As Cassandra thoughtfully described the location of the "Giant's Sacrifice Site" to Tom, a deafening boom echoed through the inn, breaching its defensive magic. The commotion was so violent that it silenced Cassandra and Lenore, who had been mid-argument.
"..."
Karen rose and, seeking Tom's permission, said, "Excuse me, Mr. Riddle, but some… personal matters require my attention. I assure you, it will be brief, and I shall answer all your questions upon my return."
Damn it, he fumed inwardly. I've been biting back my anger all day, and now this? Frederick Volle had made his stance clear: whoever was "kicking down the door" would face his wrath. Do they truly believe they're the Dark Lord? That anyone can stroll in and destroy my property? How am I supposed to run an inn?
"It is nothing; I am merely… bored." Tom turned to Harry and Draco. "Harry, Draco, go and assist Mr. Volle."
"Yes, sir!"
Harry and Malfoy rubbed their hands together, grinning with mischief as they approached.
"..."
Frederick Volle doubted the two adolescents could offer much assistance, but he dared not refuse Tom's command. "Thank you."
"No problem," Malfoy said, draping an arm around Harry's shoulder. "Scarface and I were just looking for something to do." Anyone observing them would think they were embarking on a jovial school outing.
"Um, boss…"
Jim, too, felt the urge to vent his pent-up frustration and yearned to test the power of the treasure box.
"Go ahead."
Delighted, Jim thanked him and hurried after Harry and the others, while Lockhart, with a nod to Tom, followed. Hagrid wasn't about to let Harry and the others face danger alone.
Seeing everyone depart, Lenore grew anxious; she had never encountered anything so exciting. Noticing her eagerness, Tom, remembering how obedient she was, decided to grant her some protection.
"You may also go, but if you cannot defeat them, seek me or Nagini."
"I love Tom the most!" Lenore cheered. "If it were my father, he would never allow me to face such thugs."
"…"
Little bat girl, isn't your nickname a bit too intimate?
Cassandra, standing nearby, glared at Lenore with displeasure. Were the timing more appropriate, she would have "re-explained" to the little bat how she single-handedly fought the sub-adult fire dragon.
...
Arriving in the hotel lobby, they found a peculiar "man-made" armored vehicle had crashed through the magically reinforced main doors, leaving them splintered and broken.
This armored vehicle was of an antiquated design, yet the magical circuits etched upon it pulsed with formidable power. Several fairies leapt from the armored vehicle and swiftly seized control of the hall as dozens more scuttled in behind them.
Most travelers were safely tucked away in their rooms; only a few Vampire servants remained in the hall. For these fairies, seizing control of the hall was a simple task.
"Fairies?" Frederick Volle, who had just arrived, was baffled. He didn't recall any conflict with them. Moreover, these fairies showed no signs of being controlled; they appeared to be ordinary fairies. Why, then, were they attacking his inn? He couldn't comprehend it, but that wouldn't stop Frederick Volle from teaching these trespassers a lesson. "Long time no action? Did you really think just any mangy cur could come and soil my doorstep?"
The fairies in the hall hadn't reacted, only catching a dark shadow flashing past.
Boom!
In a blink, Frederick Volle appeared, seizing the leader of the fairies in one hand and slamming him into the hall wall. The force of the impact cracked it.
"That's him! Quick! Get him!"
Hearing this, Frederick Volle froze. They were here to capture him? What a joke!
The enraged Vampire whirled around, his eyes blazing. Those fairies who met his crimson gaze became dazed and disoriented. The hypnotic abilities possessed by older, stronger vampires rivaled even the Imperius Curse, one of the three Unforgivable Curses. The controlled fairies swung their battleaxes and giant hammers at their companion.
Yet, the fairies seemed to have anticipated this. Although they didn't know the reason for capturing such a powerful vampire, their mere presence indicated preparation. A resounding bang echoed as something exploded, and a cloud of mist filled the air. The peculiar smell caused Frederick Volle's body to go limp, breaking his hypnotic hold and restoring the fairies' senses.
"Quick! Cripple him first! Then capture him!"
The fairies shouted, raising their silver battleaxes to strike Frederick Volle.
Just then, a voice came from the back of the hall, "Garlic?! Who in the hell ate garlic? Did they eat a ton of it? It stinks!!"
Harry and Malfoy, arriving just in time, shouted back and forth before transforming and charging toward the fairies attacking Frederick Volle.
"Fairies? I told you these guys were no good!"
"Seriously, you remind me of someone, but I don't want to say who."
Despite some lingering effects, Harry and his friends' fighting prowess remained formidable. The fairies' powerful physiques were no match for Harry and his companions, but their specially forged weapons posed an unexpected challenge. The silver axes imbued with "Sharpness" were unstoppable, and the warhammers imbued with "Shockwave" were equally terrifying. Neither Harry nor Malfoy could gain an advantage in a direct confrontation.
"I'll help you!"
A blond youth excitedly leaped forward and kicked one of the fairies… but missed! No problem! He quickly stepped back, pulled out a small green device, and struck a pose he had planned beforehand. "Henshin!"
A dazzling green light flooded the hall!
"I will punish you in place of the boss!"
Jim Johnson, as Sailor Moon Green, had entered the fray! Although the green Lolita dress made Jim a little shy, the immense power surging within him and the thrill of becoming a "superhero" completely eclipsed that shyness! Jim conjured a green longsword and slashed twice at the back of a fairy!
Caught by surprise, the fairy was wounded then angrily swung his giant hammer back!
Fueled by his successful sneak attack, Jim showed no fear, swinging his sword at the giant hammer. Bang! The sword flew from his hand, and Jim was sent flying. Lacking strong magic power, the boost from the treasure box wasn't as potent as Harry and his companions'.' Unsurprisingly, Jim was at a disadvantage against enemies that even Harry and his group struggled to overcome. However, with the defensive bonus from his "cross-dressing," Jim could still fight!
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