Three Tasks

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After leaving the Chamber of Secrets, Skylar introduced Elaine to the other handmaids, and in the following days, Elaine was placed in Ella Cottage to focus on recovering from her injuries. Although Holy Light Spell had healed her physical wounds, her physical strength, magic, and soul, which had been damaged during her imprisonment and abuse, required a period of quiet rest to recover.

In the period before Elaine's recovery, Skylar spent most of his time in the Flower Dew Cottage, enjoying a sweet life with Phoebe.

He went out twice during that period.

One instance was attending a practical training exercise jointly led by Daphne and Sarf. On that day, all members of the Dragon Head Group were gathered in Diagon Alley to participate in the Silver Spear Trial (see Chapter 7 of Volume 4 for details), enhancing the group members' practical experience and skills.

As the leader of the Sleeping Dragon Society, Skylar's appearance boosted the morale of his team members, motivating them to work even harder and overcome several challenging obstacles in succession. Even the Silver Spear Warriors stationed there were astonished by this.

The strength of this group of trainees far exceeds that of ordinary adult wizards; even a novice Auror who has just completed three years of training may not be able to match them.

Although Skylar himself did not participate in the trial, he served two purposes.

First, his presence ensures everyone's safety. With Daphne and Sarf around, Voldemort and the Death Eaters aren't so scary. But if even Herpo, Morgan le Fay, and Barbarossa get involved, the Diagon Alley Commercial Alliance Self-Defense Force alone won't be enough to contend with them.

Secondly, as a pure observer, Skylar could accurately capture the weaknesses that each person exposed during the actual combat, as well as their flaws in the spellcasting process, by observing and supervising from the sidelines.

In the post-war debriefing, Skylar, working with Daphne and Sarf, pointed out everyone's shortcomings one by one and offered guidance and suggestions on how to overcome weaknesses and improve the spellcasting process.

As one of the most powerful wizards of the time, Skylar's guidance was a dream come true for the members of the Sleeping Dragon Society who were still studying at Hogwarts. Everyone held their breath, afraid of missing a single word from Skylar.

Skylar was confident that this trip to Diagon Alley would significantly improve the overall strength of the Dragon Head Group.

Skylar's second trip was to stay at the Hohenheim Manor in Germany for a few days, where he reunited with Eleanor after a long separation. During this brief but wonderful time, the two were inseparable and passionate, rekindling their love for each other.

Thanks to Skylar's mediation, the Hohenheim Family's alchemy industry was able to engage in in-depth cooperation with the Goblin in many areas. The Goblin's unique metal forging techniques opened up more possibilities for the Hohenheim Family's alchemy, greatly enhancing the Hohenheim Family's status in both the alchemical and business worlds, and making Eleanor's Patriarchal position even more secure.

Besides the Hohenheim Family, Skylar had three other allies in Germany: the politically powerful Vogel Family, Carl, the captain of the Black Forest Erkling Management Unit, and Oswald Stahlmann, the Head of the Auror Office.

Compared to Skylar's allies in Great Britain or France, his influence in Germany was still somewhat weak. Therefore, he also came here with the aim of contributing to the development of Germany power.

This time, Skylar chose Will Helmut, the former leader of the Germany Auror, who was expelled from the German Ministry of Magic and permanently banned from employment for colluding with and protecting Grindelwald and the Supreme Wizard Alliance.

Although Helmut narrowly escaped imprisonment, he was utterly disgraced and blacklisted by the Wizarding World. He lost his official position, reputation, pension, and even his Auror badge of honor was publicly removed. From then on, his family fell into ruin; his once-glorious mansion was auctioned off, his wife and children were separated, and he was left alone to live in a dilapidated apartment on the outskirts of Berlin, barely surviving on odd jobs and the Ministry of Magic's symbolic monthly "poverty relief." The former leader of the Auror had now lost even the most basic dignity.

