Erwin's expression hardened slightly, but he didn't rise from his chair. As the pale hand manifested, the surrounding blood mist thickened, beginning to seep beyond the manor walls.
Outside the Black Forest, the German Ministry of Magic had arrived. Muggles were hastily removed from the area, their memories modified before being sent away. Then, German authorities began cooperating with the wizards, sealing off the entire Black Forest region.
The moment the blood mist became visible, all eyes turned toward the forest. Thorfinn rushed to Vinda's side. "Ms. Vinda! What's happening inside? What is Master Cavendish doing? Sealing off the area will cause alarm throughout Germany! You know there are many curious Muggles!"
Vinda looked coldly at Thorfinn. "You speak too much. Do what you're told! Don't forget how you became Minister. We placed you there, and we can remove you. Don't forget your position."
Thorfinn felt the chill in her voice. His back broke out in a cold sweat, and he quickly lowered his head. "My apologies, Ms. Vinda! I was only concerned—if Muggles discover Master Cavendish's activities, it could have unnecessary repercussions."
Thorfinn was terrified. He knew exactly what had happened to his predecessors. He was perfectly aware that if Erwin truly turned on him, neither he nor his family would survive. He was bound to the Cavendish family now, and there was no backing out. His only path was loyalty—a path he had chosen himself.
Vinda's expression didn't soften. "Know your place, Thorfinn! You have no right to question our decisions."
She turned her gaze toward the depths of the Black Forest. The blood mist was visibly spreading outward.
Vinda frowned. "Have your Aurors cast Protego Totalum around the perimeter of the Black Forest. Contain the blood mist!"
Thorfinn nodded and rushed off to make the arrangements.
Vinda then looked at Charlotte. "Charlotte, coordinate with the Ministry to establish wards. The Ministry's wizards aren't powerful enough—they might not be able to contain this blood mist. We don't know what this phenomenon is, or what effect it will have on Erwin, but keeping it within a specific area is the right approach."
Charlotte nodded. "Understood."
With Erwin absent, even Vinda couldn't command the Cavendish family members directly. Only Charlotte could issue orders, as she represented Erwin.
As Charlotte gave the command, Cavendish wizards dispersed toward the outskirts of the Black Forest, wands raised skyward.
"Protego Totalum!"
Vinda also directed the Acolytes to assist. There weren't enough wizards; the Black Forest was vast. They were scattered far apart, maintaining the shield.
The area covered by Protego Totalum was immense, depleting the wizards' magical reserves. Fortunately, the shield didn't require constant output—once established, it maintained itself, requiring only periodic reinforcement.
A translucent blue barrier rose from the ground, spreading into the sky and enveloping the entire Black Forest. The crimson mist stopped spreading, seemingly blocked by the ward.
Inside the manor, Erwin noticed the barrier and allowed himself a faint smile. This particular phenomenon couldn't be contained by a simple Protego Totalum, but he appreciated the effort. It must have been Vinda's idea—she was doing what she thought best with the information she had.
The blood mist thickened. Behind the pale hand, the true form of its owner was revealed—a figure cloaked in crimson vapor, face obscured by a mask.
"Finally, we meet," Erwin said.
The figure laughed, then sat directly opposite Erwin. "You're not capable of keeping me here."
"Is that so?" Erwin replied. "Then why do you only dare to descend as a projection, and not in person?"
The smile on the figure's face froze, struck by Erwin's words.
Erwin laughed. "See? No matter how much time passes, your kind remains the same. You refuse to admit the truth! You call it 'caution'—the more cautious, the better, for your ultimate goal. But in my eyes, you're just cowards. Shameful creatures hiding in the shadows."
The blood mist churned violently. The figure was clearly angered, but quickly regained composure.
"Your tongue is sharp," the figure said, picking up a knife and fork. He speared a piece of steak and put it in his mouth. "The taste of food is truly nostalgic."
Erwin said, "Then eat more. You rarely have the chance to dine like this, and you won't have another."
The figure replied, "I disagree. I believe the days of savoring delicious food are still to come."
Erwin shrugged. "Self-deception."
The figure set down his utensils. "Then, Erwin—come with me, or shall I take you? You should know you're no match for me right now."
Erwin chuckled. "Is that what you think? How much of that stolen power do you have left? A false god remains false. Something with only power but no true authority—how much can you actually wield? I've said it before: if you were truly confident, you would descend in your true form."
The figure in the blood mist sneered. "You think I haven't descended because I'm afraid of you? Erwin, you overestimate yourself."
Erwin nodded. "Yes, I know who you're afraid of. They've returned. You're afraid they'll find you—nothing but vermin hiding in the dark."