Stern's expression was intense: "Serra... Abigail? Is she coming back? Didn't you say... her loyalty still needs testing?"
"That's right. Her Guardian God has changed, which has made me a bit uneasy. Perhaps keeping her at the base is safer."
Thorne frowned and said, "But... with someone like Vid Gray, every extra day he grows could pose a greater threat to us!"
"This time is a rare opportunity—no poppets, no Dumbledore, and even on a plane, a natural cage! If we act when the flight is in the middle, even if they try apparition, they'll just end up in the ocean!"
"If even this time fails, then we might have to risk sacrificing Abigail and have her infiltrate the UK to personally take down this former student!"
At this point, he couldn't help but sigh:
"It's my fault! If I had seen that kid's threat from the start and not held onto the hope of recruiting him... maybe two years ago, we could have solved this problem!"
...
The airport hall was spacious and bright, bustling with people conversing in various languages from around the world, unbeknownst to how many wizards were hidden among them.
With the Alchemy Competition concluded, the wizards who came to participate or spectate began their journeys home. Considering the difficulty of applying for a portkey in a foreign country, most wizards opted for Muggle transportation.
This choice was partly influenced by the Flow Mirror—
In the past, many reclusive wizards were utterly clueless about Muggles, leading to comical mistakes like wearing underwear outside. When they appeared in the ordinary world, they were as conspicuous as a spotlight.
Wizards hated being ridiculed by Muggles; those eyes felt like they had been hit with a vomit curse.
But since the Flow Mirror became popular, even the most rigid, tradition-bound wizards couldn't resist buying one.
Through the Flow Mirror, not only did their lives become more interesting, but they also saw what Muggle life was really like, learning how they take cabs, fly planes, book hotels, what they wear, eat, and joke with friends.
Of course, some wizards couldn't distinguish between fictional plots and reality, nor knew that TV shows often use exaggerated methods to depict conflicts...
But at least now, it is rare for wizards to make mistakes with their attire, and in conversations, they know the popular topics and trends among Muggles.
This makes it easier for them to integrate into ordinary society, avoiding being seen as oddballs, significantly increasing the likelihood of wizards venturing out and experiencing Muggle life—like taking a plane.
And at the airport, whether wizard or ordinary person, at this moment, everyone must abide by airport rules, complete check-in procedures, and wait to board in designated areas.
Vid sat on a chair, reviewing the details of his trip in the United States in his mind when a shadow suddenly stopped near him, blocking part of the light.
Moody asked harshly, "Kid, what's your business?"
Vid looked up and saw a tall Russian youth wearing a travel robe, his gaze directly on Vid, saying,
"I'm looking for Mr. Gray... Hello, Mr. Gray, you might not remember me—I was one of the participants in the Alchemy Competition."
The young man said.
Vid recalled for a moment, remembering their connection—
Lev Zakharov.
In fact, both of them stayed at the White Bridge Inn, but they barely crossed paths.
During the Alchemy Competition, Lev Zakharov's work was a spherical shield that could resist severe cold and heat, quite commendable. But since it wasn't a poppet, Vid didn't participate in evaluating it.
At this moment, his proactive greeting took Vid by surprise, prompting him to stand and nod, "Hello, Mr. Zakharov."
Lev Zakharov nodded. His voice, like him, carried a cold hardness, yet his tone was relatively calm: "It seems we're on the same flight, mind if I sit here?"
He pointed to the empty seat diagonally opposite.
"...Of course not." Vid felt a bit puzzled, smiled, "Please do."
Moody cast a dangerous gaze on Zakharov but didn't speak—
Even though he was tasked with protecting Vid, it didn't mean he could occupy adjacent seats, forbidding other passengers from sitting.
That's why Vid found it odd when Zakharov specifically asked him.
After sitting down, Zakharov didn't say much, just pulled out a book from his bag and began to read.
Only occasionally did Vid sense a look seemingly sweeping across him from opposite.
Shortly after, Lupin returned. He saw Zakharov and seemed a bit surprised—he remembered this participant's appearance.
Lupin looked inquiringly at Vid, who gently shook his head, so Lupin sat on Vid's other side.
Soon, two more familiar figures approached, the front person holding a ticket, looked around as if searching for something, then suddenly locked on and smiled.
"Hey! Zakharov, you're here! Ah... Judge Gray, what a coincidence, you're on this flight too?"
Victor Kravchuk, who crafted an unfinished suit of armor during the competition, marched over loudly greeting.
Following behind, Modis Graves quietly approached upon hearing familiar names, smiling:
"Quite unexpected, meeting you all at the airport. Seems like fate has us traveling together again."
"Coincidence, but also inevitable!"
Victor sat boldly next to Zakharov, patting the Russian youth on the back and said:
"We plan on visiting the UK! Heard Diagon Alley holds lots of good stuff, British Alchemy is more advanced than back home!"
He looked at Vid, showing a flattering smile somewhat out of character:
"Mr. Gray, can we ask you a few questions on the way to the UK?"
Moody raised an eyebrow, coldly responding: "Confidentiality Law!"
"Oh, right!" Victor scratched his head and laughed heartily, "Definitely can't discuss these on Muggle ground!"
"Aren't you still talking?"
Zakharov replied helplessly, doubting why his newly acquainted friend, so carefree, hadn't been detained by their country's Ministry of Magic.
Modis's tone was gentle and slow: "Ancient Europe is imbued with endless wisdom, something the United States can't match, so I want to expand my horizons."
"Exactly, especially the adventure of Little People Country, I absolutely want to experience it!" Victor raised his thumb, speaking longingly.
Modis chuckled lightly: "Shrinking oneself and competing with insects usually crushed underfoot? Honestly, I don't see the appeal of this game."
Victor, hearing this, didn't refute, just grinned, "Of course, you view poppets as tools!"
"What do you mean?" Modis raised an eyebrow.
"Nothing really." Victor grinned, "I'm complimenting you as a pragmatist!"
Moody raised an eyebrow and said, "So, you three aren't together?"
"Of course not!" Victor pointed at Zakharov, "I arranged to travel with this guy, during boarding pass exchange, we met Modis Graves."
Moody was about to say something when he heard a familiar voice:
"By Merlin's beard! Every time I see so many people and things squeezed together, waiting to be packed into the belly of a plane, I feel dizzy!"
"Haha, this time I'll take a good look at those... um... those conveyor belts! And the boarding vehicles, see how they operate?"
Vid and the others turned around, unable to resist a faint smile.
The Weasley family and Harry had arrived.