Chapter 141: Hode: I Certainly Won't Become Half a Hode
"Hode, don't you know how to foresee the future? Then who will be next year's Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor?"
Hode was put on the spot by them.
How could he possibly foresee the future! Everything he knew was written by Rowling.
Heaven only knows who the next Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor will be because of his influence!
...Wait, it seems I really can prophesy!
Hode mobilized the divine power within his body and began rewriting the rules to grant himself the ability of Prophecy.
"Mmh... Mmh!"
Hode widened his eyes in disbelief; he never expected that next year's Defense Against the Dark Arts Professorwould actually be him...
"Who is it?"
Everyone looked at Hode curiously, but only saw Hodeshake his head.
"Cannot be said~ Cannot be said! There is a great karma involved in this! You juniors will know when the time comes."
Hode struck the posture of an otherworldly expert, instantly leaving Harry and the others speechless.
Riddlers get out of Hogwarts!
The ceremony ended.
Hode and the others walked toward the Gryffindor Common Room, and then they ran into Cedric and Cho Chang.
"Yo! Cedric!"
Hode greeted them, attracting the two's attention.
"Hi, Hode, and everyone."
"Cedric, what do you plan to do after graduation?"
Hearing Hode's inquiry, Cedric rubbed the back of his head and smiled shyly.
"I plan to enter the Ministry of Magic first, you know... my father has always hoped that I could become a high-ranking official..."
Cedric smiled awkwardly. Having a father who loved to show off his child could indeed be a bit bothersome sometimes.
"Entering the Ministry of Magic? I happen to have people inside the Ministry of Magic, want me to help you pull some strings~"
"No, no!"
Cedric shook his head immediately. He believed that Hodehad connections in the Ministry of Magic, but he didn't like owing others favors, especially such a big one.
"Fine then, you must work hard!"
"Of Course!"
————
Returning to the Common Room.
Because Hermione basically lived with Hode in the suitcase, she didn't need to pack her luggage.
The two could leave whenever they wanted.
Meanwhile, Harry and the others could only honestly pack their things.
"Lying down is the most comfortable!"
Hode lay on the sofa like a boneless salted fish.
"Are you really not going to prepare? Being so leisure-like, watch out for losing out of carelessness and defeat to the Professor!"
Hermione said from the side.
"Rest assured, I am the strongest! That sentence isn't just talk, I certainly won't become half a Hode like someone."
Hermione:?
Although she didn't know what Hode's words meant, Hermione didn't say anything more.
After all, it wasn't the first or second time Hodeoccasionally said some strange things, and she also believed in Hode's strength.
"Forget it, let's not wait for them, let's go first!"
Hode got up, then pulled Hermione, preparing to teleport.
"Wait, where are we going first?"
"Diagon Alley!"
————
When the two came to the shop, they saw Lupin chatting with James, Sirius, and Lily.
"Why are you guys here?"
James and the others turned to look, and upon finding that it was Hode and Hermione, they said in surprise: "Did the Hogwarts Express really get faster this year? You guys are back this early! Oh no, we have to go pick up Harry!"
Seeing that they were about to move, Lupin quickly explained.
...
"Scared me to death, I really thought the Hogwarts Express had gotten faster."
Sirius said with a disappointed look.
"Let them enjoy the scenery of the journey properly! You can only see it a few times a year, and after seven years you won't be able to see it anymore." Hode and Hermionesat on a nearby chair and said with an elder's posture.
"Then why don't you two enjoy it?"
"My time is very precious! Every minute consumes 60 seconds of my lifespan! How could I waste my time on a train?"
James and the others:...
"Right, what are you guys doing here?"
"Coming to buy some things, and by the way, asking Lupinfor some advice."
James said mysteriously, and the others kept their mouths shut as well.
Hode rolled his eyes and said disdainfully: "Isn't it just you becoming the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, is there any need to be so mysterious?"
Hermione looked at Hode in shock, so Harry's dad was coming to be the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor!
Then Hermione thought of the relationship between Snapeand James... Next year was going to get interesting.
"How did you know... well, I suppose it's pretty normal for you to know, but you must never tell anyone! Especially Harry! I still want to give him a big surprise!"
James pressed his hands together and prayed to Hode and Hermione.
"Rest assured, we won't tell. Right, does Snape know about this?"
"He probably doesn't know. Professor Dumbledore likely wouldn't tell him this early, otherwise Severus would definitely make a fuss."
Hode nods easily.
Indeed.
If Snape learned that the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor position he had been yearning for was snatched away by his arch-nemesis, it would be a wonder if he didn't make a fuss!
Even without foreseeing the future, Hode could guarantee that the two of them would definitely not get along peacefully.
"Alright, we have to leave too. Goodbye Lupin, Hode, Hermione."
The three waved goodbye and then disappeared into Diagon Alley.
"Alright, Lupin, I'll need your help running errands again recently."
Hode looked at Lupin, and Lupin could feel Hode's gaze looking at a coolie.
"What is it? Boss."
Lupin didn't say anything. After all, Hode not only gave him a job, but also allowed him to completely get rid of his Werewolf identity!
Allowing him to live a normal person's life!
He didn't need to hide every month during the full moon so as not to hurt others.
He no longer had to worry about buying the Wolfsbane Potion.
He could also safely stay with the person he liked without fear of hurting her due to his danger as a Werewolf.
"Mmh... There are quite a few things, take a look."
Finished speaking, Hode conjured a piece of parchmentand threw it to Lupin.
Lupin took it, opened it, and took a look. The general meaning inside was:
Go to the Ministry of Magic first, and tell Fudge that he was ready to challenge Dumbledore. Have Fudge prepare the promotional work well, and have Lupin do marketing on the mobile phone as well, ensuring all Wizards learned of this news.
The time for the decisive battle was set for August 15th.
Seeing this first paragraph, Lupin put down the parchmentin his hand with an incredulous expression.
"You want to single-handedly fight Professor Dumbledore! Why?!"
"Just follow instructions with peace of mind, there's no problem!"
Hode didn't explain, nor did he need to explain.
Dumbledore, Gellert, and other powerhouses all knew the meaning behind this matter, and Hermione did too.
As for everyone else, they didn't need to understand these.
Lupin continued to read down——
Then, waiting until July 15th, Lupin had to follow Hode to Dumbledore's Headmaster's Office, where Hode would issue a challenge letter to Dumbledore, while Lupin filmed a video on the side.
Then start promoting the hype.
Finally, on August 15th, use the live-streaming Alchemyflying machine prepared by Hode to broadcast it live.
Lupin took a deep breath, then looked at Hode.
"Has the location for the duel been chosen?"
"Of Course!"
Hode nods easily.
"Right in the dead center of the Pacific Ocean! That is—"
"Point Nemo!"
Chapter 142 Declaration of War
The exact center of the Pacific Ocean?!"
Lupin looked at Hode in disbelief, "Why go to such a distant place? And there isn't even any land!"
"It has to be far, and it has to have no land!"
Hode began to explain to Lupin.
"Dumbledore and I aren't just having a simple exhibition match; we're going to have a real, no-holds-barred fight, which is why we need to stay away from crowds and land to avoid hurting people or destroying the continent."
Ocean: Pah! Why are you so selfish!
Lupin put away the parchment and said helplessly, "Fine, you're the boss, everything is up to you."
Lupin looked at Hode, opened his mouth, and still couldn't help asking.
"Will you win?"
"Guaranteed win!"
Then Lupin went to the Ministry of Magic to discuss the specific process of this matter with Fudge.
Time came to July 15th.
An unpretentious Saturday.
All Wizards were busy with their own things, but on such an ordinary day, the wizarding world was about to welcome huge news.
July 15, 1995, one minute before 10 in the morning.
Hermione tidied up Hode's clothes, while Lupin to the side held a mobile phone ready to shoot a video.
Hode's outfit today consisted of a tight black short-sleeved shirt on top, showing off his perfect figure without reservation, and a pair of black wide-leg pants on the bottom.
Hermione looked at the spirited Hode, her eyes full of adoration.
"How is it? Am I handsome!"
"Handsome to the point of breaking the rules!" Hermionesaid with a smile.
