Chapter 262: What’s the most important thing in life?

Chapter 262: What’s the most important thing in life?

Grindelwald loathed nothing more than recalling that prophecy.

Raising his wand with an expression of pure disdain, he cast a spell at the Dementors:

"Expecto Patronum!"

A silvery light burst forth, bright as moonlight, rippling like waves across a dark sea. The luminous energy radiated outward, layer by layer, circle by circle, driving the Dementors back.

The light seemed soft and gentle, yet it carried an overwhelming force, forcing the vile creatures to retreat. Like waves crashing against the shore, it relentlessly pushed them further and further away.

Cyrus glanced at the glowing wand in Grindelwald's hand for a few seconds, but he couldn't discern what form his Patronus had taken.

Grindelwald's spell didn't fully manifest. Not because he lacked the ability—after all, dealing with a few Dementors was well within his power—but simply because he didn't see the need to exert himself.

Cyrus, however, wasn't as lenient.

He unleashed an ancient magic. Instead of forming an aura or taking the shape of a Thunderbird, his Patronus became a silver lightning spear.

Raising his arm high, like Zeus himself, Cyrus hurled the brilliant spear of lightning!

Thunder! Crackle!

In an instant, the silver light pierced through the chest of a Dementor. Then, the energy within the lightning spear erupted, spreading outward like the rapid growth of ancient trees, their branches sprawling out as if centuries had passed in a single moment.

The spreading branches, sharp like thorns and resembling Devil's Snare, impaled dozens of Dementors in the vicinity.

The horrifying creatures fell to the ground like torn rags, their bodies crashing down like crows that had collided with an airplane and plummeted lifelessly.

The "unkillable" Dementors had been slain!

In that moment, the faceless Dementors, who seemingly knew no fear, almost shat their pants. Their blank faces turned toward Cyrus as if etched with terror.

The remaining Dementors hesitated, then decisively retreated through the shattered opening, backing away from the battlefield.

Before leaving, they cast a lingering glance at Cyrus, as if engraving his visage into their very essence.

What kind of monster is this? Best not to provoke it...

It had to be said: Cyrus's display was nothing short of dazzling.

While he had previously demonstrated his Animagus-like abilities with magical creatures in North America, few in the British wizarding world were aware of this. And as for his ability to kill Dementors? That was practically unheard of!

Of course, Dementors weren't particularly formidable in the grand scheme of things—their weaknesses were too glaring. Whether or not they could be killed wasn't seen as especially consequential.

And conveniently, this match was being broadcast live across the entire wizarding world.

Those who wanted Cyrus dead were far outnumbered by those who desperately wanted to see Grindelwald fall.

Of course, none of this mattered to Cyrus in the slightest. At this moment, he stood amidst the blue flames, which should have consumed him entirely but failed to harm him in the least!

It was as though the fire wasn't fire at all, but instead a clear, soothing hot spring.

"Are you immortal?" Grindelwald's face was filled with shock, even fear. His gaze at Cyrus was utterly incredulous.

He couldn't comprehend how a spell powerful enough to destroy Paris could have no effect on Cyrus.

Immune to fire and water?

That didn't seem quite right.

Could it be that his magical resistance was so powerful that even my Protego Diabolica couldn't harm him in the slightest?

Hearing this, Cyrus merely smiled.

"How could I possibly be immortal?" he said softly, even extending his hand into the scorching flames, as casually as if plucking a flower from a garden.

The blue flames withered in his hand.

"Grindelwald, do you know what the most important thing is in life?"

"What?" Grindelwald was momentarily taken aback by Cyrus's seemingly random question, unable to come up with an answer.

The most important thing in life?

Ambition? Courage? Loyalty? Or perhaps wisdom?

Or—could it be strength?

As he pondered, he saw Cyrus shake his head. Cyrus brought the dark green wand to his lips and softly uttered a few words: "Of course, it's control!"

At that moment, beneath Cyrus's feet, crimson flames as vivid as blood ignited.

The blazing inferno of hell!

_________

Read 12 Chapters ahead: