Back in the real world, the clones at Hogwarts were facing a challenging reality. Months had passed, and Arthur's fever showed no signs of subsiding. The clones had done everything they could—monitoring his condition, using potions, even consulting professionals—but nothing seemed to work. The glowing circuits on his body pulsed faintly every now and then, a reminder that whatever was happening to Arthur was far beyond their understanding.
Garuda hovered near the bed, its eyes glowing with worry. "He's holding on, but this isn't natural. His spirit is still out there, completing the trials. If it fails... his body might not survive for long."
One of the clones nodded, his face tense. "The system notifications give us some hope. It says, 'Spin Consumed for Host Survival.' At least it's doing something to keep him alive."
"But how much longer can it last?" another clone asked, pacing back and forth. "We don't even know how many trials he has left or what they involve. For all we know, he could already be..."
"Stop," Garuda snapped. "He's not dead. If his spirit was gone, the system wouldn't bother consuming spins. It's a lifeline, even if we don't fully understand it."
---
Despite Arthur's condition, the clones continued their daily lives at Hogwarts, maintaining their cover and ensuring no one found out about the real Arthur's situation. They attended classes, participated in Quidditch, and kept an eye on the unfolding events around the castle.
The Ministry, now under a new administration after its collapse, was still stabilizing. Rumors about James Moriarty's exploits in the magical world had spread far and wide. Some whispered of his bravery in confronting a basilisk after Moriarty revealed that he killed it; others speculated about his connections to Dumbledore, now considered a controversial hero.
However, the clones kept a low profile, focusing on their mission: to protect Hogwarts, maintain Arthur's reputation, and, most importantly, keep his body safe until he returned.
---
Every month, the system sent a notification:
"Spin Consumed for Host Survival."
The clones gathered around and stared at the Gacha system in the enchanted suitcase each time, hoping for more information, but the message was always the same.
"It means his spirit hasn't failed," one of the clones said, trying to stay optimistic. "He's still fighting."
"But what if the spins run out?" another clone asked. "What happens then?"
Garuda, hovering nearby, interjected. "Don't talk nonesense and if it happens then we make sure his body doesn't fail. We don't give up on him, no matter what."
---
As the months dragged on, the clones began making contingency plans. They fortified the enchanted suitcase where Arthur's body rested, adding protective wards and enchantments to ensure no one could find or harm him.
They also started working on their combat skills, training harder than ever in case the worst came to pass and they had to defend Arthur's body against an unknown threat.
"Keep going," one clone said during a sparring session in the suitcase's dueling arena. "If the original comes back and finds us slacking, he'll kill us himself."
The joke lightened the mood slightly, but the underlying tension remained. Time was running out, and they all knew it.
---
Despite the challenges, the clones refused to lose hope. They knew the original Arthur was out there, fighting his way through the mysterious trials. And as long as the system kept consuming spins, they believed he would find a way back.
As August turned into June, the Hogwarts term came to an end, and the clones prepared to return to the orphanage for the summer. They packed up their belongings, leaving behind only the memories of a turbulent school year.
But as they boarded the Hogwarts Express, a new notification appeared on the Gacha system:
"Final Trial Commencing."
The clones stared at the message, their hearts pounding.
"Final trial," one of them whispered. "He's almost done."
"Then let's make sure everything's ready for when he comes back," Garuda said firmly.
---
The 4th trial began, and I found myself standing at the edge of the Broken Woods once again, only this time deeper into its uncharted territory. The air was damp, the sky above almost completely obscured by the thick canopy, and an unsettling silence hung in the air.
Elise, now walking beside me, glanced at the dense trees ahead and said, "From here, the Deep Woods start. It's dangerous during the day, but at night... monsters roam freely."
I turned to her, raising an eyebrow. "Monsters? What kind of monsters?"
"Mostly undead," she said, her voice tinged with unease. "But also goblins, trolls, and occasionally giants."
I nodded thoughtfully. "How long would it take to cross the Deep Woods and emerge on the other side?"
Elise hesitated, calculating in her head. "Two days if we travel non-stop. Three, if we take breaks to rest and eat."
I frowned. "And the slavers? How did they manage to cross here?"
"The slavers had a repelling potion," she explained. "It keeps the monsters at bay. Without it, the woods are a death trap."
