章 409: 0408 Thoughts

The primeval forests of Albania, with their towering trees and dense vegetation, had long been home to countless creatures, both magical and mundane. On this particular night, however, an unusual restlessness permeated the air. These animals could not slept well all night.

What had begun as a routine operation to combat a forest fire had unexpectedly morphed into something far more complex and sinister. The Albanian firefighters, their faces streaked with soot and sweat, had been battling the blaze for hours when they stumbled upon a scene that would soon capture national attention.

In a small clearing, miraculously untouched by the inferno that raged around it, lay an unconscious young woman. At first glance, she appeared to be just another tourist who had lost her way in the vast wilderness. Such occurrences, while regrettable, were not uncommon in this country.

Indeed, the disappearance of foreign visitors in Albania's more remote areas had become something of a grim joke among locals. The country's reputation for mystery and danger had made it an attractive destination for thrill-seekers and adventurers. Even more bizarrely, when these lost ones were eventually found - sometimes days or even weeks after their disappearance - they showed signs of memory loss.

However, the discovery of the young girl coincided with a brutal murder at the same location, further complicating the situation.

As if that wasn't enough, the forest fire that had initially drawn the emergency services to this location began to exhibit highly unusual behavior. Witnesses would later describe it as almost sentient, as if guided by an unseen hand. The flames, which had been raging uncontrollably just moments before, suddenly began to recede. They pulled back from the clearing where the girl had been found, creating an eerie circle of untouched forest floor amidst the charred and smoking landscape.

Even more strangely, the fire seemed to redirect itself, converging on a specific point deeper in the woods. The firefighters, baffled by this unprecedented phenomenon, cautiously followed the path of the flames. What they found would elevate this incident from a local tragedy to a national crisis.

Hidden deep within the forest, in an area so remote it didn't appear on any official maps, stood a large wooden structure. Or rather, what remained of one. The fire had focused its fury on this building with an almost unnatural intensity. By the time the emergency services arrived, little remained but smoldering ruins and ash.

As the smoke cleared and the investigators began to sift through the debris, the true horror of the situation began to emerge. Amidst the charred timbers and melted metal, they found human remains. Not just one or two bodies, but dozens. Early estimates put the number at nearly forty individuals.

The discovery sent shockwaves through the local community. How could such a large structure, housing so many people, have existed undetected in the forest? Who were these unfortunate souls, and why were they in this remote location? The possibilities were unsettling: had this been some kind of cult compound? A secret prison?

It quickly became apparent that this case was far beyond the capabilities of the local police force. The sheer scale of the tragedy, combined with the bizarre circumstances surrounding it, demanded resources and expertise that simply weren't available in this rural part of Albania.

News of the incident spread rapidly, reaching the highest levels of government within hours. Recognizing the potential for international implications, the Albanian authorities wasted no time in mobilizing a significant response. Elite units of the military and national police were dispatched to the area.

Their primary objectives were two: first, to secure the area and prevent any potential evidence from being disturbed or removed. The forest was to be treated as one massive crime scene, with access strictly controlled. Second, they were tasked with launching a comprehensive investigation into every aspect of this mysterious incident.

Forensic teams were flown in from the capital, bringing with them the latest in crime scene analysis technology. Their job would be to meticulously comb through the ruins of the wooden structure, attempting to identify the victims and determine the cause of the fire. Was it a tragic accident, or something more sinister?

Meanwhile, other teams of investigators began the painstaking process of interviewing local residents and checking records. They hoped to uncover any clues related to that secret house and the identities of those who had lived - and died - there.

As darkness fell over the forest, the investigation kicked into high gear. The night air, usually filled with the gentle sounds of nocturnal wildlife, was instead dominated by the harsh mechanical roar of helicopters. Their powerful searchlights swept back and forth across the treetops, creating eerie patterns of light and shadow that seemed to bring the forest itself to life.

On the ground, teams of soldiers and police officers formed a perimeter around the affected area. They set up checkpoints on all roads leading into the forest, turning away curious locals and fanatical journalists alike. Nobody was to enter or leave the area without express authorization.

*Scene-Break*

Bryan had returned to the forest for the first time in a long while.

