Chapter 61: Chapter -61 A new dark lord.
Chapter -61.
"A new Dark Lord," Lucius thought as he observed Arlis atop the flame dragon, his eyes glimmering with cunning. At that moment, he resolved to ally with Arlis.
Even though Arlis had just stripped him of his possessions and preached against pure-bloods, Lucius felt assured that if he showcased the Malfoy family's immense wealth and presented a lavish gift to Arlis, he could quickly become one of Arlis's most trusted lieutenants.
From there, he could replicate his previous alliance with Voldemort, rallying other old pure-blood families to fund their efforts and eventually forge an army for rebellion.
Last time, Voldemort had fallen to Harry Potter; Lucius was convinced that Arlis, the new Dark Lord, wouldn't share a similar fate at the hands of a mere child.
In stark contrast to the determined Lucius, the Ministry of Magic officials led by Minister Mison Smith wore expressions of dread.
It was vital to remember that the rise of this new breed of pure-bloods in the Ministry had been built upon the momentum gained from their triumph over Voldemort, allowing them to dominate the magical community for a decade.
With the emergence of a new Dark Lord, they would undoubtedly be seen as remnants of the past, facing ruthless extermination at the hands of Arlis.
A new ruler typically ushers in new ministers; the shifting tides of power invariably results in bloodshed and sacrifice.
Even the wisest of sovereigns would not permit officials from a former regime to remain in power, let alone someone like Arlis, who certainly didn't appear to be benevolent!
"Everyone, rise!"
Ignoring the multitude of thoughts swirling around him, Lester commanded the kneeling prisoners to stand.
Coming from the 21st century, he had a deep-seated aversion to kneeling. However, as the prisoners had chosen to do so voluntarily, he said nothing and simply instructed them to stand.
Upon Lester's command, all the prisoners rose with joy, their enthusiasm very much evident as they stood, their excitement causing them to sway unsteadily from side to side.
"I need to establish a proper army." Watching the prisoners teeter without formation, Lester quelled his urge to complain and proclaimed, "We have won!!!"
To further enliven the atmosphere, he waved his hands, and the once-dreary underground space transformed into a vibrant Ministry of Magic alive with roaring flames and exotic beasts, sending a towering pillar of fire skyward, which drew gasps from the gathered crowd.
"Now, go do what you've always wanted," he directed toward the pure-blood officials, "Pick up your wands and give them a solid lesson!!!"
*Ding! Gained fear value from Minister Smith +1000*
*Ding! Gained fear value from Lucius Malfoy +300*
*Ding! Gained fear value from Arthur Weasley +300*
*[...]*
Lucius, who had entertained plans of suddenly emerging to pledge loyalty, found himself rooted in shock at those words.
"Give us a lesson?" he wondered as he glanced at the eager prisoners surrounding them, a dark premonition unfurling within him.
Sure enough, moments later, the prisoners surged forward, targeting a well-dressed pure-blood official to pummel.
Why didn't they use their wands? Simple—the prisoners feared they might unleash the Killing Curse, as Lester had only instructed them to teach the pure-bloods a lesson, not to kill.
Faced with the assault from the prisoners, all the pure-blood officials opted to forgo resistance, shielding their heads with their hands and allowing themselves to be beaten.
Since Lester hadn't directly executed them, it suggested there was still hope.
*Angry Prisoners: In the desolate confines of Azkaban, hope for life has dwindled. The prisoners drift through their days in a fog, their violent nature suppressed. Now, these angry prisoners yearn to release their pent-up emotions.*
*Mission Requirement: Enable 80% of the prisoners in Azkaban to unleash the demons lurking within.*
*Mission Reward: Skill Upgrade Card (can surpass skill level caps and forcibly enhance skills)*
Lester remembered his mission, recalling that Bernard's sudden interference had disrupted the prisoners' previous fury, preventing them from fully immersing themselves in it. Thus, they needed a chance to vent.
The once-mighty pure-bloods had now been reduced to helpless punching bags, and each prisoner wore a fierce grin as they struck their targets, reveling in their unleashed violence.
In the crowd, Arthur Weasley nervously scanned the scene, terrified for his colleagues. Perhaps his shabby attire made him seem less a target; the prisoners overlooked him, opting to beat others instead.
However, as the prisoners grew more excitable in their assaults, some began to fixate on Arthur.
"You…" Even the resilient Arthur felt intimidated by the throng of prisoners. "What do you want?!"
He attempted to chastise the prisoners, but with even the Minister of Magic being pummeled and cowering to shield his head, how could a mere Weasley instill fear?
The prisoners drew nearer, eager to target him.
Then, a familiar voice rang in Arthur's ear.
"Brothers, I've long endured this guy; let me handle him alone!"
Taken aback, the other prisoners paused momentarily before stepping aside, seeking other victims for their fury, leaving Arthur dumbfounded.
Despite considering himself a law-abiding citizen with no enemies among the prisoners, the situation felt wholly surreal.
Just as anxiety gripped him, Ludo's figure stepped into view.
Weasley: "???"
Ludo: "..."
Having shared previous acquaintanceship as pure-blood nobles, Arthur recognized Ludo immediately, despite the dirt covering his face.
In a simple exchange of glances, Arthur grasped Ludo's intentions.
True to form, Weasley feigned despair, squatting on the floor, arms shielding his head, lamenting loudly in a way that sounded genuinely tragic.
Ludo played along, delivering mock but fierce blows to Arthur, each strike seemingly devastating yet actually causing no harm.
"Brother, watch your kicks! I know you loathe the Ministry, but don't take it to that extreme!"
Some prisoners, distressed, wanted to step in, believing Ludo's antics were too harsh, but he ignored their concerns, reveling in the performance, while Arthur's wails grew louder, echoing mournfully.
Lester paid little mind to the ruckus below because...
*Ding! Task 'Angry Prisoners' completed*
*Ding! Congratulations, host, you have received the task reward 'Skill Upgrade Card'*
With elation filling his gaze, Lester waved his hand, the key he had shaped reappearing in his grip.
"It's time for Carlson to make his entrance; he needs to dazzle in front of the pure-blood officials."
***
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