After returning, Allen was greeted by countless friends. There were delicacies provided by the school administration, and while enjoying them, he even had the leisure to create a magical display for his young companions—transforming the dining hall into a scene worthy of a grand ball.
It didn't sound too impressive, but compared to the Ilvermorny wizards, it was like heaven versus earth.
The danger of Apparition isn't just the physical strain from splitting one's body—it's the terrifying uncertainty of where you might end up. Especially when escaping for your life, this becomes even more pronounced.
Under Allen's pressure, they would never dare return along the route they came—it would be a deadly gamble. Instead, they risked teleporting to unknown locations, hoping to evade the pursuing threat.
While Allen and Mr. Auror were joking around, a different story was unfolding on a nearby island.
Dizzy and disoriented, the wizard staggered to his feet on the damp ground, wand quickly raised, emitting a faint glow.
He called out to locate his companions—luckily, they had escaped the clutches of that devilish mage.
Yes, a devil! Emeric swore he had never seen a wizard so terrifying. Only the legendary dark wizard Grindelwald, who had once nearly seized control of the American wizarding world, could even compare. This one had effortlessly dodged nearly every attack and nearly wiped them all out single-handedly.
Honestly, when the headmaster urged them to fight desperately, Emeric had nearly exhausted all his magic to create opportunities for the headmaster and others. Sadly, their efforts were easily thwarted. Had it not been for that Auror intervening, they might all have perished in the terrifying desert whirlpool.
Still, he felt no gratitude for that Auror—if it weren't for him deliberately causing trouble via the Ministry, Ilvermorny wouldn't be in this mess.
Besides, hadn't that devil been summoned by the Auror?
But now wasn't the time for grudges. Emeric's priority was ensuring his companions' safety.
The few companions who had fainted from overexertion were quickly located. After a hurried check confirmed they were unharmed, Emeric breathed easier. As for the headmaster and other wizards who hadn't maintained the protective shields, they too were safe. Though their Apparition had deviated slightly, the distance wasn't far.
Soon, while attending to his companions, Emeric heard shouting:
"Hey! Where are you? Respond! This is Charlid, is anyone here?"
The familiar voice filled Emeric with relief. He responded quickly, describing his location and recounting every difficulty they had faced.
Moments later, footsteps approached—the rest of the team arrived safely. Even after such danger, none had been left behind. The worst injuries were only minor scrapes.
Even more fortunate, among them was the Herbology professor, always prepared with a stash of materials—which now proved invaluable.
Powders effective for magical recovery or calming the mind were quickly mixed into water and administered to the unconscious professors. While lacking the proper equipment to brew full potions, it was more than enough.
The headmaster Charlid's expression returned to normal—no longer the crazed look of someone wishing to punish those who erred.
He stood, letting the magical light of the cave illuminate him, and began to speak.
From the first words, Emeric knew the headmaster he was familiar with—the one single-mindedly driving Ilvermorny's growth, sometimes forgetting even himself—had returned.
"My friends, my dear professors—today, it seems we've suffered a humiliating defeat.
Honestly, in the past two days I might have lost my mind—driven by some curse, madly intent on killing those four individuals. Now that I'm calm, I find it almost unbelievable.
Of course, if they had died, it would have been excellent for our reputation—honestly, I would still act if they were before me. But never so recklessly as today. I even led you all into a trap, almost causing irreparable damage to the school's development.
I am not so important personally, but if Ilvermorny lost you, it could set us back ten, twenty years, or more—I dare not imagine. Fortunately, the goddess of luck favored us today; none were seriously harmed. From now on, we will not pursue them further—we already have enough, and this year we gained even more privileges. This is good for the students—it spares them from the Ministry's rigid regulations, preventing those excelling in certain areas from losing their due recognition.
Now, my dear friends—forget those four idiots. Our task is to make this exchange a learning experience for our students, and to teach a new generation of young minds when we return.
I bet I'll earn a few unflattering nicknames—but what of it? All for Ilvermorny!"
He slammed his palm into the nearest professor's outstretched hand, and others crowded forward to celebrate their survival.
However, as one professor began rising from a leaning rock, Emeric heard a distinct cracking sound—like an egg breaking.
When he looked, he saw egg-like liquid oozing from the shattered rock, and even a yolk-like mass within the debris.
Instantly, countless magical creatures and their habits flashed through his mind. He identified a highly likely magical creature and shouted two words without hesitation:
"Danger! Run!"
After such a battle, everyone's nerves were taut. At Emeric's warning, the wizards quickly gathered their companions, preparing to Apparate—but it was too late.
As they moved, the ground shook violently, interrupting their Apparition, and a massive circular disc rolled toward them from the cave entrance.