100: Muggles' Power & Grindelwald's Deeds

Praise for the new era, all kinds of high technology, cameras, and satellite surveillance in every corner.

As for the war weapons that had long existed, Ronald, who was born and raised in the wizarding world, was utterly shocked.

Boom~~

The hazy fog showed a mushroom cloud rising into the sky. The terrifying storm that destroyed a city in an instant shattered all the little wizards' ideas about the limits of power.

"Bloody hell..."

It wasn't just Ronald who was shocked; even Hermione shuddered. "What the—?"

"Muggle weapons."

"It's also the future of this world!"

Ivan did not hold back. He knew how far the Muggle world would advance in the next thirty years.

In Ivan's view, Muggles and wizards were destined to be unable to truly coexist.

Even with places like where Hermione and Ivan had come from, rooted in the Muggle world, it was hard for ordinary people to fully accept wizards as long as they wielded magic.

So Ivan never believed in the concept of peaceful coexistence between Muggles and wizards; to him, it was simply unrealistic within the wizarding world.

"Rather than saying that the magic world does not need to change, it's more accurate to say that the magic world has failed to change."

Ivan continued, "Today's wizarding world is almost the same as it was when the Statute of Secrecy was enacted three hundred years ago."

"I'm not talking about the system of the wizarding world."

"It's the magic itself!"

Ivan conveyed his thoughts to the young wizards and Penelope. "Muggles are advancing, but our magic is still stuck in the past!"

"We are wizards; that fact shapes our future position and identity!"

At this point, Ivan told them about Grindelwald's deeds.

Almost none of the young wizards of this era knew who Grindelwald was. In the eyes of the older generation, he was the true embodiment of darkness.

Compared to him, Voldemort was seen as more of a lunatic.

"This..."

"This is terrible, Ivan," Hermione said, a hint of worry in her voice. She feared that Ivan might follow Grindelwald's path.

Grindelwald believed in the supremacy of wizards. He envisioned a world where wizards ruled over Muggles.

And this would inevitably lead to war.

"Yes, exactly, Ivan."

When Harry and Parvati thought about a future war between wizards and Muggles, a sense of unease settled within them.

Only Penelope remained calm.

Of course, this did not mean Penelope agreed with Grindelwald's ideas.

But she believed that Ivan would not be the next Grindelwald.

Because Ivan had told them clearly that he would not follow Grindelwald's old path.

"Don't worry, everyone," Ivan smiled and said. "I never thought about inheriting Grindelwald's will, even if I could really do those things."

There was no doubt among those present.

Although they had never seen how strong Grindelwald was, Ivan's magic talent could only be described as explosive.

He was a little wizard who even defeated Voldemort!

Ivan's battle with Voldemort was naturally made up to the outside world.

But here!

Harry would not fool his friends.

After learning the truth from Harry, Penelope was stunned.

A first-year wizard beating the Dark Lord was too magical.

"I know you don't want to hurt anyone."

The young wizards present were all very kind, and they couldn't even be cruel enough to kill people.

Don't think they were too soft-hearted.

If a group of 10-year-old children could kill without hesitation, Ivan wouldn't dare to involve them.

Being kind-hearted doesn't mean being weak.

When faced with danger, kind people will fight to the death to protect their homes and loved ones.

"I don't like killing, and I don't believe that harming others is something to be proud of."

Ivan reassured them that the mysterious side would not pursue aggression, war, or domination.

"But there's one thing I hope everyone understands."

Ivan pointed to the still-hazy and shifting white mist, saying, "Many things won't change just because we wish it. Our voices are too small."

"Maybe one day, we'll leave Hogwarts and become accomplished wizards who lead the British wizarding world."

"But what about the Muggle world?"

Ivan continued, "No matter how hard we try, no matter how much we restrain ourselves, we can't control the will of Muggles."

"Because it's forbidden to interfere with Muggle development without permission!"

However, if the wizarding world were ever exposed…

Muggles would inevitably retaliate against wizards who, for hundreds of years, used Memory Charms to tamper with their memories.

After all, who would want people in the world who could easily alter their memories and control their lives?

Grindelwald saw the potential of Muggles and urged his fellow wizards to strike first.

"What should we do?"

Everyone looked to Ivan, who was the heart of the team, guiding their way.

"The same advice as always: improve yourself."

"No matter the circumstances, it's always right to make yourself better."

Ivan continued, "Additionally, we must be prepared."

"Prepared?"

The discussion grew more serious, and a sense of mission settled on the young wizards.

"Be fully ready for any possible dangers."

Ivan said, "The mysterious side is not a weapon or a sword but an indestructible shield."

"There's a wise saying: don't intend to harm others, but always be on guard against them."

"We will never seek to harm Muggles."

"But if one day, Muggles choose to point their weapons at us, what should we do?"

Ivan's words quickly made the young wizards feel a sense of looming threat.

Yes, wizards don't harm Muggles, claiming it's for protection.

But on the other hand, what if Muggles were to harm wizards?

"If wizards harm Muggles, they're sent to Azkaban."

"But if Muggles harm wizards, they go unpunished."

Ivan paused for a moment and posed a soul-searching question: "Are these laws meant to protect Muggles, or to protect us?"

It was a direct challenge to the Statute of Secrecy, but one that highlighted the flaws in some of the magical world's leadership.

"This is the current state of the wizarding world."

"I'm not condemning it, because that doesn't achieve anything."

"Rather than complain about the world, it's better to consider what we're going to do."

Seeing the children's attentive faces, Ivan smiled. "It's simple—if people suspect you have dangerous weapons, it's best if you actually do."

"Wait, what?"

Everyone immediately understood that Ivan was planning something serious.

But his words made sense to them.

Weapons can be dangerous, but they shouldn't be absent altogether.

If wizards lose the power to defend themselves, what right do they have to hold any authority?

"So we're not here to tear down the Statute of Secrecy."

"On the contrary, we're here to protect it and maintain it!"

If wizards want to keep Muggles safe like fragile creatures, they must first ensure they are strong enough to do so, right?

What Ivan wanted was to strengthen the wizarding community.

In a way, wasn't he actually preserving the Statute of Secrecy?

"Uh..."

Hermione realized Ivan was stretching the truth, but she chose not to point it out.

Miss Granger, now less rigid than her original self, would always side with those she cared for over strangers. So she stood firmly by Ivan's side!

"So, what are the details?" Penelope asked, curious about Ivan's exact plans. "What are you planning to do?"

"My idea is to start by understanding each other."

Ivan continued, "As the saying goes, 'Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never lose a battle.'"

"If we don't even understand the strength of our opponents, how can we be prepared to face them?"

With this, Ivan opened his bag and took out a range of everyday Muggle items: "Let me show you something."

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