After several hours of careful progress, he finally discovered what he was looking for: a modest rocky outcropping rising above the surrounding forest. Though it was barely a hill, it would serve his purposes. With a subtle flick of his wrist and a muttered incantation, Bryan used his magic to flatten the hilltop, creating an ideal spot for his camp.

As night deepened and the temperature dropped, Bryan turned his attention to more immediate concerns. The forest air had taken on a distinct chill, reminiscent of the early days of winter rather than the late summer season it actually was. Such unseasonable cold was just one of the many anomalies that made this forest a place of danger.

Bryan built a campfire in front of his tent, set up an iron grill, and leisurely began roasting sausages.

As the flames licked the sausages, a rich, savory aroma soon wafted through the air, carried by the gentle breeze. The creatures dwelling nearby caught wind of this tantalizing scent and grew restless. They followed the smell to Bryan's makeshift camp but were blocked by the surrounding defensive spells. They whimpered nonstop, unable to find a way in.

As the sausages neared completion, their skins crisped to a perfect golden-brown, Bryan added a battered tin kettle to the grill. The vessel, dented and blackened from countless similar nights, soon began to emit wisps of steam as the water inside heated.

He slowly prepared tea for himself. By the firelight, he watched the tea leaves unfurl in his cup, inhaling the fragrant steam. The lingering scent of blood and violence around him gradually dissipated.

As Bryan sipped his tea, his mind wandered back to the memory he had witnessed in the bartender's mind. The woman he had seen, though disguised, was unmistakably Cliodna. Her true face remained hidden, but Bryan would recognize that unique grapevine wand anywhere. It practically hummed with druid's magical energy and vitality.

From last summer until early August this year, it had taken Kakus a full year to provide crucial information within the mission's deadline, finally giving him a lead on the whereabouts of the contemporary Druid cult's priestess.

By now, Bryan wasn't as concerned about what had happened in the central temple of Avalon Island. What truly drove him forward was a burning curiosity. If not for this woman drawing him into these series of events, and his desire to see if she could answer some of his questions, Bryan might have already withdrawn her bounty.

Although he had found some clues, Bryan's expression showed little joy.

Previously, he had seen some concerning details in the Bartender's memories. First was the middle-aged, fat witch who had stumbled into the Soul Eater's Den by mistake.

Bryan had an exceptional memory, and he had some impression of this woman.

Earlier, when the Greyback incident had just occurred, he frequently visited the Ministry of Magic to assist with various public relations efforts. He had met most of the Ministry employees during that time, and this woman was among them.

Although he hadn't heard this witch's name, after carefully searching his memories, Bryan was certain he hadn't mistaken her identity. This witch was indeed an employee of the British Ministry of Magic.

Bryan had no idea why this witch had appeared in Albania. What concerned him was that after being rescued by Cliodna, the witch had followed the priestess deep into the forest and hadn't been seen since.

This disappearance was particularly troubling given the strategic location of the Soul Eaters' Den. Situated at a crucial junction of paths leading into the depths of the jungle, the Den served as a natural checkpoint. The grotesque goat's head that hung at its entrance was more than just a macabre decoration; it served as the eyes and ears of the Den's owner, keeping watch over all who passed by.

The fact that the bartender's memories showed no sign of the witch's return could only mean one thing: she was still somewhere in the depths of the primeval forest.

Secretive cults like the Druids were likely very careful about concealing their whereabouts. Bryan wasn't surprised that the priestess, who revered nature and life, had saved that witch. However, why had the priestess taken her along? Shouldn't she have immediately sent her out of the forest after rescuing her from the Soul Eater's Den? Why had they gone deeper into the forest instead?

As Bryan chewed thoughtfully on a particularly delicious bit of sausage, he considered the possibilities. The most obvious explanation - that Cliodna intended to convert the witch and send her back to the Ministry as a spy - seemed far too simplistic.

Historically, cultists and mainstream wizards had maintained a clear separation. If Cliodna truly sought assistance from the wizarding world, she had had two ideal options. The first would be to appeal to Dumbledore, begging him to allow the Druid followers to live in the Forbidden Forest.

The second would be to use benefits to sway those pureblood families and high-ranking Ministry officials to promote policies that would make British wizarding society more accepting of Druid followers. This approach could secure them a place to live while also keeping the ever-watchful Church at bay.

In light of these options, the idea of planting a single, low-level spy in the Ministry seemed both risky and ineffective.

