Chapter 371 Making Friends
Professor Flitwick fell silent upon hearing this.
Of course he also wanted to help Madame Kargana, but Yekaterina's symptoms left him helpless.
Although there was a simple method right before them, which was to let Levi and Hermione make friends with Yekaterina and proactively guide her,
Professor Flitwick deeply understood that such purpose-driven socialization could not build true friendship, let alone help Yekaterina.
Otherwise, Madame Kargana would have guided Yekaterina out of it long ago!
However, just because Professor Flitwick didn't say it aloud didn't mean Levi couldn't hear it.
After changing his class to a Draconic Sorcerer, the physical enhancement brought to Levi by his first innate bloodline spell—Draconic Physique—was manifested in all aspects.
Even when Professor Flitwick and Madame Kargana cast a Muffliato while talking, it couldn't block the extraordinary hearing that the Draconic Physique gave Levi.
"So, are there such reasons behind the silence of Yekaterina, this stoic girl?"
Levi thought thoughtfully; he had always thought that Yekaterina didn't speak simply because she didn't like talking.
But now it seemed that this Russian girl didn't speak apparently because she had suffered some trauma in her childhood.
As a good student of Ravenclaw House, since Levi heard it, of course he had to share his Head of House's worries.
He grabbed Hermione, who was playing with him, and whispered a few words softly into the little witch's ear.
A flash of understanding and heartache crossed the eyes of the upright and kind little witch, especially noticing that she and Levi were playing here, which invisibly isolated Yekaterina, and a hint of guilt flashed across her face.
"Levi, just leave it to me!"
"I'll talk to her under the guise of exchanging knowledge first. Maybe as we chat, the two of us will become good friends!"
Hermione responded softly in Levi's ear.
In her view, since Yekaterina had an unsocial personality, she probably had nothing else to do at Koldovstoretz except study.
By talking with Yekaterina in the name of exchanging knowledge and mutual learning, perhaps they could find common topics and become good friends as they chatted.
Once the situation was opened up, they could have deeper conversations, introduce more new friends to Yekaterina so she could get to know them, play together, and socialize together. Slowly, Yekaterina would be able to cheer up!
Hearing Hermione's idea, Levi's face was full of praise!
As expected of a little witch who could become the Minister of magic in the future, at such a young age, she already had a mature plan for interpersonal communication!
"Go do it, Hermione. I have high hopes for you. You will definitely be able to make Miss Yekaterina Volotova cheer up!"
Levi said this, cheering Hermione on.
Hermione also smiled back at Levi, blinked, and walked towards Yekaterina.
Looking at Hermione's receding back, Levi instantly felt full of confidence. He was completely at ease leaving the task of communicating with Yekaterina and making her cheer up to Hermione.
He couldn't not be at ease either; as a little Wizard, it was impossible for him to abandon Hermione and go revolve around Yekaterina, right?
Not to mention whether it would be a warm face pressing against someone else's cold butt, just this matter itself done by a male like him had a low probability of success, and it could easily arouse Yekaterina's own aversion!
Under Levi's subtle observation, Hermione, with a warm and smiling face, came to Yekaterina's side.
She first pretended to be surprised, as if she thought of some question, and asked Yekaterina.
What made Levi frown was that even with only the little witch Hermione beside her, Yekaterina showed no tendency to speak, only nodding coldly.
"Fortunately, fortunately, there's still some response!"
Noting that Yekaterina nodded, Levi relaxed in his heart, feeling that although this wasn't a good start, it was at least a start!
However, he didn't put all his attention on Hermione and Yekaterina. After all, for a guy like him to peek at two girls was really a bit creepy.
After paying attention for a while, he put his attention back on Madame Kargana.
To be precise, on Madame Kargana's destination.
She did not dispatch a large troop of Aurors to conduct a large-scale search along the tracks left by the ghoul driver.
Nor did she choose to visit any ancient Wizards or diviners to perform divination.
After the Wizard duel tournament ended, Madame Kargana led their party into the Meshchora region written about by Paustovsky.
Large pine forests, birch forests, densely distributed peat bogs, lakes, slow-flowing streams, and damp, dim mossy caves under the refraction of sunlight had misty halos, creating a fairy-tale-like forest illusion.
Levi had done research before the trip and knew that this woodland was extremely similar to the Forbidden Forestoutside Hogwarts, being a magical woodland where numerous Magical Creatures and intelligent races lived.
But what puzzled him was that Madame Kargana directly brought them into here, as if she knew they could get answers and find clues here.
Clearly, the ghoul driver was handed over to Madame Kargana by him; how could she guarantee they could get answers here?
"Perhaps just as this madam said, I shouldn't look down on Slavic Witches!"
Levi thought in his heart, unable to help looking deep into the forest, increasingly looking forward to witnessing the methods and wisdom of this Slavic witch.
On the other side, Hermione's communication with Yekaterina suffered repeated setbacks. No matter how many topics she found, Yekaterina's response to her was only silence and speechlessness.
Compared to Hermione's topics, Yekaterina seemed more interested in the quiet forest. A little flower, a stream, a deer that accidentally wandered past—all would make Yekaterina stop involuntarily, become dazed because of it, and gaze for a long time.
Chatting unilaterally like this, even Hermione grew a bit impatient.
Although she didn't know harsh words like "warm face pressing against someone else's cold butt", just talking without getting a response made her feel extremely embarrassed.
"Should I give up?"
Hermione couldn't help but have such a thought, and a wave of irritation arose in her heart. Facing Yekaterina, she felt like she was facing an ice wall, uninteresting and feeling extremely cold.
However, Hermione was not someone who gave up easily. She felt that she just hadn't found the right way to communicate with Yekaterina temporarily.
"Go back and discuss it with Levi first. I don't believe making a friend can be this hard?!"
The little witch, who had managed to have not a single friend when she first started school, thought with high fighting spirit in her heart.
Chapter 372: Forest Elder
Hermione and Levi discussed it for a while and felt that they still hadn't found the right topic.
How many young wizards of their age liked studying? Even if Ekaterina had a withdrawn personality, she probably felt the same way.
"We still have to find a topic from her hobbies and interests!"
Levi summarized, but a troubled look crossed his face as he frowned.
"But we don't even know what Ekaterina's hobbies are!"
"It couldn't possibly be daydreaming, right?!"
Hermione voiced the reason for Levi's difficulty, and the two of them even asked Madame Karkarana.
But even Ekaterina's great-aunt didn't know what her interests were.
"I don't know what her preferences are either, but I've seen her play the game console you invented, Levi. Could she be interested in this?"
Madame Karkarana felt that she was a very incompetent elder. After thinking for a long time, she could only come up with an uncertain hobby.
Hearing this, Levi felt there was hope. As the inventor of the game console, if Ekaterina was truly interested in it, he might just be able to make friends with her!
Therefore, Levi went up with full confidence, and immediately hit a brick wall in front of the expressionless, coldly responsive, and mute-like Ekaterina.
"..."
Returning in failure, Levi and Hermione looked at each other in dismay. Both of them had awkward expressions, feeling completely helpless. It was the first time the two of them had encountered such a difficult person to deal with.
What should they do?