Lupin: I feel like I shouldn't have come.
Hode looked at the clock to the side; the time had reached exactly 10 o'clock.
"Let's go, it's time to declare war on Dumbledore!"
Hode used divine power to wrap Hermione and Lupin, then teleported together to the Headmaster's Office at Hogwarts.
Dumbledore, who was eating super-sweet lemon drops bought from Honeydukes, was startled when the three of Hode suddenly appeared.
"Hode? Hermione? And Remus! Why are you here?"
At this time, Lupin had already started filming.
Lupin moved to the side, aiming his phone at both Hodeand Dumbledore.
Hode extended a finger pointing at Dumbledore, his face full of confidence.
"Headmaster Dumbledore, I am here to declare war!"
As soon as these words were spoken, Dumbledore froze instantly, and the candy in his hand fell to the ground.
But he quickly realized, looking at Hode earnestly, and asked Hode in a tone that was serious, worried, and filled with a tiny bit of anticipation.
"Are you sure? Have you made up your mind?"
Hode did not answer Dumbledore's question, but instead said confidently,
"Then the time is set for August 15th, which is a month from now! The location is set right in the center of the Pacific Ocean!"
"Good! I will arrive as promised by then!"
Neither of them said much or explained anything.
Just as Hode said, the strong always cherish each other, and both sides could easily understand each other's meaning.
Dumbledore wanted to know if Hode truly intended to inherit the title of the'strongest', take over the responsibilities on Dumbledore's shoulders, and carry the wizarding world forward.
And Hode stating the time and location was to tell Dumbledore that he had been ready for a long time.
He was strong, stronger than Dumbledore! He was talented, even more talented than Dumbledore!
As long as he wanted, everything happening on the entire earth couldn't escape his eyes.
Along with his aging, the Magic inside Hode's body was still increasing.
At this moment, Hode dared to say that he was now a god among mortals!
Lupin was filming nervously on the side; this was a major event!
One, hailed as the greatest Wizard of the 20th century! Universally acknowledged as the strongest!
The other, young yet renowned, was called the next Dumbledore!
But Lupin knew that such evaluation was actually belittling Hode. He had never seen such a talented Wizard; even Dumbledore would not dare say his talent could rival Hode's.
Hode and Dumbledore smiled at each other, and then Hode waved his hand.
"Then, see you in a month!"
"See you in a month!"
As soon as Dumbledore's voice fell, Hode took Hermioneand Lupin and teleported away.
Returning to Diagon Alley, Lupin quickly edited the video and added music, then notified Fudge to let the Ministry of Magic start promoting it.
Finally, Lupin's slightly trembling fingers clicked send, and the video began to spread.
In an instant, all the Wizards resting and watching their phones scrolled across the video sent by Lupin.
The first scene of the video was Hode and Dumbledoreface-to-face.
The Wizards stopped their fingers and began to watch curiously.
Then, Hode began to issue the challenge. Not only was Dumbledore in the video dumbfounded, but even the watching Wizards wore looks of sheer disbelief.
Hode issued a challenge to Dumbledore?!
And Dumbledore actually agreed?!
The location is in the center of the Pacific Ocean?!
What is this video talking about?!!
The Wizards watched this video of just a few dozen seconds with looks of shock, and then quickly forwarded it.
In just one hour, the view count of this video had already exceeded fifty thousand!
And this video was also seen by Harry and the others.
When Harry, along with James and Lily, watched the video sent by Sirius, they looked at each other.
What's going on?
Hode and Dumbledore are going to have a one-on-one duel?!!
Harry immediately contacted Hode to ask what on earth happened.
But Hode only sent one sentence: Someone has to inherit the title of the'strongest', so let it be me.
Harry looked at the message sent by Hode and seemed to understand something.
Yeah! His title of The Savior brought not only so-called fans and adoration, but also excessive attention and expectations.
To Harry, the title of The Savior was never a good thing; it only brought him trouble.
Therefore, Harry felt that Dumbledore must also have these troubles, and Hode was going to take over these troubles and shoulder them on his own!
This couldn't help but make Harry feel admiration.
As for everyone else, they were both surprised and pleasantly surprised.
People like Ron, Neville, and others all began to look forward to the day of the duel.
The battle between Dumbledore and Hode! Even if one dies, it's worth the price of admission!
Even Gellert, far away in Nurmengard, saw this video.
Gellert smiled and liked the video, then turned to look at Rosier.
"Next month we'll go watch too."
"I didn't expect you to actually move because of this matter! I remember the last time seemed to be because of Hode too."
"After all, getting to see Al get beaten up is pretty interesting too! Hhahahaha!"
Chapter 143 Preparation
Along with the videos and the Ministry of Magicpropaganda.
Wizards in the England wizarding world had all heard about the duel between the two.
And at least seventy percent of Wizards in other countries had learned the news.
All the Wizards were either curious, doubtful, or expectant.
But everyone quietly awaited the arrival of the day of the duel.
And the two protagonists of the duel were also preparing for the upcoming battle.
————
"Hermione~ I want to drink the black tea you brewed~"
Hode lay on Hermione's lap, acting spoiled toward Hermione.
"Sigh—— Geez, the outside world is already buzzing with talk because of the upcoming battle between you and Professor Dumbledore! Yet you're still lying here leisurely! Aren't you going to make some preparations?"
Facing Hermione's helpless words, Hode said it as a matter of course.
"I am preparing, staying by your side makes me feel my mind relax."
Hearing Hode's cheesy pickup line, Hermione didn't say anything, instead getting up to brew tea for Hode.
——Hogwarts.
Dumbledore was battling McGonagall and Snape.
Only to see Dumbledore's feet hadn't moved, holding the Elder Wand in one hand and putting his other hand behind his back, gracefully defending against the magic of the two.
"I say, is our great Dumbledore that reluctant to part with his title as the strongest? And you're even taking up the free time of poor old me, the Potions Class Professor, to accompany you in training?"
McGonagall on the side didn't say anything, just intently using Transfiguration to try to make Dumbledore reveal a flaw.
But Dumbledore just waved his Wand, and McGonagall's magic was instantly shattered.
"Sorry, Severus, Minerva. It's not that I'm afraid of losing to Hode, I just don't want to lose too miserably."
Dumbledore smiled, and with a flick of his hand, he knocked McGonagall and Snape flying.
"It looks like you really need some help! Al."
An incomparably familiar voice came over, and McGonagalland Snape turned their heads to look——the newcomer was none other than Dumbledore's old flame: Gellert Grindelwald!
And standing on his shoulder was Dumbledore's Phoenix: Fawkes.
"I didn't expect you'd really be willing to come help me, Gell..."
"Don't misunderstand." Gellert interrupted the deeply moved Dumbledore.
"I just don't want to see the one who defeated me lose so miserably."
Hearing this, beneath Dumbledore's snowy-white beard, a trace of a smile appeared.
"Thanks, Gell."
Snape speechlessly watched the two gaze deeply at each other, looking totally gay.
"Since you have him, I'll be leaving first."
Finished speaking, Snape left without looking back. McGonagall on the side followed right after; she didn't want to be a third wheel here either.
Time passed bit by bit.
As if accelerated by Made in Heaven, July passed in the blink of an eye.
For the upcoming duel, the Ministries of magic of various countries had all gotten involved.
They chose an island closest to Point Nemo, located in the north: Dixie Island!
Belonging to Britain's overseas territory, the Pitcairn Islands.
It was a scarcely populated island; besides the occasional tourist, usually no one would come here.
The Ministry of Magic had erected a huge tent here.
Although it was still very far from Point Nemo here, they could only watch via live broadcast.
But this served as a temporary resting spot for Hode and Dumbledore, and could also be considered the relatives' seating for the two.
Of course, they didn't just set up a tent.
To make money, various countries had started placing bets, opening gambling pools to everyone.
Hode and Dumbledore, who would ultimately be the winner?
Wizards all over the world were discussing it.
Some thought Hode was too young and couldn't possibly be Dumbledore's opponent.
Others thought Hode was so powerful at such a young age, making him stronger than the aged and frail Dumbledore.
Various speculations emerged endlessly, but Dumbledore's approval rating was still a bit higher; after all, Dumbledore's reputation was right there.
