Inside the dormitory, moonlight illuminated the chaotic room. It looked as if a hurricane had passed through, with bed curtains torn down and books scattered across the floor.
But Ethan paid no attention to any of this. He stood among the wreckage, head tilted up, gazing in fascination at the massive creature towering before him. Completely absorbed, unable to return to his senses for a long time.
Its pitch-black mane rolled like living flames, occasionally flashing with streaks of crimson fire. Between the locks of hair, exposed bright red muscle was visible, as if the entire body was draped in bloody ribbons. The flesh dissolved and regenerated continuously, dripping sizzling pus and blood while muscles surged like ocean waves with each movement, radiating raw power.
In its three pairs of wild, chaotic eyes, there was none of Fluffy's domesticated gentleness. Instead, there was only pure brutality and bloodthirst. Suffering was written across their faces, and this agony only intensified their savagery.
Without a doubt, if this monster were guarding behind any door, no one would have any chance of entering.
"Roar..."
The monster angrily shook its heads, continuously growling, clearly dissatisfied with being confined within the canvas. Claws that could easily disembowel a person scratched at the ground with grinding sounds, carving deep gouges in the stone floor. It moved as if it were a living creature.
No. It truly was a living creature!
A being that had never existed in this world, a new creation brought forth by Ethan with soul and brush! The guard dog of hell, servant of Hades himself: Cerberus!
A pleasant chime echoed in Ethan's mind.
Extraordinary grade artwork detected, automatically added to gallery.
Congratulations! You have successfully created a living portrait!
Name: Corrupted Hell Cerberus
Type: Portrait
Grade: First Tier, Purple Epic
Seeing this notification, Ethan's heart trembled with excitement! Purple Epic grade artwork! The highest artwork level within the same tier! This was not only recognition of his painting skills but also represented far more powerful effects!
Ethan's heart surged with excitement as he eagerly continued reading.
Description: Death is the end of torment, but they never die.
Effects: Absolutely loyal to its creator. You can summon this creation into reality, continuously consuming magical power while it exists. This creation's attacks carry fire and corrosive properties. It has curse resistance but is weak to light. Can hide in shadows and move rapidly between them. Cannot be harmed by physical attacks and heals rapidly when injured...
Evaluation: Combining with "Broom Rash" has miraculous effects... but who could be so sinful?
Looking at the string of effect descriptions, Ethan felt his heart pounding and his brain spinning with possibilities.
So strong, incredibly strong!
Hagrid's Fluffy was already powerful enough to catch Professor Snape off guard with a single bite. And this hell cerberus enhanced version he had created was several times stronger! That series of abilities was enough to overwhelm any enemy. Even the most basic physical attacks would carry burning and corrosive properties.
Ethan's eyes widened until the whites were visible around his pupils, giving him an unsettling appearance.
"So strong... so perfect..."
Ethan murmured in fascination, smiling as he reached out his scarred hand to caress the monster he had created.
"Grr..."
The Cerberus shifted slightly, lowering its proud heads to allow Ethan to pet them. Even through the canvas, Ethan could feel that scorching heat mixed with ethereal coldness. The Cerberus's mane was cold, cold as death itself, while flames emanating from their bodies could melt anything. Including their own flesh.
Another notification appeared in his mind.
Advancement condition satisfied: Create a purple grade artwork!
Reward obtained: Great Rotting Swamp, Herpo's Mansion Map!
Whoosh!
A complete and detailed map unfolded in Ethan's mind. His pupils contracted slightly, and his breathing hitched. In an instant, the vast swamp had nowhere to hide before his eyes.
When you are within the map's range, your current location will be automatically marked.
This is practically cheating! Wouldn't this make his victory less honorable?
Ethan grinned: "Well, bring on more rewards then, hehe."
How could a hard-earned reward be called cheating? This was all the result of his long struggle!
Just then, two figures burst through the door. His roommates Michael and Mandy rushed in.
"Ethan, are you okay?! Merlin! What on earth happened... mmph?!"
When they saw the thing depicted in the giant artwork, they seemed to have their throats seized simultaneously, their voices cutting off abruptly.
Sweet Merlin... are we still in the human world?
Ethan turned his head, enthusiastically inviting them: "This is my new friend, little Cerberus. Would you like to come play together?"
As he spoke, the three-headed monster on the canvas turned to look at them. From between its jagged, uneven teeth dripped saliva mixed with blood foam.
Michael and Mandy exchanged terrified glances: Don't come over here!
Who would be playing with whom? Would that monster be playing with them?!
"...Damn it, I'm betting all my pocket money on Ethan to win," Michael said tremblingly, his legs shaking, his voice carrying a sob.
Mandy didn't respond but nodded stiffly. Now they truly pitied the other contestants.
They would be racing against death itself.
...
At the same time, in an unnoticed room across the castle, Quirrell came back to his senses from terror, his body trembling. That terrifying roar just moments ago seemed to pierce through souls, making him quake with fear.
That child doesn't want to join us. All that effort for nothing...
"S-sorry, Master..." Quirrell gritted his teeth.
Wasted effort? What he had invested wasn't just effort but also spirit and money! These past two months, he had been like a performing clown, revolving around Ethan!
If we can't have him, then destroy him... We can't act within the school, but outside, that old fool Dumbledore can't protect him!
Have you done what I asked you to do?
"Of course, of course, Master!" Quirrell nodded repeatedly, a flash of satisfaction and viciousness in his eyes. "I've already planted suggestions in those two Slytherin contestants at the Hog's Head. They'll do everything possible to eliminate Ethan ruthlessly!"
I hope you won't disappoint me.
"This time it will definitely be foolproof! Master! In that kind of competition where accidents happen regularly, crippling a first-year wizard would be very simple..."
Farewell, arrogant little brat. When you're lying in St. Mungo's, maybe I'll squeeze out two tears.
Quirrell fantasized about that scene, unable to suppress his low, sinister laughter.
...
The next day arrived: Challenge day.
Thanks to Madam Pomfrey's excellent skills, Ethan, who had earned a second stay in the hospital wing, woke up completely recovered.
"I feel full of energy." Ethan flexed his arms, striking a strongman pose as he smiled at his two roommates keeping vigil: "I can participate in the competition at 120% capacity!"
Michael replied hesitantly: "Uh, I think 70% capacity would be enough."
Ethan tilted his head: "Hmm?"
Mandy pushed her glasses up her nose: "If you need legal assistance later, my parents work in the Legal Department at the Ministry of Magic."
Ethan blinked in confusion: "What?"
Ethan looked at the two with amusement, comforting them: "Don't worry. I won't be bullied."
Michael and Mandy exchanged worried glances: "..."
No! We're worried about you bullying others!
Ethan hummed "A Happy Day," changing clothes in an extremely cheerful mood. With the Hell Cerberus and the detailed map, Ethan had another brilliant plan in mind. One that could make this competition far richer and more colorful.
After preparing his supplies, Ethan checked his bag once more for potions, tools, and other necessities. Then he pushed the door open.
Head-on, he encountered a crowd of people. Bustling crowds of students from all grades and houses had gathered outside his door, waiting for him to emerge!
The originally restless atmosphere suddenly fell quiet the moment they saw Ethan. Pairs of eyes stared straight at him, and like Moses parting the Red Sea, they opened a clear path before him. As if welcoming a king setting out on a personal campaign.
[Chapter Complete]
***
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