Hermione blinked her eyes and conveyed her meaning to Levi with her gaze.
"Let's observe!"
Levi looked helpless and conveyed the same message with his gaze.
Professor Flitwick and Madame Karkarana also helplessly watched Levi and Hermione hit a wall; the two adults were also at a loss.
The atmosphere in the team was somewhat gloomy. Everyone walked through the forest in silence, as if without a destination.
But as they walked, a faint, wispy white White Mist began to drift through the forest. The road ahead and the scenery of the surrounding trees seemed as though they had walked past them before.
"Alright, everyone stop for a moment!"
"We've reached our destination! Birch Elder, an old friend has come. Won't you come out and meet her?"
Madame Karkarana raised her head, looking up at the sky-blocking birch trees in the subarctic coniferous forest, her voice echoing in the empty woodland.
"Hoo~"
A gust of wind suddenly blew up, and an ethereal, aged voice echoed among the woods from left to right:
"Karkarana, long time no see!
You shouldn't bring so many strangers to disturb the peace of the forest!"
Hearing this, Madame Karkarana took a deep breath and calmly replied:
"Sorry, Birch Elder, I am just seeking the answer to a question from you. Once I get the answer, I will leave immediately!"
"Leave!" But the voice behind the white White Mistsounded as if it had been provoked, emitting a roar like the angry wind blowing through pine waves!
The gentle breeze in the forest suddenly turned into a gale. Madame Karkarana's expression changed instantly, and Professor Flitwick and the others even noticed that she drew her wand.
Levi couldn't help but feel shocked in his heart, because under his Source View, a deep green magic aggregate was looming within the white White Mist, seemingly ready to launch an attack at any time.
"What is this thing?"
"Why didn't my Magical Creature Affinity take effect?"
"Logically speaking, with me present, no matter what kind of Magical Creatures they are, they shouldn't rashly launch an attack?!"
Hermione and Professor Flitwick also looked at Levi. They both knew Levi's magical ability to talk to Magical Creatures.
"Hello, Birch Elder, we just want to ask a question. Please don't be angry!"
Levi spoke tentatively at this moment, but it was of no use at all, as if his world-top Magical Creature Affinity simply didn't exist.
The wind blew harder and harder, making it impossible for people to open their eyes.
At this moment, Ekaterina, who had been standing at the end of the team acting like a transparent person, suddenly stepped forward.
She sang a nursery rhyme in Russian like chanting a poem, and then took out a loaf of bread and half a handful of salt from her side bag, placing them on a stone in the white White Mist.
Something wondrous happened. The wind gradually stopped, which also seemed to represent that the anger of the voice owner behind the white White Mist was gradually dissipating.
As the bread and salt disappeared, representing that the owner of the voice behind the white White Mist accepted Ekaterina's gift, the voice of the Birch Elder sounded again:
"I didn't expect there to be such a polite little girl nowadays who still remembers this ancient custom. Hmm~ The young wizard next to her is also pleasing to the eye."
"Forget it, I forgive you!"
"Who made us old friends?!"
"One question, right? Wait for me a moment, what a hassle! If I had known, I wouldn't have made myself so big!"
The wind blew away the ethereal White Mist. Madame Karkarana looked towards a huge birch tree in the forest, and Levi and the others also followed her gaze.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, an illusory green spirit broke free from the tall birch tree:
"He" was a tall old man. His beard and hair were composed of moss, vines, and pine needles. His skin had a greenish tinge, and his eyes were a bright emerald green.
The Birch Elder was as tall as a towering birch tree, wearing a robe that looked like birch bark. What made people feel strange, however, was that his wooden belt and shoes were worn backward.
"Hmm... ooh..."
A muffled, rooster-like cry came from the Elder's mouth. Immediately after, his tall figure shrank as if collapsing!
Madame Karkarana and Ekaterina, the two Slavic Witches, seemed accustomed to this.
On the contrary, Levi, Hermione, and Professor Flitwick all couldn't help showing astonished expressions on their faces as they looked at the suddenly appearing Birch Elder.
"Levi, this is the Birch Elder. How come I've never seen such magical... plant in books?"
Hermione leaned close to Levi's side, whispering into Levi's ear. By the end, she didn't dare to be sure what this thing was.
"No, Hermione, Forest Elders are neither Magical Creaturesnor plants; they are natural spirits!"
"Only within primeval forests rich in magic and largely undamaged can such Forest Elders possibly exist."
"If you read books about the Druid sect, you would know that such Forest Elders also existed in the British Isles in the past, such as the Oak Elder."
"But now, Forest Elders can only be seen in countries with large areas of primeval forests like Moscow, Canada, and Brazil!"
Levi whispered his explanation to Hermione, just like an ordinary passerby responsible for popular science, while his eyes stared closely at the Forest Elder.
He felt that he might be able to find clues to switching classes to a Druid through the Forest Elder.
But how could he establish a relationship with this Birch Elder?
His Magical Creature Affinity Talent didn't seem to have much effect on this Birch Elder!
Thinking of this, Levi couldn't help looking at Miss Ekaterina Volotova, who had just played a decisive role.
He also didn't expect that this expressionless Russian girl knew so much about obscure natural spirits like Forest Elders, and even prepared salt and bread, showing goodwill to the Forest Elder according to ancient customs.
Chapter 373 Baba Yaga
Under the watchful eyes of Levi and the others, the Birch Tree Elder shrank from the height of a towering tree down to the size of a single blade of grass.
"I am getting old and truly becoming muddled, how did I become so tiny?"
The Birch Tree Elder patted his forehead with his root-like large hand, shaking out a bunch of greenish grass scraps, and then with a twist of his body, he grew tall again to normal human size.
"Ah~"
After adjusting his height, he lazily stretched, and only after feeling comfortable did he leisurely speak to Madam Karagana, shaking his verdant beard:
"What is your question, speak!"
Madam Karagana took out the bottle containing the demonic driver, recounted the whole sequence of events to the Birch Tree Elder, and finally asked:
"I want to know what on earth is going on?"
"Is this ghost naturally formed, or artificially created?"
"Those are two questions," the Birch Tree Elder said after hearing this, nodding vaguely and couldn't help saying.
"Er..." This time it was Madam Karagana's turn to be embarrassed; she had just wanted to say some sweet words to coax the Birch Tree Elder into a good mood.
Then she saw the Birch Tree Elder wave his root-like large hand and say nonchalantly:
"Forget it, for the sake of bread and salt, I will help you divine!"
Hearing this, Madam Karagana's ice-frozen face instantly revealed a smile like melting snow, and she thanked him, saying, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Birch Tree Elder!"
The Birch Tree Elder took the bottle from Madam Karagana's hand, released the demonic driver from the bottle, and before the demonic driver could escape, extracted wisps of gray-white smoke from him.
The smoke was ethereal and was inhaled by the Birch Tree Elder into his mouth and nose. The taste seemed particularly unpleasant, choking the Birch Tree Elder into coughing a few times and sneezing several times.
Seeing this, everyone couldn't help but feel some doubt: was the Birch Tree Elder reliable at all?
Levi even wanted to say that if he had known Madam Karagana wanted to find the Birch Tree Elder for divination, he would have taken action himself.