But in Britain, the vast majority of Wizards chose Hode to win the victory.
They had witnessed Hode's horror, especially the students studying at Hogwarts, who felt even more that no one could be Hode's opponent! No one!
In short, internationally, the ratio for Hode versus Dumbledore was 1.2 to 1.
On mobile phones, out of the top ten trending searches, nine were about the upcoming battle between the two.
In this sweltering summer, the battle between Hode and Dumbledore undoubtedly added fuel to the fire.
Anticipation, nervousness, every second was hard to wait through.
However, for the students still studying, they instead hoped time would pass slower.
But summer vacation always made people feel time was passing extremely fast.
In the blink of an eye, time arrived at August 14th.
At this moment, Dumbledore was recuperating, enjoying the hot springs in the Room of Requirement with Gellert.
"I have to say, Al. Hogwarts is indeed more magical than Durmstrang, even being able to conjure up something like the Room of Requirement."
Gellert leaned comfortably against the edge of the hot spring, the warm spring water sweeping away his fatigue of the past dozen days.
"Then are you interested in coming to Hogwarts to teach?"
Dumbledore said with a smile, while Gellert shook his head.
"If I went to Hogwarts, wouldn't I scare away all those young wizards? Your Professors wouldn't feel at ease either. Besides, I'm so old now, I really don't have the energy to teach."
Dumbledore nodded in agreement, "Yeah, we are already this old... I really miss the days of the past..."
Dumbledore closed his eyes, recalling every little bit that had happened in the past.
Studying at Hogwarts... the accidental Deaths of his parents... the resentment he felt when he had to take responsibility for caring for young Ariana because of this matter... the high-spirited conceit... meeting and getting to know Gellert... then the duel between himself, Aberforth, and Gellert... the Death of his sister... the break with his brother... becoming a Hogwarts Professor... the decisive battle with Gellert... the battle with Tom... and up to now, Ariana was resurrected, Aberforth didn't resent him as much, Tom had completely died, everything and everything was getting better.
Dumbledore looked back on his life, having pride, sorrow, happiness, and regret...
Finally, if he were to sum up his life, there was only one sentence: The light boat has already sped past ten thousand mountains!
All experiences turned into memories, although they changed Dumbledore.
But he was still Dumbledore, and everything had become history. Perhaps after he died, he might leave a few pages in history books and be known to the world.
But he had long stopped caring about these; whether he was good or bad, whether he deserved to be called great, none of it mattered anymore.
He only hoped future generations could write a sentence at the end: Albus Dumbledore, a Wizard unworthy of great responsibilities——
"You're starting to get sentimental again?"
Gellert joked from the side, Dumbledore nodded, and then said.
"Get some rest early, there's a big battle waiting for me tomorrow."
Chapter 144 Hode: "I will win!"
The time came to August 15, 1995.
Just today, the highly anticipated battle for the strongest was about to begin.
Having been the strongest centenarian for nearly a century, Dumbledore woke up under the effect of his biological clock.
Then he began to put on the clothes he had prepared long ago: the clothes he wore on the day he defeated Gellert.
Although he had aged and his figure had changed a lot from his youth, Transfiguration solved this problem very well.
This was also one of the Charms of magic; it could always make many things convenient.
Looking at himself in the mirror wearing his youth's attire, Dumbledore seemed to see his once high-spirited self.
Gellert left early, and the other Professors of Hogwartsalso headed to Dixie Island.
The entire Hogwarts was left with only Filch, who was holding a phone waiting for the live broadcast, and the ghosts waiting beside him.
Meanwhile, Hode was sleeping soundly while holding Hermione...
"It's time to go... Old friend, I'll leave it to you."
"Screech!"
Fawkes flew onto Dumbledore's broad shoulders, with a Portkey that could lead to Dixie Island clenched in its beak.
Dumbledore took the Portkey, and the man and bird instantly arrived on Dixie Island.
Dixie Island was not very large, but because there were no living creatures, it appeared desolate, with azure seawater washing over the white and yellow sandy beach.
At the center of the island was a temporary tent set up by the Ministry of Magic.
"Professor Dumbledore!"
Harry and his friends were discussing excitedly outside, and then they saw Dumbledore arrive first.
"Everyone is waiting for you and Hode in the tent!"
Harry stepped forward quickly, pulling Dumbledoretoward the tent, followed by Ron, Neville, Draco, and Luna.
"Brother!"
As soon as Dumbledore walked in, he saw Ariana greeting him, as well as Aberforth behind her.
"Albus!"
"Headmaster Dumbledore!"
The people in the tent also spoke up one after another.
Taking a glance, Dumbledore saw that they were all old acquaintances.
Harry's family, Sirius, Lupin, the Weasleys, Minerva, Severus, Moody, Flitwick, and so on...
And Gellert and Rosier sitting in the corner.
"Haha, are you all here to cheer for me?" Dumbledorelooked at everyone with a smile.
Then he saw everyone awkwardly looking at each other.
"Hehe, stop daydreaming, Al. We're all here to support Hode!"
Gellert spoke for them, which made Dumbledore feel like he had truly become a lonely old man.
He looked at Ariana, a trace of expectation still in his eyes.
"Ariana, you must be here to support me, right."
"Sorry, Brother."
Under Dumbledore's desperate gaze, Ariana shook her head.
"Although I also support you, Hode is my savior! I want to cheer for him more."
"Crack——!"
Dumbledore felt that his heart was a bit broken.
"Alright, then this lonely person will go prepare first. Fawkes—"
Dumbledore sighed, and then Fawkes brought him to the very center of the Pacific Ocean.
Point Nemo was a very quiet place.
It wasn't quiet in the physical sense; countless waves beating against each other would still feel noisy. Rather, it was a sense of silence where no living creatures existed.
Here, no fish would swim past, nor would any fish survive here, and even plankton were pitifully scarce.
This was the place where humans disposed of space debris; deep beneath this ocean, there were many spacecraft wreckage.
Dumbledore couldn't help sighing with emotion.
"He really knows how to choose a place! Then... I must prepare well too."
Dumbledore smiled, then took out his Elder Wand and began to wave it.
As for our protagonist Hode, under Hermione's shaking, he finally woke up.
"Hurry up, don't let Professor Dumbledore wait too long!"
Hermione took Hode's clothes off the hanger, and then began to tidy her hair.
The clothes were exactly the ones he wore when issuing the challenge to Dumbledore last month.
"Don't worry, I reckon Old Dumbledore is dying for me to be slower!"
Although Hode said so, he still obediently put on his clothes, and then used Scourgify to make his whole body sparkling clean.
Finally, Hode used his hand to sweep his hair back, combing it into a slicked-back hairstyle.
Hermione had also finished tidying up, and Hode took Hermione's hand and apparated to Dixie Island.
————
Lupin turned on the live broadcast equipment.
In an instant, tens of thousands of viewers flooded directly into the live broadcast room! And the rising speed was extremely fast.
Fortunately, this was a product made by Hode using magicand Alchemy, so there would be no lagging or system overload.
In the tent, the prepared oversized screen also showed images, and they only saw themselves.
"Has it started broadcasting yet? Can I become famous?"
Ron pressed his face against Lupin's live broadcast equipment, and the screen was completely occupied by his face.
"Don't embarrass me, Ronald!"
Madam Molly grabbed the back of Ron's collar and pulled him away.
"Alright, never mind that. Let's discuss what to say when we see Hode later." Sirius crossed his legs, completely unconcerned about being watched by tens of thousands of viewers.
And the comment section of the live broadcast room also began to refresh frantically, with all kinds of words appearing on the screen.
Passerby A: "When does it start? I can't wait anymore!"
Passerby B: "I've been waiting since five in the morning! Is it finally coming?"
...
Everyone no longer paid attention to the comments on the screen, but instead thought seriously.
Harry: "Keep it up?"
Ron: "Don't lose?"
Neville: "Something feels wrong..."
Luna: "After all, he has always won so matter-of-factly."
Draco: "It seems there's no mood to worry about him or cheer for him!"
Harry: "But I think if he hears our encouragement, he will be very happy."
