As the water elements gathered in the space, massive ripples began to form on the lake's surface around the island. Augustus narrowed his eyes, gazing intently at the vast lake, his brow slightly furrowed.
"Corpses? So, whenever water elements other than those from the stone basin appear, these creatures are activated?" Augustus murmured, observing Dumbledore's condition while stroking his chin.
Suddenly, a cold, clammy sensation gripped his arm. A slimy, pale white hand latched onto his wrist. Augustus casually flicked his hand, a dazzling flame erupting in the process. The icy hand clinging to his arm instantly recoiled. A brilliant red flame blossomed like a flower in the darkness. Wherever Augustus looked, pale heads and hands emerged from the murky water—men, women, and children with hollow, sightless eyes—drifting towards the rocky shore. The pitch-black lake was now teeming with the dead.
"What a touching scene," Augustus remarked, clapping his hands in mock admiration. "Compared to the undead scourge, these corpses are rather civilized and orderly—not only neatly dressed but devoid of any unsavory imagery. Ahem." He coughed lightly and, seeing the undead encircling him from all directions, ignited a seed of the Flame of Civilization on the ground.
The crimson seed landed on the soil and began to take root, growing rapidly. In moments, a towering flame tree emerged, stretching to the cave's ceiling. The massive, fiery tree glowed a vivid red and continuously shed pure blossoms of fire. Countless fiery petals floated in the air, and any corpse they touched was instantly transformed into black energy flowers that fell to the earth and faded into nothingness.
"Every alien entity, the Flame of Order, the Tree of Civilization... The cleansing methods of the Templar Knights remain as effective as ever," Augustus commented, stroking his chin with satisfaction. The vibrant crimson blossoms painted the sky with their brilliance, and in mere moments, the negative energy and corpses in the area were nearly eradicated.
"This magic?" A deep voice sounded beside Augustus. Turning, he saw Dumbledore standing again, though his face was as pale as the surrounding corpses. The firelight danced in his eyes. "It bears a striking resemblance to the methods of the Church."
Augustus nodded. "The dark energy here is too concentrated. Only such methods can thoroughly purify these negative forces."
"Understandable," Dumbledore murmured, his deep blue eyes fixed on the crimson-streaked Tree of Civilization with admiration.
Augustus noticed the weakness in Dumbledore's voice and turned to him with concern. "Professor, how are you feeling?"
"I am very weak..." Dumbledore admitted.
"Should we rest here for a while?" Augustus suggested, noting Dumbledore's pale complexion and exhausted demeanor. "With the purifying effects of the Tree of Civilization, recovering here would yield better results."
Dumbledore retrieved the locket from the bottom of the stone basin and tucked it into his robe. His tone became firm as he said, "We must go to the Ministry of Magic. There is something vital in the Department of Mysteries that we must retrieve. I have a feeling Voldemort already knows about the prophecy orb concerning him and Harry. If he gets it first and deciphers its contents, everything we've done will be for naught."
"But in your current state, encountering Voldemort at the Ministry would leave us with no chance of victory," Augustus reasoned. Judging by Dumbledore's appearance, he seemed weaker than ever. Using his Insight Eye, Augustus confirmed that Dumbledore's magical capacity was barely a tenth of its usual strength.
Dumbledore acknowledged the truth of Augustus's assessment. Turning to face him, Dumbledore recognized that Augustus, though accompanying him to recover Voldemort's Horcrux, was more intrigued by the artifact itself and its properties. With his family's high status, Voldemort's rise to power would hardly affect them. Augustus's neutrality meant he had no obligation to assist Dumbledore against a fully empowered Voldemort without tangible benefits.
Dumbledore sighed softly. In a world driven by self-interest, why would anyone help without something to gain? "After this mission, I will recommend your father for the position of Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot," Dumbledore offered earnestly.
A hint of resignation appeared on Augustus's refined features. "Although that's a tempting proposition and I should make some sacrifices for my family, I must regretfully decline. Such worldly titles mean nothing to me."
Disappointment flickered across Dumbledore's aging face. For most wizards, such a proposal would have been irresistible. However, he had overlooked the fact that Augustus was the youngest legendary wizard in the magical world. In a realm where strength reigned supreme, worldly power was merely a matter of time.
Just as Dumbledore resolved to proceed alone, accepting whatever fate awaited him, Augustus unexpectedly spoke. "I don't have any particular demands. However, after this mission, I want all the Horcruxes we collect to be handed over to me."
Dumbledore gave Augustus a meaningful look and warned, "Horcruxes bring no benefits. Voldemort has already gone astray in his pursuit of immortality. I would hate to see such a promising young wizard follow in his footsteps."
Augustus felt a flicker of emotion. Despite their dire circumstances, Dumbledore remained a dedicated mentor, concerned for his path. It was clear why this compassionate and upright headmaster commanded so much respect.
"I only want to study them for research purposes. Voldemort's methods of immortality diverge entirely from mine," Augustus assured him sincerely.
Dumbledore nodded. Given Augustus's status and power, there was no reason for him to lie. If it was purely for research, there was no harm in entrusting the Horcruxes to him.
(To Be Continued...)
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