Although he was still just a newbie at divination and a beginner in this field, he at least possessed a divination talent and even the Death Omen specialty, which provided talent amplification.
No matter how you looked at it, he was more reliable than this Birch Tree Elder!
After inhaling the gray-white smoke, the Birch Tree Elder stood motionless on the spot like a birch tree, and only after a long while did he open his eyes as if waking from a dream:
"Mm, I slept so soundly. Who are you? Why are you here?"
The Birch Tree Elder looked bewildered, clearly acting like someone who had just woken up. What was even more mind-boggling was that he had actually forgotten who Levi and the others were!
"Birch Tree Elder, stop joking, we are..."
Madam Karagana, who was always serious and earnest, instantly became anxious upon hearing this. Falling asleep was one thing, but how could he forget about them?
"Hahaha," the Birch Tree Elder burst into laughter upon hearing this. His hair and beard, made of moss, vines, and pine needles, shook like a tree canopy as he said with a smile:
"I was just joking with you, why are you taking it seriously? You're not humorous at all!"
"The divination is over, and nature has told me a name—Baba Yaga!"
"Baba Yaga!"
Hearing this name, Madam Karagana let out an exclamation of shock, and even Ekaterina's normally calm and unripple face revealed a look of fear.
This time, it was Levi's turn to be puzzled. He couldn't help but look at Professor Flitwick and Hermione, expecting these two people to tell him who this was.
However, Professor Flitwick did not speak up. Hermione, who had read widely, introduced in Levi's ear:
"Baba Yaga is a very ancient Slavic witch. She has been mentioned in History of Magic, and in Quidditch, it was also introduced that this witch was one of the earliest participants in the Quidditch sport!"
"Although she is accustomed to using a flying stone mortar to travel, she also likes to use a birch broom to sweep away the traces of her actions!"
"Her three most famous characteristics are being accustomed to living in a chicken-legged hut in the woods, traveling by flying stone mortar, and having three red, white, and black knights as servants."
Hermione introduced it to Levi like reciting from a book. Especially when she mentioned the chicken-legged hut, Levi immediately recalled the existence of Baba Yaga.
Although he had the Library MOD and remembered all the knowledge he had recorded, as for Baba Yaga, he had only heard of it because of the chicken-legged hut, and had never read or recorded any related books at all.
Now with Hermione's reminder, he finally recalled the relevant knowledge.
As for why such a very ancient witch was still being brought up by the forest elder now, it was naturally because the name "Baba Yaga" did not belong to a single person, but rather to a faction of witches passed down from master to apprentice.
Although there are numerous magic schools around the world, before magic schools were established, the inheritance method of Wizards was mainly master-to-apprentice transmission.
Factions that were passed down continuously formed between masters and apprentices; this was true for the Baba Yaga of Russia, and equally true for the extremely famous Salem witches in the United States.
Furthermore, among these witch groups, some were not only passed down from master to apprentice, but also through mother-daughter bloodlines.
To the extent that the appearances of some witches were extremely similar, and they might even inherit some peculiar physical traits!
If one did not observe and distinguish carefully, some would think that the witch was not inheriting a title, but rather that it was always the same witch, living on through witchcraft!
"How could it be Baba Yaga?"
Madam Karagana muttered with a strange expression.
"I didn't say that this Muggle ghost was created by Baba Yaga; I can only say it is related to her!"
The Birch Tree Elder added.
Hearing this, Madam Karagana's expression couldn't help but relax slightly. If that were the case, it would be much better; at least they temporarily wouldn't have to make an enemy of a witch like Baba Yaga, whose heritage was ancient and whose methods were mysterious.
After thanking the Birch Tree Elder, the group embarked on the journey to find Baba Yaga once again.
Before leaving, the Birch Tree Elder very kindly called out to Ekaterina, instructing the Russian witch that when she had nothing to do, she could come and see this old fellow!
What shocked Levi and the others was that when interacting with the Birch Tree Elder, Ekaterina's calm and unripple face actually revealed a faint smile!
Did she seem exceptionally fond of getting along with these natural Pokémon?
In everyone's mind, such a thought emerged simultaneously: they seemed to have found a way to make Ekaterina cheerful.
Chapter 374: Searching for Baba Yaga
Ekaterina's childhood was lonely.
When someone has to fight against loneliness, they will think of many ways, and the method Ekaterina chose was to make friends with those pure animals, innocent Pokémon, and even motionless flowers, plants, and trees.
This also explains why she was always caught by the sight of those flowers, plants, and trees, and stopped for them.
"Kalkana, doesn't Ekaterina even have a single pet?"
Professor Flitwick stood beside Madam Kalkana, frowning, and asked in a low voice with concern on his face.
If she had a pet to keep her company, Ekaterina would never have developed her current personality. Just like the young wizards of Hogwarts, far away from home and living at school, everyone brought a pet when they enrolled so that they wouldn't be lonely or scared.
"I was worried before that the passing of a pet would make this child's personality issues even more serious, so I never dared to buy her one!"
"As for the school, the school rules are also very strict. Except for toads used for testing medicines, no pets are allowed to be brought!"
"Now it seems that I, her great-aunt, am too unqualified. Why didn't she tell me at all?!"
Madam Kalkana realized her oversight, and her expression was extremely depressed and full of self-blame.
She did not blame Koldovstoretz magic School, but instead blamed all the responsibility on herself.
"Now that we know how to solve the problem, Kalkana, stop blaming yourself!"
There is an old saying in the East: It is never too late to mend the fold even after the sheep have been lost. Let's think about what kind of animal friend to introduce to Ekaterina!"
Seeing that Kalkana was about to cry, Professor Flitwickwas at a loss for what to do for a moment, and hurriedly comforted her.
Everyone walked through the Meshchora Forest, following the hints of the Elder Birch Tree, to search for the legendary witch Baba Yaga.
Professor Flitwick was comforting Kalkana, and Levi and Hermione also felt that the two of them had found an opportunity to make friends with Ekaterina.
"Levi, it would have been great if we had brought Nami the Cat Thief over earlier!"
Hermione deliberately brought up Nami the Cat Thief, talking while watching Ekaterina's expression:
"I miss her a little bit, missing her strange purple fur, her cute triangular ears, her small paws, and her fluffy appearance..."
Why don't you miss her white socks and the smell on her body?!
Levi almost sang along with Hermione's words, but he also knew Hermione's purpose in saying this. Following Hermione's words, he described the cuteness of Nami the Cat Thief and the dazed Rowlet.
The two people's words did not avoid Ekaterina at all, and they even deliberately let this taciturn Russian little witchhear them.
Sure enough, upon hearing Levi and Hermione's words, Ekaterina's little ears twitched, and her indifferent little face unconsciously looked towards Levi and Hermione.
"Hermione, Levi, the Purrloin and Rowlet you two were talking about are..."
Perhaps because she hadn't spoken for a long time, Ekaterina's voice was very low, not at all like the Russian ballads she had sung before.
But after all, this was a good start!
Just like now, Levi and Hermione were both shocked in their hearts: She spoke! Ekaterina finally spoke!
Their strategy was correct!
