursed gem contained, shielding it from the prying eyes of its divine creator, who continued to cast down curses upon those who possessed it.

Filled with anticipation, Amphisbaena briefly contemplated forsaking Hogwarts and remaining here to conduct his studies. However, in the end, he relented.

Amphisbaena deduced that, in the World's perception, only Hogwarts served as the "center of the world." More specifically, Hogwarts represented the sole locus of Harry Potter's education—the true center of the world. In other words, to overcome this predetermined path, Amphisbaena had no choice but to return to Hogwarts.

"In our plan, the poisonous leopard is classified as a level 2 developable magic item. I'm curious, Mr. Prometheus, as to how you intend to utilize it?" The researcher regarded Amphisbaena with burning anticipation in their eyes.