The Frustrating System—Let’s Go Down Together!!

Seeing the newly acquired Gold Chest, Cro's breath caught in his throat, and the veins on his forehead throbbed violently.

The system's reward at this moment was nothing short of adding fuel to the fire—gasoline, no less!

"If you don't know how to talk, then don't! Do you think I care about this Gold Chest? You...!"

Cro took a few deep breaths, trying to suppress the rage boiling inside him. This was the second time he had received Galleons as a reward. The first time was from a Bronze Chest—this time it was from a Diamond Chest!

At first, he thought, At worst, it'll still be a spell, right?

But who would've thought... Galleons, again!

Collapsing back onto his bed, Cro's face was a picture of despair. Five Diamond Chests, which he believed would mark the beginning of his unstoppable rise, had instead heralded the start of his downfall.

Are Galleons useful?

Yes! In that world, money was one of the most useful things.

But for him...

Galleons were less useful than toilet paper!

At least toilet paper didn't hurt your backside!

"I still have three Diamond Chests. I know you didn't do this on purpose, but you have to understand—it's not easy for me to earn these treasure chests!"

Cro muttered to himself, his face a mix of frustration and hope.

"Tell me, how many hosts out there can earn you five Diamond Chests in a single day? If there is one, go ahead and bind yourself to them! Stop tormenting me!"

The system remained silent, as though it didn't exist. Cro wasn't angry anymore; instead, he continued, almost pleading.

"If there isn't anyone else, then what good would it do you to kill me with frustration? I'll give you one more chance—if I get Galleons from any of these next three Diamond Chests, we're done!"

When the system still didn't respond, Cro wasn't fazed. He simply waved his hand, speaking decisively.

"Open another Diamond Chest! Remember, this is your chance and mine!"

Cro swallowed hard, fidgeting with the Fantastic Beasts Ball in his hands. He didn't know if his threat would have any effect, but judging from last time, it had seemed to help, at least a little.

He could only hope it would work again.

Otherwise, what could he do?

He couldn't really go down with the system, could he?

And what about Hermione and Cassandra?

[Congratulations! You have opened a Diamond Chest and received: The Patronus Charm!]

[Patronus Charm Lv1: The most powerful and ancient defensive charm in the wizarding world!]

[Note: The form of the Patronus depends entirely on the host's inner self; the system will not interfere!]

The Patronus Charm!!

Cro's eyes widened in shock.

The Patronus Charm wasn't just useful for warding off Dementors—it wouldn't be called the strongest defensive charm for that alone. Its true power lay in the Patronus itself.

Wizards could command their Patronus to perform tasks, and the Patronus could even protect them from harm. This was the reason why the Patronus Charm was known as the most powerful defensive spell.

After absorbing the knowledge that flowed into his mind, Cro couldn't help but grin from ear to ear. He couldn't wait any longer—he jumped off the bed, pulling out his long, sturdy wand, eager to cast the spell.

The good thing about the system was that, despite the reward level of the spell being only Lv1, even at the first level, he had already learned it. He could cast it immediately, though the power would be limited.

Taking a deep breath, Cro raised his wand high.

"As such an innocent and pure little wizard, surely I'll summon a noble Patronus. A unicorn, maybe, or even a phoenix?"

"Who cares, as long as something comes out," he muttered, still full of anticipation.

With a flourish, Cro cast the spell.

"Expecto Patronum!!"

A deep green light burst from the tip of his wand, flooding the entire dormitory in its eerie glow. Before Cro could react, the room was filled with the thick stench of bloodlust, and a massive Basilisk materialized beside him.

The enormous serpent coiled its body, wrapping around Cro protectively. Its lantern-sized, blood-red eyes gleamed with a murderous intent that sent shivers down his spine.

Cro stood frozen, staring at the huge Basilisk in shock. He glanced down at the Fantastic Beasts Ball hanging from his neck to make sure it wasn't Nagini that had somehow escaped.

Only after confirming that it wasn't did he finally accept the reality before him—his Patronus was a Basilisk!

Cro had heard of wands backfiring when casting the Patronus Charm, but he'd never heard of anyone summoning a Dark creature as their Patronus!

And not just any Dark creature—a Basilisk, one of the most terrifying beings in the magical world!

"I did everything by the book! I thought of happy thoughts before casting the spell, so why is my Patronus different from everyone else's...?"

Cro was beginning to question his entire existence as he looked down at his wand and then up at the massive Basilisk coiled around him.

"This doesn't make sense. No one's ever said you could summon a Basilisk with the Patronus Charm, right? System, what's going on? Is this some kind of bootleg Patronus Charm?"

"A knockoff, seriously! This is outrageous!" Cro muttered helplessly.

Summoning a Basilisk wasn't a flaw in the spell. Surely it wasn't because his inner self was too dark and twisted, and that's why his Patronus was a Dark creature, right?

Impossible!

Absolutely impossible!

Cro shook his head vehemently.

I mean, come on—could there be a purer, more innocent wizard in the entire magical world than me?

Clearly...

Well, probably not many!

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T/N:

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