Skylar knew Helmut's magical prowess well; in that era, he was a figure who could rival Theseus Scamander. According to the intelligence Skylar possessed, Helmut had not become discouraged by this; on the contrary, he had been waiting for an opportunity to turn things around. Such a person was exactly the perfect pawn that Skylar needed.

Similarly, Skylar's appearance was like a godsend for Helmut.

Without the slightest hesitation, he used his remaining connections to recall his former subordinates from the Auror Office in Germany —elites who had also been demoted and forced to leave along with him. Among them were former dueling champions, defense experts against the Dark Arts Wizarding World, intelligence analysts, and so on. Now they were scattered throughout Europe, some as tavern henchmen, others making a living by privately teaching Dark Arts.

Helmut regrouped them into a civilian self-defense force completely outside the official system, named "Ashen Blade"—meaning a blade reborn from Ashes.

Helmut was originally under close surveillance by the German Ministry of Magic, but firstly, news of Grindelwald's magic being completely destroyed had already spread, and secondly, Skylar had already spoken with Oswald Stahlmann of the Germany Auror Headquarters beforehand, so the formation of the Self-Defense Force did not encounter much resistance.

The team quickly received an employment contract from the Hohenheim Family to guard all of the Hohenheim Family's properties in Germany and Switzerland, and even had its own secret outpost deep in the Alps.

[Ally Will Helmut wins!]

The Germany mercenary group "Ashen Blade" has been formed!

Having accomplished these tasks, Skylar calculated that Elaine should be recovering by now, so he bid farewell to the reluctant Eleanor and used Apparition to return to Great Britain.

The long month of August has finally come to an end, and a slight chill has gradually crept into the air. Morning mists begin to permeate the Britain countryside, and the leaves are turning a pale golden hue. As the weather cools, Britain quietly enters September.

September 1st, Sunday, is the first day of school at Hogwarts. Students arrive at King's Cross Station in London on this day to take the direct train to Hogwarts.

Skylar stood alone on the high-rise building opposite the station, gazing tenderly at Daphne, Astoria, and the others as they hurried into the station, a faint smile on his lips.

After confirming that the last person to arrive, Susan Bones, had also entered the station, Skylar's figure slowly faded and disappeared, as if he had never been there at all.

Back at Ella Cottage, in the underground training ground.

This is the underground training ground that Skylar deliberately built in Ella Cottage some time ago. The Undetectable Extension Charm expanded the originally cramped basement into a nearly infinitely spacious hall. The towering dome is inlaid with a constant starry sky illusion, the floor is covered with a soft yet solid magical carpet, and the surrounding walls are covered with light blue protective runes, isolating all leaking magical fluctuations.

Elaine and Sarf are engaged in a moderately intense battle in the center of the arena—not a life-or-death struggle, but an important part of her rehabilitation program. This level of combat will allow the newly recovered Elaine to quickly return to her peak physical and magical condition, while also helping her adapt to her modified body.

Latifa stood on the sidelines, wand in hand, serious and ready to defend himself in case either side made a mistake or any unexpected incident occurred.

The other maids— Savannah, Katarin, Natalie, Gadelle, and even Viviane, who usually lived deep within Avalon Island —appeared at the edge of the training ground. Some leaned against the wall, while others sat on the stone steps, their gazes focused and calm as they intently watched the duel between the two.

This is Skylar's idea.

"The Dragon Hall Seven Attendants" (the group name Skylar gave them) is an important trump card in Skylar's hand, no less important than the seven captains of the Sleeping Dragon Society or the seven fierce generals of the Dragon Fangs.

Each of the seven handmaids possesses a unique magical skill: Savannah devises tactics and manipulates undead creatures; Katarin possesses Innate Sword Heart, and her offensive magic is unparalleled; Natalie excels at long-range sniping, capable of killing from afar; Gadelle specializes in the secret magic of the House of Lestrange, with a unique ability to inflict pain and destroy minds; Viviane's singing can subtly influence reality and distort perception; and Latifa's Holy Light Spell can instantly revive the dying.

