Blindingly fierce flashes of spell light appeared and disappeared in the dimness, as the quiet forest echoed with the thunderous sound of trees snapping and crashing to the ground, along with explosive bangs. The two combatants swiftly and continuously repositioned themselves across the uneven terrain, using fallen trees, vines, and shrubs to gain any slight advantage.
In the mere half-minute since the life-and-death duel began, Amorsta had confirmed two things.
First, the black-robed witch he was fighting was indeed targeting him and had a strong intent to kill.
She had no hesitation in using black magic, including the three Unforgivable Curses banned by the Ministry of Magic, as well as numerous deadly and restrictive spells, all aimed at killing him as quickly as possible.
This was utterly absurd, and Amorsta's face turned pale with anger flaring in his eyes.
Who could hate him so much as to want him dead?
Second, the black witch's combat experience was indeed extensive, at least more so than his own.
During their brief encounter, her dazzlingly nimble footwork in dodging spells resembled that of a dance master. Moreover, her various feints, ability to launch surprise attacks amidst intense combat, and her skilful use of Transfiguration, tactical spells, and black magic left Amorsta in awe.
In comparison, Amorsta, who only practised duelling techniques privately and occasionally sparred with Professor Snape, seemed like a novice.
Of course, he had his own strong advantages.
If Amorsta were to evaluate, this battle was a duel between an assassin and a master.
The mysterious black witch resembled a meticulously trained assassin, for whom all spells and attack techniques were mere tools for killing—seeking proficiency over mastery.
But Amorsta was different. He had always been committed to exploring the essence of magic, and on his journey to trace the origins of modern spells, he had found a unique path. As long as he persevered, he would surely achieve remarkable results.
Most of the spells he used were improved versions refined through careful consideration and countless experiments—immensely powerful and hard to counter directly. The only drawback was their excessive consumption of magical energy.
Amorsta was already regretting the spell he had cast at the beginning to intimidate her. It had consumed a significant portion of his magical power without any effect.
During the duel, the black witch cast a Disillusionment Charm on herself, making it difficult to pinpoint her exact location, although her magical aura remained detectable. Coupled with her constant movement and silent casting, she could almost launch a face-to-face sneak attack.
Fortunately, Amorsta's learning ability was strong. He quickly mimicked her technique, leading to a situation where the two combatants in the Forbidden Forest resembled two invisible ghosts hurling spells at each other!
Whoosh!
Raging Fiendfyre burst from behind a half-destroyed boulder on the hillside, swelling in the wind to become a wave of fire. In the blink of an eye, it turned into a wall of flames with fire dragons, sphinxes, chimeras, and other fiery beasts roaring silently atop the crest.
The black witch had no intention of controlling the Fiendfyre. She let the terrifying flames spread and burn everything in their path while she quickly changed her position and concealed herself.
Amorsta's lips tightened, and a hateful look appeared in his eyes.
Given his current skill level, Amorsta couldn't directly extinguish the Fiendfyre. However, he couldn't just stand by and watch the scattering Fiendfyre consume the Forbidden Forest. Otherwise, those unfortunate Gryffindor lions would surely perish in the flames.
Amorsta rapidly waved his wand, releasing a stream of golden flames into the air. These flames were derived from Fiendfyre but had been modified and restrained by Amorsta. Though not as overbearing as Fiendfyre, they were easier to control and didn't cloud his judgment.
Using fire to control fire was a sophisticated method of fire prevention.
Amorsta directed his flames to isolate the Fiendfyre, increasing his magical output to gradually consume it.
"I can't imagine what's happening there, Snape. How many will perish?"
Professor McGonagall's lips were tightly pressed, and her face was pale with fear as she stared at the gold and white flames illuminating the sky over the Forbidden Forest. She had completely abandoned her usual dignified demeanor as Deputy Headmistress and was running at full speed. She didn't even bother to fix her normally impeccable hair, which had come loose.
Snape's face was ashen, looking no better than McGonagall's. Since the night Lily died, it was the first time in years he found himself praying for something.
At the castle entrance, Professor Flitwick missed a step and tumbled down, while Professor Sprout, who had lost her hat, only paused to help him up before rushing towards the Forbidden Forest without a word.
Whiz, whiz!
After a long stalemate without managing to kill Amorsta, the black witch resorted to more despicable tactics. She transfigured a pile of rubble into sharp daggers and directed them at the Gryffindor students, whom Amorsta had moved to an open area.
"No matter who you are, I will make you pay dearly!"
Amorsta's eyes blazed with fury. His right hand, still suppressing the Fiendfyre, remained steady while his left hand threw a milky-white orb.
The orb reached Bill and Charlie just before the daggers did, expanding into a semi-circular, transparent shield, blocking the daggers just in time.
Even the black witch was caught off guard by this move, stunned for two seconds.
These two seconds decided the outcome.
Amorsta suddenly withdrew his right hand and rapidly flicked his wand. A stone at his feet transformed into a long spear with a verdigris-covered surface. It shot out like a bolt of lightning, appearing in front of the black witch almost instantly.
Clang!
At the last moment, the black witch summoned a shield surrounded by black mist. The collision of the shield and spear created a deafening clang, and both dissolved into sparkling embers.
Although she managed to block it, the intense impact disrupted the magic within the black witch, causing a brief lapse in her consciousness.
"Sectumsempra!"
Seizing the opportunity, Amorsta let out his loudest roar since the battle began. The air around him resonated with a sharp clang, as if Death itself had swung its scythe down upon the black witch, filled with cold fury and decisiveness.
On the other side, Snape had just entered the Forbidden Forest when he heard the familiar sound of that fierce roar. His body shook uncontrollably, his face turning from ashen to livid, and in the next second, he mustered all his strength to sprint even faster.