However.
There had to be a reason for Aragog's sudden change.
It would be best to figure it out before heading off...
Hagrid: "Actually, a few months ago, a strange bird suddenly burst into the Forbidden Forest, hunting the spiders on the outskirts extensively and competing with Aragog for prey..."
Ethan: ?
Huh?
Wait.
Why does that sound... a little familiar?
Hagrid said excitedly, "I once saw that strange bird from afar; it was truly an incredibly beautiful creature!"
"It had limbs like a human, a long neck like a swan, and a skull with a faint blue flame burning like stars."
"Ah! I really want to touch it up close!"
Ethan:
Ethan's pupils trembled slightly.
He tried his best to remain still, not letting anyone see the imperceptible waver on his face.
This description matched exactly the Bird of Death he had casually fused together during the first Defense Against the Dark Arts class!
He hadn't expected it to settle in the Forbidden Forest...
Mother and Child Dragon, Bird of Death, Aragog.
The Forbidden Forest was truly full of talented individuals.
And it had even forced the spiders into a corner.
Well done! Truly worthy of being Ethan's good son!
Harry: "...Ethan, why do you look so proud?"
Like an old father hearing others praise his son.
Although, he wouldn't get that treatment.
"Hmph hmph," Ethan rubbed his nose, "Not at all."
Looking at Hagrid, his eyes held a hint of approval.
"Confirmed aesthetic, we're kindred spirits."
Ethan immediately made a decision: "No problem, Hagrid."
"Since you've sincerely invited me, I'll reluctantly go with you."
Hagrid: "Tha-thank you--"
You don't have to be so reluctant.
Ethan couldn't wait to see what the Bird of Death, originally only the size of a forearm, looked like now!
But before that.
As the saying goes, never visit empty-handed.
He would bring a "gift" for his good son.
For example... a "spider-beating stick."
Ethan curved his lips.
He glanced at the orange-red sunset outside and said to Hagrid, who was impatiently ready to leave:
"It's still early; before that, let me prepare."
Finally.
Including Hagrid and Cho Chang, a total of seven people.
All embarked on this "visit" to the Forbidden Forest to see the King of Spiders.
With Ethan there, nothing could possibly go wrong!
This was what the others thought.
"Hmph hmph hmph~"
Ethan hummed a little tune, walking at the very front with light steps.
As if on a picnic.
"With this mindset, no wonder Ethan succeeds at everything."
Ron sighed from behind, sticking close to his good friend Harry.
Harry: "You can too. As long as you give up being human."
Ron: "...Haha, I'll politely decline."
He didn't want to give up his humanity yet.
The reason Ethan was so delighted was precisely because in his hand, there was a freshly made Painting Card!
Equipment Card: 'Mithril Scepter'!
[Mithril Scepter]
[Type: Portrait]
[Rank: First-Order · Blue Precious]
[Description: A Giant staff-like weapon, exclusive to the Bird of Death. In its hand, it will unleash power beyond the first order.]
[Effect: Possesses the characteristic of being unbreakable, and when swung, it produces a cold, faint blue flame that is corrosive.]
[Evaluation: Exclusive weapon for the Bird of Death. One day, you will cultivate your own non-human army, won't you?]
On the card face, a gleaming silver prismatic long staff was displayed, with a sharp tip.
It incorporated the mithril ore powder from the Malfoy gift box, as well as moonstone powder.
Blended with magic, and with a fine pen tip, the magic patterns of the Incendio spell were engraved upon it.
It exuded a sacred and pure aura!
Perfectly matched the temperament of the Bird of Death!
He truly wanted to see how handsome his good son would be when equipped with this card!
It would surely decimate Aragog or any other spider king!
Passing through the dark and dense forest.
The ground beneath their feet gradually became sticky.
Cobwebs covered every visible corner.
Aside from Hagrid, Ethan, and Luna.
Everyone else looked deathly pale.
"Ah, ah--."
Ron was almost scared witless.
Because he saw, in the dimness, countless dense figures surging.
Finally.
They arrived at an open space.
"Aragog! I've brought friends!"
Hagrid shouted, sniffling loudly.
Creak.
Before Harry and the others' terrified gazes.
A long leg, as thick as an adult male's arm, extended from the front.
Then.
A small hill slowly rose.
Ron was so scared he started hiccuping.
And Harry and the others were frozen in place.
They had never seen such a Giant spider!
One of its compound eyes was the size of a fist!
Hagrid, what have you been raising in the Forbidden Forest?!
Ethan's eyes lit up.
Bait!
Such big bait!!
[You have come, Hagrid. Thank you for bringing so many humans to me.]
The King of Spiders' voice was old and tired.
However, from its eight compound eyes, a greedy and hungry light shot out.
Rustle, rustle.
Countless dog-sized spiders surrounded them from all directions.
They descended from the sky, spitting silk, and snapped their vicious fangs, clicking and clacking.
Ron shivered: "Is the, is the atmosphere a bit off--?"
Apparently.
Hagrid thought so too.
His furry face stiffened, and he stammered:
"Are, are they all here to see you off, right?"
The King of Spiders remained silent.
Hagrid: "---Right?"
[I am sorry I deceived you, Hagrid, my friend.]
[But I hope you can understand. Since that strange bird appeared, my offspring have found it very difficult to catch prey.]
[They are starving, and how can I let my children starve? They need to eat meat, fresh meat.]
Hmph.
As expected.
Ethan thought.
What farewell?
It should be called "door-to-door delivery" instead.
Only a half-Giant who wholeheartedly believed dangerous creatures were not dangerous would fall for it so easily.
Ethan indifferently shifted his gaze, looking around.
---He felt it.
The connection between him and the Bird of Death.
It was rapidly flying towards them.
Hagrid's eyes widened in disbelief for a long time before he roared, "You lied to me! You told me to bring my friends here just to get fresh flesh and blood?!"
Aragog: [There is nothing more delicious than a group of helpless, yet sweet and tender, human children.]
[I'm sorry, Hagrid.]
[Except for you, everyone else here today must die and become food for my offspring.]
Suddenly.
Hagrid roared.
He picked up Harry and the others, who were still in a daze, and tried to rush out!
However.
The spiders were already prepared.
Hundreds of black shadows pounced out, falling upon them like a wave!
Ethan broke off a spider's fangs that were stabbing out, but pretended to be bitten,
He fell limply, allowing himself to be tied up with spider silk.
Anyway, he didn't need to make any movements to use his cards; he could use them anytime.
Ethan looked at the dark sky, a faint dark gleam flickering in the depths of his cobalt blue eyes.
He was waiting.
Waiting for the Bird of Death to arrive at the scene!
Let me see your true strength, my good son!!
In his hand, the 'Mithril Scepter' emitted points of silver light.