The two immediately began to talk enthusiastically with Ekaterina. Hermione also took out the magic photos she took with Purrloin from her Undetectable Extension small purse, and started promoting them to Ekaterina like a cat publicity ambassador!
Seeing that Levi and Hermione finally managed to talk and make friends with Ekaterina, the self-blaming Madam Kalkana could not help smiling with relief.
She made up her mind that after this detective trip to the Meshchora Forest, no matter how busy the work of the Ministry of Magic was, she must find a way to find out from Ekaterina what kind of animal friends she liked!
And no matter what kind of animal friend Ekaterina liked, as her great-aunt, she would definitely find a way to get it for Ekaterina!
Having solved the problem of enlightening Ekaterina, another problem lay before the group of people:
That was, where to find the legendary witch Baba Yaga?
"Madam Kalkana, do you have any ideas?"
Levi asked Madam Kalkana.
As an expanded region outside the Harry Potter story, even though he was a Transmigrator, he didn't know much about the Russian wizarding circle!
Madam Kalkana also shook her head in a dilemma, and recounted her understanding of Baba Yaga:
"In fact, my understanding of Baba Yaga, aside from knowing that they are an ancient witch faction, is that they are no different from Muggles, which is why Ekaterina and I were so shocked after hearing this name!"
"According to legend, Baba Yaga lives in a chicken-legged hut in the forest and is a very evil old witch who takes children for breakfast, and probably for lunch and afternoon tea as well."
"Whether Muggles or Wizards, they all treat her as a legendary existence to scare children!"
"But in fact, Baba Yaga is a school of witches whose good and evil are hard to tell. How Baba Yaga treats others depends on the attitude others have toward her!"
"If one shows kindness to Baba Yaga, Baba Yaga will return even deeper kindness; if one shows malice toward her..."
Madam Kalkana stopped here. She didn't say what would happen if kindness was shown, but instead said:
"Legend has it that the fence of Baba Yaga's chicken-legged hut is made of human bones!"
Levi, Hermione, Professor Flitwick, and Ekaterina were listening intently. Hearing Madam Kalkana say this now, they couldn't help but shudder!
Baba Yaga wouldn't eat people, would she?
After eating people, she turned the leftover bones into a human bone fence!
Ugh! This thought was too evil!
Hermione, who was the most rational, shook her head. She felt that even if Wizards were isolated from the outside world, they shouldn't be this barbaric.
This must be a story made up by those Muggles and ignorant Wizards in ancient times to scare children!
Hermione never lacked Gryffindor's courage and Ravenclaw's wisdom. Being the first to see through the truth of this story, she still paid the most attention to the initial question:
"Madam Kalkana, you've said so much, isn't there any way to find Baba Yaga?"
"For example, divination, or writing a letter to Baba Yaga?"
Hearing Hermione say this, the few people around also woke up as if from a dream. No matter how terrifying Baba Yaga was, those were just stories!
Their key now was how to find Baba Yaga!
Moreover, Hermione's proposal was also very good. Whether it was divination or writing a letter, as long as Baba Yaga hadn't intentionally used magic to hide herself, it was possible to find her!
On this point, Levi had the most right to speak. How could anyone not cast a Confundus Charm on themselves during the holidays? It was simply too careless!
Don't you agree?
Umbridge, who didn't know whether she was dead or alive.
Chapter 375: Meowth Cloud
"I'm afraid not," Madam Kargana shook her head and said:
"According to ancient records, Baba Yaga's hut on chicken legs is a magical hut!"
"Unless seen with the naked eye, it is completely impossible to find Baba Yaga's hut on chicken legs through divination or by sending an owl!"
Hearing this, Levi felt a bit troubled; he hadn't expected that little guy to be hidden so securely!
No wonder the previous Elder Birch Tree, even while wielding the ghost of the Demon Driver, could only deduce through divination that it was related to Baba Yaga, yet failed to locate its whereabouts.
Everyone stopped in the forest to discuss, but after deliberating for a long time, they still couldn't find a way.
"Let's return to the Russian Ministry of Magic, look up some documents, or ask the Auror team for help."
After much thought and unable to come up with a solution, Madam Kargana suggested to Levi and the others.
If they couldn't find the person, they couldn't find out the truth of the matter; besides heading back, there was no other way.
However, Levi refused to accept this; he grabbed a handful of fallen leaves, threw them into the nearby stream, watched the leaves drift with the stream water, and tried to read some clues from them.
But just as Madam Kargana had said, regarding Baba Yaga's location, it was completely impossible to gain any revelation through divination.
"When I get back, I will study arcane arts related to prophecy and divination; this area is truly my weak point!"
Gazing at the red maple leaves drifting away with the stream, Levi, having failed in his divination, made up his mind and thought.
"Let's go, Levi, failing a divination is nothing; after school starts, you can study hard with Professor Trelawney, maybe you have a talent for this!"
Seeing Levi fail his divination, Professor Flitwick came over to his side and comforted him.
By the end of his words of comfort, even Professor Flitwickcouldn't be sure whether Levi actually had that divinatory talent or not!
After all, divinatory talent was like a Steinway piano; if you weren't born with it, you most likely wouldn't have it in this lifetime!
After experiencing a fruitless and aborted adventure, Leviand the others prepared to leave the Meshchora Forest with some depression and return to Moscow.
The only joyful thing was that Ekaterina was completely unaffected by the failure; instead, she was exceptionally interested in the Purrloin Nami and Rowlet owl that Leviand Hermione had mentioned.
She even took the initiative to make an agreement with Hermione that after Levi and Hermione returned, they would write to each other, and she begged Hermione to send more photos of Nami and Rowlet.
"Being able to cheer Ekaterina up makes this trip well worth it!"
Looking at Ekaterina, who unconsciously wore a faint smile, everyone thought to themselves as if comforting themselves.
"Hey, look, is there a huge black cat squatting on that big tree?"
The crowd, infected by Ekaterina's smile, was just about to chat when they suddenly saw Hermione pointing at a large tree not far away, looking completely astonished.
Following the direction of Hermione's finger, Levi and the others indeed saw a huge, pitch-black cat squatting on a thick tree trunk. Like a Pokémon born from the veil of night, it opened its golden cat eyes and looked down condescendingly at the crowd!
"Oh no! This is a Meowth Cloud, throat-locking..."
The moment Madam Kargana saw that giant black cat, her eyes widened, and she raised her wand, preparing to cast a Spell on it!
But before she could cast her Spell, that large black cat crouching on the tree trunk let out a meow:
"Meow～"
The soft yet extremely clear meow instantly reached the ears of Levi and the others.
Madam Kargana, whose face showed despair, only felt an extremely intense wave of sleepiness wash over her; even when she pinched her own arm with her hand, she could not resist this overwhelmingly strong drowsiness.
As for waving her wand to wake herself up, that was even more impossible to achieve!
It was the same for Madam Kargana, the same for Professor Flitwick, and equally the same for Ekaterina and Hermione.
All of them were like they had been hit by Stupefy; completely unable to resist the intense drowsiness, they could only weakly faint onto the ground and fall asleep.