This includes manipulation, melee, ranged, torture, area-of-effect attacks, healing... If tactically combined properly, it will be a terrifying force.

Therefore, Skylar insisted that they gather together to spar and observe each other's performance in actual combat, so as to become familiar with each other's magical abilities, spellcasting habits, and combat styles, and thus cultivate team synergy. Only then could they work together silently on the battlefield and bring out the full potential of their tactics and cooperation.

In the arena, Elaine let out a low shout, and three phantom figures suddenly appeared from the tattoo on her back— Phoenix spreading its wings as if about to burst into flame, with crimson-gold flames flowing around it; Thunderbird flapping its wings, with crackling electric arcs; Nether Raven with dark, ink-black feathers, its cold white eyes flickering eerily.

The three phantom heads are not mere projections, but semi-materialized manifestations of magic, moving at high speed around Elaine and forming a perfect combination of offense and defense in conjunction with her spells.

Sarf remained unmoved, her long black hair swaying slightly in the surging magic. She did not raise her wand, but lowered her head slightly, emitting a low and eerie hiss from her throat—pure Parseltongue, ancient and cold, like countless tiny snakes simultaneously flicking their tongues in her ear.

As the Parseltongue resounded, dozens of slender, jet-black snakes suddenly surged from the ground. They were long and thin, with scales that shimmered with a ghostly green metallic luster. Their movements were as swift as lightning, and they instantly formed a twisted wall of snakes, tearing a gap in Elaine's Phoenix Fire Curtain.

At the same time, countless slender, snake-shaped arrows appeared in the air, their heads flashing with a scarlet poisonous light, and with a sharp hiss, they poured down on Elaine like a torrential rain.

The swarm of snakes and snake arrows attacked simultaneously, but were always cleverly neutralized at the last moment by the three-headed phantom. The two fought back and forth, their spells and phantoms, snakes and snake arrows intertwined into a strange web of light and shadow, making it difficult to determine a winner.

Skylar stood on the high platform, arms crossed, his gaze sharp. He observed quietly until the rhythm of both sides was approaching its limit, then raised his hand to call a stop.

"Stop."

As soon as the words were spoken, the entire room fell silent.

Sarf withdrew her Parseltongue, and the swarm of serpentine arrows and the snakes on the ground vanished simultaneously, returning to her body like black smoke. She breathed slightly, a fine layer of sweat beading on her forehead, yet her smile was alluring and radiant.

She turned to look at Skylar, strode over, and without any hesitation, cupped his face in her hands, giving him a passionate and lingering deep kiss. Their lips intertwined, filled with the warmth and joy of their encounter.

The crowd on the sidelines chuckled and applauded as if it were nothing out of the ordinary, creating a relaxed atmosphere.

Elaine stood there, her blue Eye of Discernment flickering slightly as she watched this scene, her cheeks quickly flushing red. She lowered her head, her ears burning, but encouraged by the other girls, she mustered her courage, stepped forward quickly, and tiptoed to plant a light, fleeting kiss on Skylar's cheek.

Skylar glanced at her, a faint smile playing on his lips. He didn't say anything, but simply reached out and gently ruffled her hair, as if comforting a new bird that had finally learned to spread its wings.

A chorus of good-natured chuckles rose from the sidelines. The maids gathered around, some offering water, some straightening Elaine's clothes, and some whispering teasing about her earlier "heroism."

Skylar coughed lightly, breaking the gradually dissipating enthusiastic atmosphere in the training ground. His gaze swept over Elaine, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable certainty. "It seems you've almost fully recovered."

Elaine immediately concealed the remaining blush on her face, stood up straight, and focused her blue Eye of Discernment on him, awaiting the next instruction.

Skylar walked slowly along the sidelines with his hands behind his back. His voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears. "From today onwards, I'm giving you three tasks."

