Chapter 646: Percival’s Transformation & a Real-Life Game of Among Us

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Fontaine felt there was absolutely nothing wrong with suspecting Dumbledore.

After all, it was that old bastard who had chased them all the way to America, slapped the entire American magical community across the face, and even tried to kill the Feathered Serpent Quetzalcoatl.

...No, wait. Technically, that part was Riddle’s pet’s doing.

But the root cause was still Dumbledore. If the old man hadn’t come swaggering into America throwing his weight around, none of this mess would have happened in the first place.

Besides, Dumbledore had spent decades spreading influence throughout the magical world. His network was unfathomably deep. Compared to Tom Riddle somehow digging up information on the Sun-Chasers, Dumbledore being the one behind it all sounded far more reasonable.

The more Fontaine looked at Dumbledore’s rosy complexion and the cheerful smile plastered across his face, the more convinced he became that this old fox was the true mastermind behind everything.

’Just wait, Dumbledore,’ Fontaine thought bitterly. ’Once our great goal is fully realized, you’ll understand who this world truly belongs to...’

Perhaps sensing the hostility, Dumbledore suddenly looked over from beyond several professors blocking the way.

Fontaine’s heart skipped a beat, but he reacted instantly. He smoothed away every trace of emotion and replaced it with a polished professional smile, nodding politely while lifting the invitation in his hand.

Dumbledore smiled back.

The moment their gazes parted, both smiles vanished at once, their eyes turning calm and unreadable.

...

..

"So Fontaine suspects Dumbledore?"

Inside the hidden ruin space, the Sun-Chasers quickly received the news and gathered once again.

"I think it’s him too."

The old witch named Moyes spoke first in agreement. "Whether it’s magical ability or sheer cunning, Dumbledore is terrifyingly deep. Back then, Grindelwald nearly swept across the entire world, yet Dumbledore slowly dismantled his forces piece by piece before finally cornering him into that duel."

"Yeah, I agree he’s the most likely suspect," another person added. "After all, he fought the Quetzalcoatl personally, so he has every reason to keep investigating. Fontaine’s analysis makes perfect sense."

Everyone stayed silent, agreeing with the statement.

Finally, Moyes broke the silence. "The real issue now is how much he’s uncovered, who he’s traced things back to, and whether Grindelwald is involved too. We should—"

Before Moyes could continue, Scott interrupted her. "Those are secondary concerns. There’s a traitor among us, Moyes. Otherwise, anyone would’ve only traced the ruins, not the Sun-Chasers themselves."

"Isn’t it obvious?" a black-skinned wizard who had remained silent until now suddenly sneered. "Either Quahog or Graves. Those two disappeared for no reason and then came back just as mysteriously. If that doesn’t scream suspicious, nothing does."

"If Quahog’s position weren’t so important, he should’ve been replaced long ago. Still, we can deal with him, but not now... As for Robert Graves..." A vicious glint flashed through the man’s eyes. "Bring him in first. He’s just a minor figure anyway. If he disappears, so what? At least it’ll serve as a warning to Quahog."

Scott frowned thoughtfully, clearly preparing to agree.

Then suddenly, the air inside the space turned ice-cold.

The temperature plummeted, and a faint scent of blood spread through the room.

"A minor figure?"

The drifting voice echoed through the chamber, seeming both distant and right beside them at the same time.

"Aisen... your family is nothing more than a bunch of lucky people who escaped from slavery early. What gives you the right to call a member of the Graves family insignificant?"

"Honestly, I once rather admired your efficient methods of breeding and managing slaves. Even though you yourself once endured the suffering of your own people, you’ve become crueller to them than anyone else. I suppose all these years have made you believe you’re something greater... and in the process, you’ve forgotten exactly what the Graves are."

Everyone present changed expression instantly.

Especially the black-skinned wizard named Aisen, whose face twisted with rage. He was just about to explode when a massive hand slammed down onto his shoulder.

His entire body froze in place.

At the same time, frost spread from beneath his feet, ice rapidly climbing upward through his body.

"Percival, stop!"

Scott’s wand was already pointed at Aisen, trying to stop the ice. But to the shock of everyone present, although the freezing slowed, it didn’t stop.

Scott was a disciple of that person. His strength had always ranked among the best within the ruins. Otherwise, nobody would have followed his lead so willingly.

So when had Percival become this powerful?

Only then did the others finally look up at him properly. And the moment they did, everyone’s expression changed again.

As former "colleagues" who had worked together for quite some time, everyone present was familiar with Percival.

But the man before them now felt completely unfamiliar.

The frail, elderly appearance from before had vanished.

In its place stood a striking blond middle-aged man with sharp features and the aura of a handsome gentleman. His white wizard robes looked ordinary at first glance, yet everyone present had the strange feeling that bloodstains seemed to shimmer faintly across them.

"Percival, have you forgotten the rules our teacher established?"

Scott silently poured more magic into his spell while suppressing his shock and shouting the warning.

"I’m only teaching him a lesson."

Percival glanced at Scott before slowly raising his hand. The freezing air immediately dissipated.

"My Graves family descendants are not people just anyone is qualified to judge."

His gaze swept across the room as he issued a cold warning. "No one is to touch Robert. I’ll be keeping an eye on him personally."

"And I can tell you this much. He has an extraordinary connection with Grindelwald. He is my prey. Robert is merely the bait I’m using to catch the bigger fish."

A smile slowly spread across Percival’s face. "And if anyone ruins my plans... even that person won’t be able to protect you."

After saying that, he turned and walked away step by step, disappearing into the darkness, leaving Scott and the others staring at one another in stunned silence.

They’d finally identified the traitor among them... Only for someone to step in and protect him.

So what now?

Were they supposed to just sit there and watch Dumbledore or Grindelwald use them to build their reputations?

...

..

The world was always full of strange coincidences.

While the Sun-Chasers were busy playing a real-life deadly game of Among Us, Voldemort’s side had also entered the final round.

"Barty, you are the only person who knew of my resurrection while remaining outside my side."

Through the Lume-Lens, Voldemort looked down at him from above.

"Speak. Who did you leak my information to? And why did you betray me?"

Barty said nothing.

As though he had no defense at all.

"Oh? Not talking?" Voldemort laughed from sheer anger. Killing intent surfaced across his pale face. "Barty... do you think being in Britain means I can’t do anything to you?"

"Crouch Junior!" Bellatrix shrieked like a madwoman. "If you’ve got the guts to do it, then admit it!"

"Even trash like Lockhart understands that following the Dark Lord is the only future worth having! Who gave you the courage to leak the Dark Lord’s whereabouts?! How dare you betray the Lord’s trust?"

Slowly, Barty raised his head and looked at Bellatrix.

Deep in his eyes was nothing but disdain.

At that moment, Voldemort suddenly smiled instead.

"What’s this, Barty?" he asked softly. "Did Bella hit a nerve?"

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