Although that suspicion was forming in his mind, Allen's hands never stopped moving. Almost subconsciously, he pulled out the bag of dog food that the shop owner had proudly advertised as the highest-grade product.
After giving it a tentative sniff, the snow-white little creature immediately plunged her head straight into the bag, greedily eating away with obvious delight—even though Hiyori had just fed her moments ago.
Perhaps because this little thing's looks were simply too unfairly adorable, Allen couldn't restrain himself and reached out to pet her. The fox struggled weakly for just a moment before completely surrendering to the temptation of food, allowing Allen to stroke her at will.
With one hand petting the fox like he would a cat, Allen's eyes instinctively swept across the surroundings. Only now did he notice—wow—dog food packaging was scattered almost everywhere.
He had only given Hiyori dog food yesterday! Just how much could this tiny thing eat?!
Before he could dwell on it further, Allen abruptly pulled out his wand, his expression sharpening.
A disturbance rippled through the surrounding space—the sensation was eerily similar to a large group of people using Apparition at the same time.
This is ridiculous.
Was Mahoutokoro's defensive system made of paper? One fox-blooded witch slipping in earlier was one thing—but now so many people teleporting in at once, and nobody noticed?
At a moment like this, Allen had absolutely no intention of sacrificing himself for Mahoutokoro.
One-on-one, danger amounted to nothing more than the word run. But one versus many—and protecting someone else's school? He wasn't stupid.
By the time the incoming group was about to complete their teleportation, Allen had already prepared to flee.
He couldn't use his "Wanderer" ultimate in this sealed-off area, but accelerating fast enough to leave behind nothing but an afterimage? That much he was confident in.
Then he saw him.
And stopped.
A wizard well over a hundred years old—the kind whose current combat strength could dominate the entire world.
Our people. Definitely our people.
Most likely Marshall and the others had called in reinforcements.
Though they arrived a little late, the sheer number of them warmed Allen's heart.
Late was still better than never. Even if they were only here to watch after the solo fight had already ended—it was still better than not showing up at all.
But… wasn't this level of attention a bit excessive?
He was just an ordinary student. He didn't have Harry's complicated background.
So why had so many people shown up?
Allen quickly realized something was wrong.
Aside from Hogwarts professors, there were also professors from other schools present—and there wasn't a shred of concern on their faces.
Especially on the Ilvermorny side, where open sneers and ridicule were written plainly across their expressions. There was no intention of rescue whatsoever.
Professor Sprout was the first to rush forward.
Slightly plump in figure, she jogged over to Allen, her face full of worry. She gently patted his head and asked in a low voice,
"Child, tell me honestly… did you do it?"
Allen looked utterly confused.
Do what?
Sure, I've thought about blowing up the school to get rich—but that was just thinking! I haven't done anything big lately!
Seeing his bewildered expression, Professor Sprout grew anxious and pressed on in a hushed tone,
"They're saying you're suspected of kidnapping—and even murdering—a minor witch. Tell me you didn't!"
Allen froze.
Professor, don't joke internationally like that!
Sure, he had killed people before—but only those who deserved it! Random murder? Absolutely not!
Looking at her distressed expression, Allen replied without hesitation,
"No. I didn't. Professor, why would you think that?"
She stared into his eyes for a long moment before finally smiling gently.
"That's good. Later, don't let them lead you into saying something wrong. We'll stand on your side."
After giving his hair a firm rub once more, Professor Sprout resolutely walked toward the group of wizards and took her place behind Dumbledore.
Allen couldn't help but inhale sharply.
Looks like today's going to be a real mess.
He discreetly sent a signal to Hiyori, telling him to go find Annie.
If these people forcibly pinned this false charge on him, Allen had no intention of submitting peacefully.
Even if Dumbledore was likely to hold back…
Even if Dumbledore didn't hold back today—Allen still had a chance to escape by exposing his dark magic, though he'd be forced to live like a sewer rat with severe injuries afterward.
The first to step forward was the Ilvermorny headmaster, Charlid—his tone as unpleasant as ever.
His wand pointed straight at Allen as he spoke gravely,
"Allen of Hogwarts, you are hereby accused—"
Before he could finish, Dumbledore casually tapped his raised arm, knocking it down.
Dumbledore's voice was gentle, yet carried undeniable authority.
"That's enough, Charlid. Without an investigation, you have no right to condemn anyone. And this child is my student—if there is any wrongdoing, it is my responsibility to handle it."
Mahoutokoro's headmaster, however, maintained a solemn expression. He stepped forward and gave Dumbledore a formal bow.
"I apologize, Mr. Dumbledore. Although the suspect is your student, he is implicated in a kidnapping and murder case. Furthermore, he seriously injured a witch who attempted to apprehend him using traps, nearly killing her. In accordance with Ministry orders and our school regulations, we ask that you recuse yourself from this matter."
Before Dumbledore could respond, the headmaster had already summoned several professors. Two professors from Ilvermorny also joined in of their own accord.
Faced with this, Dumbledore could only smile bitterly and cease his interference.
Much like how domestic school boards suppress individual institutions, international regulations forced even Dumbledore to act according to procedure—
Even if his strength was more than enough to beat every one of them senseless.
Several wands were pointed at Allen simultaneously.
Yet Allen felt no pressure at all.
Mahoutokoro's most threatening Defense Against the Dark Arts professor hadn't acted. His own school's professors hadn't acted. And the only person he was absolutely certain he couldn't defeat—Dumbledore—clearly had no intention of acting either.
As for this bunch of weaklings?
Heh.
Allen felt he could beat them all senseless without effort.
"Hand over your wand, you shameless murderer!"
The loudest voice belonged to Ilvermorny's Defense Against the Dark Arts professor—the same man who had been beaten nearly to death by two students two years ago, a humiliation he clearly hadn't forgotten.
Allen rolled his eyes, his tone utterly calm.
"Why?"
"You say I'm guilty—so I am?"
The opposing side was visibly stunned.
They had encountered fugitives before.
They had encountered resistance before.
But someone this blatantly arrogant?
That was a first.