Just as everyone was discussing eagerly, Hode walked in from outside the tent holding Hermione's hand.
Today Hode looked much more serious than usual.
The tense atmosphere was also transmitted to everyone present at the same time.
Harry: "Hode! Your Infinity is so annoying!"
Hode was stunned for a moment, then immediately understood Harry's meaning, and pointed at his back with a big laugh.
"Haha! Bring it on!"
Harry also laughed heartily and patted Hode on the shoulder.
Everyone behind Harry was no longer restrained, and with relaxed smiles, they offered their blessings to Hode.
Neville: "Go on, Hode!"
Ron: "Come on! Go prove you're not a man who relies on his looks!"
Luna: "You must win, Hode!"
Draco: "No seat!"
McGonagall and other older generations watched this interesting and warm scene, and also cheered for him one after another.
Hode saw Gellert slowly walking towards him, and then patted his head.
"Go ahead! Beat Dumbledore hard for me!"
Hode smiled and nodded.
Hermione also said to Hode: "I've always believed in you! Love you, Hode!"
Hermione shared a light kiss with Hode, and then asked.
"Will you win?"
And Hode's response to all the cheers and Hermione's question was a sentence full of confidence—
"I will win!"
Chapter 145: Hode: "You are the challenger!"
The very center of the Pacific Ocean — Point Nemo.
Dumbledore was floating just one centimeter above the seawater, looking as if he were standing right on it.
And on his shoulder stood his old friend, Fawkes.
Seeing the flying camera suddenly appear, Dumbledoreknew this was Hode's ability.
Only Hode could freely traverse space and transport objects on his own.
However, Hode's figure did not appear, causing Dumbledore to become vigilant.
The Elder Wand in his hand began to wave, and a translucent white barrier protected Dumbledore.
Everyone in the tent nervously watched this scene, unsure why Hode had not appeared.
At this moment, music that shook the skies began to echo from the heavens.
"The weather outside the window~"
"Is just like your changeable expression~"
"It is raining, the rain weeps with me~"
"I cannot see clearly, nor do I want to see clearly~"
Dumbledore looked up at the sky, and the flying camera did the same.
But there were only white clouds in the sky blocking the sun.
"Nine Ropes!"
"Polarized Light!"
"Crow and Declaration!"
"Between the Front and Back!"
Hode was higher up in the sky, almost surpassing the atmosphere.
At this moment, he shouted out the terms at the top of his lungs, omitting no steps!
Furthermore, by expending over three hundred percent of his divine power, he increased the power of this blow by two hundred percent!
Which meant two hundred percent—
"Hollow — Purple!"
The sky was instantly dyed purple! Even before seeing the attack, that terrifying coercion was already washing over them.
Dumbledore's expression changed drastically!
A purple sphere of light nearly thirty meters in diameter was descending rapidly from the sky.
Dumbledore immediately raised his Wand, channeled his Magic, and prepared to meet this world-destroying blow!
"Boom—Boom!"
Dumbledore's barrier shattered completely the moment it touched Purple.
Then, the two hundred percent Purple completely engulfed Dumbledore.
Following that was an incomparable explosion! It completely evaporated nearly a li of surrounding seawater!
The resulting shockwave was such that even Harry and the others could feel the island beneath their feet trembling!
Fortunately, Hode deliberately protected the camera so that people could still see the footage.
"Professor... Professor Dumbledore won't just... Did Hodereally not hold back?"
Ron looked in disbelief at the huge crater that had been blasted open. Although the seawater was rapidly rushing in to fill it, such a massive scope was enough to make people feel terrified.
"No way! Hode definitely wouldn't kill Professor Dumbledore!"
Harry analyzed from the side.
"Hode will most likely control the power based on Professor Dumbledore's abilities! Except against enemies, Hode wouldn't defeat someone with just a single strike like this!"
Gellert also nodded in agreement, "Rest assured, Albusisn't that weak."
Everyone looked at Gellert, then turned their heads back to the screen.
They still believed Gellert's words. After all, the strongest person here was this terrifying Gellert Grindelwald.
And just as Gellert had said, Dumbledore wasn't actually hit.
Just as Purple was about to touch the barrier, Dumbledoreactivated a magic array he had prepared beforehand, instantly moving himself to the ocean three kilometers away.
Then, waiting for the explosion to end, Dumbledore used Apparition to return to his original position.
And Hode also appeared ten meters ahead of Dumbledore, suspended above the Pacific Ocean just like him!
"To avoid any misunderstandings, I must explain first."
Hode extended his right index finger, pointed it at Dumbledore, and smiled.
"In this battle to vie for the title of'Strongest'..."
"You—are the challenger!"
The strongest duel in the wizarding world—was now underway!
"Then—bring it on, Hode!"
Dumbledore raised his Wand, cast another barrier on himself, and then his free left hand instantly whipped out a bolt of red lightning.
"Too slow!"
In Hode's eyes, lightning was no different from a snail's pace!
Seeing this, Hode clenched his fists and arrived in front of Dumbledore within 0.01 seconds.
"Fist Bone—Conflict!"
Hode's fist smashed fiercely into Dumbledore's barrier, instantly sending him flying hundreds of meters along with the barrier!
The splashes stirred up were several meters high!
Harry: "What happened? Why was Professor Dumbledoresuddenly sent flying?"
Hode's previous strike was so fast that everyone couldn't clearly see what had happened.
They only saw Dumbledore suddenly attack, and then Dumbledore was sent flying.
Flitwick said in surprise, "Too fast, completely unable to see clearly!"
Gellert: "I didn't expect that brat Hode to possess such powerful strength with just his physical body!"
McGonagall turned her head back to look at Gellert in disbelief.
"You mean Hode simply used physical strength to send Albus flying? Without even using magic?"
"That's right! Hode's strength right now is just that unreasonable! So if Dumbledore has no way to deal with it, he will probably be defeated immediately."
The audience in the livestream room heard the analysis of several people, finally understood what had just happened, and then all marveled at Hode's monster-like physique.
Passerby B: "Is he really even human? Can a human punch Dumbledore hundreds of meters away?"
Passerby 1: "There is simply no such person!"
Passerby C: "You are just scared, cowardly, panicked, flustered, shivering, despairing, in pain, terrified, and your heart is in chaos!"
Passerby 1: "Damn it, who wouldn't be scared, cowardly, panicked, flustered, shivering, despairing, in pain, terrified, and have their heart in chaos?"
Returning to the battlefield, Hode had already held back his strength when striking, so Dumbledore naturally couldn't be defeated just like that.
Sure enough, Dumbledore appeared once again via Apparition.
That previous blow had shattered his shield, but fortunately Dumbledore had long since cast a Super-Hardening Skin Charm on himself that could greatly reduce the damage taken from physical blows.
Hode also recognized this magic.
"I remember this seems to be magic from the HogwartsRestricted Section. You wouldn't have learned all the magic inside the Library, would you?"
Dumbledore first cast a few Shield Charms and Protego Totalum on himself, then applied a Supersensory Charm, and finally spoke.
"Heh, after all, having been at Hogwarts for so many years, one has to find something to do for themselves, right?"
"That's true, but you should know that these magics are of no use!"
As soon as his voice fell, Hode extended his index and middle fingers together.
"Release—"
The invisible slash instantly shattered all of Dumbledore's defensive shells, leaving a wound running through his entire body!
Fresh blood spurted out suddenly, dyeing Dumbledore's clothes red, and immediately Dumbledore lost consciousness and fell into the seawater.
"Professor Dumbledore!"
Everyone in the tent looked at this scene in disbelief. Dumbledore had actually lost just like that?
Chapter 146: The Ceiling of Playing with Fire
"Come out! Old Dumbledore, you should know that this clone of yours can't fool me."
Hode ignored Dumbledore, who was sinking into the ocean, and turned his head to look at the sky.
"As expected, you found me out. But you don't mind, do you, Hode!"
Dumbledore flew high in the air, his Magic wildly circulating within his body. Immediately after, a blue-and-white magic array suddenly appeared on the surface of the ocean beneath Hode's feet.
Lily: "This is!"
Lily also had some understanding of Ancient Magic, so she could tell that this magic array utilized Ancient Magic.
