At this time, in the sky above, Tonks was already burning with anxiety. She'd been entangled by the house-elf for quite a while. No matter how well Ciel could hide, he'd probably soon be caught by Bogey Lockman. She couldn't delay anymore... she had to break free from the entanglement quickly!
But looking at the house-elf opposite her, determined to entangle her, Tonks felt quite helpless. House-elves could cast wandless, wordless magic and even use short-distance Apparition multiple times. This was truly annoying in combat. Moreover, they would unconditionally obey their master's commands. Even when obviously abused, even when nearly exhausted, it still had to execute Bogey Lockman's orders to stop her.
How could she break free from its entanglement? Then Tonks suddenly had a flash of inspiration. Wait. House-elves would unconditionally obey their master's commands. So what if she became its master?
This would be very difficult for others... They'd need to prepare Polyjuice Potion in advance. However, Tonks was the unique Metamorphmagus in the magical world. This was an extremely special talent. Ordinary Animagi transformed into specific animals. But Tonks's Metamorphmagus ability allowed her to change her appearance at will. Becoming Bogey Lockman's likeness was incredibly simple for her.
So the next moment, Tonks's appearance immediately transformed. In the blink of an eye, she looked almost identical to Bogey Lockman. The house-elf opposite, seeing this scene, was completely stunned. The magic it was about to release also paused at this moment.
"M-Master? Another master?!"
At this time, seeing this method worked, Tonks's eyes burst with joy. She roughened her voice and shouted, "Do you want to harm your own master?! Stop this immediately!"
One side had Bogey Lockman's orders. The other had orders from Tonks, who looked exactly like Bogey Lockman. These completely contradictory commands left the house-elf in total confusion, not knowing what to do.
Tonks took advantage of this opportunity to quickly stabilize her broomstick. Then she rapidly left the house-elf behind. She anxiously chased toward where he and Bogey Lockman had disappeared.
Soon, Tonks saw the crack. But she also saw the flesh vines spreading from the crack's entrance. The moment she saw these things, Tonks's pupils instantly contracted. As a Ministry trainee Auror, she'd naturally received detailed training on countering the three Unforgivable Curses. The trainer was Mad-Eye Moody himself.
Beyond this, Moody had also mentioned an extremely evil dark magic... in some ways, it could even rival certain Unforgivable Curses. That was Dark Magic Transfiguration.
"This is an evil magic that modifies flesh and profanes life. Any use of Dark Magic Transfiguration on others is equivalent to using Unforgivable Curses. Once discovered, immediate transport to Azkaban."
Tonks never expected to encounter such evil dark magic here. Her heart instantly sank. Dark Magic Transfiguration had been used... Bogey Lockman had probably succeeded. She needed to move faster.
Then Tonks quickly aimed her wand at the flesh vines blocking the crack ahead. "Incendio! Fire!"
The next moment, a thick flame burst from her wand tip like a flamethrower, sweeping forward. The flesh vines reluctantly cleared a passage before the scorching flames. Tonks took a deep breath, full of vigilance, and strode inside.
Even though she was prepared, entering through the passage and seeing the cavern completely occupied by flesh vines still made her horrified. What evil magic! Then she saw Bogey Lockman wrapped in flesh vines at the cavern's center and angrily rebuked him.
"Bogey Lockman, you're utterly insane. For revenge, you actually used such evil dark magic. If you dare resist further, prepare to rot in Azkaban until death... the Dementors will definitely love such an evil soul!"
But Bogey Lockman was stunned. Just now, when he cast Dark Magic Transfiguration, he'd had no resistance at all, being enveloped by the spreading blood-colored vines and trapped in their "prison." Even his wand had been snapped on the spot.
But he'd thought when this trainee Auror arrived and saw his evil dark magic, she'd surely stand on justice's side. But now, how had this become his doing too? What? Why?!
Bogey Lockman screamed hoarsely. "Bullshit! I didn't do this. This was all that little badger's doing... quickly call Dumbledore. This little badger has the potential to become a Dark Lord. You absolutely can't let him go... arrest him to Azkaban!"