Only Levi, who had changed classes into a Draconic Sorcerer and possessed extremely formidable magicresistance and physical defense even in his human Wizardform, remained awake!
But even he couldn't help feeling a sense of drowsiness from this meow, and he let out a huge yawn.
Having weathered the Stupefy "cast" by the MeowthCloud, Levi hastily cast the Shield Charm and Mage Armorto protect Hermione and the others.
After protecting Hermione and the others, Levi finally had time to size up the Meowth Cloud, which had not pounced over.
In fact, his Magical Creatures talent had already taken effect, allowing him to understand that the meow the big cat had just let out was actually just a very gentle "Sleep!"
A single meow had almost wiped them all out entirely!
Even though Levi had long known that some Magical Creatures were extremely dangerous and could cast magicsimilar to Legilimency or Apparition, it was his first time encountering a Magical Creature like the Meowth Cloud whose single meow was a move equivalent to Stupefy!
"Big kitty, what do you want to accomplish by knocking us unconscious? Could it be that you treated us like dried small fish?"
Levi asked loudly and guardedly toward the MeowthCloud perched on the tree trunk.
He checked the condition of Hermione and the others, finding that they were indeed just asleep, so he didn't forcibly wake them up, but instead asked the MeowthCloud.
"Meow～"
The Meowth Cloud did not answer; tilting its head, it looked strangely at Levi, seemingly wondering why Levihadn't fallen asleep, and tentatively meowed once more.
Levi instantly felt another wave of sleepiness wash over him, but his magic resistance still allowed him to resist the Meowth Cloud's Stupefy.
On the contrary, Hermione and the others slept even more soundly, just like lying on the most comfortable mattress in the world.
Levi hastily cast a silencing magic on them; after all, too many sleeping pills would become poison!
"Can you stop meowing, big cat?"
"What on earth do you want by knocking us out? You wouldn't really take us for dried small fish or little mice, would you?!"
Levi asked again with a frown; if this Meowth Cloud truly came with hostility, then he wouldn't blame himself for resorting to violence!
No matter how cute this big cat was, it was an extremely dangerous Magical Creature, and he would not show mercy!
"Meow～ Meow～ Meow～"
Hearing Levi's words, the Meowth Cloud found it very strange: why was this little Wizard talking to itself?
Could it actually understand what it was saying?
In the current wizarding world, could there even be cat-tongued old-timers now?
Harboring such curiosity, the Meowth Cloud still questioned Levi.
"That's right, I can understand what you're saying! Can you tell me why you knocked us unconscious?"
To the Meowth Cloud's shock, Levi actually understood its meows and even asked about the purpose of doing so.
Cat shocked!
Has a cat-speaking master really appeared in the wizarding world?!
The Meowth Cloud couldn't help but say: "My Meow Bugle Horn! Someone can actually understand cat speech!"
"Human, how did you do that!"
"Could you have some cat bloodline on you? But you look very normal!"
"It's just that you look extremely majestic and sacred, like a wise dragon!"
"You wouldn't happen to be some magical cat with dragon bloodlines that turned into a human by reverse-practicing an Animagus, would you?"
"Today has truly opened my eyes..."
Rarely seeing something so shocking to a cat, the MeowthCloud kept meowing endlessly.
Fortunately, when the Meowth Cloud wasn't intentionally hypnotizing, its meows didn't possess magical hypnotic effects; otherwise, speaking so much in one breath might have been a bit too much for even Levi's high magic resistance to handle.
Chapter 376 Hut on Chicken Legs
Levi listened to Miao Wuyun chattering and meowing away, and couldn't help frowning. Why was this big black cat such a chatterbox?
Miao Wuyun, squatting in the tree, after expressing its surprise that a human could understand cat language, finally remembered Levi's question:
"Meow, Master wants to see you, and asked me to bring you over!"
"How was I supposed to know you could understand cat language!"
"If I didn't knock you out, how could I carry you off one by one to see my master? It's so difficult, meow!"
Hearing Miao Wuyun's words, Levi wore a speechless expression and said, half-laughing and half-crying,
"Is there any possibility that your master just wanted you to lead the way, and we would follow you the moment we saw you?!"
In an unfamiliar forest, a black cat this big suddenly appeared—anyone would be curious!
What's more, Levi and the others weren't stupid. They were looking for Baba Yaga, and then a big black cat suddenly appeared.
Regardless of whether he could understand cat language or not, out of curiosity, they would have followed it to find out what was going on!
"Meow?!"
Miao Wuyun looked shocked. Was that what Master meant?!
Seeing Miao Wuyun's cat-like shock, Levi couldn't help laughing either.
He waved his wand, making Hermione and the others float while asleep, following behind, and asked Miao Wuyun,
"Let's go, big kitty, take me to see your master!"
"And is your master Baba Yaga?"
Miao Wuyun nimbly jumped down from the big tree, its slender cat tail swaying gracefully. While leading the way, it curiously asked:
"That's right, the title inherited by the young master from the old master is Baba Yaga. They are all called Baba Yaga, just like cats like me are all called Miao Wuyun!"
"But how did you know? Could it be that you know my master, but why don't I know?"
"We don't know each other, but I do have something to find her for," Levi shook his head, answering Miao Wuyun while wondering whether to wake up Hermione, Ekaterina, and the others.
Since Baba Yaga sent Miao Wuyun to lead the way for them instead of ambushing them in the forest, this descendant of the ancient Slavic witch faction most likely didn't have any malicious intentions.
Furthermore, like pet, like owner, and like owner, like pet.
From Miao Wuyun's curious-baby demeanor and chatterbox nature, one could tell that its master, Baba Yaga, probably wasn't some Dark Wizard similar to Voldemort.
However, Levi was still somewhat hesitant. The Demon Driver was ultimately related to Baba Yaga, and what if...
"Forget it, it's better to wake these people up and discuss it together first!"
Worried that something unexpected might happen, Leviultimately decided to wake them up.
If Baba Yaga really had any malicious intentions, when a fight broke out later, it would be much better for everyone to be awake rather than being completely defenseless like this.
Thinking of this, Levi waved his wand and used "Ennervate", waking Hermione and the others from their deep sleep and putting them down on the ground.
"Miao Wuyun, don't let them faint again!"
While waking Hermione and the others, Levi didn't forget to remind Miao Wuyun.
He certainly didn't want to see Miao Wuyun accidentally let out a cry later and have everyone fall fast asleep with great sleep quality.
"Got it, got it! Humans, can they also talk to cats?"
Miao Wuyun obediently leaned against a big tree, staring with its large golden cat eyes at Hermione and the others gradually waking up.
Actually, staying in the forest all by itself as a cat, even with its master accompanying it, was very boring!
So much so that once it caught a mouse, it couldn't bear to drive it away or kill it; instead, it raised it like a pet and played with the mouse every day.
Unfortunately, a mouse's lifespan simply couldn't compare to that of the Magical Creatures Miao Wuyun, and its good friend died of old age after just a few years!
Miao Wuyun still clearly remembered how sad it was after burying its old friend, having no appetite for tea or rice for several days, and not even wanting to eat the dried small fish prepared by its master!
Sigh, I've even starved thin!
Plump, round, and looking like a pitch-black, shiny big black ball, Miao Wuyun thought sadly in its heart.
