The performances of these monks had dazzled the students, leaving them deeply shocked.
Had this come from one of the other magical schools, it would have been understandable, but the Mystic Order was an organisation they had never even heard of before.
Only when Dumbledore spoke again did the students gradually quiet down.
"The contestants' evaluations have now been completed. Starting today, the rewards provided by the various magical schools will be placed within the competition grounds. The purpose of this tournament remains the same as ever: to promote everyone's mutual progress!"
At this point, Dumbledore's expression suddenly became solemn.
"However, I must warn all contestants before the competition begins. The Global Youth Wizard Championship is an extremely dangerous tournament. The students taking part may even lose their lives. Even at this very moment, you still have the opportunity to withdraw."
Dumbledore's gaze swept across the faces of the contestants, and their expressions became serious.
Life-threatening?
Seriously?
Rhys, however, knew perfectly well that Dumbledore was not exaggerating. Most of the events in this tournament had been designed by Rowena herself.
And she was hardly a benevolent person.
Without special precautions, the casualty rate among the contestants would probably be terrifying.
It might even become the first and last Global Youth Wizard Championship.
However, the contestants who survived would certainly benefit immensely. Rhys could guarantee that much.
Although Dumbledore had stated that the tournament would be extremely dangerous and might even threaten their lives, not a single person stepped forward to withdraw.
At this point, how could anyone possibly give up?
"The contestants have the final right to decide. So if any of you change your minds, you may come to me or Mr. Jamison before the tournament begins tomorrow. You may withdraw directly without needing to inform your headmaster. Each person is the first and foremost person responsible for their own life," Dumbledore said very seriously.
Behind him, the headmasters reacted differently.
Some approved. Some remained completely confident. Others frowned.
If a student withdrew, that would essentially mean receiving zero points, which would have an extremely unfavorable impact on their school's final ranking.
"Very well, it is getting late. It is time for everyone to return to your dormitories and rest. Honored guests from the other schools and organizations, Hogwarts has prepared comfortable accommodation for you. Of course, if you wish to arrange your own lodging, we have no objection."
Although Hogwarts had prepared dormitories, the other seven magical schools politely declined Hogwarts' offer and chose to stay in the accommodations they had brought themselves.
After all, they were famous magical schools. Staying in Hogwarts' dormitories would be far too embarrassing.
Those who chose to stay in the lodging arranged by Hogwarts were all independent contestants.
After Dumbledore announced the dismissal, the Great Hall became noisy and chaotic.
The headmasters stepped down from the staff table and gathered their students together, forming lines near the entrance of the hall as they waited to leave.
"Hogwarts has become much livelier," Gryffindor's voice sounded beside Dumbledore's ear.
"This is the result of the efforts of generations of teachers and students. Rome was not built in a day, and neither was Hogwarts."
When speaking of Hogwarts, a rare trace of tenderness flashed through Dumbledore's eyes.
He had poured almost everything he had into this school.
Gryffindor said nothing more.
Only after a few seconds did he ask Dumbledore, "Where are we staying tonight?"
His thoughts shifted so abruptly that Dumbledore almost failed to react.
"Eh? Could I stay in Gryffindor Tower?" Gryffindor asked eagerly.
"I'm afraid not. The children would keep you awake all night," Dumbledore replied humorously. "We really have prepared rather good accommodation. I'll have Minerva take you there."
"Alright."
Gryffindor sighed, his expression looking as though he truly felt regretful.
Dumbledore turned toward Professor McGonagall and winked at her.
Professor McGonagall took a deep breath, then said to the independent contestants still lingering in the Great Hall, "Please follow me."
Although her words were addressed to all the independent contestants, Professor McGonagall's gaze kept drifting toward Gryffindor.
That was Godric Gryffindor!
An excited Professor McGonagall led the group out through the side door of the Great Hall and brought them to the right-hand corridor on the 3rd floor of the castle.
After opening the door, they found that the entire corridor had been completely renovated. It was filled with cubicles meant for accommodation.
They were even better than the rooms used by Hogwarts' own students, because these cubicles were single rooms and even had separate bathrooms and washrooms.
…
After following the crowd out of the Great Hall, Rhys did not return to the common room. Instead, he headed straight for Helga's office.
When he arrived before the office door, Rhys pushed it and discovered that it did not budge at all.
Looking more closely, he found that the office doorknob had been replaced with a badger's head.
Rhys: "…"
It seemed Helga had obtained quite a bit of new technology from Rowena.
He reached out and scratched the badger's forehead. The badger-head doorknob immediately came to life and spoke in a gentle voice.
"Which do you think is the best House at Hogwarts?"
Rhys: "…"
"Slytherin House."
"Wrong answer. Hint: the students of this House are very united, so which is the best House at Hogwarts?"
"Slytherin House."
"Incorrect answer." Several veins seemed to bulge on the badger's head. "I'll ask again. Which is the best House at Hogwarts? Just say its name and I can let you in. Hint: the symbol of this House is a—"
"Slytherin House," Rhys answered decisively as he drew his wand.
"Oh? You want to fight me?" Faced with Rhys's threat, the badger head was utterly fearless and even seemed somewhat eager.
"The best House at Hogwarts is Hufflepuff House."
Just as Rhys was about to blast the annoying doorknob apart with a spell, Helga's voice rang out.
The doorknob cheered and loudly repeated Helga's answer before springing the door open.
Rhys: "…"
Without a word, he walked into Helga's office. After Helga shut the door behind them, he turned to her and said, "Helga, don't you think that question is rather childish?"
"Not at all." The smile on Helga's face never faded.
"Alright, enough small talk. It's time to discuss serious matters." Rowena interrupted the two of them and casually took out the Resurrection Stone ring.
"Don't use that just yet," Rhys interrupted her before she could proceed.
"It's too dangerous. I can't predict what might happen."
"That makes sense." Rowena nodded and slipped the Resurrection Stone ring back into her pocket.
"It seems the three of us have reached the same conclusion?" she said lightly, looking at her two old friends with amusement.
"Of course," Rhys and Helga replied in unison.
____
12 Chaps ahead at Patreon.com/HornyFBI