Chapter 317: A Ball?
[Duel Won!]
[Conditions Met: Victory Against Multiple Draconic Opponents.]
[System Commencing Random Ability Extraction from Defeated Targets: Australian Opaleye, Romanian Longhorn, Hungarian Horntail.]
[Opponent Strength Assessment: Exceptional. Drawing Two Abilities Each.]
[Extracting...]
Sean felt an intense burning sensation spread across his skin, followed by the phantom taste of sulphur and flame building in his throat as draconic power coursed through his veins.
[Extraction Complete!]
[Raw Abilities Acquired: Dragon Scales, Flame Breathing]
[Warning: Extracted object is not the same species as host. Cannot perfectly inherit. Searching for solutions...]
[Searching...]
[Based on host personality, search complete.]
[Modifying extracted abilities to match host's racial characteristics and physical condition.]
[Modification Complete!]
[Processing Dragon Scales...]
[Mergeable ability detected...]
[Serpent King Scales upgraded to LV5 (Animagus form exclusive talent)]
[New Ability Acquired: Flame Breathing LV4 (Animagus form exclusive ability)]
The Australian Opaleye, Romanian Longhorn, and Hungarian Horntail each provided two abilities: Dragon Scales and Flame Breathing. The Common Welsh Green and Swedish Short-Snout each contributed one ability. The former granted Dragon Scales, while the latter offered Flame Breathing.
Dragon Scales merged into the Serpent King Scales ability, elevating it to LV5, while Flame Breathing became an Animagus form exclusive ability, also reaching LV4. The high level of Flame Breathing came courtesy of the Hungarian Horntail's superior power.
Though the Hungarian Horntail also provided two abilities, the levels it offered were one grade higher than the Australian Opaleye and Romanian Longhorn.
The first five dragons had granted these abilities. Compared to them, what Sean most anticipated was the power the Crimson Fireball would bestow upon him.
[Duel Won!]
[Conditions Met: Victory Against Legendary Dragon King.]
[System Commencing Random Ability Extraction from Defeated Target: Crimson Fireball Dragon.]
[Opponent Strength Assessment: Legendary. Drawing Three Abilities.]
[Extracting...]
A surge of ancient, regal power flooded through Sean's entire being—raw draconic majesty that felt both overwhelming and intoxicating. His blood seemed to burn with royal fire as explosive energy built within his core.
[Extraction Complete!]
[Raw Abilities Acquired: Dragon Breath Fireball, Dragon Fire Acceleration, Dragon King Bloodline]
[Warning: Extracted object is not the same species as host. Cannot perfectly inherit. Searching for solutions...]
[Searching...]
[Based on host personality, search complete.]
[Modifying extracted abilities to match host's racial characteristics and physical condition.]
[Modification Complete!]
[New Talent Acquired: Dragon King Bloodline]
[Processing Dragon King Bloodline...]
[Mergeable ability detected...]
[Serpent King Body upgraded to LV4 (Animagus form exclusive talent)]
[New Ability Acquired: Dragon Breath Fireball LV3 (Animagus form exclusive ability)]
[New Ability Acquired: Dragon Fire Acceleration LV3 (Animagus form exclusive ability)]
Dragon Breath Fireball was naturally the Crimson Fireball's signature ability. The fireballs it launched combined the searing heat of flames with explosive force. An excellent technique capable of rapid-fire volleys.
Dragon Fire Acceleration served as the source of the Crimson Fireball's incredible speed. Escaping flames wrapped around the body provided powerful propulsion to enhance velocity. Also highly practical, this ability was most likely exclusive to Dragon King bloodlines.
As for the Dragon King Bloodline ability, after the system's modifications it had been significantly weakened. Though Sean's Animagus form had grown abnormal, it remained fundamentally serpentine. The inherited Dragon King Bloodline retained only physical enhancement and growth effects. Other aspects weren't passed down. There might be a trace of dragon blood mixed in, but definitely not much.
Recently the system had been extracting numerous magical creature abilities. If this continued, his Animagus form would probably become far more powerful than his normal human body.
Actually, it probably already was.
Sean's Animagus form had evolved into a harmoniously blended amalgamation of powers. Setting aside the increasingly abnormal physical attributes, he could now control storms, manipulate thunder, change size, breathe fire, and wield the ultimate weapon of the Serpent King's Eyes.
These abilities combined with a powerful physique allowed for close combat or ranged attacks, harassment or burst damage. His main body might not actually be able to defeat his transformed state.
Now it seemed Sean's initially dominant Troll Strength was no longer particularly impressive.
Should he find time to trouble those giants?
Going to bother them for no reason – wouldn't that be somewhat inappropriate?
Hmm... What does that have to do with me? I'm not exactly a saint anyway.
Those creatures were hostile to human wizards regardless. If he wandered over and they attacked first, wouldn't that provide sufficient justification for self-defence?
He wouldn't kill the giants either, just beat them half to death. Very reasonable.
As for why not eliminate them completely... sustainable development! Understand?
Crops should be harvested in cycles. What kind of fool pulls them up by the roots?
"Sean, Professor Snape wants you in his office."
Looking at the unknown Slytherin first-year, Sean nodded and prepared to leave the common room for Snape's office.
But just then, the first-year who had come to fetch Sean suddenly grabbed his sleeve. When Sean turned to look at him, the student immediately released his grip as if electrocuted.
"What is it?"
Hearing Sean's words, the first-year became even more nervous. He opened his mouth but couldn't manage to speak.
Seeing the child's condition, Sean immediately realised what this was about and smiled. "Want an autograph?"
The first-year nodded immediately, his face flushing slightly red.
"Then where should I sign?"
The first-year searched around but couldn't find anything suitable. Eventually he lifted a corner of his robe.
Sean didn't hesitate. Instead of using a quill, he extended his finger and wrote his name directly on the student's robe.
As Sean's finger moved, a magically branded signature appeared on the first-year's garment.
"There you go. If there's nothing else, I need to see the professor."
"G-goodbye, Sean."
"Goodbye."
Leaving the Slytherin common room, Sean entered Snape's office.
"Professor, you wanted to see me?"
"Yes, there's something to inform you about." Snape set down the book in his hands and regarded Sean. "According to Triwizard Tournament tradition, there will be a Christmas Ball during the holidays, and the tournament champions need to find partners to lead the opening dance. Therefore this cannot be refused. You need to prepare early."
Sean stared at Snape. He had completely forgotten about this requirement.
Yesterday after the competition ended, he had immediately joined Slytherin's internal celebration that lasted quite late. This morning after rising, he had just finished checking the system notifications to see what abilities he'd gained when he received this terrible news.
Dancing and such activities were completely Sean's weakness!
The thought of having to perform in front of the entire school made his stomach churn. Of all the challenges the Triwizard Tournament could throw at him, this social obligation felt like the most daunting yet.