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The twenty-four individuals who arrived here were divided into three groups. One group was responsible for constructing their camp for the upcoming month, which needed to provide both shelter and sufficient defense against the threats that lurked at night. The remaining two groups were tasked with gathering materials and food.
How could they come to this island 'on vacation' without bringing their own supplies? It is only right to rely on the mountains for sustenance and the waters for provisions, a practice that embodies the principle of adapting to local customs and harmonizing with nature.
Although none of them had any outdoor survival experience, they were all wizards. With the aid of magic, finding food was not a particularly difficult task. If all else failed, casting a bubble-head charm to dive into the sea and catch fish was certainly an option. Breathing underwater posed no challenge, and if they managed to cast the full coverage form of the iron armor spell, even the pressure of deep water would not be a concern.
The focus of this team-building trip was on the training of their minds and wills. Without sufficient willpower, enduring the torturous pain of magical body refinement would be nothing more than a pipe dream.
Even Harry, who could be ruthless enough to regard himself as less than human, struggled during the early trials, enduring pain that left him on the brink of unconsciousness and even causing him to lose control of his bodily functions. This agony was akin to self-mutilation, a level of suffering that was almost unbearable. Had he not eventually found the key to overcoming it, he might have given up. This process is truly not something that ordinary people can easily engage with. Without a mindset ready to embrace such intense suffering, the possibility of success was negligible.
To put it bluntly, the phrase "to live through death" is a fitting description.
Whether it is the nineteen physical modification surgeries of the genuine Astartes or the current magical version of body enhancement, the paths to obtaining power are arduous and winding. Compared to the real Space Marines who crawled out of piles of corpses, this group of 'delicate flowers' feels far too fragile.
Fortunately, they are young and easily led. Ahem, I mean, they are young and full of ambition. Isn't this group of impetuous youths just the type to charge headfirst into walls?
Everything proceeded in an orderly manner. A three-story fortress constructed of solid rock began to take shape after several hours of hard work. Nearby, the cliffside had been excavated downwards by several dozen meters using cutting and digging spells. Although the levitation spell couldn't lift several tons of heavy rocks, moving cut stones weighing hundreds of kilograms was quite manageable.
"Look at what we've brought back!"
Cedric, who was leading the way, carried a large bag, while the twins followed behind, playfully dragging a floating package. The team that had gone to gather food returned triumphantly; this deep-sea island, which had not been visited in decades, seemed rich in resources.
"Three kilometers north, there's a rocky beach. Fred and George went fishing in the cove below, so we're having a seafood feast tonight!"
Eight or nine large packages were placed on a long table made of flat stones. Twenty or so palm-sized crabs waved their claws threateningly, while seven or eight unidentified fish were packed in sea water. There were even lobsters, octopuses, and a heap of oysters and mussels; they had gathered nearly every type of seafood one might encounter near the coast.
The wizards' method of catching fish was refreshingly straightforward; a simple summoning spell did the trick. If the target were a magical creature, any hint of resistance would render the spell ineffective, but these seafood creatures were clearly not magical beings—they could not withstand a wizard's magical summons.
The anxiety that had initially weighed on them dissipated in the face of their abundant harvest. As the sun set, a delightful seafood feast filled everyone's stomachs. Although the food they clumsily prepared could not compare to the delicious meals they brought from home, each bite was infused with a sense of accomplishment, enhancing its flavor.
As the sun sank lower toward the horizon, the starry night sky gradually enveloped them. Although the small castle perched atop the cliff overlooking the sea was not yet fully constructed, the defensive structures surrounding it had already been completed.
In their fourth year, the four houses would begin their specialized courses. The names of these houses were not mere labels; they represented the unique characteristics of each house and the traditional four-member teams of Hogwarts.
Gryffindor's Champion Warriors Academy focuses on offensive strategies against enemies. Their specialized courses emphasize in-depth research into powerful magic and enhancing personal strength. They are the brawn of the four-member team, serving as the backbone of most battles. The type of wands favored by Gryffindor students includes heavy-hitting rocket launchers, grenade launchers, and heavy machine guns.
Slytherin's Special Tactics Academy emphasizes reconnaissance and explosive surprise attacks. Their specialized courses focus on stealth, scouting, poisoning, and ambush tactics that benefit from having others draw attention away from them. Often, they deliver the final, lethal blow on the battlefield. They specialize in submachine guns and sniper rifles.
Ravenclaw's Tactical Intelligence Academy offers the most complex and intellectually demanding courses. Their core curriculum involves constructing magical battle maps. After receiving firsthand intelligence from Slytherin, the magical sand table immediately recreates every detail of the information, allowing for rapid tactical design. When necessary, they also create advantageous conditions for their teammates on the front lines. They specialize in precision marksman rifles.
Hufflepuff Academy of War Logistics
The specialized courses at the Hufflepuff Academy of War Logistics are the most complex yet also the most practical. Required subjects include Herbology, Potion Making, Transfiguration, and Magical Creatures. These courses encompass everything from constructing battle shelters and supporting main assaults to ensuring the supply of resources and providing emergency medical care on the battlefield. Even in unfamiliar territories where they might find themselves short on food and supplies, the skills taught in their courses—such as identifying plants and animals and preparing emergency potions—enable them to make the most of limited resources. Hufflepuff does not have a specialized wand type; rather, they make use of whatever is available, with a focus on being competent in multiple areas. If anything, they primarily utilize shotguns and assault rifles.
However, all of this stems from the era of the founders. While the specialized courses remain and the traditions of the academy continue, over the course of a millennium—especially during the long periods of peace devoid of war—significant divisions have emerged among the four houses, distorting the qualities that each house was meant to embody for various reasons.
Gryffindor embraced recklessness, Slytherin descended into treachery, Ravenclaw focused on theory while neglecting practice, and Hufflepuff became mired in mediocrity.
This loosening of educational standards has caused Hogwarts' teaching to decline. Initially, every qualified graduate from Hogwarts could perform at least the wand transformations that their house specialized in. Many students graduated having mastered the complete set of wand transformations.
Yet nowadays, Hogwarts has lowered its graduation standards. Ordinary wizard examinations and advanced wizard examinations have become the tickets to graduation. While this shift towards theoretical testing is an understandable adjustment during peacetime, it has also resulted in a lack of sufficient practical training. Many of the graduates remain stuck at the most basic level of wand pistol transformation, where the convenience of the pistol form becomes the most useful and practical choice for daily life.
Having experienced the evolution of Hogwarts, Harry understands these changes all too well. Peace is the most corrosive poison to the spirit, and as he becomes aware that war is on the horizon, the lingering effects of peace become something he despises. He cannot alter the broader environment of Hogwarts, nor does he wish to expend effort on such matters; that is the headmaster's responsibility, not his.
What he feels accountable for—and what he desires to be responsible for—are his own battle group, the small elite cadre he has chosen and refined to stand beside him.
The onset of night did not bring silence; the darkened forest seemed to come alive. The rising concentration of magical energy made the air feel more invigorating with every breath, but the rustling of grass leaves hinted that it was not merely the night wind at play.
Harry did not intend to intervene in the first battle of the night. Although he possessed enough combat experience to reasonably allocate personnel and tasks to enhance overall efficiency, this was the debut of his battle group—their first opportunity to showcase their capabilities before him.
The group would ultimately serve in warfare; who says that combat does not require talent?
"I'll take care of the five-legged beast," he said.
Silently, Harry stepped out of the camp. "The rest is up to you."
"Don't let me down," came the soft reply.
His whisper was swallowed by the chorus of crickets, and his departure seemed to siphon away some of the courage that sustained the others.
(End of Chapter)