Gellert also nodded, confirming Lily's thought.
"That's right, this is a magic array that Albus and I researched and created."
Everyone began to wonder what kind of ability the magic array set up by Dumbledore would have.
Returning to the battlefield, Hode stood on the magic arraythat Dumbledore had set up in advance, and instead of choosing to teleport away, he intended to take all of Dumbledore's methods head-on!
Dumbledore also understood Hode's thought, so he aimed the Elder Wand at the magic array and began to activate it!
"Trace Back and Reminisce!"
Dumbledore shouted loudly, and the blue-and-white light instantly submerged Hode.
Everyone held their breath, intently watching the screen.
The light dissipated, and Hode was not hurt, but he still remained motionless. Harry frowned and pondered.
"This isn't an attacking magic array?"
Moody: "You guessed right, Harry. Dumbledore must know that normal attacks definitely cannot hurt Hode, so he most likely wants to restrict Hode from other aspects!"
Gellert: "That's right, this magic array can only be launched against a single target, and it has only one effect! That is, it can inflict a piece of past fond memories on him and extend it, making the opponent indulge in those good memories!"
Just as Gellert said, Hode allowed Dumbledore's magic array to activate, plunging himself into an illusion.
When Hode opened his eyes again, there was a familiar room and familiar furniture.
Hode looked at the wooden table to the side, where the computer on it was still making the sound of the fan spinning.
And his clothes had long since changed back to their past appearance.
"This is... Heh, it really brings back memories!"
Hode looked nostalgically at his former home, everything around him unchanged.
"Bang, bang, bang!"
Just as Hode was sighing with emotion, the door was suddenly knocked on.
"Wang Lihao! Come eat quickly!"
"Okay!"
Hode... No, it should be Wang Lihao who shouted, and then pushed open his bedroom door.
Then, he saw Hermione!
However, this Hermione was probably already 20 years old. At this moment, she was placing the cooked food on the table, and then looked strangely at Wang Lihao.
"What are you looking at? Hurry up and come eat!"
"... Okay."
Hode sat down and earnestly began to taste the dishes Hermione had made.
"... Not bad at all! I didn't expect this illusion to be so realistic!"
"What are you talking about? What illusion?"
Hermione sat down next to Hode and asked curiously.
Looking at the sexy and beautiful Hermione, Hode couldn't help smiling.
"I'm already starting to look forward to the days ahead... But, it's also time to wake up!"
After Hode finished speaking, his divine power began to circulate. When he opened his eyes again, he saw a blue ocean.
From the time Hode entered the illusion to his awakening, only 0.5 seconds had passed, which greatly surprised Dumbledore, who was preparing to use Stupefy.
"It seems your backup plan is useless! Old Dumbledore, whatever other moves you have, bring them all out!"
Hode looked up and laughed loudly, then with a "whoosh" sound, he arrived in front of Dumbledore.
Dumbledore: Oh no! It's too late...
Seeing Hode suddenly appear with a finger aimed at him, Dumbledore understood that he didn't have time to defend.
"Ha!"
A crimson light sphere condensed in Hode's hand, and the powerful coercion it emitted made Dumbledore feel terrified.
"Boom—"
Hode's light sphere hit Dumbledore, and the resulting explosion made everyone tense up once again.
Harry: "So this time it really hit Professor Dumbledore?"
Gellert: "I'm also not sure if Dumbledore still has any trump cards left."
As the explosion dissipated, Dumbledore's figure had disappeared. But Hode still smiled and said: "So this second magic array was specifically used for escaping?"
Dumbledore suddenly appeared behind Hode, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead with his sleeve.
"After all, I can't withstand your attacks, so I can only make some preparations in spatial movement."
"So, you plan to use this third magic array to provide you with Magic, and then strive to resolve me in one blow?"
Hode's eyes looked downward, where there was nothing except seawater.
But Hode could see the last magic array hidden by Dumbledore!
It was more advanced and complex than the first two, and was frantically absorbing the Magic and divine power radiated by the surroundings and their battle.
"I didn't expect this thing to be able to absorb even divine power! You really are opening my eyes!"
"Heh, this is one of the few trump cards left for an old man like me... This next move will exhaust all my Magic. Let's decide the victory in one move! Hode!"
Dumbledore and Hode confronted each other, and the magic array beneath their feet stopped absorbing, instead frantically channeling the absorbed Magic and divine power into Dumbledore's body.
"Oh? Since you're so enthusiastic, I'll accompany you to the end!"
The corners of Hode's mouth turned up slightly, and then the divine power in his body was no longer hidden, bursting out completely!
"Boom————!"
The massive divine power enveloped the entire Pacific Ocean!
The powerful coercion pinned everyone in the tent so they couldn't move!
Ron: "... This! Is this Hode's true power?"
Ron was full of exclamation, and that was all he could do, because his whole body was unable to move, and only his mouth could barely speak.
Harry: "Hode is going to get serious!"
On the battlefield, Dumbledore looked in surprise at the divine power burst forth by Hode, and couldn't help sighing with emotion.
"Truly the waves behind drive the waves ahead! Come on! Hode!"
Dumbledore's gaze was sharp, the Elder Wand was held high by him, and the Magic and divine power in his body began to channel into the Elder Wand.
Fawkes also suddenly appeared and flew behind Dumbledore, and then Fawkes's whole body began to be bathed in fire. The shining crimson light dyed the seawater red.
The powers of the man and the bird began to merge, and golden-red flames began to appear at the tip of the Elder Wand, rapidly growing larger at an extreme speed.
"Playing with fire? Sorry, I am the ceiling of playing with fire!"
Hode laughed arrogantly, and purple-black flames appeared out of thin air around him.
The golden-red and purple-black flames illuminated each other, dyeing the entire sky into their domain.
Dumbledore: "Are you ready?"
"I'm ready anytime!"
Chapter 147 That's right! Hode won!
Dumbledore increased his output, and the golden-red flames gushed out like a volcanic eruption.
The scorching high temperature even began to evaporate the seawater!
And Hode was not to be outdone; the black-purple flames seemed capable of devouring everything, beginning to scorch the surrounding seawater.
Harry looked at the screen excitedly, "Is this the final strike?"
Neville: "Is this Professor Dumbledore's strongest strike?"
Gellert nods, "That's right! This is Dumbledore's most powerful strike in his lifetime!"
Gellert began to explain to everyone in the tent and the hundreds of thousands of Wizards in the live broadcast room.
"Because that magic array can absorb the surrounding natural Magic as well as the remaining Magic after they cast spells and transmit it to Dumbledore, and because of Hode's miraculous... Magic, Dumbledore has already surpassed himself at any time in the past!
Coupled with the assistance of Phoenix Fawkes, and Dumbledore's understanding of flame magic! This move is his unprecedented—strongest strike!"
After Gellert's explanation, everyone understood that Dumbledore had such a powerful strike due to various reasons.
James couldn't help but sigh on the side: "As expected of Professor Dumbledore, he has already shown so many powerful magic, along with that shocking combat IQ!"
"It's a pity he met Hode, but besides Hode, no one else could push him to this extent."
Aberforth's words made everyone nods.
Indeed, besides Hode, no one could make Dumbledorefight so desperately, and even though Dumbledore had reached this extent, they still believed Hode would win the match.
At this moment, the two people on the battlefield looked at each other with a smile.
"I hope this strike won't make me lose too miserably."
"Who knows? But in this setting, this music is still a must!"
After saying that, Hode snapped his fingers.
Luv me luv me~
Hate me hate me~
Luv me luv me~
Kill me kill me~
Accompanied by the music, both of their states were elevated to the maximum!
Everyone watching this match was watching intently, waiting for the final strike of the two.
"Ha—hu—"
Dumbledore took a deep breath, then looked at Hode with firm eyes.
Everyone was clear—it's coming!
"Blazing Immortal Phoenix Flame!"
"Black Dragon Emperor: Devouring End Flame!"
Dumbledore turned the condensed flames into a golden-red Phoenix over a hundred meters long!
And Hode did the same!
He condensed and deformed the surrounding flames, turning them into a black-purple Dragon of the same size.
Under the gaze of all the audience, the Dragon and the Phoenix collided together!
