Assault

"You're right, Hermione." Bill nodded and continued, "The last part of the scroll mentions that the Holy Grail is not a man-made structure, but a naturally formed magical singularity that was modified and reinforced by ancient wizards."

Its guardian is likely not a human wizard, but some magical being with primal consciousness and territorial instincts, born from a powerful natural magical field, or an ancient spirit coexisting with that land.

In the video, he explained science to everyone. He looked more haggard, but his eyes were surprisingly bright.

Behind him, Phoebe placed a cup of hot tea in front of him.

"Forcing your way in will enrage them, triggering a violent counterattack of magic from the entire area." Bill turned back to Phoebe with a gentle smile, then switched back to the video, saying, "The scroll suggests that a specific resonant object or ritual is needed to pass safely, or at least to reduce hostility, but unfortunately, the specific method is missing."

"A resonant object—" Cassandra murmured, "Could it be that Bone Fragment from the Nott family? Or perhaps an item related to the soul or bloodline?"

"Possibly. But the scroll also mentions that pure and powerful life force might attract the guardian's scrutiny rather than a direct attack. It's a very vague statement," Bill said, shaking his head.

"In other words, forcing our way in could trigger a cataclysmic disaster, and bringing in the wrong stuff could lead to even faster deaths. But if one of us is powerful enough or special enough, perhaps we can stabilize them and have a dialogue with them?" Hermione concluded, then rubbed her cheek. "That's too uncertain."

"We don't have time to slowly search for the perfect solution," Harry said calmly. "Voldemort's ritual preparations are accelerating. I can feel the magic in that area becoming hungry and restless. He's urging us on, or preparing for some crucial moment."

He looked at everyone. "How's the team formation going, Kingsley?"

"The preliminary list is complete, fifteen people, all the elite of the elite. Including myself, Tonks, and several Auror from the Confederation from Germany and Austria, they are skilled in dealing with complex magical environments and combined spellcasting. They are ready to depart at any time," Kingsley reported.

"Equipment and supplies— George and I have secured enough to last a two-week mountain operation. Charlie helped get several anti-magic tents made from Dragonhide, as well as a batch of concentrated versions of Pepperup Potion and nutrient pastes." Ron patted a large chest next to him that was enchanted with Untraceable Extension Charm.

Cassandra continued, "Lucius sent word that he learned through some less formal channels that the target location has been experiencing unusually frequent ground lights for the past few months, and that sporadic reports of missing Muggle climbers have been suppressed by the local government. This is consistent with the characteristics of a large-scale Dark Arts event interfering with the natural magic field."

Hermione, sorting through the thick stack of documents before her, said, "The Confederation's intelligence network has confirmed a surge in demand for several rare minerals and Magical Creatures materials in multiple South America black markets, all heading towards western Argentina. Combined with the cross-analysis of Silver Fox's previous supply list, Voldemort's resource gathering may be in its final sprint. Ms. Grindelwald, on behalf of the Confederation, has issued the highest-level alert and requested coordinated action from the Chile and Argentine Ministry of Magic, but there seems to be internal resistance on their side, so the response may be slow, and the possibility of infiltration cannot be ruled out."

All clues and preparations point to one conclusion: the action can no longer be delayed.

"We'll depart before dawn tomorrow," Harry decided. "We'll use the Portkey from our training base in Scotland directly to a Safe House on the Chile Coast, then infiltrate the target area on foot. Bill, you and Professor Lupin stay here and continue trying to decipher more information about the Guardians and the Resonance. Report any findings to us immediately via encrypted channels. Hermione, you coordinate intelligence support. Ron and Cassandra, you'll travel with us."

"Harry," Hermione looked at him worriedly, "Your scar—could it become a two-way channel for Voldemort to track you? He might already know you're coming."

"Oh, you mean the scar?" Harry said with a laugh. "Voldemort's soul fragments have long been removed, so this scar is now a one-way tracker. I can pinpoint Voldemort's location, but he can't find me at all."

"I see—" Hermione nodded in realization.

At dawn the next day, sixteen figures gathered at Hogsmeade.

In addition to Harry, Cassandra, Ron, Kingsley, and Tonks, there are eleven carefully selected elite Auror from various countries.

Everyone was fully armed, wearing combat uniforms adapted to the mountainous environment, covered with camouflage cloaks, and carrying necessary equipment and supplies.

Harry stood at the front of the line, his gaze slowly sweeping over each resolute face, whether familiar or unfamiliar.

"We are about to head to Voldemort's long-established lair, home to his most fanatical followers, countless traps he has laid, treacherous natural environments, and possibly Ancient Magic threats unknown to us. Our objective is singular: to destroy the altar and stop him before he completes that evil ritual that will alter the magical balance of the world. This will not be easy, and some of us may not return."

He paused, then continued, "But we must go. If he succeeds, the loss will not be just a few lives, but the potential plunge of the entire magical world into endless darkness. This is not a battle for honor or profit; it is a battle for survival. Follow me, remain vigilant, trust each other, we are one."

There were no rousing shouts, only silent nods; these battle-hardened soldiers understood what they were about to face.

Harry raised his wand and drew a complex symbol in the air.

The large Portkey that had been set up beforehand began to emit a strong Blue Light, tightly enveloping the sixteen people who had gathered around.

The next moment, the world spun around.

After a brief feeling of loss of control and pressure, my feet touched solid ground again.

The humid air, carrying a salty and fishy smell, rushed towards me, and the sound of surging waves filled my ears.

They appeared in a secluded rocky cave on the southern coast of Chile, a safe haven established by the International Confederation of Wizards in its early years.

Without lingering, Kingsley quickly confirmed the location, and the team immediately set off towards the majestic Andes Mountains to the east.

The next two days were a grueling forced march.

They avoided wizarding villages and major roads that might be under surveillance, traversing through dense, impenetrable primeval forests. As the altitude increased, the oxygen became thinner, and the bitter cold began to erode their limbs.

Ordinary Warming Charm and stamina potions can only alleviate the symptoms, but cannot completely eliminate the burden caused by the environment.

The suits provided by the Weasley brothers played a crucial role, their temperature-regulating and oxygen-providing effects allowing the team to maintain basic mobility.

Along the way, they discovered traces of magical activity in more than one place: surveillance crystals disguised as rocks, trigger-based curses placed at key passes, and even once encountered a small patrol of black-robed wizards.

Voldemort's control over this area was far more stringent than anticipated.

He not only utilized natural defenses, but also wove an invisible, magical surveillance network.

On the third day at dusk, they finally reached the outskirts of their target area.

Standing atop a towering ridge and looking down, the sight is breathtaking.

On both sides are almost vertical sheer cliffs, the canyon itself is narrow and winding, and deep inside is a thick fog of eerie colors. Occasionally, a pale light like lightning flashes through the fog, accompanied by a mournful wind that sounds like the wails of thousands of dead.

Under the magical vision, the entire canyon area resembled a vortex filled with chaotic and malevolent energy, with an alarmingly high concentration of magical energy at its center, faintly forming an inverted cup-shaped force field.

"The Probe Needle indicates that the magical flow within the canyon is extremely chaotic and possesses a strong repulsive force. Flying directly in or Apparition in would likely result in being instantly torn apart." Kingsley examined the instrument in his hand, his expression grave. "There appears to be only one path on the surface, that downward ancient walkway, but it's riddled with magical traps and some kind of activated Frost Guard."

Indeed, in the fading light of dawn, one could see faint, icy blue humanoid silhouettes slowly moving near the key turning point of the plank road, emanating a chilling aura that shared the same origin as the canyon's magical field.

"Is this one form of the Guardians' behavior?" Ron asked in a low voice.

"It's more like an automatic defense mechanism on the periphery," Cassandra observed. "The true guardian is probably deep within the canyon, fused with that Holy Grail field. We need to get through this boardwalk without making too much noise, otherwise we might alert Voldemort and the beings deep within."

