After bidding farewell to Rosier and the others, Wentworth and Nala followed behind Dumbledore, heading away from Uagadou.
As Wentworth was about to leave, Malika opened her mouth to speak, but was stopped by Rosier. Rosier turned to Malika and said with a faint smile:
"Wentworth has things he must do. Until he returns, you'll stay by my side. Let me show you what it means to be the woman beside a king."
Hearing Rosier's words, Malika quickly nodded in agreement.
With that, Rosier strode purposefully into the Headmistress's office at Uagadou. No one knew what she discussed with Lakayla Adisa behind those doors, until nearly an hour later, when Rosier finally emerged.
Rosier immediately gathered all the Alliance wizards for this mission. After assigning a few to assist Lakayla Adisa, she turned to Malika and said:
"Now it's time to prove your worth. I believe you know what needs to be done?"
Malika bit her lip and nodded firmly.
...
In south-central Africa, there lies a world-renowned natural wonder, the Victoria Falls, located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Even though Rosier and her party weren't there for sightseeing, they couldn't help but marvel at the thundering cascade as they stood before the falls under Malika's lead. The sheer power and beauty of nature gave them pause.
Pointing toward the mist-laden rainforest not far from the falls, Malika began her explanation:
"This waterfall was naturally formed, and so was the rainforest. But the mist here, that's not natural."
"Deep within the forest lies the Kalembo Tribe. The tribe's wizards have blended fog-conjuring charms from weather magic with the natural moisture in the air to create a unique concealment enchantment. It completely hides the tribe from the Muggle world."
"If you can't find the correct entrance to the rainforest, no matter how hard you try, you'll end up right back in front of this waterfall."
Rosier, who had been carefully studying their surroundings, gave a nod of approval at her words.
"A rather clever enchantment, and with a built-in defensive feature to boot. Very well, lead the way. I must admit, I'm growing quite curious about this Kalembo Tribe."
Under Malika's guidance, the Alliance wizards followed her deep into the rainforest.
After several miles, she pointed ahead at a towering tree, so large it would take four or five people linking hands to encircle its trunk.
"Beyond this tree lies the heart of the Kalembo Tribe."
Sure enough, once they passed the massive tree under Malika's lead, the forest cleared, revealing a hidden world.
Dozens upon dozens of treehouses emerged through the foliage, suspended in the boughs. Malika explained:
"This is the Kalembo Tribe. To this day, despite being one of the wealthiest and most powerful wizarding tribes in Africa, owning properties not only across the continent but even in Europe, everyone who returns here must live in a treehouse. No exceptions."
Just then, an owl swooped down from the sky, transforming midair into a wizard gripping a wand.
The wizard stared at the group with suspicion, stepping forward to question Malika:
"Malika, who are these people? Who gave you permission to bring strangers into the tribe?"
Before she could respond, two spells rang out from behind her:
"Avada Kedavra!"
"Expulso!"
Malika could only watch in shock as the wizard, so full of authority just a moment before, was struck down, lifeless.
Even more startling, another figure emerged from the shadows of the canopy above. What had appeared to be an insect hidden in the leaves transformed into a wand-wielding wizard. Even Malika hadn't known one of her own tribe was stationed there.
Rosier glanced toward the fallen wizard, then said nonchalantly:
"Lead the way."
Malika hesitated, then nodded.
But Rosier gently patted her on the shoulder and said with a kind tone:
"That wasn't meant for you."
She turned just in time to see the newly revealed wizard silently take the lead, walking ahead without a word.
Rosier and the rest of the Alliance followed behind, moving at a measured pace toward the cluster of treehouses.
As they advanced, sounds of life grew louder, and soon the full expanse of the Kalembo Tribe revealed itself.
Beneath the interconnected treehouses bustled a lively crowd. When the villagers caught sight of the Alliance wizards, all activity ceased, and they turned to stare with expressions of curiosity and confusion.
Some who recognized Malika waved and greeted her with warm smiles, though her own response was hesitant, almost embarrassed.
Meanwhile, the Alliance's wizards, already trained to act without hesitation, spread out at once, mingling with the Kalembo villagers seamlessly.
Eventually, only Rosier, Abernathy, and Malika remained together as they arrived before an ancient, towering tree. Its branches were so thick two people could walk side by side atop them.
High above, on a platform formed from interwoven limbs, stood an old wizard leaning on a cane.
At the very sight of him, Malika instinctively lowered her head in reverence and called out:
"Great Elder!"
Around them, every villager dropped to their knees in unison, voices ringing out together:
"Great Elder!"
Malika fought the impulse to kneel, steeling herself with sheer willpower as she turned her gaze toward Rosier.
Rosier and Abernathy, meanwhile, observed everything with unconcealed curiosity, as if the entire scene were merely an exotic curiosity.
Among the kneeling villagers, the upright posture of the Alliance wizards stood out starkly.
Then, the Great Elder of the Kalembo Tribe finally spoke from the treetop:
"Honored guests from Europe... I must ask, who sent you to our tribe? Whatever you've been offered, we Kalembo will match it and more."
Rosier's eyes glinted with amusement as she replied:
"Oh? It seems the Great Elder already knows why we're here."
The old wizard let out a long sigh.
"Your killing intent is hardly concealed. Of course I can sense it. But even so... I must ask once more, who are you?"
——————————
TN: This fanfic has been fully translated and is available on my Patreon —— patreon(.)com/PrimalDemon [remove the parentheses ( )]