To gather intelligence about the Seven Divine Domains, both the wizarding world and Muggle governments had paid a considerable price.
Even Dumbledore, who seldom took matters into his own hands these days, had personally captured two wizards from the Aegean Sea and delivered them to Wayne for memory extraction.
It wasn't that Dumbledore was unwilling to use the Imperius Curse or Veritaserum—he simply believed such tasks were better handled by someone of Wayne's expertise.
On the Apennine Peninsula, Italy reacted most vehemently, deploying troops directly into Vatican City. Yet within just an hour, the forces mutinied, and the government swiftly capitulated, pledging full support to the ancient wizards.
The Ministries of Magic in Arabia, Egypt, and other nations, unable to withstand the ancient wizards' power, chose to join them rather than fight.
The current situation was one of utter chaos. Every nation was too busy dealing with its own crises to spare any attention for others.
The International Confederation of Wizards, established under the Statute of Secrecy, now existed in name only. When Wayne met Keynes again, the man appeared to have aged over a decade.
"Mr Lawrence, the assembly has been dissolved."
Keynes offered a bitter smile. Just over a month ago, he had been one of the most influential wizards in the world. Now, nobody cared about this former Chief Warlock.
Wayne's attitude toward him remained unchanged—after all, he had never held the Chief Warlock in high regard to begin with.
"Chief Keynes, times are changing. We are in a period of reshuffling. Compromised institutions like the International Confederation of Wizards, which lacked real power, are naturally the first to collapse."
Wayne's words were blunt, but they reflected the brutal reality.
Before the war, the Confederation held some authority as a diplomatic facade and a platform for nations to mediate disputes. But in times of global turmoil, such organisations proved utterly useless.
Keynes nodded in agreement. "Indeed. I finally understand what 'magic is might' truly means. That is why I've come to you."
"Oh?" Wayne looked at him in surprise. "You want me to help you regain your position?"
"Of course not." Keynes shook his head with a wry smile. "I'm here to seek employment, and to request permission for my family to settle in Britain."
"But recently, Britain has been rather unwelcoming to foreign wizards... so I had no choice but to turn to you."
To ensure national security, the Ministry of Magic had blocked all Floo Network connections and Portkeys to other countries. Several teams of Aurors patrolled the borders daily to prevent illegal entry.
"Welcome, of course you're welcome." Wayne smiled. "I'll explain the situation to Crouch. You can rest assured about bringing your family here."
"As for a position, that's easily arranged. The Ministry is currently shorthanded. With your talents, you'll undoubtedly rise quickly."
"Thank you, Mr Lawrence."
Keynes breathed a sigh of relief, feeling immensely grateful to Wayne.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Keynes used the fireplace in the Headmaster's Office—with Wayne's letter of recommendation—to travel to the Ministry. Meanwhile, Wayne contemplated how best to utilise Keynes.
Wayne himself had partly orchestrated the downfall of the International Confederation of Wizards. Initially, he had planned to gradually infiltrate the organisation, much like he had done with the Ministry of Magic.
But later, he discovered it was more convenient to demolish and rebuild.
Keynes was quite capable and had extensive experience. He would make a good secretary-general in the future, handling miscellaneous affairs.
However, he needed to observe for a while first, to see others' opinions of Keynes.
Ability was undoubtedly important, but if he couldn't handle interpersonal relationships well, he wouldn't chill the hearts of his old subordinates for the sake of a mere tool.
Anyway, he would see.
Putting Keynes' matter aside, Wayne picked up the intelligence report just sent by Grindelwald.
This was a compilation of information from several countries under his control, along with what he and Dumbledore had gathered during their recent explorations.
Most of it concerned the Seven Great Divine Domains.
The First Divine Domain: Nibelung.
Hidden deep within the dark Germanic mountains, this was a divine realm composed entirely of beasts. The strongest known being was a golden dragon king, commanding at least a hundred fire dragons.
There were also numerous powerful exotic creatures, most of them magical animals that had already gone extinct on Earth.
Nibelung was located in the Alps and had completely taken over the border areas of several countries, turning the region into a beast paradise. Romania's dragon reserves had been overrun by beast tides, with all fire dragons escaping.
The Second Divine Domain: Asgard.
Located in Denmark, its ruler called himself Odin, and the most powerful wizards under him were named after powerful figures from Norse mythology.
Information about Asgard was scarce, as they weren't active in continental Europe. Dumbledore had once encountered two Asgardian wizards - one wielding an axe, the other a sword, both agile and more like berserkers than wizards.
At first glance, it seemed absurd, but upon reflection, it made sense.
Those who could use witchcraft and magic were wizards, but who said they could only cast spells from range? Melee wizards were perfectly reasonable.
The Third Divine Domain: Olympus.
Situated in the Aegean Sea, composed of dozens of islands, ruled by Zeus, God of the Sky and Poseidon, God of the Sea.