"Voldemort is waiting for me down there." A platinum glint flashed in Harry's eyes. "I'll handle the defenses on the ramp. You guys stick close to me, watch out for the flanks and the rear. Kingsley, Tonks, you're in charge of the group."

Harry took the lead and headed towards the dangerous ancient plank road.

As he stepped onto the first ice step, the two nearest Frost Guard immediately turned their faceless heads toward him, while raising their arms made of ice shards. The surrounding cold intensified suddenly, and countless sharp ice spikes condensed in the air.

Harry didn't even use his wand. He simply raised his left hand, palm outward, and made a light tap towards the two guards.

An invisible yet powerful and gentle Magic Fluctuation spread out, sweeping over the Frost Guard. Their raised icy arms froze instantly, the restless icy magic on their bodies subsided as quickly as ripples were smoothed out, and the Blue Light in their eyes dimmed, transforming them back into two ordinary statues.

At the same time, the malicious Runes that had been flashing on the walkway quietly went out.

Using his immense magical power, Harry forcibly calmed the restless branches of natural magic in the area. This required more precise control and consumed more energy than direct destruction, but it minimized the risk of triggering a chain reaction and a massive energy burst.

The group followed closely behind, moving quickly and quietly down the boardwalk.

Harry walked at the front, like a walking field of silence; wherever he went, the Frost Guard froze, and magical traps silently failed.

He seemed completely at ease, as if he were on a leisurely outing.

The plank road is long and winding, seemingly without end.

The further down you go, the more violent the surrounding magical turbulence becomes, and the more piercing the wind grows, as if countless sharp blades are scraping through the protective magic.

Unsettling reliefs and carvings began to appear on the cliffs on both sides, depicting ancient sacrificial scenes and twisted Runes, exuding a chilling spiritual oppression.

Suddenly, after rounding a sharp bend, the view ahead of the boardwalk opened up to reveal a relatively spacious ice platform.

Opposite the ice platform, the walkway continues downwards, but in the center of the ice platform stand three unusual sculptures.

They were like stone statues, over fifteen feet tall, covered with patterns that emitted a dark green light, their hands resting on huge stone swords, their hollow eye sockets facing the entrance to the walkway.

He's obviously not a nice guy.

"Oh, it feels like an old friend," Cassandra murmured, gripping her wand tighter. "It reminds me of the old days—"

Indeed, I often saw these huge stone statues carrying swords when I was adventuring.

There were even some wearing helmets, with bloodshot eyes, and carrying greatswords— Harry's favorite weapon—because you could disarm them with Disarming Charm and then use Ancient Magic to cut off their heads.

Seemingly sensing the presence of living beings, two eerie green flames suddenly ignited in the eye sockets of the giant Stone Guardians in the center. With a rumbling sound of rocks rubbing together, it slowly raised its massive stone sword.

The other two also moved, raising their greatswords high and slowly stepping forward towards the crowd.

"It seems appeasement isn't working on them." Harry stopped. "Their will is more complete; hostility is etched into their core. Prepare for battle!"

Before he could finish speaking, the stone sword of the Stone Guardians, carrying immense force, cleaved down towards Harry's head!

This attack was not only terrifying in power, but it also stirred up the surrounding magical turbulence, forming a small whirlwind!

Harry raised his wand this time.

"Epelliarmus (Disarming Charm)!"

The giant sword suddenly slipped from the Stone Guardians's hand, then swung around in mid-air before striking the Stone Guardians's neck with a deafening roar.

The Stone Guardians staggered backward; although the sword hadn't severed its head, it had clearly caused it considerable damage.

"Stunning Spell! Impedimenta! Relashio!" The Auror ' spells rained down on the three guardians.

However, these spells, which are enough to render ordinary wizards incapable of fighting, are far less effective on the Stone Guardians. Their hard stone skin is highly resistant to magic, and the spells mostly leave only shallow marks or slightly slow their movements.

The guardian on the left ignored most of the attacks, snatched the stone sword, and charged forward despite the Auror ' Charms.

Harry raised his wand, and a beam of Charms energy as thick as a river shot out.

"Depulso (Pushing Charm)!"