Hermione was taken aback, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.
His expression quickly turned into a helpless smile; he was always like this, resolving all troubles in the most domineering and swift way.
Professor Babbling stood there, her eyes full of approval, clearly recognizing Draco's precise and calm combat skills.
But Draco acted as if it were nothing more than a trivial matter. He walked over to the unconscious beret-wearing Goblin, nudged its beret with the tip of his shoe, and sneered:
"I love the way they throw taunts before they start fighting; it's so ceremonial. It's a shame..."
He shrugged. "Not very durable."
Hermione then came over, checked on the Goblin, and after confirming they were only unconscious and not in mortal danger, asked, "What should we do with them...?"
"I've already used the Two-Way Mirror to notify my family's people; they'll be here soon to deal with these Goblin,"
He turned toward the towering Trial Tower,
"Let's complete the trial first."
Without further delay, the three bypassed the sprawling Goblin on the ground and headed towards the ancient gate of San Bakar Tower, which now seemed to hold endless secrets.
The door was locked.
" Alohomora!"
Hermione's spell struck the lock precisely, the spring clicked, and the door slid open a crack.
The interior space of the circular tower appears much more spacious than its exterior.
Clutter was piled haphazardly along the curved wall: rotten wooden crates, scattered scrolls, and rusted alchemical vessels.
In the very center of the tower stands a statue.
Two automatic magic brooms are working around the stone statue.
Hermione's eyes followed the automatic broom.
"Automatic cleaning magic... very useful."
Inside the tower, a spiral stone staircase winds its way up the wall, leading to an unknown floor above.
Hermione's gaze then quickly settled on the tower, where stacks of leather-covered books were neatly arranged in every corner.
She quickly stepped forward and carefully took out a book.
The gold foil on the cover has faded, but the title is still legible:
A Practical Commentary on the Runes Rackham Manuscript.
" Merlin... This is Rackham's own notebook! Look at this spell's structure analysis, it's completely different from the modern standard solution, but much more elegant..." Hermione exclaimed.
Without hesitation, she quickly and gently pulled out the thickest books and stuffed them into her otter bag.
"Etc!"
Professor Babbling's voice came from the direction of the stairs.
She quickly walked down a few steps.
His gaze was also fixed on the book in Hermione's hand, or more precisely, on another book that Hermione was about to put into her bag.
"Oh, dear, wait! You can't take it all!" Professor Babbling stamped her feet in frustration, her elegant demeanor completely gone. She reached out to try and stop them.
"These are all unique copies in academia, and I need to study them too... Give me some, just a few!"
Hermione paused, instinctively clutching the stack of books in her arms—her typical defensive stance.
"Professor, I discovered it first..."
But seeing Professor Babbling's almost pleading yet academically passionate eyes, Hermione's tense shoulders relaxed.
Professor Babbling didn't reach out to snatch it, but instead spoke in a pleading tone:
" Hermione, you excel at interpreting practical spells, while I am more proficient in translating Ancient Runes."
"If we cooperate, the efficiency will double, won't it? Do you want this wisdom to be tarnished?"
Hermione paused for a moment, then said, "Okay, you're right."
She then quickly adjusted her strategy. "I'll select the parts containing practical spells and Potions recipes, and you'll be responsible for organizing the obscure academic rare books and Runes manuscripts."
The two instantly reached an understanding.
They began efficiently sorting and packing the items, and the tense atmosphere of the previous confrontation transformed into a harmonious academic collaboration.
Draco shook his head helplessly as he watched the two women busy themselves over a few books.
He raised his wand and whispered, " Specialis Revelio."
A pale blue light swept across the entire hall.
No hidden humanoid silhouettes were found, nor were there any special fluctuations remnants of Ancient Magic.
"There are no traces of core Ancient Magic here, only some basic remaining magic. You two take your time organizing the books, I'll go upstairs to take a look," Draco said to the two.
After saying that, he prepared to walk towards the spiral staircase.
"Wait, Draco!" Professor Babbling called out without looking up, clutching a thick book in her hand. "There might be a trap up there; it's dangerous to go up there rashly!"
"It's alright, Professor," Hermione explained. " Ancient Magic automatically protects those who are suited to it."
"I see. Then be careful." Professor Babbling suddenly understood and was relieved, no longer trying to stop her.
Draco climbed the spiral staircase.
To his surprise, each turn on the stairs had been cleverly transformed into a small reading corner:
An exquisite oak bookshelf stands against the wall, piled high with various classic books, while comfortable armchairs and small round tables are placed nearby, as if welcoming readers to stop and linger at any time.
When he finally reached the top of the attic, a huge portrait of Rackham hung on the wall directly opposite.
"Professor, I've arrived," Draco said respectfully.
The figure of Rackham in the painting blinked, and after recognizing the newcomer, said, "Welcome to the Tower of San Bakar, Trialist."
"Judging from the commotion and magical fluctuations coming from downstairs just now, it seems you've encountered some trouble?"
"That's right," Draco stated bluntly, " Ranrok's controlled Goblin have surrounded the entire tower and are guarding the entrance."
Rackham shook his head slightly and said calmly:
"They are nothing but puppets bewitched by Dark Magic, utterly unqualified to initiate the Ancient Magic trials, let alone touch the core magic; they can only futilely guard the door from the outside."
"Professor, what should I do next?"
Draco stopped wasting words.
"Near the entrance downstairs, there's an Wellspring of Ancient Magic," Rackham said slowly.
"I have now removed the seal on its surface. You should hurry there and begin the trial."
"If the trial participants fail to pass all the stages within the allotted time, then Ancient Magic will be completely lost."
Draco suddenly realized that the Wellspring of Magic was actually on the first floor, but the seal hadn't been broken before, which explained why his Specialis Revelio Charm hadn't detected it.
"Yes, Professor, I understand. I'll leave immediately."
"Go, trial seeker," Rackham urged him from behind, "Remember, stay true to yourself; Ancient Magic has never recognized more than just power."
Draco didn't delay any longer.
He activated the magic within his body, used the Apparition, and instantly disappeared from the attic, directly Apparition back to the lobby on the first floor.
The two figures were no longer on the first floor, but the sounds of turning pages and quiet conversation could be heard from the corner of the stairs.
They were immersed in the world of ancient books, diligently searching for and organizing precious books in the reading corner on the steps.
Draco raised his voice to remind the two:
"I'm about to begin the Ancient Magic trial. You all continue organizing the books, and be careful."
"Okay!" Hermione poked her head out from around the corner of the stairs and instructed.
"If there is any danger, notify us with the Patronus Charm!"
After Hermione finished speaking, Professor Babbling also reminded her,
"Be extremely cautious; the trial mechanisms must not be taken lightly."
Draco nodded to the two of them.