The early morning sun filtered through the misty sky above Slytherin Castle's crumbling towers, casting long shadows over the dew-soaked ground. Harry stirred in his tent, groggy and disoriented, until the sharp clang of steel meeting steel snapped him fully awake.
[System Notification]
You have slept in a [Basic Tent].
Health and Magic restored by 75%.
All active debuffs have been cleared.
He blinked and sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes. The rhythmic metallic clashes echoed across the ancient stone courtyard. With a grunt of effort, he unzipped his tent flap and stepped out into the chilly air.
The scene before him was... unexpected.
In the middle of the castle courtyard, two goblins were locked in a heated swordfight. Their goblin-forged blades gleamed in the light, moving fast and furiously. The smaller of the two ducked low, narrowly avoiding a strike, then countered with a sharp jab that forced his opponent back a step.
A small crowd had gathered. Wizards and witches in excavation robes stood alongside goblins with armor pieces strapped to their torsos, all cheering and jeering in equal measure. The atmosphere was surprisingly festive, like a spontaneous tournament had begun in the ruins of an ancient kingdom.
Harry wiped sweat from his brow—it was already hot this morning—and stepped closer.
Two goblins were dueling in the ancient courtyard of the castle ruins, blades flashing under the pale sun. A crowd of Gringotts staff—both goblins and wizards in excavation gear—stood in a circle, shouting, cheering, and exchanging bets.
[Observe Activated – Lv.9]
Goblin Duelist (Kraguk Ironclaw)
Level: 17
Class: Warrior (Sword Specialist)
HP: 260 / 380
Status: [Fatigued], [Minor Bleeding]
Mood: Competitive
[Observe Activated – Lv.9]
Goblin Duelist (Snagtooth)
Level: 15
Class: Rogue (Agile Duelist)
HP: 190 / 300
Status: [Fatigued], [Disarmed]
Mood: Frustrated
The duel had clearly been going on for a while. Both combatants were breathing hard, their movements slower, their stances less precise. Then, with a sharp twist and a disarming flick, Snagtooth's sword clattered to the stones, and Kraguk stepped forward, pointing his weapon triumphantly toward the sky.
Cheers erupted, mostly from the goblins, while a few wizards clapped politely. But Snagtooth wasn't done. He snarled, spat blood to the side, and stormed off without a word.
The watching crowd let out a roar of approval. Some even clapped.
The victor—who had a jagged scar down one cheek and a wide, proud grin—bowed mockingly toward the crowd. But before he could fully catch his breath, another goblin stepped forward from the sideline, cracking his knuckles and stepped into the ring and tossed a small pouch toward Kraguk.
[Item Detected]: 50 Galleons wager
[Observation]: Goblin dueling tradition – winner takes gold, loser trains harder.
Harry crossed his arms, watching with quiet interest. He hadn't seen such pure, skill-based sparring in a while. No wands. No chants. Just grit, timing, and bladework.
The crowd whooped again, and without needing to be asked, the last goblin backed off as the new challenger stepped into the circle. A sword was thrown toward the new fighter, which he caught mid-air, twirled once, and saluted his opponent.
And just like that, the match continued.
Harry folded his arms and watched with interest. Goblin duels were rare to witness, especially outside Gringotts grounds. Here, they were doing it for pride, camaraderie, or maybe just to pass time while the deeper chambers remained sealed behind powerful wards.
Harry didn't interrupt. He knew better than to interfere with goblin customs. Still, it was an interesting sight. Despite the historical tension between goblins and wizards, this excavation site felt strangely egalitarian—like a neutral ground where strength and wit mattered more than blood.
Maybe this is what the wizarding world could be like, Harry thought, if the Ministry weren't so obsessed with blood purity and control.
[Quest Created – The way of the Blade]
"Test of Blood & Steel":
You are watching goblin warriors prove their mettle.
Participate in the sparring duel and win.
Reward: +1 Goblin Respect
+150 EXP for each goblins defeated
Time Limit: Before noon.
Harry raised a brow.
Harry stood on the edge of the training ring, watching the goblin duel intensify with every passing moment. Sweat gleamed on their armored brows, swords danced in fluid arcs, and cheers echoed from every corner of the courtyard.
Harry turned to a nearby wizard who was jotting down notes and cheering half-heartedly.
"Can anyone else join these matches?" Harry asked, curious.
The wizard, a tall man in cracked spectacles and a bushy mustache, glanced at Harry and raised a brow.
"Anyone with 50 Galleons can join. The goblins allow it," he said.
"But no wizard's crazy enough to actually fight them. It's purely weapon-based—no spells. And goblins train with blades from the moment they can walk."
Harry nodded thoughtfully.
"So... none of the wizards have tried?"
"None," the man said flatly. "We'd get shredded. Most of us wouldn't last three seconds with those swordmasters."
Harry gave him a small smile and turned away.
[Personal Dimension]
Inside the flickering void of his personal dimension, Harry summoned his gear. He took out the Goblin-Forged Sword from the Blackfyre Vault, its edge still shimmering with the faint blue of runic enchantment. It had the perfect weight, balanced for his hand.
