The stadium had obviously been expanded numerous times to accommodate the sheer number of people within it. Asterion estimated that there were at least a hundred thousand people. They definitely weren't all from England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and Northern Ireland. Even combining the entire population of the British Isles, it was impossible to reach such a staggering number of witches and wizards.
Looking up, within the VIP seats of the Quidditch Stadium, were all the Ministers of Magic, the President of MACUSA, and, of course, Dumbledore.
Honestly, in Asterion's eyes, they all looked like Roman emperors gazing down at the center of the coliseum, waiting for their gladiators to kill each other in a cruel and sadistic battle.
While he pondered, the Hogwarts team lined up near the other teams already in position.
Glancing to the side, he observed the other teams and their captains.
Leading the Durmstrang team was a tall boy with broad shoulders, black hair, and eyes that reminded him of a particular person—the Russian Minister of Magic, Dmitri Ivanov.
Alexei Ivanov, Captain of the Durmstrang Team and son of the Russian Magical Prime Minister.
Leading the Beauxbatons team was a beautiful young blonde with blue eyes, wearing tight-fitting clothes that perfectly outlined her slender and elegant figure.
Fleur Delacour, Captain of the Beauxbatons Team and daughter of the French Prime Minister.
Looking at the other teams, Asterion was speechless, as most of the team captains were children or relatives of the Ministers of Magic seated in the VIP seats. While nepotism was particularly evident in this world due to innate techniques and the centralization of power in powerful families, such a grand display of nepotism was truly unprecedented.
But he could understand what these ministers wanted by placing their children in the Tournament. After all, if a particular country won, the Minister of Magic would probably gain a lot of prestige and, consequently, another four-year term. Even if they couldn't win first place, they could still gain prestige with second and third places.
Interests above all.
Looking a bit more at the other captains, Asterion quickly lost interest. Except for the captains from Russia, France, the United States, Japan, and China, everyone seemed a bit weak in his eyes. But that was because he was a special-grade wizard. To others, these captains were geniuses in their countries and worldwide.
When the crowd quieted down, Albus Dumbledore, Mage Marshal of the Clock Tower, stood up from his seat and stood in front of what seemed to be a microphone but was obviously an alchemical item capable of amplifying the user's voice.
He tapped the microphone twice, testing if it was working, and when he saw it was, he greeted everyone with a big smile. "Good morning, everyone. I hope you are as excited as I am to witness such a special day as today."
Although he knew that probably not everyone could understand him—after all, not everyone knew English—Dumbledore used some animated gestures to greet everyone as if he were greeting them all.
Dumbledore's response came in a wave of excited screams and thunderous applause.
Waiting for everyone to calm down, Dumbledore continued speaking with a smile. "The King's Game will last about three days and will be officially broadcast throughout the stadium, allowing everyone to watch without much difficulty."
Seeing Dumbledore continuing his speech, the Russian Minister of Magic glanced at his old rival and spoke in English with a strong accent. "Benjamin, let's make a bet."
Raising an eyebrow, Benjamin looked distrustfully at the two-meter-tall man. If there was one thing he had learned from politics, it was that trust was a double-edged sword. His friendship with Dmitri was similar; the man might seem sturdy and brainless, but he was a high-level snake.
"What do you propose?" The President of MACUSA asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Let's bet on who wins this trial." Ivanov looked with a smile at his old rival and spoke in a relaxed tone.
His casual demeanor made Benjamin even more suspicious. This old bear had to be confident to bet against him.
"I bet on my son, Alexei." Unbothered by Benjamin's increasingly distrustful look, Ivanov spoke calmly.
Still, despite all his distrust of Dmitri, Benjamin decided to place his faith in his son. The boy was better than him at everything and would definitely defeat Dmitri's son!
"I bet on my son, Michael." Benjamin said with unconditional confidence in his voice, which made Ivanov look at him strangely, but then the man smiled.
"If you're so confident, how about betting your island?" Ivanov finally revealed his purpose, smiling so broadly his teeth shone.
Benjamin's island had a great strategic position and, as a bonus, a huge mansion to comfortably spend holidays on.
"Humph!" Snorting coldly, Benjamin retorted, revealing his purpose. "I want your silver and copper mine in the Balkans."
Ivanov's face twitched at Benjamin's words; he didn't expect this guy to dare have thoughts against his precious mine! That mine represented 30% of his entire estate's income!
But remembering his son, Ivanov's smile returned to his previous confidence. "Very well, I accept!"
Both foxes, confident in their sons, despite the presence of Asterion and Rose, looked at each other and smiled.
As the bet between the Russian and American Ministers was finalized, Dumbledore finally concluded his speech.
"Let the games begin!"
This was naturally met with thunderous applause.
Looking at all the young witches and wizards lined up side by side, Dumbledore's smile grew happy, and he spoke in a confident and charismatic tone.
"Good luck to all the competitors, and may Merlin be with you."
The young witches and wizards from the twelve countries felt as if they had been injected with energy at the man's words of good luck.
In the stands, Narcissa, Andromeda, and a huge black dog stood side by side, watching the entire ceremony.
"It's finally starting." Narcissa said, clapping her hands and looking at Asterion among the competitors with a proud smile. Although she didn't know how he was participating, it didn't stop her from feeling immense pride at that moment. She had no doubt that the Goblet of Fire would stay at Hogwarts this year.
"Let's hope they win, right, Sirius?" Andromeda gently petted the huge black dog and spoke in a sweet and tender tone.
The dog looked at Andromeda with a helpless expression, feeling her caresses, but remained in place, despite the mocking smile Narcissa was giving him.
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Author's Thoughts: I'm debating whether to have the Russians cheat, which is not uncommon if you know about Russia's participation in the Olympics.
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Next Chapter Second Volume: Chapter 135 - King's Game (3), Chapter 136 - King's Game (4), Chapter 137 - King's Game (5), Chapter 138 - King's Game (6), 139 - King's Game (7), 140 - King's Game (8), 141 - King's Game (9), 142 - King's Game (10), 143 - King's Game (11), 144 - King's Game (12), 145 - King's Game (13), Chapter 146 - Second Phase of the King's Game (1), Chapter 147 - Second Phase of the King's Game (2), Chapter 148 - Second Phase of the King's Game (3), Chapter 149 - Second Phase of the King's Game (4), Chapter 150 - Second Phase of the King's Game (5).