There was another matter that puzzled Bryan.

After examining the bartender's memories from the past year, he made a surprising discovery.

Over the course of the past year since last summer, Cliodna disguised as a dark witch had been a semi-regular visitor to the Soul Eater's Den. Yet in all that time, she had never once been seen in the company of her followers.

For the Druids, a people deeply connected to nature, living in the forest was not unusual. In fact, it was very much in line with their beliefs and practices. But for their high priestess to abandon her flock for an entire year? That was unprecedented.

Each time Cliodna had entered the Den, she had been alone. She rarely engaged in conversation, preferring instead to sit in secluded corners, silently observing the comings and goings of the other patrons. It was as if she had come to the camp solely to gather information.

Bryan didn't doubt Cliodna's dedication to protecting her cult. But it is precisely here that it gets more confusing.

As he sipped his tea, now cooled to the perfect temperature, Bryan pondered the possible reasons for Cliodna's solitary stay. Was she attempting to throw him off her trail? Perhaps she feared that if she remained with her followers and he managed to locate them, they would all be captured at once. It was a plausible theory, but something about it didn't quite fit.

Bryan set aside his empty cup and picked up the iron tongs once more, turning the last of the sausages on the grill. As he did so, his gaze penetrated deep into the forest, far beyond where the flickering firelight could reach.

One question in particular nagged at him: of all the places in the world, why had Cliodna chosen Albania?

It was common knowledge that this small nation was far from a bastion of peace and tranquility. The country had become a haven for poachers, smugglers, and all manner of unsavory characters seeking to profit from the chaos.

This very jungle that now surrounded Bryan was a hotbed of illegal activity. Day and night, unscrupulous individuals roamed the woods, their eyes gleaming with greed as they searched for valuable magical creatures or rare materials that could fetch a high price on the black market.

For the nature-loving Druid followers, such behavior was abomination. Their entire philosophy revolted against the idea of exploiting the natural world for personal gain. The thought of Cliodna willingly choosing to neighbor with individuals she must find utterly hateful seemed absurd.

Moreover....

Bryan took a sip of tea, his expression darkening slightly.

Rumor had it that Voldemort, now a shadow of his former self, was hiding in these very woods.

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章 410: 0409 Search Continued

The first rays of dawn penetrated the ancient forest. The sunlight, brimming with infinite vitality, broke through layers upon layers of dark green leaves, casting mesmerizing shadows on the dew-dampened ground below. This was the best moment of the day.

In this isolated primeval forest, far removed from the bustle of human settlements, the cool morning air was charged with an indescribable energy. The occasional birds soared gracefully over the vast canopy. Their clear, melodious chirping didn't disturb the forest's tranquility but rather enhanced its serenity, adding a sweet note to the symphony of nature.

The night's deep sleep had worked wonders, dispelling the bone-deep fatigue that had plagued him after his grueling half-month sea journey and his subsequent struggle against the formidable defensive magic of Azkaban. As the gentle, warm sunlight caressed his cheek, his eyelids fluttered open, revealing a pair of eyes that sparkled with renewed vitality.

With practiced efficiency, Bryan spent the next half hour attending to his morning routine. For breakfast, he consumed a simple yet nourishing meal of dried fruits and nuts. As the last remnants of sleep fell away, Bryan began to pack up his tent. With a few skillful movements of his wand, the tent folded in on itself, shrinking down to the size of a small pouch which he tucked away in his robes.

He scanned his surroundings with a slightly vigilant gaze. The forest, while breathtakingly beautiful, could harbor unknown dangers. Satisfied that no immediate threats lurked nearby, Bryan raised his wand and tapped it gently against his forehead. A sensation like a cold stream flowed down his body, and gradually, as if he were a chameleon adapting to its surroundings, his figure blended into the rocky mountain backdrop until he disappeared completely from view.

Last night, Bryan had ruthlessly swept away the gathering place of dark wizards in albania. In the coming days, this event would undoubtedly cause a stir in Europe's underground world.

His actions had set in motion a chain of events with far-reaching consequences. The dark wizards still in the area might initially flee in fear. However, Bryan knew that this would be short-lived. Soon, they would gather their forces to seek revenge. This was almost a certainty, Each of the dark wizards he had killed had mentors, friends, or followers who wouldn't turn a blind eye to this massacre. In the world of magic, exterminating an entire lineage was more than just a crime - it was a blood feud, a debt that could only be repaid in kind. Moreover, the wizards native to this country wouldn't let such an insult to their sovereignty go unchallenged.