"Boom—————!"
The two magic collided with each other, and the impact generated even triggered a tsunami outwards!
And the two controlled their own magic to press towards each other, and everyone watched nervously.
Very quickly!
Hode's Dragon fiercely suppressed Dumbledore's Phoenix, and the magic of the two was rapidly moving towards Dumbledore.
Dumbledore was clearly at a disadvantage in their beam struggle, but a trace of a smile still lingered on Dumbledore's face.
Then, Dumbledore activated his final trump card!
Fawkes no longer provided flames behind Dumbledore, but turned into a golden-red fireball and integrated into Dumbledore's magic!
The Phoenix that was originally suppressed by the Dragoninstantly soared in size! It directly grew into a thousand-meter-large Fire Phoenix!
"There's actually a trump card!"
Harry stood up in surprise, looking at Dumbledore's tall figure in disbelief.
Ron and the others were also stunned; this was already how many times Dumbledore had used magic they had never seen before to fight Hode.
"Is this your final struggle? Old Dumbledore, you should know this is useless!"
Looking at the Phoenix suppressing his Dragon, Hodesmiled relaxedly.
Because of the immortal characteristic of the Phoenix, Dumbledore dared to let Fawkes burn itself out to make the power of his magic even stronger.
But he knew that if Hode wanted to, he could not win against Hode in magic power at all, and doing this was just wanting to give it his absolute all once properly!
Just as Dumbledore thought, Hode chanted aloud.
"Annihilation!"
"Despair!"
"Ragnarok!"
"Black Dragon Emperor: Devouring End Flame!"
Hode's chant resounded in the very center of the Pacific Ocean!
Dumbledore understood that he had no way to stop Hodeanymore!
The massive divine power inside Hode erupted like a nuclear explosion! Dyeing the sky of Point Nemo black-purple!
Under the blessing of divine power, the Dragon instantly grew into a Dragon as large as tens of thousands of meters!
The terrifying high temperature made the ocean symbolizing nature begin to boil!
In front of the Dragon, the thousand-meter Phoenix was submerged by the Dragon like a toy. Then the Dragondrove its massive body to rush towards Dumbledore.
"Boom——!!!"
The Dragon exploded immediately after completely covering Dumbledore's figure!
In just an instant, a mushroom cloud measuring hundreds of kilometers was produced!
The impact generated even affected Dixie Island, which was more than two thousand kilometers away from the explosion center!
The tent where everyone stayed was immediately blown over by the impact generated by the explosion!
Fortunately, Gellert reacted quickly and immediately used Protego Totalum to protect several people so they wouldn't be blown away at least!
Fortunately, the screen watching the live broadcast was also protected by Gellert, and everyone could still see the live broadcast.
Not only that, even the land around the Pacific Ocean could feel the huge strong wind!
And the impact also brought an incomparable tsunami!
However, Hode used divine power to stop all these tsunamis.
But Hode did not stop the tsunami heading towards the Little Japs, instead letting them attack the Little Japs!
Harry looked blankly at the screen, still in disbelief.
"That is to say..."
"That's right! Hode won!!!"
Gellert said with a smile!
Narration: The strongest battle record is engraved on the Pacific Ocean!
The explosion dissipated, and everyone immediately saw Dumbledore, wrapped in a circular barrier and completely unscathed.
However, this barrier was actually used by Hode to protect Dumbledore. Dumbledore no longer had any trump cards; in the battle against Hode, he had already given his all.
After Hode removed the barrier protecting Dumbledore, Dumbledore looked at Hode with a smile.
"You won! Hode!"
Dumbledore handed the notoriously invincible Elder Wandinto Hode's hand, patted his hand, and whispered.
"It's been hard on you from now on, Hode..."
"Alright, since I did this, I was prepared long ago!"
Everyone didn't know what the two were talking about, but they knew that Dumbledore lost!
Hode won the match!
From then on, the title of the strongest changed hands!
Hode became the new strongest!
The strongest of modern times—was thus born!
Chapter 148: Grim Reaper Strikes Again
"That move of yours was truly terrifying!"
Dumbledore touched his heart; he was genuinely startled.
"This move is just so-so. I'll let you experience even stronger magic when the time comes."
"Forget it, I don't want my self-confidence battered again."
The two of them chatted and laughed, completely devoid of the life-and-death fighting atmosphere from just moments ago.
"Let's go back. They must be dying to see you."
Dumbledore smiled, but Hode shook his finger.
"Wait, I haven't given my victory speech yet!"
Dumbledore:?
Under the gaze of Dumbledore and all the spectators, the corners of Hode's mouth curled up as he said with a smile.
"This is truly exhilarating, Dumbledore! I think I'll never be able to forget you for the rest of my life!"
Dumbledore:...
"You really are... in high spirits..."
Dumbledore no longer knew what to say. Such divine remarks could only come from Hode.
"Then we should also he—"
Just as Hode was preparing to take Dumbledore away, he suddenly noticed something and immediately shouted, "Old Dumbledore! I'll send you back first! Protect Hermione and the others well!"
Hode reached out and injected a tiny bit of his divine power into Dumbledore's body, restoring him to his peak state. Then, without waiting for Dumbledore to speak, Hodeteleported him back to Dixie Island.
"Professor Dumbledore!"
"Albus!"
"Al! What happened?"
Everyone heard Hode's words through the live broadcast. They didn't understand why Hode wanted Dumbledore to come back and protect them... as if an enemy had appeared.
"I don't know, I didn't sense anything at all..."
Everyone stared closely at the screen, and then actually saw Hode warming up!
They saw Hode do some stretches, and then look up at the sky with a smile.
"You've arrived at just the right time, Thanatos!"
Suddenly!
A huge scythe tore through space, spinning and flying towards Hode at supersonic speed.
But Hode's speed was even faster, easily dodging the scythe's attack.
"Bang——!"
The scythe smashed into the water, causing a massive splash.
Next, from the space sliced open by the scythe, a huge skeleton arm reached out and tore the space even wider.
Finally, the Grim Reaper Thanatos completely appeared in the mortal world!
There was no mourning for Dumbledore's defeat!
Entering the stage next is—the Grim Reaper Thanatos!
"Hode!" sounded the Reaper's unique hoarse and hollow voice.
"This time—I won't let you run away!"
"Pfft!" Hode covered his mouth to hold back his laughter, then pinched his right shoulder with his left hand.
"You don't think my condition has dropped just because I fought a match with Dumbledore, do you? I am brimming with enthusiasm right now! Don't you dare ruin my mood!"
Narration: Nidhogg VS the Grim Reaper! The battle of gods begins now!
Meanwhile, everyone far away on Dixie Island stared blankly at the skeleton that was nearly ten meters tall!
Harry: "What... kind of monster is this..."
Ron: "Is... he... a ghost?"
Dumbledore and Gellert furrowed their brows tightly and said nervously.
"That is the Grim Reaper!"
Everyone: "The Grim Reaper?!"
McGonagall shouted in disbelief: "Albus! This joke is not funny!"
Snape also asked solemnly: "Really?"
Dumbledore nodded, "Remember two years ago when Tom suddenly fused with the Basilisk? That was the Reaper's doing. Only Hode discovered him at that time, and then Hode told Gellert and me about this matter."
"Why didn't you... such a major matter..."
McGonagall originally wanted to say why they weren't told, but she understood that even if Hode had said it, aside from Dumbledore and Gellert, probably no one at the scene could help Hode.
Hermione looked at Hode on the screen with a worried face.
So he had been carrying such a dangerous thing all by himself!
Hundreds of thousands of Wizards in the live broadcast room watched in disbelief; they actually saw the Grim Reaper!
Everyone began to grow nervous and frightened. The name of the Grim Reaper has always been terrifying!
Compared to everyone's worry and fear, Hode, who was directly facing the Grim Reaper, had a relaxed and even happy look on his face.
"Come on! Thanatos! Come and entertain me to your heart's content!" Hode flew in the air, spreading his arms and laughing loudly.
"Nidhogg!"
The Grim Reaper roared, gripping the scythe that stood over a dozen meters tall with its right hand and slashing towards Hode.
