The Quidditch World Cup proceeded as scheduled, but in contrast to the cheers and applause from the Wizarding World around the world every night, the British Wizarding World remained quiet until the end of the second round of qualifying.
Even though all three of their domestic teams qualified, the fans were still not happy.
The mere presence of a Dark Mark was enough to deter even the most Quidditch thugs from showing their faces, demonstrating just how terrified the entire Wizarding World was.
Unlike the waning enthusiasm of the British Wizarding World, the French Ministry of Magic has taken over from the Italian Wizarding World, becoming the next target for veteran fans from various countries.
While the broadcast effects of the Magical Projection are excellent, they can never compare to being there in person.
At the end of July,
Vincent and Hermione visited the French Ministry of Magic once again.
The semi-finals and finals of this World Cup were both held in Europe, and the French Ministry of Magic and British Ministry of Magic both began preparations a year in advance.
The competition venue was chosen in the Alps, a region that is sparsely populated and covered in snow and ice year-round, making it an ideal location.
Minister Russell wanted to maximize the effect of the Magical Projection. Ever since he watched the first match at the Colosseum, he had been dreaming of putting on a grand opening ceremony for the semi-finals.
Vincent had no objections, and all expenses were covered by the French Ministry of Magic. He also took the opportunity to demonstrate more uses for Magical Projection.
With limited time and a heavy workload, the three of them quickly came up with a few plans and then, accompanied by several staff members, went to the Alps.
Despite it being late July, this mountain range, which stretches across seven Europe countries from southeastern France through northern Italy, southern Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and southern Germany to Austria and Slovenia in the east, is still covered in "White Snow" Tavern.
The quadrennial event naturally needs to be located in a suitable location, and Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the entire mountain range, is undoubtedly the only choice.
Standing atop this 4,810-meter-high mountain and gazing into the distance, anyone would feel as if they could see the entire world.
Vincent and Hermione were no exception.
The two admired the beautiful scenery for a while before getting back to their work.
Setting up Magical Projection may seem simple, but achieving the best results requires constant adjustments.
Although Russell and the other staff members of the French Ministry of Magic couldn't understand it, they waited patiently and quietly.
It wasn't until almost noon that the Magical Projection was mostly set up.
Next comes debugging.
This is a huge project, and it may not be completed even today.
After a simple lunch, Vincent uploaded the test video via Magical Communicator, and moments later, more than 50 Magical Projection lit up simultaneously.
Some of them are separate, while others are connected together.
The agile Golden Snitch kept appearing in these light screens, its speed increasing, appearing and disappearing as if it were a real object.
There's a slight problem with the linkage response; it seems we need to set up a separate Magical Base Station on this mountain peak.
Vincent contacted Hermione via Magical Communicator to set up the equipment, and then began the second test.
This time, the Golden Snitch flew much faster and was even more elusive.
The subsequent tests all met the standards, but to ensure that no unexpected problems occur, multiple complete tests are still needed.
The Magical Projection screen is playing a Muggle sci-fi movie released last year, "Jurassic Park".
The scene, divided into multiple areas, created a stronger sense of presence, and Russell and the crew, just like Scipio and his team had done, quickly became immersed in the story.
Vincent glanced at their reactions briefly, then continued to check on the equipment's operation.
Overall, there are no major problems, and the debugging should be completed before evening.
After the screening of "Jurassic Park," Russell and others discussed the plot with great interest.
There are many Fantastic Beasts in the Wizarding World that look a lot like dinosaurs, but to successfully "revive" this extinct creature by extracting DNA from a mosquito and then filling it with frog DNA is something that makes one admire the imagination of Muggle.
Although the movie is fictional, what if Muggle really possessed the technology to resurrect prehistoric creatures...?
Russell, the French Ministry of Magic, ended the discussion with a worried expression.
Muggle are completely unaware of the existence of wizards, and wizards' understanding of Muggle is also one-sided.
This concern became particularly strong after watching Star Wars Episode I.
Spaceships, robots, the Force, the Death Star, lightsabers...
It's amazing that a movie from almost 20 years ago has such a wild imagination. If Muggle could actually realize some of these ideas, where would wizards hide?
Russell found Vincent, who was debugging equipment, and asked him about the latest achievements in Muggle technology.
The internet and mobile phones aren't so bad, but those increasingly clear satellites are a bit scary.
Vincent waved the Magical Communicator in his hand. "Uncle Osmund, actually many of its functions are extensions of current technology."
Communication, audio and video, entertainment, and even photography.
Since he could call Russell "uncle," he naturally wouldn't hide anything from Russell.
The development of technology is different from that of magic; the former only requires gradual progress, while the latter often stagnates.
Muggle will eventually realize the many functions of Magical Communicator, while passive wizards can only choose to hide themselves better, ultimately falling into an unsolvable vicious cycle.
Russell didn't hold back and expressed his concerns to Vincent: "Technology is developing too fast, and our situation is likely to become increasingly difficult."
A shrinking living space means fewer resources available. Although the Wizarding World has a small population, it will eventually face a survival crisis.
Vincent stopped adjusting the equipment and lowered his head in deep thought.
In the future short video era, everyone will be a creator. Not to mention wizards with magic, even aliens flying UFOs will not be uncommon.
It gradually transitions from an urban legend to a non-public secret, with a few details being revealed at the appropriate time.
In that case, even if Muggle see wizards casting spells on the street, they probably won't react much.
According to Vincent's understanding of the future, as long as wizards don't go too far, they can actually integrate perfectly into Muggle society.
He finished thinking and looked Russell straight in the eye. "Uncle Osmund, have you considered taking a closer look at the Muggle world right now?"
"Never." Russell gave a wry smile. "Not to mention me, I doubt there are many wizards in the entire Wizarding World who would have this idea."
The International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy has always been an insurmountable obstacle. Its existence not only severely restricts the development of wizards themselves, but also causes wizards to have serious misunderstandings about Muggle.
We are no longer in the dark ages of the Middle Ages. Only by completely letting go of their prejudices against Muggle can wizards see the truth.