Yet, the consequences wouldn't be limited to the dark underbelly of the Wizarding world. Dark wizards, despite their nefarious practices, were still part of the wider wizarding community. The International Confederation of Wizards, upon receiving news of this incident, wouldn't sit idly by. They would likely dispatch their own investigators, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

Bryan wasn't afraid of these consequences. He had acted with full awareness of what his actions would provoke. However, he knew that in the coming days, this serene forest would undoubtedly become a hive of activity, buzzing with various factions all pursuing their own agendas. Time was of the essence - he had to investigate what he came for before the situation became even more turbulent.

Tracking wizards in the forest was a far simpler task than tracking magical creatures. Magical creatures were part of the forest ecosystem, which helped conceal their tracks from all but the most skilled trackers. Wizards, on the other hand, were intruders in this land. Despite their best efforts, they always left obvious traces of their passing.

Even experienced wizards, well-versed in concealment spells and stealth techniques, couldn't completely erase their presence. To a true expert like Bryan, these very attempts at concealment were a form of exposure, like a bright flag signaling their presence.

Two hours of meticulous tracking later, Bryan found himself deep in the heart of the forest. The term "rarely visited" would have been a gross understatement for the sheer isolation of this place. The surrounding trees were colossal giants, each nearly a hundred feet tall, their trunks wider than a man could embrace. Their canopies formed a dense roof far overhead, allowing only dappled sunlight to reach the forest floor. The ground itself was a thick carpet of fallen leaves. Each step Bryan took caused a wave-like undulation in the leaf litter, the disturbance spreading out in a large area around his feet.

The air here was heavy and oppressive, filled with a deadly miasma that seemed to cling to everything. Intermingled with this ominous presence was a strong scent of alcohol, an inappropriate note in this ominous atmosphere. The source of this unexpected aroma soon became apparent as Bryan passed by a large patch of fruit trees. The fallen fruits from these trees had accumulated over time, forming a thick layer of decaying fruit pulp on the forest floor. Through some quirk of nature, this fruity mess had undergone natural fermentation, unexpectedly brewing into a strange fruit wine. The result was a small, bizarre fruit wine lake, its surface viscous and bubbling slightly with ongoing fermentation.

Logically, such an abundance of easily accessible food and drink should attract a large number of forest creatures. Oddly enough, the area around the fruit wine lake was eerily devoid of life. On the viscous surface of the lake, Bryan could see only the bleached skeletons of some unfortunate small animals, but no living creatures.

What had led Bryan to this strange and ominous place were some unusual traces along the lakeshore. The soft, rotting ground was marred by thick imprints that looked unsettlingly like those left by an impossibly large python slithering by.

Compared to other areas of the forest, the plant life here, while still impressively tall, was not as densely packed. The towering trees had clearly monopolized the available nutrients, leaving little for the shrubs and bushes. As a result, grass, smaller woody plants, and vines struggled to survive in this harsh environment, creating an unusually open and sparse forest floor.

The deadly miasma that permeated the air lent an eerie quality to everything in sight. The dim, filtered light and swirling mists created vague, shifting shadows that seemed to move of their own accord. It was all too easy to imagine dementors, lurking just out of sight, waiting to pounce on him.

Bryan was cautious and chose to float in mid-air rather than risk leaving tracks or disturbing the environment.

From this vantage point, he looked down at the forest floor, his keen eyes picking out details that others might miss. The tracks on the pile of rotting leaves became increasingly chaotic and overlapping as he progressed. It seemed he was approaching the lair of the mysterious python, but Bryan, didn't rush headlong into potential danger.

Instead, he changed direction, floating towards a particularly tall redwood tree. His gaze traveled up its massive trunk to its crown, and what he saw there caused his brow to furrow in concern. The treetop was withered and lifeless, a stark contrast to the vibrant green of its neighbors. This wasn't the result of any natural disease or parasite; the tree had mysteriously lost all vitality in a season when all other plant life was thriving.

