章 131: Fame & Fear
The system's notification rang in Artel's ears, signaling his successful summoning of the Witch-king of Angmar and a 5% increase in the unlock rate of the Ring of power. This month's progress unlocked an impressive eight percent of the seal, a significant achievement.
But the real excitement stemmed from summoning a character from Sauron's dark forces for the first time. With the Witch King of Angmar by his side, Artel's plans could progress more smoothly. However, the elusive fourth ability of the Ring of power remained locked, a power that would grant Artel control over the nine ring spirits.
Unfortunately, the Witch King remained loyal to Sauron. If summoned, he would undoubtedly seek to reclaim the Ring of power for his master.
"It seems the Ringwraiths possess the ability to sense the Ring of power' whereabouts," Artel mused, recalling how they pursued Frodo when he possessed the ring. Yet, with Sauron's mark erased and Artel's soul bound to the ring, detection seemed improbable.
"In that case, I could exploit Saruman's identity to manipulate the Witch King," Artel realized. As the leader of the Ringwraiths, the Witch King likely knew of Saruman's allegiance to Sauron.
With plans forming in his mind, Artel couldn't help but let out a mischievous chuckle.
Artel chuckled softly as he observed the slumbering Witch-king of Angmar within the confines of the system space.
The Witch-king of Angmar conjured by Artel was fully equipped, adorned in enchanted black steel armor and a menacing mask, astride a black demon horse. Additionally, the Witch King bore one of the Nine Rings of Men on his finger, granting him passage through the underworld. Adorning his sides were a pair of sabers – one a magical sword imbued with enchantments, the other the infamous Morgul dagger.
"A flawless assassin," Artel mused to himself before closing the system interface, rubbing his tired eyes, and drifting off into a deep sleep.
...
Upon awakening the next day, Artel noted a slight improvement in his mental fortitude. While his complexion remained pallid, the signs of illness had diminished.
"Madam Pomfrey's potions are truly remarkable," he remarked to himself, acknowledging the efficacy of the healer's remedies.
Hermione, too, noticed Artel's improved condition, breathing a sigh of relief. Though she had accompanied him to the infirmary the previous day, her concern had kept her awake until the early hours of the morning. Thankfully, her consumption of moon oak leaves had kept her spirits high and prevented any signs of fatigue.
With Sunday providing a welcomed respite, both Artel and Hermione relaxed over breakfast. However, their tranquility was interrupted by the arrival of a flurry of owls.
Ron's owl landed clumsily on the table, causing a commotion as it bumped into various desserts, much to Ron's chagrin.
"Stupid owl!" Ron muttered under his breath as he retrieved the Daily Prophet delivered by the owl. His expression quickly shifted from annoyance to shock as he perused the contents.
"What's the matter? What's the news today... oh! Merlin's beard!" Harry exclaimed, leaning in to see.
Intrigued by their reactions, Hermione leaned over to glance at the paper, suspecting it to be news from New York, as Artel had predicted.
Sure enough, exclamations filled the room as each wizard absorbed the shocking revelations printed in the Daily Prophet, disbelief evident on their faces.
The front page of the Daily Prophet on March 1 bore a chilling headline:
"[Saruman Attacks Magical Congress]"
The article detailed the harrowing incident, accompanied by a somber list and photographs of nearly a hundred fallen members of the Magic Association. Each face depicted a life lost in the line of duty. Additionally, it reported the tragic fate of Agilbert Fontana, headmaster of Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, who lay cursed in a coma.
Saruman stood as the culprit behind this heinous act, his motives stemming from a statement made by the Director of Foreign Affairs of the Magical Congress—a statement also echoed in the Daily Prophet.
Described as the darkest wizard attack of the twentieth century, the assault not only obliterated the Magical Congress but also ravaged a third of New York City.
In response, the International Confederation of Wizards mobilized urgent rescue efforts and amnestic treatments, desperately hoping to prevent exposure of the wizarding world to the mundane populace.
The International Federation of Wizards swiftly condemned Saruman's actions, issuing a wanted list. Anyone capable of capturing him stood to gain substantial rewards, along with prestigious honors such as the Medal of Special Contribution to the Magical World and the Merlin Medal.
"Saruman... why would he do such a thing..." Harry clenched his fists, his voice filled with anguish.
Ron attempted to console him, reasoning with him about the nature of dark wizards, but Harry's anger burned unabated. Could he still muster the courage to confront Saruman?
"Thank Merlin for Headmaster Dumbledore... without him, it would have been catastrophic," Hermione shuddered, her eyes scanning the devastation described in the newspaper.
"From the photos, Saruman had a significant number of allies... Three bone-like dragons, dark wizards in black robes, and even knights in armor... Could they be members of the Holy White Council?" speculated one voice.
"No, survivors claimed Saruman summoned them through magic... It's truly terrifying, perhaps ancient black magic," another responded with a shiver.
As the group conversed and speculated, Artel borrowed the newspaper from Ron, poring over its contents with a furrowed brow. Alongside the front-page tragedy, other sections reported on the International Federation of Wizards' actions, the plans for rebuilding the Magical Congres, and updates from Ilvermorny School of Magic.
However, one thing stood out—Saruman's name dominated every article. Yet, there was a notable absence of judgment or condemnation. Some pieces even hinted at admiration for his display of strength.
Setting the paper down, Artel couldn't deny the palpable fear that Saruman's name now instilled across the world.
....
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