Hode did not dodge, letting the Reaper's scythe swing towards him.
...
The scene of the Reaper cutting Hode apart in its imagination did not appear. Instead, the scythe in its hand stopped just one centimeter away from Hode in mid-air.
And no matter how hard it tried, that one-centimeter distance could never be advanced any further.
"How is that possible!"
Listening to Thanatos's impotent cries, Hode only found it sweet to the ears.
"Nothing is impossible! Because this is magic!" As soon as his voice fell, Hode instantly appeared behind Thanatos.
"Ultra-Big Ball Rasengan!"
Hode's right hand began to rapidly condense divine power. In just a split second, a hundred-meter-wide blue orb of light was held in Hode's hand, and he fiercely smashed it towards Thanatos!
"Ah——!"
The powerful attack directly blew him away for several kilometers, leaving a deep water wake on the surface of the sea!
Hode knew this move couldn't kill the Reaper, so he didn't pause, extending his right hand and chanting.
"Nine-Bound!"
"Polarized Light!"
"Crow and Statement!"
"Between Front and Back!"
Adding a hundred times the divine power spent on this move boosted the power of Purple by one thousand percent!
Just as the Reaper was quickly recovering from the damage on its back and preparing for revenge, Hode teleported above the Reaper's head once again!
"Goodbye, Grim Reaper!"
"Hollow Technique—Purple!"
The light emitted by Purple dyed a radius of a hundred miles around them purple!
The Reaper didn't even react in time as a thousand-meter-wide Purple smashed directly down from the Reaper's head, carrying the Reaper and rapidly sinking into the ocean floor.
"Boom!"
The powerful explosion caused countless seawater to erupt like fountains! Everyone could only see the screen battered by seawater, completely unable to see what was actually going on.
Meanwhile, watching the Reaper rapidly recovering its body beneath the ocean floor, Hode couldn't help exclaiming.
"You really are an undying cockroach! If I beat you into powder, you probably wouldn't resurrect anymore, right?"
"Ni—dd—ho—gg—!!!"
The Reaper absorbed all of Purple's energy, then gripped its scythe tightly with both hands, roaring Nidhogg's name.
Next, a huge purple slash flew from the ocean floor towards Hode.
However, with just a slight flash, Hode dodged this strike from the Reaper.
"Six hundred sixty-six, undying plus absorption, isn't this overpowered freak being sneaky?"
Hode couldn't help complaining about the Reaper's disgusting mechanics. Unlike himself, who was just a technique-dependent player requiring high-level operations.
Reaper: How do you have the face to say such words?
"Right, let's just try out this move! Neville, watch closely, this move was learned from your family's collection of books!"
Neville:?
Chapter 149: The Greatest Victory, Inscribed on the Pacific Ocean!
Hode said to the camera that he had protected well, then looked down.
"Nidhogg!!!"
Death rushed out of the sea, the scythe in its hand fiercely slashing toward Hode.
"lion's Majesty: Earth Scroll!"
Hode extended his left hand with the palm facing down, then brought his fingers together.
Then the surrounding seawater began to condense into several lion heads that wrapped around Death, and once again dragged Death swirling back into the seabed!
Neville stared blankly at this scene; he couldn't believe that the collection of books at his home could contain such powerful magic!
Dumbledore seemed to see Neville's puzzlement and said softly,
"Hode's bottomless Magic is enough to give any Magicworld-destroying power, so there's no need to doubt."
Neville understood it in his heart.
Returning to the battlefield, Death, which was once again dragged to the seabed, was super-duper angry and furious, and then used the divine power within its body to generate ten black skeletons three to four meters high.
Then Death swung the scythe in its hand hard, cutting the seawater above in half!
"Playing with summoning?"
Hode looked at the ten skeletons flying toward him and just smiled easily.
"Laoda — — Elbow strike!"
Facing a skeleton that flew in front of him, Hode laughed as he retracted his forearm and fiercely elbow-smashed the skull of that skeleton!
And immediately after, a punch, a side kick, an elbow strike!
Hode used pure physical attacks to shatter the skeletons summoned by Death one by one!
"Is that the best you can do? (Pronounced: Bring on some Brazil chicks. Translation: Is that all you've got?)"
"I will make you understand awe for the gods!" Deathlooked at Hode, and its body began to expand rapidly.
"Is that so? — — Release!"
Hode did not choose to let Death show off itself, but instantly cut it into two halves.
"I can't be bothered to mess around with you anymore, Thanatos!"
As Hode spoke, he closed his eyes and inhaled...
When Hode opened his eyes again, his eyes returned to their original appearance, and his gaze was filled with murderous intent.
"Star Platinum — — Za Warudo!"
(Advanced sound effect — —)
After Hode finished chanting, the divine power in his body began to transform the laws, pausing the time of the entire world!
"Let's use this move to settle you!"
Hode twisted his neck, then instantly appeared in front of Death, and snatched Death's scythe away in one go.
Hode: It dropped red! Brothers!
Looking at the scythe that was more than ten meters large, Hode circulated his divine power to connect with the scythe.
Death's scythe very obediently allowed Hode's divine power to enter freely, and then under Hode's control, it transformed into a two-meter-tall shape.
Hode grabbed the scythe and swung it a few times, nods.
"Not bad! It's a good weapon!"
Then Hode sat on Death's bald skull and patted its head.
"Time begins to flow!"
(Advanced sound effect — —)
Death found that Hode in front of its eyes suddenly disappeared, and immediately probed with divine power.
Then it discovered that Hode was sitting right on top of its head!
And still holding its weapon in his hand!
"Nidhogg!!!"
Death roared and stretched out its right hand to fiercely slap toward Hode.
"Slap!"
Hode teleported away, and Death's slap landed without reservation on its own skull, even cracking the skull!
"Ahhhhhahhhhhhhahhhhhh!!!!!! I! Want! You! Die!!!!!!! Ni! De! Huo! Ge!!!"
Facing Death's impotent fury, Hode naturally had to give the highest respect.
"Stop roaring, you can go die!"
Hode grinned widely, his right hand tightly gripping the scythe, and then black-purple flames covered the scythe!
"Ragnarok — — Godslayer!"
A slash spanning a thousand miles instantly shattered Death's lower body into powder, and briefly split the Pacific Ocean in half!
"This! How is that possible!"
Death floated powerlessly in the air, its disappeared lower body recovering very slowly, completely lacking the perverted recovery speed from before.
Furthermore, the black-purple flames attached to the slash were still burning its body, burning away the body that had recovered just a little bit once again completely!
"Not bad, not bad! Your weapon really is easy to use! It seems my guess was right! As long as I use divine power to rewrite the rules of my own divine power, allowing them to hinder your body's recovery, you completely lose!"
Hode: (￣ y ▽ ￣) ~ * Covering mouth and snickering
Looking at the feeble Death, Hode had completely no thought of sparing others where possible, and instead continued to taunt.
"You know what? Your weapon — — is very moist! When it was being used by me, it was even calling out your name!"
Hearing Hode's Japan-style speech, Thanatos was so angered that it was almost about to faint.
And everyone on Dixie Island was amused quite a bit by Hode's speech!
And the Wizards in the live broadcast room were initially frightened quite a bit by the existence of Death, but when they found that Death was completely being played like a monkey by Hode, they all began to laugh loudly.
Passerby Ding: Hahaha! This Death is just so trash!
NPC001: What Death? Isn't this just a trash mob?
NPC9527: Where did this stray dog from the roadside come from? How dare it bark in front of our great Hode!
Good thing Death didn't know the comments in the live broadcast room, otherwise it might really have become a god angered to Death.
Hode hoisted the scythe onto his shoulder, then extended a finger aimed at Thanatos.
"To avoid any misunderstanding on your part, I'll kindly remind you, you — — are the challenger!"
"Hode!!!"
Death ignored its severely injured body and frantically flew toward Hode.
Hode looked at the divine power inside Death's body that could explode at any moment, and laughed aloud:
"Going for a desperate gamble? Right, cellmate!"
Death did not answer Hode, but instead detonated the divine power within its own body!
"Boom — — — — — —!!!!!"
The powerful impact blew out a giant crater over a thousand kilometers wide in the Pacific Ocean!
