"Merlin's beard," Steve breathed, his enhanced vision taking in details that left him speechless.
Once their eyes adjusted to the brilliant tropical sunshine, the entire group stood transfixed by the sight before them. The Central Land Daoist Sect had transformed this Pacific island into something that belonged more in dreams than reality.
A pristine cobblestone path stretched ahead like a golden ribbon, leading directly toward the magnificent Quidditch stadium that rose in the distance like a crystalline monument to magical sport. The pathway itself seemed to shimmer with embedded enchantments, keeping the stones perfectly clean despite thousands of trampling feet.
On either side, campsites spread in organized splendor—each plot precisely measured and marked, yet accommodating tents that defied every law of physics Steve had ever learned. A Bulgarian campsite featured what appeared to be a functioning medieval castle, complete with drawbridge and moat. Nearby, Irish supporters had erected a tent shaped like an enormous shamrock that actually glowed green in the sunlight.
"This is..." Banner began, his scientific mind struggling to process the casual impossibilities surrounding them.
"Completely mental," Tony finished, though his expression was pure delight. "I love everything about this place already."
Signposts marked branching paths in multiple languages—one leading to "Marketplace & Food Courts," another to "Seaside Resort & Recreation Area." Gemini read the fine print with growing amazement.
"They've rented the entire island," she murmured, awed despite herself. "The whole thing, plus territorial waters. This has to be Formation magic on a scale I've never seen—Muggle-Repelling Charms alone couldn't handle something this massive."
Floating chronometers drifted overhead like magical jellyfish, all displaying the same countdown in shimmering digits: 47 hours, 23 minutes, 15 seconds until match commencement.
"Two full days to explore," Peter said, practically vibrating with excitement. "This is better than Disney World and Universal Studios combined!"
After brief consultation, they agreed to establish their base camp first, then venture out to explore the legendary marketplace. The walk to Campsite Jiazi-7 proved longer than expected—their premium location near the stadium came at the cost of distance from other attractions.
"I'm starting to think we should have asked about transportation options," Gemini muttered, watching Coby and Libis begin the tent-raising process with house-elf efficiency.
"Excuse me—do you need assistance?"
They turned to find a young wizard approaching, dressed in clothing that was distinctly Chinese but clearly designed for practical work. His outfit consisted of a light blue cross-collar tunic extending to his knees, secured with a wide leather belt, black trousers tucked into sturdy boots, and a red vest embroidered with three golden characters.
"I'm Qu Liangjun," he introduced himself with a respectful bow. "Volunteer coordinator for this campsite section. I noticed you seemed concerned and thought perhaps you needed help with tent assembly."
Gemini brightened immediately. "Actually, we're worried about the distance to everything else. Are flying carpets or broomsticks permitted for transportation?"
Qu Liangjun smiled with the patience of someone who'd answered this question dozens of times already. "Individual flight is restricted for safety reasons—too many people, too much air traffic. However, the Central Land Daoist Sect anticipated this concern. Every Jiazi-level campsite receives complimentary ground transportation. Your vehicle will arrive once your tent is fully established."
"The Central Land Daoist Sect really thinks of everything," Gemini said, genuinely impressed. "I've attended World Cup events in six different countries, and nowhere else has provided this level of service."
Qu Liangjun's cheeks flushed with modest pride. "We strive to honor our guests. If you encounter any difficulties during your stay, seek out anyone wearing volunteer uniforms like mine. We're trained to handle most situations."
Gemini studied his distinctive clothing with professional interest. "This is traditional Chinese dress?"
"Hanfu—specifically, a modified working style called duanda. The marketplace sells authentic ceremonial versions if you're interested. There's something else I must mention," his tone became more serious. "This island hosts both magical and non-magical visitors. The marketplace district includes Muggle merchants from mainland China—they're under our protection and must not be harmed or magically influenced. Any conflicts involving them will be handled by our enforcement teams exclusively. Violation of this rule results in immediate expulsion, regardless of status or nationality."
Steve straightened, recognizing the tone of military briefing. "Understood. What about protection for our non-magical companions?"