But to Bogey Lockman's roaring, Tonks showed complete disdain. "You think I'd believe that? Though he is a bit odd, he's a little badger. A little badger using Dark Magic Transfiguration? I think dark magic backlash has driven you completely insane. What bad intentions could a little badger have! Next time you make excuses, could you use your brain?"
Bogey Lockman stood dumbly in his cage, his face full of despair. This world was truly messed up. He was telling the truth... why wouldn't anyone believe him?
At this time, Tonks came to his side. Seeing his calm expression, Tonks felt both frightened and ashamed. If she'd arrived any later, the consequences would have been unthinkable. So Tonks put aside Umbridge's death investigation, gently comforting him.
"It's alright now. With me here, you're safe. This bad person will soon be sent to Azkaban. Don't be afraid; there's no need to fear anymore."
Hearing Tonks's comfort, he barely suppressed his excited emotions and squeezed out a smile. "Yes, yes. I was so scared."
He was so scared he almost laughed out loud. This time, not only had he obtained Cinder Fern spores and hopefully gained a Platinum-tier reward plant, but he'd also advanced in Dark Magic Transfiguration. Bronze-tier Dark Magic Transfiguration was truly powerful. Though it couldn't see daylight, it was enough to become one of his trump cards.
Not to mention this transfiguration's potential value in plant cultivation. Through studying the spell Bogey Lockman cast, he was confident he could try using Dark Magic Transfiguration to permanently modify plants, perhaps creating new variants. This way, even ordinary magical herbs might bring him good rewards. This harvest was absolutely profitable!
While he was in an excellent mood, Bogey Lockman watched Tonks comfort him, his eyes almost shooting flames. This world was so unfair. He was clearly the one with deeper Dark Magic Transfiguration mastery. Yet the trainee Auror ignored this? Unfair, unfair!
Bogey Lockman gritted his teeth, pulled out a whistle from his robes, and blew it forcefully. "You wretched couple. Both of you must die!"
As Bogey Lockman played, the piercing whistle sound immediately penetrated rock layers and earth. The special magic power within also began spreading madly through the seawater. In a sea area not far from here, everywhere was deathly silent. Whether fish schools or birds, none seemed to appear in this sea area. This seemed like a sea area with only death.
At this moment, when the whistle sounded and its contained special magic power swept through, in the deep sea below, in the pitch-black trench, countless eyes opened. A massive black shadow swayed like a mountain, stirring violent currents on the seabed. All this was caused by one monster... the legendary Kraken that could easily destroy ships.
The awakened Kraken, as if hearing some summons, immediately let out a low roar. Then it headed straight toward the island from which the whistle sound came.
At this time, having blown the whistle, Bogey Lockman let out maniacal laughter. "You're all dead, you're all dead! All will be buried at the bottom of the sea!"
Tonks was speechless, wondering if Bogey Lockman's brain had been damaged by overusing dark magic. He'd already become a prisoner with even his wand broken, yet still had the mood to play the flute. He could even laugh, saying she and he were doomed? Truly sick!
But his expression suddenly became somewhat grave and serious. He'd initially thought Bogey Lockman had gone mad and was randomly blowing. But in his Platinum-tier night vision, he could see that when Bogey Lockman blew the whistle, magical particles of an extremely special nature transmitted outward with the sound. That kind of magic power was anything but ordinary.
At this time, Bogey Lockman grinned maliciously. "You have no idea what you're about to face. Prepare to face the most terrifying creature in the North Sea."
His heart suddenly stirred. Tonks's expression also changed slightly, sensing Bogey Lockman didn't seem to be spouting nonsense. What was the most terrifying creature in the North Sea? The same name appeared in both their minds. Could it be the Kraken?!
Just then, rumbling vibrations came from the seabed, accompanied by the roar of waves like rolling thunder. Some enormous creature was approaching this island from the deep sea! His expression became grave as he quickened his pace toward the crack's exit. Tonks also quickly conjured ropes to bind Bogey Lockman and followed him outside.
Upon reaching the island, the spectacle on the distant sea surface came into view. A towering wave, like a city wall, continuously advanced toward the island. From the churning spray around it, there was truly something beneath the sea surface.
With his Platinum-tier night vision, he saw even more clearly. Just the magical particles dispersing from the sea surface were astronomical in number. These magical particles outlined a massive silhouette in his eyes... over a hundred meters long with countless tentacles.