Next, he summoned a small leather pouch from his vault inventory and filled it with 50 Galleons.
[Goblin-forged Sword] – +15 Attack, +5 Dexterity, Extra Sharpness (Goblin-Crafted)
[Galleon Pouch] x50 – Entry Fee (Dueling Arena)
He stepped out of the dimension and into the real world once again, his cloak swaying with purpose.
Just as the victorious goblin raised his blade again, challenging any takers, a loud clink interrupted the tension.
A leather pouch struck the stone floor and rolled to his feet.
"I challenge you," Harry said, stepping into the ring.
Gasps rippled through the crowd like a wave.
[System Notification]
You have initiated a Duel Challenge in [Goblin Arena]
Opponent: Grushnak, Duel Champion
Entry Fee Paid: 50 Galleons
Spectators: 19 Wizards, 22 Goblins
Outcome: Win – 150 EXP + Faction Respect | Lose – No refund
The goblin, Grushnak, narrowed his eyes and studied the short wizard who had appeared only yesterday. He grinned, revealing jagged silver teeth.
"You'll regret that, little wizard," he said, raising his curved blade.
The crowd murmured in anticipation.
The duel was about to begin.
[System Notification]
A Duel Has Begun!
[Combatants: Harry (Lv. 18) vs. Grushnak (Lv. 20 – Goblin Swordmaster)]
[Arena Rule: No Magic | No Items | Weapon-Only Combat]
Reward: 150 EXP + 9x Gold Pouches (50 Galleons each)
Current Arena Pot: 450 Galleons
The ring fell into silence as the two fighters circled each other like predators. The sun blazed down on the sand, and sweat clung to both warriors' brows.
Grushnak grinned, short but muscular, with two curved goblin-forged sabers in hand. Harry held his own Blackfyre Sword, pulsing faintly with enchantment.
[Observe – Lv.9]
Name: Grushnak
Race: Goblin
Class: Duelist
Level: 20
Title: Two-Fangs of Bloodsteel
Weapon Style: Dual Saber
Passive: +20% attack speed | Critical Counter
Weakness: Counter timing delay after 5th consecutive strike
Grushnak struck first—a blinding sweep from the left. Harry barely deflected it, and the next saber came around in a fast arc, aimed at his ribs. He twisted his wrist and rolled under the blade.
[Combat Log]
Grushnak used Twin Fang Slice
You used Wind Step – Evasion Successful
Minor stamina drain: -10
Harry was no master swordsman—but he was fast, strong, and had reflexes bordering on preternatural thanks to his Dexterity and Endurance.
His swing came heavy, not refined, but full of power. Grushnak blocked it, but the force made the goblin stagger.
[Combat Log]
You struck with [Blackfyre Sword] – Damage: 42
Grushnak staggered (2s delay on next move)
A roar came from the spectators as Harry's brute-force style clashed with the goblin's technique.
They danced again. Grushnak tried to tire him out with relentless attacks—five strikes in a flash.
Clang. Clang. Clang.
Harry parried, ducked, stepped back, and countered.
CLANG!
A perfect strike!
You activated [Parry Counter]!
Critical Hit: Damage 90
Grushnak grunted and spun away, a light cut on his shoulder but his body held strong.
Cheers erupted around the ring—more wizards had gathered. Harry could hear gasps, mutters:
"That wizard—he's not even using spells!"
"Did he say his name?!"
"He's winning with goblin swordplay!"
Grushnak went in for a spinning lunge, his signature move.
But Harry had learned.
He ducked, pivoted on the ball of his foot—and brought his blade up in a diagonal arc.
SLASH!
The goblin's saber flew from his grip. The crowd roared.
Grushnak held up a hand and dropped to one knee.
"I yield," he growled.
[Victory!]
You defeated [Grushnak – Goblin Swordmaster]
+150 EXP
+450 Galleons (9 Pouches acquired)
+Goblin Arena Respect: +20
Current Champion of the Ring
[Arena Rules Updated]
The tournament continues.
Winner stays in the ring. Loser forfeits fee.
The final champion at 12 PM get the entire arena pot.
Harry stood in the middle, sword at the ready. Wizards and goblins alike whispered, already preparing the next challenger.
And Harry thought to himself:
"This is just just getting started."
[System Notification]
New Challenger Entered: SilverHook (Lv. 13)
Arena Pot: 500 Galleons
Reward: 150 EXP + 50 Galleons
Harry faced his next opponent: SilverHook, a wiry goblin with a single curved blade and shaky footwork. It was clear from the start that this goblin wasn't nearly as strong as Grushnak. Harry could've ended the match in seconds.
But he didn't.
Instead, he slowed down, blocking and sidestepping with exaggerated moves, letting the fight drag on.
[System Alert]
Combat Intelligence Triggered!
You are mimicking goblin movements and counters.
A New Skill is forming...
New Skill Available: Goblin Fighting Style (Lv. 1 – Beginner)
Do you wish to learn this skill?
Yes/No
Harry clicked [Yes].
[Skill Acquired!]