As Bryan's eyes swept the surrounding area, he realized that this wasn't an isolated incident. Many trees in this part of the forest were in the same condition. Floating closer, Bryan reached out to brush his fingertips over the charred-looking trunk of the redwood. As he did so, a strange light flickered in his eyes.

These trees hadn't died due to any natural cause. Instead, it was as if their very life force had been extracted by some unknown power, leaving behind only these withered remnants.

While wizards weren't without means to achieve such effects, similar results were typically achieved through dark magic. The effects of such magic were usually brutal and obvious, like draining a reservoir by blowing up its dam. However, the situation before him was different, more subtle. It was as if someone had found a way to open the dam's channel gates in a much gentler.

As Bryan continued his exploration, the signs of unnatural decay became more noticeable. He came across numerous animal skeletons. Most of these remains were pitch black, as if the flesh had been eaten away by some kind of potent venom. Other bones were completely shattered. These unfortunate animals had likely been constricted to death by the giant python.

Everything Bryan observed was confirming a certain possibility, one that he had considered but hoped wasn't true.

Ahead on the winding path, partially obscured by the ever-present mist, loomed a truly massive banyan tree. This botanical behemoth was a world unto itself, its sprawling canopy and aerial roots covered an area nearly half the size of a Quidditch field. At the base of the main trunk, which was wider than many houses, was a cavernous tree hollow large enough to comfortably house a small giant.

Bryan's sharp gaze swept the surroundings once more, his senses on high alert. His grip on his wand tightened imperceptibly, ready to cast a spell at a moment's notice.

Someone or something had attempted to conceal their magical traces, but to Bryan's senses, there were still obvious signs of disturbance in the ambient magical field. These traces were similar to the tracks left by the giant python he had found earlier on the shores of the fruit wine lake and on the rotting leaf-covered ground.

The magic residue here was highly toxic, extremely corrosive, and radiated an aura of intense danger.

Steeling himself, Bryan cautiously entered the tree hollow. The scene inside made him frown, his brow furrowing in concentration as he took in every detail.

Unlike the decay-filled atmosphere outside, the air here wasn't saturated with the thick scent of rot and fermentation. The fallen leaves carpeting the ground were surprisingly dry, as if someone or something had taken the time to tidy up this space.

At the far end of the spacious hollow, there was a small area where the fallen leaves were piled noticeably thicker than in other areas. This anomaly immediately caught Bryan's attention. He floated over, his eyes fixed intently on the leaf pile. After a moment of careful observation, he made a subtle gesture with his finger. In response to this silent command, a small object zipped through the air and into his waiting hand.

It was a scale, and not just any scale. Its size and unique patterning left no doubt - it must have been shed by the giant python that had been active in this area.

Bryan examined the scale closely, turning it over in his hands and muttering a few quiet incantations. After a thorough inspection, he carefully tucked the scale into a pocket of his robes for later study.

Continuing his meticulous search of the hollow, Bryan soon made another discovery. In the very center of the space, partially hidden by the leaf litter, was a small plant seedling. It was clear that this seedling had only recently broken through the soil's barrier, perhaps just a few days ago.

Bryan pondered this new finding for a moment. Then, with a movement of his wand, he conjured a small gust of wind. This magical breeze gently compressed the leaves around the seedling, revealing the soil beneath.

The moment the soil was exposed, Bryan's brow furrowed involuntarily, his expression a mix of concern and disgust. The earth near the seedling was much darker than the surrounding area, with a strange, sticky wetness that glistened ominously in the dim light.

Overcoming his initial disgust, Bryan reached down and touched some of the soil with his finger. He brought it close to his face and inhaled deeply, immediately regretting the action as a rotten smell assaulted his nostrils. His heart sank as he recognized the unmistakable scent of decaying human flesh and blood, corroded and destroyed by powerful magic.

A grim question formed in Bryan's mind: Was this the remains of Cliodna, or perhaps the unfortunate British Ministry of Magic employee she had taken from the Soul Eater's Den?

The answer, he realized with a sinking feeling, was all too obvious.

"Hah—" Bryan let out a long, weary sigh as he brushed the soil from his hands. His gaze drifted to the lingering magical residue in the air. His eyes, usually sharp and determined, now showed a hint of melancholy and confusion.

"You two..." he murmured softly, his words meant for ears that could no longer hear, "how did you end up with each other?"

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