Seeing this outline, he was completely certain. The whistle Bogey Lockman blew could actually summon the Kraken?! In just this short time, that towering wave, appearing slow but actually frighteningly fast, had approached the island. He could see more clearly... within the waves, massive, dark, slimy tentacles appeared and disappeared.
He gained new understanding of the Kraken's power. Truly worthy of being a marine magical creature... too fierce. This strength could probably make other Class 5X magical creatures feel inferior. Even dragons would be food! He felt somewhat fortunate. Luckily, he'd made adequate preparations this time, carrying [Giant Killer]. Otherwise, dealing with such a monster would be truly hopeless.
At this moment, the wave crashed violently against the island. Thunder-like sounds were endless. Then tentacles extending from the sea, over a hundred meters long, finally appeared before him and Tonks. They seemed to want to sweep away all life on the island!
Seeing this scene, Tonks's face turned extremely pale. Even as a trainee Auror, she couldn't possibly deal with such a monster. She might not even pierce the Kraken's surface defenses! But seeing him beside her from the corner of her eye, Tonks bit her lip. She drew her wand, climbed onto her broomstick, and said to him.
"I'll deal with that thing. You have a Nimbus 2000... you fly fast. Take this chance, don't worry about anything, just run!"
He looked at Tonks in surprise. The Kraken before them obviously wasn't something ordinary wizards could match. She still wanted to go up?
Seeing his expression, Tonks forced a brave smile. "Don't look at me like that. I'm not Gryffindor... I'm not that brave. Look, my legs are trembling now."
He looked down. Indeed they were.
Tonks continued, "But you said before that having graduated so recently, I'd forgotten all Hufflepuff qualities. But I haven't."
Tonks took a deep breath, gripping her wand tightly. She raised her hand and cast a spell. "Stupefy."
He fell unconscious. Tonks immediately bound him to the Nimbus 2000. Then she waved her wand. The broomstick took off by itself.
Tonks said quietly, "Nimbus 2000, look after this little badger. Go, get out of here quickly. Live for both of us now."
The Nimbus 2000 swayed and actually flew up, heading into the distance. But the Kraken obviously didn't want anything to leave its hunting range. Rising once, it would devour everything in the nearby sea area! A tentacle began moving, seemingly to drag the Nimbus 2000 in the sky into the sea.
But suddenly, a Blasting Curse shot out, exploding on the tentacle. Tonks appeared, rising against the wind. "Ministry Auror and Hufflepuff alumna reporting for duty. I'm not letting you hurt any young wizard while I'm around. Especially not one of my Hufflepuffs. You want him? You go through me first!"
The Blasting Curse's firelight exploded on the Kraken's tentacle. Completely unharmed. It didn't even leave a wound. This thick-skinned monster obviously wasn't something Tonks could oppose. But the Kraken was angered by this "provocation." When had the North Sea's overlord ever been provoked like this?
Then the tentacle changed direction, slamming toward Tonks. Tonks had wanted to rely on her broomstick to dodge and buy more time. But what came at her was a truly earth-shattering force, plus howling air currents. Her broomstick was like a small boat tossing in angry seas... tottering! Much less dodging.
In Tonks's eyes, she could only see that tentacle getting closer and closer. "Probably won't even feel pain. Will it be instantly smashed to pieces? Damn, should I change to a cooler hairstyle with brighter colors? So when the Ministry and Hogwarts come searching, they can at least find my hair and build me a cenotaph."
Just as Tonks was about to close her eyes and await death, a lightning-quick shadow suddenly darted out. He, who had clearly been stunned, was actually riding the Nimbus 2000 back. He grabbed Tonks onto the Nimbus 2000. At the critical moment, the Nimbus 2000 broke through air currents, whistling away. It dodged the Kraken's tentacle strike.
Tonks stared blankly at him, unable to help cursing angrily. "Idiot! I bought you time to escape... why did you come back?! If something happens to you, what about Professor Sprout?!"
He said softly, "Originally, you following me for so many days was quite annoying... I didn't want to care about you. But today, I owe you one. Tonks of Hufflepuff..."
His gaze looked toward the tentacles extending from the waves. "Hide behind me. The Kraken. Let me handle it."