"No. As far as I know, being able to talk to Magical Creatures is a talent possessed by very few people!"
Levi shook his head and said. In fact, he felt that in the entire Harry Potter world, he might be the only person who possessed the ability of universal creature language proficiency.
"Then can this skill of yours be passed on to others?"
"If only it could be passed to my master, she always burns the dried fish so badly that it's almost bitter enough to kill a cat!"
"It's a pity she doesn't understand me, otherwise I would definitely protest!"
Miao Wuyun complained to Levi about its master Baba Yaga's culinary skills, making Levi shake his head repeatedly.
"Ooh~" Hermione only felt that she had a wonderful sleep. Opening her eyes, she saw a big black cat and Levi looking at her brightly.
"Where did such a big black cat come from?"
"No, I remember now! Levi, this cat's cry put me to sleep!"
Clever Hermione, upon seeing Levi, immediately realized there must be some misunderstanding here; otherwise, Levi would never have allowed the big black cat to stand beside him.
"Yeah, this is actually a misunderstanding," Levi nodded, without further explanation, waiting until everyone else woke up before recounting the whole process.
"So that's how it is. I didn't expect that without us even having to look for her, Lord Baba Yaga is ready to see us!"
Madame Carljana's tense expression relaxed a fraction. Once they met the legendary Wizard Baba Yaga, all their questions would be answered.
The two adult Wizards showed relaxed expressions, while on the other side, the two Little Witches, Hermione and Ekaterina, stared glowing-eyed at the big black cat Miao Wuyun.
"Meow~ What are you doing?"
Miao Wuyun was frightened by the two Little Witches and couldn't help hiding behind Levi.
However, with its glossy black fur and chubby body, Levicouldn't shield it at all.
"Miao Wuyun, don't be afraid, they just like you!"
Levi smiled and stepped aside, even pushing Miao Wuyun in front of Hermione and Ekaterina:
"It's rare for outsiders like us to come to the forest, so it's a good chance for you to make some new friends, like Hermione and Ekaterina!"
"Come on, let them pet you, and I'll give you some fragrant small dried fish later!"
"Alright, alright," pushed out by Levi, Miao Wuyun sensed that Hermione and Ekaterina had no malicious intent, and could only be forced to work:
"Let's get this straight, I'm not doing it for any small dried fish, I just purely want to make a few more new friends!"
Chubby, plump, with glossy black fur, Miao Wuyun said with an "honest and reliable" look.
When Hermione and Ekaterina's eyes lit up and four little hands reached out to pet it, Miao Wuyun was already purring in its throat, an expression of enjoyment appearing on its face.
"A house cat is a house cat, this is what you call professional!"
Levi looked at Miao Wuyun with amusement, unexpectedly understanding what it meant to say one thing and mean another from a cat!
After letting the two Little Witches enjoy the fun of petting the cat, everyone discussed it and decided to accept Baba Yaga's invitation.
Under Miao Wuyun's guidance, the group passed through a maze-like forest and arrived near Baba Yaga's location.
To everyone's surprise, the place where Baba Yaga lived was not some picturesque forest clearing full of singing birds and fragrant flowers, but a depressing forest filled with grayish-white mist.
Living in a place like this, no wonder the Baba Yaga in Madame Carljana's words had a mixed reputation; even Levi's first impression upon arriving here was that a Dark Wizard must live here!
"Thump! Thump!"
Suddenly, heavy footsteps came from the grayish-white mist. Levi and his group could even feel the earth trembling slightly, as if some terrifying Giant was walking back and forth in the looming mist.
"This... this is..."
Professor Flitwick was the shortest, and was the first to see a pair of huge chicken claws from the thin mist at the bottom!
Levi, Hermione, and Madame Carljana and the others then saw a rustic and cozy hut emerge from the mist!
To everyone's astonishment, this hut was actually "floating" in the air. To describe it vividly, it was like a two-story building without a first floor, built directly on the second floor, flying back and forth in the mist accompanied by thumping footsteps!
And after this "flying hut" approached, Levi and the others finally saw clearly that beneath the hut, there was actually a pair of incomparably thick and colossal chicken claws serving as mobile support, carrying the hut around in the mist like an old hen!
Baba Yaga's hut on chicken legs!
Just like that, it appeared so abruptly before Levi and Hermione. Such a bizarre building instantly made Levi and Hermione feel that the trek all the way here was worth it!
If they hadn't experienced such an adventure, how would they have had the chance to see such a bizarre building!
What's more, later they would also meet Baba Yaga, the descendant of the legendary ancient Slavic witch faction!
Wondering what Baba Yaga would look like—would she be like the old witch in fairy tales, with a long nose, an ugly and old face full of wrinkles, disheveled grayish-white hair, a voice like a crow's caw, brewing a big pot of eerie thick soup bubbling with green foam?
Thinking of this, Hermione even felt that the adventures in Hogwarts Castle were somewhat dull and tasteless!
If one truly wanted to have an adventure, they had to come to this uninhabited primeval forest; the core appeal was thrill, excitement, and broadening one's horizons!
"Meow~"
Miao Wuyun came before the hut on chicken legs and let out a high-pitched, pretentious cry, making Levi look at it with a strange expression.
In Levi's ears, Miao Wuyun's cry could practically be translated as:
"Master, this humble one has brought back the guests you wanted to invite~"
Good grief, Miao Wuyun also knew it had made a blunder, and now knew how to make up for it.
Seeming to respond to Miao Wuyun's cry, the lofty hut on chicken legs actually slowly squatted down, and then several steps paved themselves from the gap in the railing outside the hut right before Levi and the others.
Even the door of the hut on chicken legs opened automatically with a "bang", but the inside was pitch black, making it impossible to see what was specifically inside?
"Lord Baba Yaga, is this welcoming us?"
Madame Carljana asked uncertainly, but received no reply.
Levi, Hermione, and Ekaterina also suddenly discovered that the rumors were very likely true, because the fence outside the hut on chicken legs was indeed cast from pale white bones.
As for whether they were human bones, there was no way of knowing, but anyway it was quite scary!
Even though they were entwined with emerald green tender vines, blooming with delicate and pure little white flowers, dripping with verdant vitality, it still made people view them with awe and dread!
"Since we're here, we might as well make ourselves at home. We've already arrived, and Lord Baba Yaga has also issued an invitation; are we supposed to just leave?!"
Hermione, who analyzed the situation first, said aloud.
She wasn't just saying it for Baba Yaga to hear, but even more so for Levi and the others.
They didn't have a better choice right now; rather than lingering here hesitating, it was better to follow Baba Yaga's invitation and step into the hut.
Besides, wasn't finding Baba Yaga their purpose all along?
"You're right, Hermione! Come on, the two of us will go in together!"
Levi was also inspired by Hermione's courage and wisdom. Although he had the strength to handle danger, when facing complex situations, he always considered too much.
Yet Hermione, when facing complex dangerous situations, could always rely on courage and wisdom to find the most correct path!
He took Hermione's hand, the two of them exchanged a glance, and together they stepped onto the stairs of the hut on chicken legs.
