The Forbidden Forest was open. Villagers living nearby could gather resources such as plants and timber from it for production and daily life. The forest Trolls had even cleared land within the Forbidden Forest to grow Bubotubers, until they nearly encroached upon the lake in the forest, provoking a dispute with the Centaurs.
The Forbidden Forest was terrifying as well. It contained all sorts of magical creatures; some were economically valuable, while others were highly dangerous. Acromantulas, for instance—their venom could be used in Potions, but collecting it was no easy task.
Then there were the poachers. They tried to hunt animals whose trade had been banned by the Ministry of Magic, such as Unicorns.
Pomona had no idea how Severus had challenged an entire armed poaching gang by himself. He had even received commendation from the Ministry of Magic for it. Though it was only a sheet of paper, it still made him happy.
Perhaps this was what they called recognition of his contribution. Later, there would be such a document in the Ministry of Magic archives, proving that he had done something just with Dark magic.
Georgiana had watched duels with rapiers before. They embodied an aristocratic elegance, their movements swift and precise, yet fraught with danger at every turn.
Compared to the Mamluk sabers carried by the Egyptian army, rapiers looked like ceremonial swords. Actual ceremonial swords, meanwhile, resembled jewelry even more and had no practical use in combat.
The last time General Reynier and General Destaing had dueled, they had used Mamluk sabers. They crouched halfway down, their saber points aimed at the ground, looking like two scorpions raising tails tipped with venomous stingers.
Perhaps they knew each other too well, because neither tested the other. They swung their blades with all their strength, the edges