King of the Thunderbirds

A sudden gust of wind arose on the ground, and several small whirlwinds instantly turned into a sky-covering tornado, its power terrifying.

Tom pointed, and a thick bolt of lightning shot out in the direction he indicated, striking a jagged rock several meters high with a deafening roar.

The strange rock was instantly blasted to pieces, with fragments flying everywhere.

The flock of Thunderbird, which had been resting on a distant ridge, immediately followed him when they saw him take flight.

One, two, three, and more and more flew around Tom, their posture intimate and respectful.

Newt Scamander stood on the ground, dumbfounded. This kind of treatment had only been given to Frank, the King of the Thunderbird, before.

This is a symbol of the Thunderbird recognizing their master! And now, Frank obediently joined the circling flock, showing none of his previous kingly airs.

Tom and Thunderbird used to have a good relationship, but it was at most like Newt Scamander's friendship with Fantastic Beasts; there was always a barrier between them as "outsiders."

But things are different now. The Thunderbird not only consider Tom one of their own, but they also see him as their new king.

Newt Scamander quickly pulled out paper and pen and used magic to freeze the scene. This was invaluable data for future research on the Thunderbird; such a rare opportunity would not come again.

He continued experimenting with new abilities, and the spells became several times more powerful than before. Whenever he wanted, each spell could be imbued with a strong electric current.

The effect is greater than the sum of its parts; even if blocked by defensive spells, the electric current can still penetrate and cause paralysis.

Especially wind and thunder magic, such as Sectumsempra, which belongs to this category, now has its invisible wind blades become even sharper.

Even cutting through the air produces a piercing sound; as for weather spells, they require absolutely no thought.

Controlling lightning has become second nature to him; he can summon lightning with a simple gesture, as easily as breathing.

Tom accelerated his flight, leaving a long arc of white light in the sky.

A flock of Thunderbird gave it their all, but they were still left far behind; only Frank could barely keep up.

Tom's speed had more than doubled compared to before, and in addition, he could clearly feel that the essence of his life had also undergone a leap forward.

Each time a bloodline is merged and a talent is unlocked, it represents a step towards perfection.

If he completes all Twelve Trials and then achieves final ascension, he will likely surpass all other living beings on Earth.

"Grandpa Newt Scamander, let's go back!" Tom shouted from the sky, leading a large flock of Thunderbird back to their nest.

Newt Scamander quickly finished the last stroke, mounted his broom, and chased after them.

Back at camp, Newt Scamander, unable to contain his curiosity, leaned closer and asked:

"Tom, what's your next target? It's probably still related to Fantastic Beasts, right?"

The old man is now experiencing the thrill of raising a character, watching Tom grow stronger with the help of various Fantastic Beasts.

He felt a surge of pride, even more so than when he achieved something himself.

Tom was taken aback, not expecting Newt Scamander to be even more impatient than him, and said helplessly:

"Please don't rush, I was so busy testing the new ability that I haven't had a chance to look at it yet. Please wait a moment."

After saying this, he closed his eyes, his consciousness sinking into his mind, touching the fifth palace that had always been tightly closed.

[Fifth Trial Name: You possess sufficient strength and foundation; now you must gain the reputation to match.]

[Mission Requirements: Obtain the Order of Merlin, First Class, with no time limit; the sixth trial will be unlocked in six months, and both can be undertaken simultaneously.]

[Quest Reward: Randomly obtain one Merlin magic talent.]

"The Order of Merlin, First Class?" Tom opened his eyes abruptly, his face filled with confusion and bewilderment.

He originally thought he would be challenging some Fantastic Beasts again, but he didn't expect the leap to be so big, jumping directly to the Order of Merlin.

This is like jumping from leveling up by fighting monsters to grinding for honor points all of a sudden—it's outrageous!

"How is it?" Newt Scamander leaned closer and asked in a low voice, careful not to disturb him.

Tom forced a smile, "This time it's even more troublesome. To complete the trial, we must obtain the Order of Merlin, First Class."

Newt Scamander was instantly taken aback by the request and gasped repeatedly.

What does the Order of Merlin, First Class, mean? Let's put it this way: within a century, only a handful of wizards have been able to obtain the Order of Merlin, First Class.

Newt Scamander is renowned worldwide, and his contributions to the field of Fantastic Beasts are unparalleled.

He has only received the second-class medal so far, which shows how difficult it is to obtain the first-class medal.

Although the Order of Merlin is touted as an international award open to wizards worldwide, it is, in reality, a self-indulgent activity within the Britain Wizarding World.

Newt Scamander's awards in the United States are far more prestigious than this; second and third class medals are relatively easy to obtain.

He knows some old friends, and with some research results he hasn't released yet, he can help Tom make some connections.

He was genuinely unsure about winning the First Class Medal.

"Tom ..." Newt Scamander gave a wry smile, pondered for a long time, and then said.

"I remember you have a good relationship with the Greengrass family. You even mentioned their children in a previous letter. Why don't you ask them for their opinion?"

"They have extensive connections in the Britain Wizarding World; perhaps they can be of help."

"Hmm, I'll ask when I get back." Tom nodded, but he had other plans in mind.

This quest may sound ridiculous, but the reward is really tempting: Merlin's random magical talent.

At the very least, it should be at the level of an Immortal Legend, which is definitely the reward that can provide him with the greatest help, apart from the Twelve Trials.

He remembered that someone in the Black Family had received the Order of Merlin, First Class by donating gold, and he thought he could go back to school and discuss his "experience" with Phineas Black.

If you can get things done by paying money, that would be perfect, saving you the trouble of going through all that trouble.

The two spent another day in the reserve, with Tom watching the Thunderbird with reluctance.

It took a great deal of effort for them to escape, and they left the Thunderbird Sanctuary with Newt Scamander.

Several little Thunderbird clamored to go with Tom, and Thunderbird gathered around him, pecking at his robe with their beaks.

Their parents also nodded in agreement, but Tom hesitated for a long time and still didn't bring them.

"I cannot take you away. The climate in the Scottish Highlands is not suitable for you; it's damp, cold, and completely different from here."

The little Thunderbird tilted its head and looked at him, clearly not understanding. Tom explained it again, but still no one understood. Newt Scamander coughed beside him.

"First, tidy up your little world and create an environment suitable for the Thunderbird to live in."

"I'll come back for them then. Whoever wants to go with you, let them fly there on their own."

"When the reserve asks, just say the Thunderbird flew away on its own, and it's none of our business."

Tom thought about it and agreed it was a good idea. Thunderbird have wings; they can go wherever they want. What right does the reserve have to control them?

The two arrived in Thunderbird Town, Newt Scamander lit the fireplace in his house and traveled through the Floo Network.