Arcane Sovereign: Reborn as the Master of Magic

Chapter 20: Chapter 20: The Hunt for the Crown



The revelation that Voldemort was pulling power from other dimensions shook the group to its core. Morgoth's Crown, an artifact from a world of tyranny and shadow, represented a new kind of threat—one that transcended even the darkest of wizarding history. If Voldemort succeeded in his pursuit, the Wizarding World wouldn't stand a chance.

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A New Mission

In the Room of Requirement, Kai spread out a map of Britain, magical markers glowing faintly as they highlighted points of interest.

"We need to narrow down the Crown's location," he said, his tone firm. "The system is flagging anomalies in magical ley lines. If Voldemort's after the Crown, he'll be targeting these hotspots."

Hermione leaned over the map, pointing to a cluster near the Scottish Highlands. "This region is notorious for magical disturbances. Ancient runes, unplottable terrain—it's the perfect place to hide something like the Crown."

Harry furrowed his brow. "And how do we know he hasn't already found it?"

Kai's system chimed in his mind, displaying a faint trace of magical interference in the area. "Because he's still searching," Kai said, tapping the map. "The energy signature is incomplete. He hasn't activated it yet."

Theo crossed his arms. "Which means we have time. Barely."

Daphne nodded, her eyes steely. "Then we move quickly. If we can intercept him before he finds it, we'll have the advantage."

---

The Journey North

The group set out at dawn, traveling under the guise of a field trip arranged by McGonagall. While the older students continued their studies, the chosen few—Kai, Daphne, Harry, Hermione, and Theo—boarded the Hogwarts Express with an air of solemn determination.

Daphne sat beside Kai, her gaze fixed on the rolling countryside. "Do you think we're ready for this?" she asked quietly.

Kai hesitated. "No one's ever ready for Voldemort. But we have something he doesn't."

"An overpowered system?" she teased, a small smile breaking through her worry.

Kai chuckled. "That, and each other."

Their laughter was short-lived as the train entered a darker stretch of the journey. The usual hum of life felt muted, and the air grew colder.

Hermione glanced up from her book. "There's magic in the air," she said, her voice tense. "Old magic."

Theo frowned. "Not the friendly kind, I take it."

Before Kai could reply, the train jolted to a stop. The group exchanged alarmed looks as the lights flickered.

"Stay alert," Kai said, drawing his wand.

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Ambush on the Express

The train doors burst open, and a group of hooded Death Eaters stormed in. Their leader, a tall figure with a silver mask, sneered. "We knew you'd come."

Harry stepped forward, his wand raised. "And you'll regret waiting for us."

Spells erupted in the narrow corridor, the golden and red flashes of magic illuminating the dark interior. Kai ducked under a stunning spell, retaliating with Oblivion Slash. The crescent of energy ripped through the air, forcing the Death Eaters back.

Daphne and Theo worked in tandem, their combined spells creating a barrier that funneled the attackers into a bottleneck. Hermione, ever resourceful, cast Ethereal Chains, binding two of the Death Eaters to the floor.

"They're stalling us!" Kai shouted, deflecting a curse aimed at Harry.

"Then let's finish this!" Harry replied, casting Aurora Strike. The spell illuminated the entire train car, sending the Death Eaters into a panicked retreat.

The leader snarled as he disappeared in a puff of black smoke. "You're too late, Thornwood. The Crown will belong to the Dark Lord."

---

The Forgotten Ruins

Shaken but determined, the group continued their journey on foot, following the system's guidance toward a hidden valley deep in the Highlands. As they approached, the air grew heavier, and the ground crackled with latent magic.

The ruins of an ancient fortress loomed ahead, its jagged walls etched with faded runes. The system pinged loudly in Kai's mind:

[Location confirmed: Site of Morgoth's Crown.]

"This is it," Kai said, his voice low. "Stay close. This place is alive with traps."

Hermione examined the runes, her brow furrowed. "These markings are designed to repel intruders. But they're incomplete—someone's already tampered with them."

"That someone being Voldemort," Theo muttered.

As they ventured inside, the temperature plummeted. Shadows danced on the walls, and whispers filled the air. Kai's wand glowed faintly, the system's interface overlaying warnings and potential threats.

"Something's watching us," Daphne said, her grip tightening on her wand.

She was right. A low growl echoed through the chamber, and from the shadows emerged a massive, wolf-like creature with eyes that burned like coals. Its fur shimmered with dark energy, and its claws left scorch marks on the stone floor.

"Shadow Warg," Kai said, recognizing it from the system's database. "It's guarding the Crown."

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The Guardian's Wrath

The Warg lunged, its speed defying its massive size. Harry and Hermione reacted first, casting Expulso and Confringo to force it back. The creature snarled, shaking off the attacks as if they were mere annoyances.

"Hit it with everything you've got!" Kai shouted, summoning Soulfire Arrows. The blazing projectiles struck the Warg, momentarily staggering it.

Daphne cast Warden's Aegis, shielding the group as the Warg retaliated with a blast of dark energy. Theo countered with Arcane Bind, a spell designed to tether the creature to the ground.

"It's not enough!" Hermione yelled. "We need to weaken its connection to the Crown's magic!"

Kai's system highlighted the runes etched into the Warg's collar. "The runes! They're powering it!"

Harry nodded, raising his wand. "I'll distract it. You get those runes."

The battle intensified as Harry charged forward, drawing the Warg's attention. Kai and Daphne moved in tandem, targeting the glowing runes with precision spells. The creature howled as the first rune shattered, its movements growing more erratic.

"Two more to go!" Kai shouted, dodging a swipe of the Warg's claws.

Daphne destroyed the second rune with a well-placed Diffindo, and Kai finished the job with Oblivion Slash. The Warg let out a final, ear-splitting roar before collapsing into a heap of shadowy mist.

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The Crown's Power

At the heart of the chamber lay Morgoth's Crown, its dark surface pulsing with energy. The group approached cautiously, the oppressive magic making it difficult to breathe.

"What now?" Theo asked, eyeing the artifact warily.

Kai's system buzzed, offering a new option:

[Option: Contain or destroy? Warning: Containment may attract Voldemort's forces. Destruction risks backlash.]

Kai turned to the group. "We can't leave it here. It's too dangerous."

Hermione nodded. "But destroying it could unleash its magic in unpredictable ways."

Daphne stepped forward, her expression resolute. "Then we contain it—and prepare for whatever comes next."

Kai activated the system's containment protocol, weaving a web of shimmering energy around the Crown. The artifact's dark light dimmed, but its presence remained ominous.

"This isn't over," Kai said, his voice grim. "Voldemort won't stop until he has it."

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To Be Continued...


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