Goblin Fighting Style (Lv. 1 – Beginner)
Description: A unique, agile fighting technique combining low-footed stances, swift counterattacks, and unpredictable swings.
Bonus: +15% dodge, +13% counter success chance vs. Goblins
Harry smirked.
He wasn't just winning. He was learning.
After five more minutes of light sparring, he parried SilverHook's final attack and delivered a disarming blow that sent the goblin flying.
[Victory!]
+150 EXP
+50 Galleons added to Arena Pot
Current Arena Pot: 500 Galleons
Chain Wins: 2
Over the next hour, four more goblins stepped into the ring. Some were experienced, some cocky, and one was a bruiser twice Harry's width. But none could match Harry's growing speed, prediction, and strength.
Harry used these fights not just to win—but to perfect his new technique.
[Skill Level Up!]
Goblin Fighting Style → Lv. 3 (Apprentice)
Bonus upgraded: +30% dodge | +27% parry vs. small opponents
Special Move Unlocked: Low Counter Sweep
The spectators—both goblins and wizards—were mesmerized. Harry was moving faster now, sharper, more confident. For the first time in arena history, six consecutive victories had been claimed by a single fighter.
The cheers were no longer quiet.
"Who is he?"
"He's adapting mid-fight!"
"A wizard... fighting like a goblin?"
At precisely 12:00 PM, the final bell rang, and the dueling ritual came to a ceremonial end. The current champion stood tall, blade resting on his shoulder, face calm but triumphant.
[System Quest Completed!]
Quest: Way of the Blade
Description: You are watching goblin warriors prove their mettle.
Participate in the sparring duel and win.
Rewards:
+900 EXP
Skill Scroll: Reflex Slash (Rare – Melee Skill)
Arena Pot: 700 Galleons
Arena Title: "Ironblade"
+2 Strength, +1 Dexterity
Wizards clapped. Goblins banged their swords in respect. Some even nodded solemnly—an honor rarely shown to a human.
Harry sheathed his sword, accepted the reward pouches, and left the ring as a legend in the making.
And as he exited the dueling circle, a few goblins whispered:
"That short wizard... he is dangerous."
A notification softly chimed as Harry sat down under the torch-lit canopy erected beside the excavation camp. The air was filled with sizzling meat, the clang of tankards, and guttural goblin laughter. Long, low tables of stone had been conjured, and food — both wizarding and goblin kind — was overflowing.
The newly crowned champion was the guest of honor, and goblins—though known for their pride and grudge-bearing—respected strength above all else.
Grushank, now sporting a bandaged arm and bruised pride, handed Harry a bone-carved mug filled with bloodberry ale. "You fight like an ogre trained by dwarves," the goblin grunted. "I hate you for it. But I respect it."
Several goblins thudded their fists against their chests in respect. Wizards in the camp clapped and lifted their drinks.
Then came the question.
"Your name, champion?" asked SilverHook, still wiping soot off his blade. "You have earned the right to carve it into the Stone of Ringmasters."
Harry stood, raising the goblin-forged cup.
"My name," he said, voice calm but carrying in the magical air, "is Lord Blackfyre."
A sudden silence fell over the feast. Even the firewood crackled less, as goblins exchanged nervous glances. The name Blackfyre was not unknown to them. Several guards instinctively reached toward their belts, but the senior goblin—Goldmaw raised a hand. "He is our guest," Goldmaw reminded. "He fought in the Ring. He is owed the night and his earned respect."
Others begrudgingly nodded.
Still, from that point forward, they watched him closely. Not out of malice — but fear. If this short, unassuming wizard was truly a Blackfyre, to cross him would be political suicide.
But the feast resumed, with only a subtle tension in the air.
As the first rays of the moonlight shimmered on the obsidian tower of the ruined Slytherin Castle, a pair of armored goblins returned — their cart bearing the unmistakable gold-inked parchment scrolls of Gringotts bureaucracy.
"Contract from the high table," one of them said, handing Harry the scroll. "Reviewed. Sealed. And magically binding."
Harry unrolled it and used [Observe Lv. 9]:
[Slytherin Estate Transfer Scroll]
Type: Magical Contract
Effect: Upon signing, complete magical ownership of the Castle and its surrounding lands will transfer to Lord Blackfyre. Gringotts reserves no claim to the estate post-excavation. All defenses and bloodline magics will recognize the new owner.
Magically Enforced Clauses: Unbreakable, Goblin-validated, Parseltongue signature accepted.
Satisfied, Harry pressed his thumb onto the rune for blood signature and whispered in Parseltongue,
"I claim the legacy."
A pulse of green magic surged across the castle. Wards aligned. Hidden statues blinked open their stony eyes. The castle had just accepted a new master.
[Quest Unlocked: Legacy of the Serpent Lord]
Objective: Discover the hidden chambers and secrets of Salazar Slytherin's Castle.
Reward: Unknown
Status: In Progress
Harry turned, his cloak billowing in the night wind.
"Come," he said to the crowd. "Let's see what the last true Lord of Serpents left behind."
And with that, flanked by wary goblins and curious wizards, Lord Blackfyre strode toward the dark, twisted gates of Slytherin's legacy.
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