After Matthew and the other two efficiently dealt with the Pixies, Hogwarts' score had caught up with Uagadou and Durmstrang. The three schools were now tied for first place.
They had arrived at a body of water.
Matthew took out the map and examined it.
"There's a marked dangerous area on the other side. This chest symbol looks different from the others too—it's golden." Matthew pointed at the information marked on the map.
"So, are we crossing the river, or continuing along the shore?" Cedric leaned over to look. "I have a feeling the Monsters we encounter after crossing will be stronger."
"Let's cross. We'll see what's inside that golden chest and pick up the chests in the water while we're at it. Besides, the Control Reins we just obtained can only control creatures with extremely low intelligence. Probably only insects and some aquatic creatures meet that requirement," Matthew said.
The treasure chest guards here were all 2X to 3X-level creatures. Creatures of that level could no longer cause much trouble for their team, so Matthew intended to continue exploring deeper.
"Eat this, and we'll be able to speak underwater." Matthew took out three pills.
These were Potions they had obtained earlier. After swallowing them, they would be able to communicate underwater.
The three of them cast Bubble-Head Charms on themselves and dived into the water.
The ecosystem in this body of water was relatively complete. Aquatic plants flourished, and all kinds of fish darted among them.
The water plants swayed gently with the current. Between the sand and stones on the riverbed hid many shellfish and tiny crustaceans.
After swimming for a while, Matthew spotted his target.
The target quickly noticed them as well. It was a shrimp-like crustacean.
Crustaceans had keen senses of touch underwater and could detect