"Not good! Everyone block together!"
Dumbledore shouted loudly, and then instantly used Protego Totalum.
Then came Gellert, McGonagall, Snape, Moody, and then the others also reacted; the impact generated by such a powerful explosion was probably even more terrifying than before.
"Rest assured, I'm right here!"
A brisk voice rang in everyone's ears.
Everyone turned their heads to look, and Hode was carrying the scythe 'gifted' by Death on his shoulder, with the camera still floating behind him.
"Hode!"
Hermione put down her Wand, immediately ran toward Hode, and hugged him tightly.
Everyone also canceled their magic, because with Hodehere, they were definitely safe!
"Alright, it's fine now!"
Hode gently patted Hermione's back, and the impending impact and seawater were all completely suppressed by Hode's divine power.
Not only that, except for Japan, the crises in other places were also resolved by Hode.
"Thanatos... is he dead?" Dumbledore asked nervously.
After all, that was Death in charge of Death; Dumbledoreworried that Death could not die.
"He ran away," Hode said calmly.
"Ran away???!!!" × N
Everyone looked at Hode with disbelief on their faces, while Hermione, who was hugging Hode tightly, looked at Hode with worry.
"It's not dead! Then will it be able to find you at any time? Will you be in danger!"
"Rest assured, Death's self-detonation severely injured its vitality, and its weapon is still with me, so it won't be able to recover for decades!"
Hearing Hode's words, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. A few minutes ago, even that Death was played like a monkey by Hode, so a severely injured Death would even less be Hode's opponent.
"Alright! Since it's all over, it's time to deliver the victory speech!"
After finishing, Hode cleared his throat, then with a firm gaze and upturned corners of his mouth, he held up the camera facing himself, taking up a large portion of the screen with Hode's head.
"The Greatest Victory, Inscribed on the Pacific Ocean!"
Chapter 150: Hode: No way, I'm just that powerful
A week had passed since the battle between Hode, Dumbledore, and Death.
But the impact of the events on that day continued to grow.
Especially after Wizards learned that Death truly existed, the entire wizarding world was feeling a bit uneasy.
After all, it was Death; how many people wouldn't fear Death?
As for Dumbledore losing to Hode, Wizards instead felt it was quite normal. After all, Hode could even defeat Death, so Dumbledore losing to him was completely normal.
Although the wizarding world was still noisy, Hode didn't care at all. As long as it wasn't anything major, Hodesimply couldn't be bothered to deal with it.
Ministries of magic from various countries and some famous Wizards all tried to write letters to Hode; some wanted to build friendly relations with Hode, while others sought help.
But they soon discovered that no one knew where Hodewas, so they sent the envelopes to Dumbledore, who stayed at Hogwarts year-round, asking him to pass them on to Hode.
"Huh?! So many!"
Hode looked at the mountain-like pile of letters that Dumbledore poured out from an Undetectable Extension Bag, and his mouth twitched.
"It's estimated that they'll just keep coming endlessly from now on. Anyway, do whatever you want with them..."
After Dumbledore poured out all the letters, he left.
Hode used a Levitation Charm to float all these letters into the air, then opened all the letters inside and began reading them with Hermione.
After finishing reading them, Hode only felt that Wizards really had nothing better to do!
What do they mean by saying their house is quite large and wanting to invite Hode to take a look?
What do they mean by saying the melons at their home are guaranteed ripe, and the melon rinds are even made of gold, and they want Hode to help publicize for them?
Hode burned all these brainless letters, leaving only a small portion that could still be considered normal.
For example, St. Mungo's Hospital wanted to consult Hodeabout the method he previously used to treat The Longbottoms, and many dueling associations and Potionassociations wanted to invite him to gatherings and so on.
Hode thought for a moment, then began writing a letter to St. Mungo's Hospital.
Then he handed the letter to his newly invented Alchemypuppet: Soraka!
The letter stated that Soraka would teach them some healing magic created by Hode himself.
Finally, Hode teleported Soraka to St. Mungo's Hospital.
"Aren't you interested in those associations?"
Hermione looked at a letter written by a Potion association, which even offered to send a bottle of Felix Felicis as payment to consult Hode on some knowledge.
"Not interested. Instead of having time to join some association, it's much more comfortable lying in my Hermione's arms!"
Listening to Hode's cheesy pick-up lines, Hermione smiled faintly. She had long since been immune to Hode's cheesy lines, but she still felt happy inside.
"What about Death then? Are we really just going to leave it alone like this?"
"... Actually, he's quite good at hiding! And as long as Death exists, Death will exist forever!"
"Exist forever?!! Doesn't that mean it..."
Hermione said worriedly, but was interrupted by Hode.
"I mean the position of Death will exist forever, not that Thanatos cannot die. As long as someone replaces its position, Thanatos won't be able to stir up any trouble."
Hermione: "Then how to replace it? Who will replace it?"
Hode: "I don't know."
"You don't know?!"
"That's right. Anyway, its weapon was taken away by me. As long as I successfully analyze it, replacing its position would be a breeze, but I don't want to be this Death."
Hode lay on Hermione's lap and turned over.
It seemed as though a divine position that granted immortality, surpassed mortals, and was enough to control Death was treated like a burden.
Hermione helplessly stroked Hode's head.
Hode was always like this, as if everything was not precious at all, and nothing needed to be cared about.
Even the snatched Death's scythe was put by Hode into his own space to gather dust.
Hode looked at half of his field of vision and couldn't help nodding.
Hode: "Not bad! It finally grew this big! It was worth me making XX enlargement Potions for Hermione every day!"
Seeing Hode's lewd gaze, Hermione pinched Hode's nose.
"Are you thinking about some lewd things?"
"I was wrong, I was wrong!"
Hode quickly begged for mercy, and then, to make Hermione happy, immediately took out his phone to show her.
"Take a look at this!"
Hermione took Hode's phone curiously. The screen displayed a group chat called: Hogwarts Parents Group.
Professor McGonagall: "Dear parents, the start of term is set for September 1st. Please do not be late at that time, and ensure that all students can board the Hogwarts Express on time!"
"Also, please have every student thoroughly read *Hogwarts: A History*"
Narcissa Malfoy: "Draco has thoroughly read it!"
Xenophilius Lovegood: "Luna has thoroughly read it!"
Frank Longbottom: "Neville has thoroughly read it!"
James Potter: "Harry has taken poison!"
Arthur Weasley: "Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny have taken poison!"
Lucius Malfoy: "Did they die from the poison?"
Arthur Weasley: "?"
Sirius Black (Harry's godfather): "Lucius, stop bickering incessantly."
Lucius: "Where did this stray dog come from?"
Sirius: "So arrogant? Do you dare to meet offline? Forget it, you probably don't dare anyway. After all, every time you meet Snivellus, it's a life-or-Death crisis!"
Severus Snape: "?"
Lucius: "@Narcissa Malfoy Wife, your brother has gone mad."
Narcissa: "... Can the two of you stop making a fool of yourselves?"
Professor McGonagall: "@Sirius Black (Harry's godfather) @Lucius Malfoy All parents are forbidden to discuss messages unrelated to students and the like in the parents group!"
Arthur: "Received!"
Frank: "Received!"
Lucius: "Received!"
James: "Captured!"
Sirius: "Captured!"
Xenophilius: "... Cap... tured?"
Professor McGonagall: "James! Sirius! If the two of you keep acting up, I'll kick you out!!!"
Lily Potter: "Sorry Professor McGonagall, James and Siriushave already been disciplined; they won't act up anymore."
Snape: "Hmph, @James Potter @Sirius Black (Harry's godfather) actually having to let Lily apologize for you, you really are losers!"
James: "Stinky Snivellus, what kind of dog barking are you doing! I!"
Sirius: "Dead greasy hair! I really just!"
James Potter has been muted by Albus Dumbledore.
Sirius Black (Harry's godfather) has been muted by Albus Dumbledore.
Severus Snape has been muted by Albus Dumbledore.
Hermione stared blankly at the messages in the group chat, and burst out laughing.
"How did you get into the parents group?"
"No way, your man is just that powerful!"
Hode: "ᗜ ֊ ᗜ"