There was a circular corridor around the hut on chicken legs, filled with various rare potted magic plants and precious medicinal materials. Vines and flowers twined, blooming vibrantly, full of the breath of life, which also diluted the gloomy and terrifying atmosphere.
Levi and Hermione took a quick glance and saw many rare Herbology recorded in One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi.
To say the least, Baba Yaga must be an excellent Herbologyist and Potion master!
The two of them thought simultaneously in their hearts, and at the same time, the image of the old witch brewing Potions became even more deeply rooted in their minds.
Madame Carljana exchanged a glance with Professor Flitwick, suddenly feeling that neither of them had as much courage as the two children, and also led Ekaterina to follow in their footsteps.
Passing through the pitch-black door, the space inside the wooden house suddenly opened up before Levi and Hermione.
Needless to say, the two of them could also guess that this magical wooden hut on chicken legs must have also used the Undetectable Extension Charm to expand the internal space!
The first thing that caught Levi and Hermione's eyes was a shed filled with various magical Herbology and plants, just like the circular corridor outside the hut on chicken legs.
Warm and soft sunlight poured down from the ceiling, illuminating the emerald-green botanical garden before their eyes!
"This is simply like the greenhouses at Hogwarts; Professor Sprout would definitely love this place!"
Hermione scanned her surroundings, the various magical Herbology leaving her overwhelmed, and she couldn't help thinking of the three greenhouses at Hogwarts.
Under Professor Sprout's care, those places were just the same, overgrown with various magical Herbology and plants.
"The little witch is right, Pomona really likes this place quite a bit. How has she been lately?"
As if responding to Hermione's words, an old-woman-like voice sounded, causing Levi and Hermione to look towards the source of the sound.
Chapter 377: The Child Elder of Tianshan
" Hey! Where did this little kid come from?! "
Hermione looked in surprise at the little girl who had suddenly appeared in the botanical garden.
Even though this little girl was wearing a patched apron and Dragonhide Gloves, she didn't mistake her for Baba Yaga.
She thought this little girl might be a disciple of Baba Yaga. Come to think of it, this Slavic little girl was quite cute, just like a rag doll!
" What little kid?! You really have no manners, child. I'm old enough to be your grandmother! "
The "little girl" rolled her eyes, and an aged voice came out of her throat.
Good grief, the Child Elder of Tianshan!
Levi looked at Baba Yaga before him with equal shock. He even suspected that this witch had drunk the same Potionas Detective Conan, the elementary school reaper!
" You are Baba Yaga? "
" You even know Professor Sprout? "
He asked the "Child Elder of Tianshan" in front of him in shock, finding it hard to believe that such a "little kid" actually had ties with the middle-aged witch—Professor Sprout.
" That's right, I am the owner of the hut on chicken legs, the rider of the flying mortar, the master of the three knights of black, white, and red, the ruler of the Misty Forest, the gatekeeper of the realms of life and death... the supreme legendary witch, Baba Yaga! "
The little girl's chuunibyou-style self-introduction made Hermione and Levi inwardly complain:
Even though the interior space of your wooden hut on chicken legs is large, it temporarily can't fit this many people, right!
" When I was young, I indeed took that little girl Pomonaalong to embark on a journey to find magical Herbology. "
" After becoming good friends, we also corresponded many times. I do know that little girl Pomona! "
Hearing the little girl speak with such mature airs and calling Pomona a little girl left Levi and Hermione looking at each other in dismay.
Now they somewhat believed that the little girl in front of them might really be an old witch whose age was much greater than Professor Sprout!
" Then can you tell me how you manage to stay so young?! "
Hearing Baba Yaga's words, Hermione, Madam Karagana, and even Ekaterina couldn't help rushing forward with great excitement to ask Baba Yaga!
When it came to maintaining youth, women—whether little girls or mature women—were as enthusiastic and exceptionally attentive as ever.
Hey, is this the main point of the matter?
Aren't we here to investigate the matter of the Demon Driver?
The two men, Levi and Professor Flitwick, instantly wore helpless expressions; they felt that in a moment it was going to turn into a cosmetics convention!
" This was an accident. I wanted to study a Potion for rejuvenating youth based on the principle of the Shrinking Charm. "
" As a result, the Potion brewing experiment succeeded yet failed. Although I successfully turned into this appearance, my lifespan did not increase! "
" And sometimes, I would uncontrollably change back to my elderly appearance, but my height would still be like this now! "
" At that time, I was old and short. Believe me, you wouldn't want to experience it once! "
A helpless expression appeared on Baba Yaga's small face.
Her words once again verified the conjecture of Levi and Hermione: this legendary witch was truly a witch skilled in Herbology and Potions!
Hearing this, Hermione and the other two women immediately showed disappointed expressions.
Just as fairy tales said, after drinking the old witch's mysterious Potion, although one would obtain certain coveted things, one also had to pay some unbearable price.
Hearing Baba Yaga put it this way, Levi also felt that her rejuvenating Potion was quite interesting.
But his interest in it wasn't very great, because he neither lacked lifespan nor would he lack youth in the future.
" Madam Karagana, aren't we here to investigate the matter of the Demon Driver? "
Levi bluntly reminded Madam Karagana and Baba Yaga, saying:
" Also, Lord Baba Yaga, you invited us over—I wonder what it is for? "
Mentioning business, everyone sobered up a lot. Only Ekaterina felt that this matter was uninteresting, and stealthily pulled out a dried small fish to tease Miao Wuyun.
" Right, " Madam Karagana returned to her capable career-woman appearance. She took out the bottle containing the Demon Driver, showed it to Baba Yaga, and recounted the course of events once again.
Except for not mentioning the Elder Birch Tree, there was basically nothing concealed, and she asked Baba Yaga:
" Madam, do you have any clues about this? "
Hearing this, Baba Yaga laughed in an aged voice:
" Hehe ~ You don't need to probe me! "
" Aren't you just wanting to ask whether the matter of this Muggle turning into a ghost and killing everywhere has anything to do with me? "
" I can only say that this indeed has to do with me, and this is also the reason why I invited you over! "
Hearing Baba Yaga say this, Professor Flitwick and the others instantly wore nervous expressions, almost thinking a fight was about to break out.
But immediately following that, Baba Yaga explained:
" Actually, I have told you long ago, I am the gatekeeper of the boundary between life and death. Our faction of witches has guarded the boundary of life and death on this cold, frozen tundra for generations! "
" Let the living stay in the world of the living, let the dead stay in the world of the dead, return to dust, and those who should leave should not be made to stay—this is the tenet that our lineage of Baba Yaga has always upheld! "
" Returning to the initial question, I can tell you that this specter was not created by me! "
" On the contrary, this was created by someone who previously broke into the Misty Forest and forcefully snatched it away! "
" I have also been searching for this person's traces and looking for a way to completely kill him! "
Hearing this, Madam Karagana already had a bad premonition, but still asked with an ugly expression:
" My lord, who is this person? "
" You should have heard of his name, Koschei the Deathless! "
Baba Yaga coldly spat out a name, and Madam Karagana's face instantly lost all color.
