Chapter 25: Clash of Legends

A winter night under a starlit sky, deep within the Forbidden Forest.

"Fascinating, young one. It seems you have quite the knack for such tricks. For someone of your age to wield magic with such fluency, bending its infinite transformations to your will, and forming a distinct magical system of your own—this talent is truly astonishing," a cold voice echoed from the darkness. In the sky, crimson sparks multiplied, dotting the black night like fiery blossoms, dense and vibrant.

Draco Malfoy began to regain some sensation in his body. The bright flames dancing around radiated warmth and light, countering the suffocating darkness. As long as these sparks remained unextinguished, an unshakable hope for dawn began to ignite within him.

"Your aura is chaotic," Augustus observed, his tone calm yet cutting. "Even within the dark arts, such a disordered fusion of cold and chaotic energies is unheard of. For someone of your level, this should never be the case. I find it difficult to comprehend what brought you to this state. If you continue this way, your path in magic has already hit a dead end."

The figure in the shadows wavered slightly, as if Augustus' words had struck a nerve. "Such keen observation," the voice responded, tinged with mockery. "I don't know how you managed to grasp my condition so clearly, but your understanding of magic is still overly simplistic. The world of magic is vast, filled with endless possibilities. No matter the path, as long as one moves forward, the true essence of magic will inevitably reveal itself."

A faint smile played on Augustus' lips. Every mage who reached the legendary level possessed an unwavering commitment to their chosen path. If a few words from an outsider could shake one's conviction, they would never have touched the threshold of the legendary. To be a legend was not merely about unparalleled understanding of magic or transcendent mastery of its essence but also about being a solitary traveler on the endless journey of magical exploration. The road was fraught with countless trials, yet only those who pressed on relentlessly could glimpse the light at the journey's end.

In a world teeming with mediocrity, filled with people scurrying through their lives without purpose, encountering another traveler striving toward the same distant goal evoked a rare, profound feeling in Augustus.

"Show me," Augustus said, his tone resolute. "Let me see if the path you claim to tread has reached the level I anticipate." For two travelers, nothing communicated better than a clash of their understanding of magic. This direct collision of ideals often revealed the depth of their mastery.

The shadowed figure hesitated briefly, seemingly taken aback by Augustus' eagerness to engage. From the moment Augustus had noticed him, the figure had also sensed Augustus. At their level, one's power could be intuitively felt. Despite Augustus' aura being perfectly restrained, a subtle, ever-present sense of danger emanating from him had kept the figure wary. Given his current state, he was reluctant to take unnecessary risks.

But with Augustus issuing a challenge so openly, refusing it would be a blow to his dignity.

A tense atmosphere began to settle in the air. Recognizing the brewing storm, Harry and Draco wisely retreated a few steps. In near unison, the shadowy figure and Augustus raised their wands.

"Reducto!" A massive crimson beam shot forth from the darkness, its speed and sheer power so overwhelming that Draco and Harry felt cold sweat trickling down their backs. Such a devastating spell, delivered with unparalleled precision and force, left no room for counteraction. It was a glimpse into a realm of magic far beyond their reach.

Before the beam could strike, a barrier of roaring flames materialized in front of Augustus. The red energy struck the wall of fire and vanished soundlessly, absorbed entirely without a ripple. The flames, like a living shield, shifted and danced, consuming the attack effortlessly.

Before his opponent could react, Augustus flicked his wand. Dozens of towering ice spears formed in the air, their razor-sharp tips gleaming with a frosty chill. Suspended in the sky, the spears emitted an aura so cold that Harry could see his reflection on their mirrored surfaces. With a wave of Augustus' wand, the spears descended, leaving streaks of light in their wake as they hurtled toward their target.

"Protego Maxima!" The incantation echoed through the darkness, and an invisible barrier formed a few meters from the shadowed figure. The spears struck the unseen wall and halted mid-air. Augustus' expression showed a flicker of admiration. Without hesitation, he adjusted his strategy. His silver wand shimmered as the spears dissolved into countless shards, which transformed into a rain of ice spikes, encircling the shadowy figure from all directions.

Draco's face betrayed shock. Such an all-encompassing attack left no room for escape or defense. But in the next moment, he realized his error. Sometimes, the best defense was an overwhelming offense.

From the darkness emerged a colossal black serpent, its body glowing with an eerie green energy. Composed entirely of magic, the snake exuded an aura of malevolence. With a thunderous inhale, the serpent devoured the incoming ice shards, its golden eyes gleaming with a bloodthirsty menace.

Augustus' silver eyes sparkled with intrigue. It had finally become interesting. As he prepared to counter, the shadowy figure trembled slightly. The serpent dissolved into mist.

"That's enough for tonight," the figure said, his voice steady but tinged with exhaustion. "Our battle will yield no meaningful outcome today. I believe we will meet again soon."

Without waiting for a reply, the figure summoned the lifeless unicorn from the ground. Black flames erupted around him, enveloping both his form and the unicorn. As the flames swirled and intensified, the shadowy figure and the fallen creature vanished, leaving only a chilling stillness in their wake.

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