Qu Liangjun's expression softened as he noticed May, Ben, Peter, Pepper, and Happy. From a silk pouch at his belt, he produced several yellow paper talismans covered in intricate red calligraphy.
"Emergency Translation Talismans," he explained, handing them to Gemini. "Apply them to the back of the hand—they'll become invisible but remain active. If your friends encounter danger, the talismans will automatically transport them to our security headquarters. Additionally, any attack on a protected person triggers immediate enforcement response."
Gemini accepted the talismans with something approaching reverence. "These are genuine Daoist talismans—I've read about them but never seen them in person!"
"The Central Land Daoist Sect takes guest safety very seriously," Qu Liangjun replied. "Only non-magical visitors and children receive protection talismans—wizards are expected to defend themselves."
Gemini immediately distributed the precious items, ensuring even Peter received one despite his magical heritage. "Do all visitors get these, or—"
"Only those who need them," Qu Liangjun interrupted gently. "Ah, your accommodations are ready. Let me check on your transportation."
Gemini turned to see their familiar white silk pavilion now standing proudly in place, its three stories gleaming in the tropical sun. The mechanical peacocks had already begun their patrol of the small lawn area, their jeweled feathers catching the light magnificently.
When she looked back, Qu Liangjun had vanished with the silent efficiency of a trained operative.
"Well," Tony said, watching the peacocks strut, "I have to admit, this beats the Malibu house for sheer style."
They'd barely settled into the tent's luxurious interior when knocking echoed from the entrance. Everyone rushed outside together, then froze in collective amazement.
"PANDA!" Peter shrieked with joy, launching himself forward before anyone could stop him.
A bamboo-woven touring cart sat outside their tent, its ten seats arranged in comfortable pairs. But the driver's seat held something that made every American heart skip a beat—an enormous Giant Panda, complete with distinctive black-and-white markings, sitting upright and wearing what appeared to be a small conductor's cap.
Peter had already buried himself in the panda's impossibly soft fur, making muffled sounds of pure bliss.
"China really is full of pandas!" Tony exclaimed, his usual sophistication completely abandoned. "The internet was right!"
Even Steve, trained soldier that he was, found himself staring with undisguised wonder. May and Ben looked like children on Christmas morning, while Pepper was already reaching for her phone to capture the moment.
"Greetings, honored guests," the panda spoke in perfectly clear English, its voice warm and friendly. "I am Panpan, your designated transportation coordinator. When you wish to travel, simply activate the call button beside your tent entrance. I will arrive within ten minutes. Regular shuttle services operate from both marketplace and beach locations for your return convenience. Would you like to depart now?"
The group stared in stunned silence.
"The panda talks!" Happy managed to croak.
"I am not a biological panda," Panpan explained patiently, "but rather an Animated Construct created by Central Land Daoist Sect artisans. My appearance was designed for guest comfort and cultural appreciation. Would you like to depart now?"
Tony circled the cart, his engineer's eye taking in details. "The craftsmanship is incredible—I can barely tell it's artificial. The movement patterns, the fur texture, even the breathing simulation..."
"Even if it's not real," May said softly, "it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."
Peter finally extracted himself from Panpan's embrace, his face glowing with happiness. "Can we go to the marketplace? Please? I want to see everything!"
Gemini consulted the enchanted map Qu Liangjun had provided. "The Chinese Food Street should be in full operation by now. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm starving."
"Chinese food sounds perfect," Steve agreed, helping Peter into one of the cart's seats. "Though I have to admit, this is the strangest taxi I've ever taken."
Panpan waited patiently as everyone settled into the comfortable bamboo seats, then began moving with smooth, silent efficiency. The cart's motion was so gentle it felt like floating, despite having no visible means of propulsion.
"Destination: Marketplace Central Plaza," Panpan announced. "**Estimated travel time: twelve minutes. Please keep hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times. Enjoy your journey through the 422nd Quidditch World Cup campsite!"
As they glided along the enchanted pathways, passing impossible tents and magical wonders at every turn, Gemini couldn't help but smile. Whatever challenges lay ahead, this vacation was already exceeding every expectation.
And somewhere in the distance, the Quidditch stadium gleamed like a promise of adventures yet to come.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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