"First," he stopped and turned to Elaine, "I once acquired a mushroom and herb trading company called 'Cultivated Fungus Trade Company.' Now, with the Magic Garden on Avalon Island, managed by Viviane, becoming more stable and able to provide me with a variety of rare and precious wild herbs, I've decided to completely upgrade its business—covering all precious herbs, Potions ingredients, and even certain endangered exotic plants."

He paused, his gaze settling on her emerald-like eyes. "The new company will be renamed 'Rare Treasures and Exotic Herbs Trade,' and you will be fully responsible for managing it from now on."

"You possess the Eye of Discernment, capable of seeing through all disguises, Transfiguration, and illusions; and you have the Hundredfold Clever Tongue, with a sense of taste and smell far exceeding that of ordinary people. The combination of these two qualities gives you an unparalleled advantage in herbal identification, distinguishing authenticity, judging quality, and even discovering hidden magical remnants. Counterfeits, substandard goods, adulteration, buying the wrong thing—these things should never happen in your hands."

"Ali Bashir, who was originally in charge of the trading company's day-to-day operations, will continue to serve as my trade representative, focusing on sourcing rare herbs around the world. He is better at sourcing and trading than running the business, which is the most suitable position for him. As for you, you are the person I trust the most. Ali can assist you in certain matters, but the final decision-making power in the company must be in your hands, understand?"

Elaine nodded slightly, her voice low and solemn. "Understood, Master. I will ensure that every herb is genuine and do my utmost to make the company thrive. I will never betray your trust."

Skylar nodded and continued, "The second task—my meals."

"For a long time to come, I'll be staying at Ella Cottage to handle some affairs. I don't have House Elf that are idle; someone has to be specifically responsible for feeding them."

He looked at Elaine, his tone unusually gentle. "When you're not working or on missions, you'll learn cooking at Ella Cottage. My library is vast, with so many books on food magic that they could fill an entire wall. Then, use your sense of smell and taste to research, improve, and invent all sorts of delicious food, becoming my personal chef."

"Don't worry about the ingredients. For plant-based foods, Kreacher can send them directly from Avalon Island; for animal-based foods, the Greengrass Family's Fantastic Beasts farm, dragon farms in Sweden and Romania, and salmon farms in Norway can all provide the freshest supplies," Skylar said calmly. "Everything will be handled to the highest standards—I'm quite picky about food, demanding fresh ingredients, a balanced diet, and something that suits my taste. Achieving this isn't easy, and I hope you won't disappoint me."

He paused suddenly, as if struck by a thought, and added to himself, "Later, I plan to build a farm, an orchard, and a small livestock ranch on Avalon Island, modeled after the hunting grounds of Hogwarts, to achieve food self-sufficiency... But this isn't your responsibility; it's just an idea that suddenly popped into my head."

Elaine listened attentively without interrupting, but a subtle tenderness flickered in her eyes—she understood that this was no longer a simple "task," but rather Skylar was giving her a completely new life path.

Skylar finally stopped, turned around, and took out a palm-sized, ancient statue from his robes— the Scorpion King Statue, its surface a dark gold and its shape bizarre. He handed it to Elaine, his voice low. "The third item, and the most important one."

"This statue has always been in my possession, yet I've never been able to unravel its secrets." His sharp gaze fell upon her. "I believe you possess the bloodline of the Scorpion King's descendant. If you can unlock its secrets and inherit its power, your strength will experience an astonishing leap."

"From now on, you will manage the trading company, study culinary arts, and research this statue simultaneously. Report any discoveries to me immediately."

Elaine solemnly accepted the statue with both hands. The moment her fingertips touched it, she seemed to feel an ancient and fiery power of blood resonating slightly within her.

She lowered her head slightly and said in a very firm voice, "Yes, Master. I will do my best."

Skylar looked at her, and after a moment, a very faint smile appeared on his lips.

"Go."