Ch 40: New Year
The new year started as expected—with my Gacha spins. My luck seemed questionable at first. The first spin landed on a TNT Block. While I appreciated the potential destructive power, it wasn't exactly groundbreaking given my access to C4 in the CS shop. The second spin, however, redeemed itself. I unlocked AOE Damage, a significant upgrade to the CS system. This enhancement allowed any bullets fired from CS-system weapons to transform into explosive rounds. Best of all, it was toggleable. This upgrade had the potential to revolutionize my combat strategy.
The third reward was Eagle Eye, an intriguing skill that allowed me to view my surroundings from a bird's-eye perspective. When I activated it by closing my eyes, my vision shifted as though I were soaring above the ground. It was disorienting at first, but after some practice, I realized just how invaluable this skill could be for scouting, planning, and even mid-combat maneuvering.
Satisfied with my new tools, I turned my attention to the brewing tensions at Hogwarts.
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The atmosphere at the castle was a mix of awe and anxiety. James Moriarty—my alter ego—had become somewhat of a celebrity. Some students, particularly the girls, admired the persona I had crafted, referring to me as The Patriot. On the flip side, news of the Basilisk lurking within the school had left many on edge. While a few dismissed it as sensationalism, others were genuinely terrified. The whispers in the corridors and the darting glances at shadows kept reminding me of its presence.
The Basilisk was a threat that had to be dealt with, and quickly. After some contemplation, I decided to involve Harry Potter in my plan.
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One evening, I found Harry sitting alone in the Gryffindor common room, diligently working on a Transfiguration essay. He looked up as I approached, curiosity flickering in his green eyes.
"Harry," I said in a low voice, "we need to talk. Privately."
Without waiting for a response, I gestured for him to follow me. Leading him to the Undercroft after some surprise and questions about the room I laid out the situation.
"The Basilisk," I began, watching his reaction closely. "It's real. And it's in Hogwarts."
Harry's eyes widened in shock. "What? How do you know that?"
"I have my sources," I replied vaguely. "The point is, it's dangerous, and it needs to be dealt with before it hurts anyone else."
Harry hesitated. "Shouldn't we tell Professor Dumbledore? He'd know what to do."
I shook my head. "What if it escapes while we're waiting for him to act? What if it attacks another student? We don't have time to wait for the Headmaster to get involved. Besides," I added, leaning closer, "you're the only one who can open the Chamber of Secrets. Your ability to talk to snakes is the key."
Harry's reluctance was evident, but I could see the wheels turning in his head. Finally, he nodded. "Alright. What's the plan?"
This is why Harry is much likeable because when a situation of what if arises Harry doesn't questions peoples sources just like he didn't even think for a second about how I knew he could talk to snakes, he was too busy thinking about saving the school.
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The plan was simple but risky. Harry would lead me to the entrance of the Chamber of Secrets and open it using Parseltongue. Once inside, I would confront and kill the Basilisk. Harry, meanwhile, would stay outside the chamber and wait for thirty minutes. If I didn't return within that time, he would alert the authorities.
"Why can't I come with you?" Harry asked as we finalized the details.
"Because I need you as a failsafe," I explained. "If something goes wrong, someone has to warn the others. Besides, it's too dangerous. The Basilisk can kill with a single glance."
Reluctantly, Harry agreed.
---
The night of the plan arrived quickly. Under the cover of darkness, Harry and I made our way to Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. The ghost was as talkative, but we managed to sidestep her curiosity long enough for Harry to open the entrance.
"Open," he hissed in Parseltongue, and the sink slid aside, revealing a dark, gaping hole.
"Remember," I said, placing a hand on his shoulder, "thirty minutes. If I'm not back, you know what to do."
Harry nodded, his face pale but determined.
With that, I jumped into the passage, landing in the slimy, dimly lit corridor that led to the Chamber of Secrets.
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The chamber itself was eerie as I had imagined—dark, damp, and filled with the oppressive aura of something ancient and deadly. The massive stone serpent carvings lining the walls only added to the atmosphere.
I activated Eagle Eye, allowing me to scout the area from above. Sure enough, the Basilisk was coiled near the far end of the chamber, its massive body partially hidden in the shadows.
Taking a deep breath, I began my assault.
First, I threw a flashbang grenade into the chamber. The sudden burst of light and sound disoriented the Basilisk, forcing it to rear back in confusion. Using the precious seconds I had gained, I took out my AWP sniper rifle, toggled on the AOE Damage feature, and aimed for its eyes.
The first shot hit its mark, shattering one of the creature's deadly golden eyes. The Basilisk let out a deafening roar, thrashing wildly in pain. I fired again, taking out its second eye and rendering it effectively blind.
With its vision gone, the Basilisk was still a formidable opponent, but now the playing field was more even. I drew Caliburn, the blade gleaming with an almost holy light in the dim chamber.
As the Basilisk lunged blindly, I sidestepped its massive head and drove Caliburn into its skull with all my strength. The blade pierced through its thick scales and bone, striking true. The creature let out one final, earth-shaking roar before collapsing to the ground, lifeless.
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Covered in grime and adrenaline still pumping through my veins, I made my way back to the entrance of the chamber. Harry was waiting anxiously, his face lighting up with relief when he saw me.
"Is it done?" he asked.
"It's done," I confirmed.
As we closed the chamber and made our way back to the dormitory, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. The Basilisk was no longer a threat, and Hogwarts was a little safer—at least for now.
Before we could reach the Griffindor common room I turned towards Harry and said. "I am sorry Harry."
"For what?"
"For this, Obliviate."
---Note
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