Just like an ordinary Wizard in the British wizarding worldhearing Voldemort's name, shocked and terrified, she stammered and asked:
" He... He has returned!!! "
" That's right, " Baba Yaga nodded, and said with a solemn and stern expression:
" And this time, his power is even more powerful! "
" He is even able to create vengeful spirits and demons like the Demon Driver in your hands, interfering with the real world, actively attacking the living, spreading death for him, and accumulating power! "
As for why Levi and the others failed to interrogate any information out of him, Baba Yaga didn't say, and Levi and the others could also guess.
For a terrifying Dark Wizard like Koschei the Deathless, manipulating a ghost behind the scenes was simply too easy; he wouldn't let the ghost retain any memories at all!
" Wait, who on earth is this Koschei the Deathless you speak of? What powerful abilities does he have that make you feel so troublesome? "
The two young wizards, Levi and Hermione, asked nervously. Especially with that surname—the Deathless—could this Koschei be immortal?
Chapter 378 Russian Matryoshka Doll
Levi was exceptionally sensitive to the word "immortality," because Voldemort achieved immortality through Horcruxes!
"Everyone harbors a fear of death!"
Facing Levi's question, Baba Yaga did not answer immediately. Instead, she sighed as if reciting a poem:
"It's just that some people can face death with equanimity, while others fiercely resist embarking on the next journey!"
"Koschei the Deathless is one who resists death!"
"Levi, your British wizarding world has You-Know-Who, who claims he wants to devour death, stirring up trouble and starting a wizarding war in the British wizarding world!"
Madame Karkarana continued after Baba Yaga:
"The wizarding world of Russia, or rather the ancient Slavic wizarding world, likewise has those who fear death!"
"He stripped away his own death and hid it inside a needle, then placed the place where the needle was hidden inside an egg, and then took the eggshell of the duck that laid this egg and put it in the stomach of a rabbit."
"Finally, Koschei placed this rabbit in an iron chest, buried beneath the oak tree on the mysterious Unknown Island!"
"Unknown Island is the birthplace of storms at sea, covered with tall oak trees, and under the blowing gales, it is simply impossible to approach!"
"Moreover, to kill Koschei the Deathless, one must go to Unknown Island, find that oak tree, dig out the iron chest, cut open the rabbit's belly, find the eggshell, and then through the eggshell, find the duck..."
"Link by link like this, until finally snapping that needle, can one truly kill Koschei the Deathless!"
"However, Unknown Island, the oak tree, the iron chest, the rabbit, the duck, the egg, the needle—each and every one of them is where Koschei accumulates his power!"
"As long as you approach or destroy them, you will release the power stored within them. Even if you finally find that needle, this will be an incomparably powerful Koschei the Deathless!"
"It was only after hearing the truth from Lord Baba Yagathat I realized the Demon Driver you captured is a puppet created by Koschei to kill people, take lives, and accumulate power for him!"
Hearing Madame Karkarana's words, Levi's expression became extremely grim!
He hadn't expected that hidden within the ancient Slavic wizarding civilization was a Dark Lord just like Voldemort.
Moreover, this fellow even played with Russian nesting doll-style Horcruxes; every time a Horcrux was found and destroyed, it would actually enhance the power of this fellow called "Koschei the Deathless"!
Good grief, what a piece of work!
Levi really hadn't expected that after he and Dumbledorehad finally almost cleared away Voldemort's Horcruxes...
Over here in Russia, another Dark Lord who made Horcruxes had popped up!
And what's more, a Dark Lord who played Russian nesting dolls with Horcruxes!
That old geezer named "Koschei," you wouldn't happen to think making Horcruxes like this is terribly childlike and fun, would you?!
"Wait," having listened to Madame Karkarana's account, Hermione, frowning as if she had discovered a blind spot, said:
"Things like these iron chests, rabbits, and ducks are so important to Koschei the Deathless, how do you people know about all this?"
"For such an extremely critical matter concerning his own life, shouldn't Koschei have kept his mouth shut and told no one? How did it spread so everyone knows?"
"And what did Madame Karkarana mean when she said: 'He has returned'? Could Koschei have already died once!"
After hearing Hermione's questioning, Levi raised his head and looked at Madame Karkarana and the others.
That's right, this so-called Koschei the Deathless couldn't possibly drink Veritaserum like water the way Hagrid did!
How could his mouth be so loose, letting this secret spread everywhere so easily?!
"Haven't you read the fairy tales "Marya Morevna", "The Frog Princess", and Pushkin's "Ruslan and Lyudmila"?"
"In these fairy tales, Koschei is always the immortal villain. He always abducts those beautiful heroines and is defeated by the protagonist Prince Ivan or other protagonists!"
"Among them, "Marya Morevna" recounts a story that truly happened in the Slavic Wizarding World!"
"Before Russia was unified, Marya Morevna was originally a beautiful and powerful witch queen, and she and the wizard Prince Ivan were deeply in love."
"But the immortal Koschei, greedy for life and lustful, snatched away the witch queen Marya. To rescue Marya and defeat Koschei, her lover Prince Ivan went through untold hardships!"
"However, every time he failed to kill Koschei and rescue his lover—after all, no matter how powerful the power of magic is, how could it kill an immortal person?!"
"In the end, it was the wise and beautiful witch queen Marya who got Koschei drunk and extracted the secret of his immortality from his mouth!"
"It is a pity that Prince Ivan still failed to snap that needle in the end. He only had time to land on Unknown Island, dig out that iron chest, kill the rabbit, and find the eggshell, before his path was blocked by an even more powerful Koschei!"
"After a fierce battle between the two, Prince Ivan physically destroyed Koschei and took back Marya, but it was hard to find the hiding Koschei and his remaining things that stored death anymore!"
"Fearing that Koschei would make a comeback, Prince Ivan spread his secret so that everyone knew it, and even the Muggle world passed down fairy tales about Koschei!"
Madame Karkarana and Baba Yaga chimed in one after another, telling the story of how the information about Koschei the Deathless's Horcruxes was leaked.
All in all, it was a story of a cowardly, lustful Dark Wizardwho abducted a beautiful heroine, only to kick an iron plate and be heavily struck down by a powerful male protagonist!
Sure enough, there were reasons why these villains failed!
The Horcruxes made by Koschei the Deathless used extremely ordinary materials and were specially hidden in inconspicuous or hard-to-reach places.
But because of his weakness for lust, he was defeated by Prince Ivan!
Voldemort wasn't lustful; in fact, he didn't even have love in his heart. But this fellow immensely worshipped the the Four Founders and liked things with extremely strong symbolic significance!
The Horcruxes he made were either relics of the the Four Founders, blood-cursed beasts like Nagini, or the Boy Who Lived like Harry Potter (doge head).
The only ordinary one was his very first attempt at making a Horcrux; presumably because he didn't have much money, he chose an ordinary diary!
Such thoughts flashed through Levi's mind. Once he knew what Horcruxes were, Koschei the Deathless wouldn't be hard to deal with!
There was no reason that what ancient Prince Ivan could do, a cheating Transmigrator like him couldn't!
Wasn't he just a Russian nesting doll version of Voldemort?
Judging by how this fellow's fame only circulated in the Slavic region, one could tell that solving this guy wouldn't be any difficult task!