The final match of the International Wizard Duelling Competition was held on the afternoon of the third day.
The arena for the finals was located at the very center of the entire venue, surrounded by high stands, much like a boxing ring.
As family members, Alaric and the professors stood beside the arena, close enough to cheer Hermione on.
Even before the match began, the arena was already packed with wizards and witches from around the world, eagerly discussing and pointing at the two competitors on the stage.
After the morning matches concluded, some began to believe that Hermione had a chance to win the final victory, especially since she had defeated a top Auror.
However, the betting odds around the arena suggested that most people still believed Emil Barebone was more likely to win the tournament, as Hermione's winning odds were much higher.
Nevertheless, a large crowd of spectators cheered for Hermione because she was so young.
Even if she didn't win the tournament, many people still supported her.
On the stage, Hermione faced her opponent, a tall wizard in his forties with reddish-brown hair and blue eyes.
He dressed simply, his expression serious and earnest, but Hermione always felt that his intense gaze was filled with madness and hatred.
As she prepared to bow to her opponent, Emil suddenly requested that the use of dark magic be allowed in the duel.
The referee then sought Hermione's opinion.
Upon hearing this request, Hermione's face immediately changed.
Although the most dangerous levels of dark magic were forbidden in the Duelling Competition, there were always some fervent duelists and spectators who believed that a wizard duel without dark magic was merely child's play.
For some wizards, not being able to use dark magic meant their strength was greatly reduced.
To accommodate these factors, the International Wizard Duelling Competition allowed contestants to request the use of dark magic starting from the quarterfinals—except for the three Unforgivable Curses.
Hearing this request, Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick immediately shouted anxiously from below.
"Refuse him, Hermione! Dark magic is too dangerous for you!"
"I..." Hermione hesitated, but Emil spoke up proactively.
"Are you going to refuse, young lady? You should know, dark magic is an essential part of a true wizard duel.
Attacking each other with these childish spells doesn't count as a wizard duel; it's just a children's fight."
"But..." Hermione still didn't want to agree.
However, the audience began to clamor loudly.
"Accept it! Accept it!"
Among these people, some were avid duel enthusiasts, but most had bet on Emil and didn't want to see their money go to waste.
Of course, some people opposed, but their voices were drowned out by the former group.
"Well, can you hear the audience's calls? As contestants, we should give the audience the most exciting performance."
At this moment, Emil's serious and earnest facade was gone, replaced by a look of fanaticism, like a madman performing on stage.
Seeing him like this and his obsession with dark magic, Hermione, who was initially skeptical of what Strife had said, now almost fully believed him—this person was no good.
"And," sensing Hermione's hesitation, Emil added the final straw, "if you refuse, I'll concede right now and leave the match immediately."
Upon hearing this, Hermione realized that her opponent had guessed that his crimes had been discovered by American Aurors and he was being pursued, so his words were a test.
But it was understandable. After all, for the highest-ranking American Auror to participate in the tournament was suspicious, though not unprecedented.
However, Hermione didn't dare to gamble. She couldn't imagine what crimes this dangerous person, who hated wizards, would commit if he escaped capture.
More innocent wizards might die at his hands.
"Fine! I agree!" Hermione's decisive answer immediately sparked cheers from the audience.
The professors below opened their mouths but, since the contestant had made a decision, they couldn't change it. They couldn't forfeit on Hermione's behalf.
"Don't worry," Alaric reassured, "don't underestimate Hermione. Even with dark magic Emil won't be able to defeat her."
"Let's hope so..." Professor McGonagall said weakly, looking at Alaric. "If Miss Granger is in any danger, you must protect her."
"I will." Alaric nodded firmly.
Though Hermione agreed to lift the dark magic restriction, she still felt nervous.
She had seen the power of dark magic firsthand.
Whether it was Alaric's battle with Professor Quirrell in her first year or his duel with Professor Snape in her second year, the formidable power of dark magic was etched in her memory.
Spells like the Blasting Curse, Severing Charm, and Cutting Curse that could almost instantly kill a wizard were formidable enough.
Fiendfyre, a type of dark magic, couldn't be blocked by Shield Charm or Imperturbable Charm.
What should she do? She could still forfeit now. After all, her opponent was a criminal.
If she asked Alaric, he could capture this guy, and she could still win the competition.
As she opened her mouth to withdraw, a force within her steadied her resolve.
I am Hermione Granger. The person I aspire to be wouldn't cower in such a situation, even if the opponent is a terrifying dark wizard.
Moreover, she glanced at the audience, at Alaric, one of the most important people in her life, who was encouraging her with his gaze.
The strength I have right now is the result of my relentless effort and Alaric's selfless training. If I withdraw now, it would mean not trusting myself and him.
He's so proud. How could I undermine his abilities because of a mere dark wizard? I can't do that!
Immediately, Hermione's expression became resolute. She looked seriously at her opponent and then exchanged bows.
'Just watch me.'
She thought to herself.
So what if you're proficient in dark magic?
Dark magic is powerful, but it's not everything! Even if I'm not adept at using dark magic, I can still defeat you!
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