Lucius, covered in dust, stood up in his shattered hall, looking around bewilderedly, regretting bringing Rasmus to his home.
Had he known the duel would be like this, he would have suggested they fight outside.
Yet, he was also shocked by Murphy's unfamiliar spells, which were powerful and seemed tinged with dark magic.
Murphy's use of these spells, not only to win the duel but also to demolish his home, was clearly a warning.
This was expected, yet Murphy seemed even stronger than before, overpowering Rasmus, the proud leader of the Aurors, without effort.
This power, although not enough to make Lucius pledge unwavering loyalty, proved Murphy could protect himself. Along with his wealth and intellect, the notion of him being a new Dark Lord didn't seem far-fetched.
So, should he fully align with Murphy?
But where was Murphy taking Rasmus? Surely he wouldn't kill him?
...
Murphy brought Rasmus to the Mind Magic Research Group and petrified him.
The two dark spells used, a Dark Tide and a Screaming Blast, were learned from a diary, invented by Tom Riddle himself.
The former was a rare continuous attack spell, and the latter a wide-ranging spell, different from ordinary curses. This was the first time Murphy used them in real combat, and he was very satisfied with the results.
Rasmus, as an Auror leader, should have had a magical power level comparable to Murphy's at that moment.
Yet, under the onslaught of these two spells, he couldn't mount any effective resistance and was quickly defeated.
This demonstrated that panel attributes were only a reference and not the sole determinant of strength. Powerful spells and combat experience were crucial supports for a wizard's combat effectiveness.
Leaving Rasmus on the research table, Murphy summoned two unorthodox scientists.
"This man is a wizard. We have... let me think, about a day. We have one day to test some effects of mind magic on him. Do you have any experiments requiring human subjects that you need to verify?"
Furness Bachman and Omid Abbott exchanged excited looks, "Yes! Of course. And a wizard! We've needed such a specimen!"
"Regarding Legilimency, we have about 30 tests we'd like to conduct, Obliviate has about twenty projects... and there are even more for the Imperius Curse, around fifty sub-projects..."
Murphy nodded, "No problem, I'll assist you today."
"But let's avoid any experiments that are too dangerous. Don't break him; I still need to plant a Mind Seed in him."
...
By evening, at Malfoy Manor, four figures appeared suddenly.
The leader, dressed in a black wool coat and leather gloves, was exceptionally tall. The other three included a thin, tall man with a rugged face, a round-faced man with curly hair and average height, and a short, fat old man with white hair.
"Lucius, return my son!" The old man seized Lucius by the collar as soon as he saw him, "Where is he?! What have you done with him?!"
"Let go! Release me!" Lucius struggled to free himself, fixing his collar while gritting his teeth, "Lysander, have you lost your mind!?"
"It was your suggestion that brought Rasmus to see that man! Now, my son's whereabouts are unknown. If anything happens to him, I'll make you pay!" Lysander Selwyn shouted.
"Lucius, where is Rasmus?" The tall man asked.
"Albert Lankorne." Lucius glanced at him, "What's it to you?"
"Lucius, are you really going to be that kid's lapdog?" The man with curly hair sneered.
"Avery," Lucius replied, looking at the last man, "Coban Yaxley. What wind brought you two here?"
"Lysander got your letter," Albert spoke with a deep voice, "His son was taken by that kid. Why didn't you stop him?"
"Rasmus is a fool. He rashly challenged someone stronger than himself, proposed the duel, and was easily defeated." Lucius indicated the damaged estate, "Gentlemen, my own home was affected by the fight. How could I stop it?"
Then, turning to Lysander Selwyn, "Lysander, you assured me your son was coming to solve a problem. You begged me to arrange a meeting with Murphy. Yet, your son immediately challenged him to a duel! Is this your idea of solving problems? You dragged me into this, and now you question me?!"
"You!?" Lysander was furious, "If not for your deliberate encroachment on my business, why would I need to solve problems? What problem did I have to solve?!"
"I've told you, that was Murphy's business. I'm merely managing it for him; the investor isn't me!"
"So, you're letting that kid dictate terms, Lucius?" Albert Lankorne looked down on him, "The Malfoy family, unable to deal with a fallen family's brat?"
"Don't mock me, Albert." Lucius sneered, "If you're so capable, go deal with him yourself."
"That's exactly what we plan to do," Albert fixed his gaze on Lucius, "That kid has been too reckless, and many are displeased. We're going to teach him a lesson. Lucius, how will you choose?"
"What do you plan to do?" Lucius surveyed the group, "I advise you to think carefully. Skrimger is one thing, but Murphy is not easy to handle."
"Skrimger, just a stubborn fool." Yaxley scoffed dismissively.
"Skrimger took out half of our people..." Lucius huffed, "Underestimating your opponent is not a good habit!"
Realizing something, Lucius paused, recalling where he had heard similar advice.
"So, you've decided to side with Murphy against us?"
Lucius hesitated. Offending Albert Lankorne could be troublesome, but so could Murphy.
"I won't side with anyone." Lucius declared, "You go ahead and fight to the death."
"Heh, typical Malfoy." Avery taunted, "No need to waste words on him. Let's go."
"Go?! Lankorne, my son is still with that man!" Selwyn shouted.
"Then I suggest you report to the Aurors." Avery laughed, "Oh, I forgot, your son is an Auror. Ha, how amusing."
Albert Lankorne seemed to remember this detail, "Avery's right. The Auror Captain being taken is no small matter. Report it to the Auror headquarters; it might even trouble Murphy..."
However, before he could finish, a figure appeared in the manor.
Everyone drew their wands, tense, but Lysander Selwyn recognized the newcomer, "Rasmus! My son! Thank Merlin! You're back!"
___________________
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