At the edge of the venue, Sirius watched Shawn fight for the first time, his eyelid twitching violently.
"After centuries, the Black family has produced another legend, and one so young at that. But whether he'll be a blessing or a curse for the wizarding world..."
What Sirius found hardest to believe was Shawn's bearing as he played: calm and effortless, yet commanding; gentle and refined, yet lofty as a god.
Even though Shawn's spells included some form of Fiendfyre, there was none of the evil Sirius had imagined. Instead, they had an almost righteous air.
That shook Sirius's conviction that he knew his own family all too well.
After Shawn intervened, the crowd that had been in turmoil largely settled down.
A powerful wizard's value lay not only in his strength. He was also vital to keeping morale steady.
Watching Shawn's peerless, unfathomable presence, everyone felt reassured, and many shouted their encouragement.
Some of the more lovestruck witches were practically drooling.
"Protego Totalum!"
At the center, Ogden saw countless powerful spells rushing toward them. With no time for individual defenses, he hurriedly called out in alarm.
"Quick, quick! Everyone, pour your magical energy into my shield!"
Those nearby were frantic as ants on a hot pan, pouring magical energy into the advanced shield as though it cost them nothing.
A blue-white barrier rapidly sprang up.
Shawn paid it no mind as he hovered in midair, continuing his lilting music to empower his spells.
With the matrix principle and Kunikuzushi's enhancements, the Thunder Harp Charms could now effectively serve as a standard attack spell.
This time, Shawn had neither blocked out the system's assistance nor lost his fine control over the coordination of his various spells.
The strength he displayed made Dumbledore, who had been standing by to cover him,