"How dare they!"
"How could they do this?"
"Do they not fear the consequences?"
The shock, anger, and helplessness came swiftly after realization.
Indeed, when faced with an overwhelming force of violence, beyond anger, curses, condemnation, and tears, there remains only the powerlessness to accept it—no matter how reluctantly.
Against such overwhelming violence, they were as fragile as infants, unable to alter a thing.
"Are the police really that formidable? Can they make criminals fear them?"
"Criminals scurry and hide like rats, making it hard for the police to locate them. These wicked wizards are even harder to catch."
"Don't expect others to rescue you. Instead, focus on how to change this situation and seize control."
Zhao Lun spoke as he opened a folder, clicked on a document, and placed two folders before them.
"We are in a position to develop our strength for retaliation, and you should not let your past hold you back."
"Of course, how you proceed is entirely up to you."
"This is a choice between two folders: one leads to normalcy, the other to empowerment. You must choose only one."
Suddenly, Zhao Lun made a decision that left the women feeling passive. They silently retreated to their rooms to make their choices.
The manor grew notably quieter, and the maids seemed to sense the change in atmosphere, moving with greater care as they completed their tasks.
In less than two days, new equipment appeared in the manor—primarily weapons and fitness equipment.
The security around the manor was also doubled, making it resemble a fortress, well-guarded and secure.
During this time, Zhao Lun received letters from Fred and other friends.
Though the wizarding world seemed vast, any news concerning it spread swiftly, especially when the attackers were two Dark Wizards, causing such a stir that it was impossible for the wizards to remain unaware.
"Allen, we are worried about you. Father told me that, fortunately, the Aurors stopped those two Dark Wizards."
"...Also, if you need anything, don't hesitate to write to us. Lastly, keep an eye on the newspapers; I think you'll find some useful information there."
"I've also informed the professor about the merman situation. He said he will come by soon."
"Stay safe…"
The letters from friends warmed Zhao Lun's heart, and he silently appreciated their support before carefully storing the letters away.
"How did they know about what happened here?"
The women had made their decisions and were now preparing to fully assist him.
They were grateful for their friends' concern, but, unfamiliar with the magical world, they turned to Zhao Lun for clarification.
"The actions of wizards leave almost no secrets within the wizarding community."
Zhao Lun pulled out a newspaper, its pages animated with images.
One of the scenes depicted two wizards wielding wands, attacking and then laughing with glee as they observed the panicked crowd.
"Prophet Daily: Two Dark Wizards attack a Muggle village."
"...The two wizards are unidentified strangers, who used Polyjuice Potion to disguise themselves... Initial suspicion points to Death Eaters... The Ministry of Magic is actively pursuing them..."
The report was detailed, but unfortunately, only Zhao Lun and Maria could see it. Nicole and the others could not read its contents.
Each newspaper carried a special charm that made it invisible to Muggles, preventing them from seeing the hidden details.
Zhao Lun had no choice but to read the contents aloud to the others.
"Death Eaters?"
"Do they dare to do such a thing?"
Zhao Lun had already explained the situation with the Death Eaters to them. They knew that these were the most feared enemies in the wizarding world.
When mentioning the Death Eaters, one could not avoid speaking of the Dark Lord, who stirred chaos in the wizarding world. As a forbidden topic, even the Ministry of Magic feared him, carefully sealing away all information about him.
Until it was confirmed that the Dark Lord was truly dead, all information concerning him would be suppressed.
"Though the Dark Lord hasn't appeared for a long time, his terror continues to spread."
"This newspaper is likely in defiance of the Ministry's stance."
"Perhaps soon, there will be a denial issued."
Zhao Lun remarked.
When faced with danger, some choose to confront it head-on, while others bury their heads in the sand, pretending nothing has happened.
"Heh, why does it feel like the wizards at the Ministry are just like the politicians in those speeches on TV?" Monica asked, puzzled.
In her previous understanding, wizards were extraordinary beings who solved all problems with magic. Politicians had nothing to do with wizards.
"The Ministry of Magic? It's just an alternative group of politicians," Zhao Lun scoffed.
He turned on the TV, where a news channel was airing a report.
"Declaration of Justice?"
British officials had launched a propaganda campaign against 'terrorists.'
For days, news reports about combating terrorists had flooded the airwaves. After so much bombardment, they began to believe that the events in the town were the work of terrorists.
Today, the promotion finally came to an end and entered the main story.
The camera showed a grey sky, with helicopters approaching.
The landing site was a barren wasteland with no vegetation, scattered with dust and bomb craters in the distance.
As the planes landed, soldiers clad in helmets and combat gear emerged, taking positions and setting up defenses, followed by more soldiers.
"Special forces targeting terrorists have arrived."
The soldiers disbanded, and soon disappeared.
The uneven ground began to shift, and a large, simple airstrip appeared, with bombers parked at the edges.
The latest British bombers, capable of operating in limited spaces, were now known to the outside world.
The bombers didn't keep anyone waiting long before taking off smoothly.
The news report ended here.
"Quick! Athena, link to the satellite!"
Although the report ended, it was no challenge for them. They knew how to connect to the satellite, and its eyes were sharp enough to spot even ants on the ground.
Athena took control of the satellite and began monitoring the abnormal area.
Boom! A distant flash of light was followed by an explosion.
"Woo!—"
"Boom!—"
The sharp sound cut through the sky, followed by more explosions.
Boom! Boom!
The explosions kept coming, and the area was soon engulfed in smoke and dust, turning the landscape into a darkness.
The satellite feed was also affected, but Athena made minor adjustments to regain clarity.