Hogwarts, Please Graduate Soon, Ch 69.4

The older a person gets, the more they fear death.

 Spiders feel the same way.

 Having lived for fifty years, Alagork's eyes were clouded with cataracts, yet he still felt he hadn't lived enough. He wanted to live out his days in peace, not die at the hands of this little wizard.

 "I am a Hufflepuff; how could I possibly deceive you?" Wayne replied calmly.

 Alagork was left speechless. He thought such a ruthless little wizard would never make a promise to spare his life."

 "Isn't that a Slytherin crowd over there? How did they end up being Hufflepuff? Does your headmaster know how vicious you are? Power is greater than individuals; Aragog can only pin his hopes on the reputation of Hufflepuff.

 He emitted a series of strange calls, prompting the other Acromantula to spring into action.

 What unfolded next was a bizarre scene. Hundreds of Acromantula lined up in two orderly rows, climbing onto a wooden barrel one by one, squeezing out their venom and then weakly dropping down, before slowly crawling away to make way for the spiders behind.

 Without the venom, they had lost their essence. It's a miracle they aren't completely drained.

 Wayne's lips curved slightly. Acromantula venom is undoubtedly one of the most expensive materials in the magical world. A pint (about 550 milliliters) sells for as high as one hundred Galleons, and it's hard to come by. It is not only an essential ingredient in the making of advanced potions like the Felix Felicis and Intelligence Potions, but also acts as a catalyst in many potions, further enhancing their quality.

 Such a valuable item—there's only one jar at Snape's, and after Wayne took a few glances, Snape put it away as if guarding against a thief. How stingy.

 This big barrel of Acromantula venom can hold at least thirty or fifty pints. For the next year or two, he won't have to worry about running out of Acromantula venom. As for when it's finished… the Forbidden Forest is Hogwarts' territory. As the school's flower and its future successor, isn't it reasonable to collect some protection money?

 With the Acromantula obediently milking, Wayne decided not to pay too much attention and shifted his focus to the unicorn.

 Well-fed and watered, the little unicorn had already fallen asleep. Apart from its striking appearance, the unicorn also emanated a holy aura that made him feel quite at ease. The unicorn seemed equally fond of him, nudging against him affectionately.

 As Wayne stroked the soft fur of the unicorn mother, he speculated it might have something to do with his innate talent as a natural spirit.

 The venom in the barrel was already half full, but the remaining spiders were not many either. Aragog, hanging from a tree, called out continuously, ordering the other Acromantula to produce more.

 He would have to make up for the rest himself!

 Rustle! Rustle!

 Just as the previously quiet forest was about to settle down again, the sound of hooves thundered from the distance. Wayne became alert, activating his spatial awareness.

 "Hunters! Get off this land!"