Boom—
The stone ball exploded.
Amid the flames, Tom, no longer surrounded by black strands, rose from his half-kneeling position.
The exposed skin on his face, hands, and through the tears in his Wizard Robe was covered in black vein-like patterns.
Although Tom remained standing where he was, Cypher still made his move.
However, it was not aimed at Tom, but at protecting the spectators.
Because Cypher had discovered that the flames were no less powerful than Fiendfyre.
Their Shield Charms would be like cotton cloth falling onto red-hot coals.
They would offer no protection at all.
"Ice Barrier."
A transparent ice wall had just risen before the terrified young wizards.
When scattered red-hot chunks of stone crashed against it, they sizzled loudly.
Seeing that the ice wall could protect them, and that older students behind it had cast Shield Charms to form another barrier,
the panicked young wizards gradually calmed down, climbed over the railings in an orderly fashion, and fled into the distance.
Just then,
"Everyone! Leave now!" Cypher shouted again.
The older students froze for a moment, but after looking at the towering ice wall before them, they decisively chose self-preservation.
Holding up one such wall was manageable for them. Holding up two, and casting them instantly without preparation, was another matter entirely.
They admitted they could not do it.
Since Cypher, who was far stronger than them, had told them to leave, why would they refuse?
Still, retreating was much easier for them than for the younger students.
They pulled out brooms and other magical items, then flew directly into the air.
In an instant, only Cypher and Tom remained on the Quidditch Pitch.
When the dazed Tom saw Cypher use Elven Magic, a voice suddenly arose in his heart, urging him to kill the person