I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. "Figures we wouldn't have one of those." Turning to the group of former slaves—women and children—I raised my voice to address them. "Listen up! We're heading through these woods. Stay close to me and don't stray from the path. If you hear anything or see anything strange, let me know immediately."
They nodded nervously, huddling together for comfort.
---
We moved as quickly as the group could manage, staying on the faint trail that wound through the dense forest. The sunlight filtering through the trees grew dimmer as we ventured deeper, and an eerie chill crept through the air.
Every few minutes, I used Eagle Eye to scout ahead and around us. The ability helped me spot potential threats before they got too close.
As we walked, Elise kept close to me, her knife drawn and her eyes scanning the shadows. "Are you sure about this?" she whispered.
"I've dealt with worse, in these few days" I said confidently, though inwardly I was on high alert. The safety of the group was my responsibility, and with so many civilians, I couldn't afford to make a mistake.
---
We were only a few hours into the Deep Woods when the first attack came. It started with a rustling sound, followed by low growls that echoed through the trees.
"Stay back!" I ordered, stepping in front of the group. I drew Caliburn, its golden blade gleaming faintly even in the dim light.
From the shadows, a pack of undead creatures emerged—rotting, humanoid figures with glowing eyes and jagged claws. They moved with an unnatural speed, their decayed bodies twisting and contorting as they charged toward us.
Without hesitation, I took out Caliburn from It's sheath. The first swing of Caliburn cut through the leading undead, reducing them to ash. The others hesitated for a moment, their glowing eyes narrowing.
"Stay behind me!" I yelled again, charging forward to meet the remaining creatures.
The fight was quick. The undead were relentless, but they were no match for Caliburn's holy energy, which seemed to burn through them like fire through paper. Within minutes, the ground was littered with smoldering remains.
Turning back to the group, I sheathed my sword. "Everyone okay?"
They nodded, though their faces were pale with fear.
Elise stepped forward, her expression grim. "That was just the beginning. The deeper we go, the worse it'll get."
---
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the forest transformed. The faint trail we had been following became almost invisible, and the sounds of distant howls and growls filled the air. I set up a makeshift camp, instructing the group to huddle close together while I took the first watch.
Elise sat beside me, her knife still in hand. "Why are you doing this?" she asked suddenly.
"Doing what?"
"Helping us. You don't seem like the type to get involved in other people's problems."
I chuckled softly. "Let's just say I don't like seeing innocent people suffer."
She looked at me for a long moment, as if trying to read my thoughts. Finally, she nodded and said, "Well, whatever your reason, thank you."
---
The second attack came in the dead of night. Goblins this time—small, wiry creatures with sharp teeth and cruel eyes. They swarmed out of the darkness, armed with jagged weapons and emitting high-pitched screeches.
I woke the group with a shout, drawing Caliburn once more. "Stay together!"
The goblins were more cunning than the undead, using the cover of darkness to their advantage. But Eagle Eye allowed me to track their movements.
Elise and a few of the stronger women joined the fight, using weapons scavenged from the slavers. Together, we managed to fend off the goblins, though not without injury—one of the older women took a nasty gash to the arm.
---
By the second day, the group was exhausted. The constant attacks and lack of proper rest were taking their toll, but we pressed on, determined to make it out of the Deep Woods.
As we neared the edge of the forest, the ground began to shake. A low, rumbling growl echoed through the trees, and a massive shadow appeared on the horizon.
"A troll," Elise whispered, her face pale.
I stepped forward, gripping Caliburn tightly. "Stay back. I'll handle this."
The troll was a towering beast, its massive fists capable of smashing through trees like they were twigs. It roared as it charged toward me, its eyes blazing with rage.
I activated my circuits and reinforced my body with mana, meeting the troll head-on. The battle was fierce, each of its blows sending shockwaves through the ground. But with Caliburn in hand, I managed to land a critical strike, driving the blade deep into the troll's chest.
As the beast collapsed with a final, earth-shaking roar, I turned back to the group, breathing heavily.
"We're almost there," I said, offering them a reassuring smile.
---
By the time we emerged from the Deep Woods, the group was battered and weary but alive. The sight of the broken woods brought tears to their eyes, and they turned to me with gratitude etched on their faces.
"You saved us," Elise said, her voice trembling. "We never would have made it without you."
I smiled, though inwardly I was already preparing for whatever the next trial would throw at me.
"Let's get to Riverfort," I said. "This journey isn't over yet."
---Note
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