Poseidon was the first among these divine domains to display power before the world. Half a month ago, he stirred the seas and destroyed an exploring joint fleet, declaring the surrounding waters belonged to Olympus and were off-limits to all.
Furthermore, he pressured the Greek government into providing large quantities of supplies, worsening Greece's already struggling finances.
However, Greece did gain some benefits: Olympus dispatched Ares, God of War, and Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, to garrison Athens. Though neither side stated it explicitly, this already represented a subordinate relationship.
Grindelwald had once clashed with Ares, with neither emerging victorious. When he noticed Athena approaching, Grindelwald fled.
This meant the so-called Twelve Olympians were all stronger than Dumbledore and Grindelwald had been at their previous levels, despite both having made significant progress recently.
The Fourth Divine Domain: Aztlan.
A massive ruin in Central and South America, composed of thousands of temples and pyramids, extremely mysterious. Only known that its leader was Quetzalcoatl, referred to as the Sun God.
The Fifth Divine Domain: Jannah.
The fervent religious atmosphere allowed the Jannah Divine Realm to quickly take control of the situation. In just one month, it had conquered all nearby nations, with even the local Ministry of Magic offering no resistance and integrating into it.
Recently, they have been frequently active, seemingly preparing to expand outward and spread the faith of Allah.
Sixth Divine Realm: Takamagahara.
Life is currently very rough for the Japanese. Wizards of Takamagahara live mixed with beasts, giving rise to many strange species, some even feeding on human brains.
But the attitude of the upper echelons is ambiguous. On the one hand, they tell ordinary citizens they will protect them; on the other, they liaise with the wizards of Takamagahara, seeking to harness their power.
Seventh Divine Realm: Heaven.
Wayne's gaze lingered a while longer on the intelligence regarding the Heaven Divine Realm.
The Heaven Divine Realm, currently the most powerful divine realm on Earth, contains no wizards nor beasts.
Only a group of winged angels, possibly not large in number, but each angel possesses formidable strength.
Dumbledore caught a distant glimpse once; during that worship ceremony, fifteen angels appeared, all undoubtedly powerhouses on the same level as him.
Moreover, judging by their wings, they were only four-winged. According to Church tradition, four wings don't count as high-ranking angels.
The reason for Wayne's attention wasn't solely due to their strength, but yesterday's declaration by the Pope: they will once again launch a witch-hunt to bathe the world in the glory of the Lord.
How terrifying is the influence of Christianity?
The Pope had just stepped forward and spoken, and large-scale protests had already erupted across Britain.
Besides this, numerous small sub-spaces have appeared worldwide, though none as dazzling as these seven great divine realms. Some are minor worlds dominated by wizards, others are pure paradises for beasts. Many anglers no longer dare to wander recklessly, fearing they might hook some monster.
Hmm?
Deep in thought, Wayne suddenly looked up as hurried footsteps sounded at the door. Before anyone could knock, Wayne waved his hand and opened the door.
Professor McGonagall led several Goblins swathed in bandages.
Upon seeing Wayne, the Goblins immediately burst into tears, prostrating themselves on the floor.
"Mr Lawrence, your bank has been robbed!"
Wayne's hand paused slightly. He set down the intelligence and said calmly, "Don't panic. Explain the situation clearly."
Through the Goblins' tearful account, Wayne quickly understood the whole story.
These Goblins were employees of Lawrence Bank stationed in Europe. Just two hours ago, an angel suddenly descended upon the French branch, injured the staff and customers on the premises, and looted all the assets from the vault.
Not just Wayne's bank; Gringotts was also robbed.
And it wasn't only in France; similar incidents occurred in Italy, Switzerland, and Austria.
"Are these angels or dragons? What do they want with Galleons?"
To the Goblins' surprise, Wayne wasn't as furious as they had anticipated. Instead, he pondered their motives.
"Are you certain it was an angel that came?"
"Certain," the Goblin nodded vigorously. "That lightbulb-like brightness—no one could imitate it!"
"I understand, Professor McGonagall. Please send them to St Mungo's. I'll handle the rest."
"You..."
Before Professor McGonagall could finish speaking, Wayne transformed into a streak of light and shot out of the castle, leaving her utterly dumbfounded.
"This is going to be serious trouble..."
Realising the gravity of the situation, Professor McGonagall hurriedly sent the Goblins to St Mungo's before going to find Dumbledore at the Ministry of Magic.
Meanwhile, Wayne travelled southeast at such incredible speed that he broke the sound barrier, reaching Rome in less than half an hour.
The Vatican City stood before him, a country within a country, with masses of faithful gathered outside in devout worship. St Peter's Basilica emanated a sacred golden light, as it had ever since the Heaven Divine Realm appeared.
Final Spark gathered in his palm. Wayne didn't know what madness had possessed those angels, but he knew one thing...
The Dimensional Altar was finally about to open for business!