Chapter -36.
Arlis had really suffered due to his constant use of low-quality life potions; his body was in such bad shape that there wasn't a healthy part left.
Even his nervous system that was supposed to control saliva had failed, leaving him with drool hanging from his mouth after he had just spit.
Lester looked at Arlis, who appeared utterly dazed, and let out a resigned sigh.
Ultimately, he decided to save Arlis and take him on as his subordinate.
Despite his current mental state, it was hard to deny that Arlis was the most powerful wizard in all of Azkaban, besides Lester himself, of course.
Lester slowly revealed a green potion from his pocket, a flicker of pain crossing his face.
This was a proper life potion, unlike those that were less effective and came with nasty side effects; this one could cure all injuries!
After all, he had gone through 100 bottles of those subpar life potions before getting his hands on a single genuine one.
He had planned to keep this potion as a backup for a rainy day, but now it seemed he would need to give it to Arlis.
"Arlis, I have to ask, are you willing to follow me?"
As Lester looked down at Arlis, who looked a bit like a pile of decaying flesh, he asked coolly, his sharp gaze locking onto Arlis's eyes. Even someone as fearsome as Arlis felt a pang of anxiety under Lester's intense stare.
But right then, Arlis didn't have the brain space to worry about Lester's expression; he was completely taken aback.
Lester was genuinely offering him a chance to join him and even asked if he was willing—which was a no-brainer! Who would refuse a chance to avoid being a mere pawn for a pure-blood noble?
"Abba Abba, Abba Abba Daddy!!!!"
Though he had lost his ability to articulate words, Arlis excitedly communicated his eagerness through his "Abba Abba" sounds.
Surely, Lester would get what he meant!
Lester was left speechless.
He watched as Arlis's face lit up, his body shaking with excitement, and his mouth continuing its "Abba Abba" chant. Lester was utterly confused.
Was Arlis expressing his readiness to follow him or was he making threats?
The various expressions were so complex that he couldn't decipher what was going on.
Then suddenly, Lester remembered that Arlis had a peculiar magical ability—farting!
Since Arlis couldn't speak, maybe he could announce his willingness through that method instead?
If he had lost even that ability, Lester thought, he would have completely fallen apart long ago.
Looking at the yellowish but fairly clean area behind Arlis, Lester said, "How about this—if you're willing to follow me, just let out a couple of toots; if you're not, stay silent and I'll help you on your way!"
After saying this, Lester couldn't help but pat himself on the back for such a clever idea.
So ingenious! Others probably wouldn't think of this!
Arlis felt a bit regretful for his hasty decision. After a brief moment of hesitation, he used all his strength and managed to let out two tiny farts.
Though they were very soft, Lester heard them loud and clear. "Great!" Lester's eyes sparkled; having a powerful wizard like Arlis on his side was exactly what he needed right now.
With Arlis's help, their disruptive plans could get even more ambitious! Lester carefully squatted down, avoiding the spit that Arlis had just expelled, and poured his only precious genuine life potion into Arlis's waiting mouth.
As soon as the green potion flowed into him, a miraculous event unfolded.
A green, glowing orb began to roam through Arlis's body, restoring damaged functions to their original state as it passed through various areas.
As the orb circulated inside him, Arlis felt warmth enveloping him, akin to sipping a soul-replenishing soup, and soon he was feeling lively again. "Young boss Lester!" Once he regained the ability to move, he eagerly knelt before Lester, eyes shining brightly.
During Arlis's revival, Lester remained a bit on edge around him, keeping a close watch for any hint of rebellion.
If there was even the slightest indication of resistance, he would incinerate him in an instant without a second thought.
In the worst-case scenario, he could just chalk it up to a misjudgment and lose one life potion.
But looking at Arlis's fervent gaze now, Lester realized this dark wizard was genuinely swayed by his words and had completely submitted to him.
"Alright, go downstairs and get your wand." Lester gestured to the thrilled Arlis, indicating he should head downstairs to find Carson for his wand.
In a place like Azkaban, wizards had to surrender their wands upon capture, which were securely kept by the Aurors until the prisoners served their time. [That may not be the case here.]
Since Carson had already joined Lester's side, there was no need for extra steps.
They could just hand out the wands! Without their wands, these wizards were like wolves with their claws clipped, easy targets. But with their wands, they became fierce beasts, experts in dark magic! Lester didn't worry too much about them plotting against him after getting their wands; anyone in Azkaban could hardly be considered foolish.
In fact, those who were a bit foolish would likely be the ones most eager to follow him, enticed by thoughts of wreaking havoc in the Ministry of Magic.
As for the few clever enough to resist his brainwashing, they wouldn't dare turn against Lester.
At this point, Lester represented their hope for a brighter future; anyone wishing harm upon him wouldn't need any other instigator—the group of wizards with shattered dreams would be more than ready to tear him apart.
Although there were a lot of prisoners around and the environment was complex, the wizards all lined up orderly to collect their wands, regardless of their past crimes.
They were no longer the chaotic crowd they once were; after Lester's persuasion, they had transformed into determined, visionary new-age Muggle-born wizards.
Soon, thanks to the teamwork of the prisoners, within half an hour, Carson and his crew successfully returned wands to everyone present.
After receiving their wands, the wizards didn't leap into exuberant celebration; instead, they appeared eager to test them out. Yes, they were brimming with excitement to follow Lester and forge their own destinies! Finally, as everyone watched, Lester made his way down from the second-floor cell, accompanied by the strong Arlis.
Leaning against the railing, Lester slowly raised his wand for all the eager faces below to see.
The wand was one he had taken from Carson; although he had the ability to cast spells without one, he wanted to use a wand to keep his talents under wraps from those who might be watching him closely in the future.
The sharp black tip of the wand pointed straight up to the prison's roof. Seeing this, other prisoners quickly followed suit, raising their wands high. In the stillness, a thrilling excitement spread through everyone's hearts.
Looking at the hundreds of expectant eyes below, Lester knew it was time for one last morale boost.
He lifted his wand high and shouted into the air, "Avada Kedavra!"
A bright green light suddenly erupted in the dimness of the prison, shooting upwards toward the ceiling like a serpent.
At that moment, the prison was so dark that no one recognized that the killing curse had actually been cast by the creature standing behind Lester.
But in the grand scheme, it didn't matter who was responsible for the spell; as long as the atmosphere was charged, that was what counted!
"Avada Kedavra!!!"
The instant Lester unleashed his spell, all the other prisoners grasped his intent and joined in, casting their own killing curses towards the roof.
Hundreds of killing curses surged forth at once, and the sheer force blew off the prison's roof.
But that wasn't the end; the hundreds of killing curses continued to ascend without losing momentum, finally pausing at their peak.
Boom!
With a deafening explosion, hundreds of killing curses released their fierce power into the air.
The vibrant green light of the curses, accompanied by the chaotic shockwave, enveloped all of Azkaban.
On that day, a massive hole opened in the dark sky of Azkaban.
On that day, the entire Azkaban turned green.
***
Tl/N : Want to read more while supporting me, you can join me on PATREON: where I have kept stockpile of 20 chapters.
PATREON.com/SoulDream.
Like it ? Add to library!