Lewis's design of the golems went extremely smoothly.
He had even gained the [Construct Specialist] specialty during the process of designing and manufacturing the golems.
Overall, he designed three types of Iron Golems, giving them three different names based on their weapons and functions: Shieldguard, Guardian, and Formation Breaker.
As the name suggested, the Shieldguard was a golem focused on defense. It wielded a large shield, usually a heavy shield or tower shield, while its other hand carried either a short sword or flail.
Lewis had originally even considered giving them three pistols.
The Shieldguards were endowed by Lewis with the strongest defensive and magical resistance capabilities. The large shields in their hands could even withstand the [Explosive Curse] head-on.
Their duty was to protect wizards, serving as the final line of defense in front of them.
The Guardian was the standard general-purpose model of the Iron Golems. It usually carried a medium or small shield in one hand and a medium-sized weapon in the other, such as a saber, longsword, or short spear. It could also wield two medium-sized weapons.
They could both attack and defend, making them highly versatile and the preferred choice in most situations.
The Formation Breaker was the only type of golem not equipped with a shield.
Its defensive and magical resistance capabilities were the weakest, but it was equipped with the strongest heavy weapons. These could include spears, halberds, axes, greatswords, and so on.
These weapons were usually imbued with anti-magic effects.
Compared with the other golem models, the Formation Breakers abandoned most of their defensive capabilities in exchange for powerful assault capabilities.
Ordinary [Iron Armor Charms] could not stop them at all, making them excellent troops for charging into the thick of battle.
These three types of golems were the three basic models designed by Lewis.
On top of these foundations, they could undergo all kinds of modifications.
For example, they could be equipped with more powerful weapons, giving them greater capabilities to deal with different situations.
Their magical resistance could be enhanced by enchanting their entire bodies with [Antimagic Field], allowing them to resist most spells without even needing shields.
They could also be given automatic restoration capabilities. As long as their cores remained undamaged, no matter how badly they were destroyed, they could automatically recover.
They could even undergo external armor modifications.
Not only could they act independently, they could also transform into power armor, much like Iron Man's armor, wrapping around their master's body and providing a series of functions, including enhanced strength and defense.
All of that sounded flashy, but in reality, Lewis's golems had only one problem.
They were too expensive.
For the three basic Iron Golem models, Lewis had cut down their functions again and again.
Those so-called modifications were actually abilities that Lewis believed golems should possess.
But in order to reduce costs, he had no choice but to remove them.
Even so, each golem still cost around 1,500 Galleons.
If sold, they would have to be priced at least at 2,500 Galleons each.
For most wizards, whose monthly salaries were generally only one or two hundred Galleons, such a golem was an astronomical expense.
Lewis did not even know whether the Auror Office could afford them.
In the end, Gianna made the decision.
"You should manufacture a batch first. I'll rent them in my personal capacity and assign them to Tonks's squad. Once the chaos at the World Cup is over and the golems demonstrate sufficient performance, I'll purchase them officially on behalf of the Ministry of Magic."
Lewis also thought it was a good idea.
So he manufactured twenty Iron Golems and handed them over to Gianna to arrange.
The days spent researching and working always passed quickly.
And on the day of the Knowledge Society banquet, Lewis arrived at Onyxia's manor early.
The magnificent manor glittered beneath the summer sunlight, seemingly filled with renewed vitality.
In the garden, long tables were arranged neatly, winding through the grounds like enormous serpents.
Onyxia had carefully prepared a sumptuous feast. Exquisite pastries, candies, and all kinds of delicacies glittered beneath the sunlight, each one giving off an enticing aroma that made mouths water.
As time passed and the gathering drew closer, the young wizards arrived as promised.
They immersed themselves in the magnificent manor, unable to stop marveling at and praising its beautiful scenery.
Just before the banquet began, Lewis stepped onto the specially constructed platform.
He cleared his throat.
"[Illusory Voice]!"
The magic caused his voice to echo through every corner of the garden, as though he were whispering directly into everyone's ears.
He spoke enthusiastically.
"Welcome, everyone. This beautiful manor will become our gathering place from now on. We will uphold the spirit of mutual assistance and mutual benefit, actively building a platform for everyone to communicate with one another. Even after leaving Hogwarts and entering society, we must continue to look after and support one another while progressing together. For knowledge and truth, cheers!"
After saying this, he raised his wine glass toward everyone below.
Everyone raised their glasses as well, sitting up straighter.
During the banquet, Madam Gianna Proudmoore made an elegant appearance, followed closely by Miss Nymphadora Tonks and Miss Katrana Prestor.
Lewis introduced the graduates to them, while Shirella and Hermione also took turns introducing them.
Gianna knew perfectly well why these young wizards were trying to curry favor with her, but she did not put on the airs of Deputy Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
Instead, she presented herself as Lewis's older sister.
She was extremely warm and approachable, holding a wine glass as she chatted cordially with the young wizards.
Tonks and Katrana also enthusiastically interacted with the young wizards, and the atmosphere was filled with lively conversation and warmth.
By the time Lewis left the banquet, the young wizards were already filled with respect and goodwill toward Gianna, Tonks, and Katrana, praising them endlessly.
The most outstanding among these young wizards would eventually either become fresh blood for the Auror Office or new forces within other departments of the Ministry of Magic.
However, amid the lively gathering, Penelope was sitting alone on a bench in the courtyard.
In the past, she had always been the organizer of the Knowledge Society's various activities.
Now, however, she remained apart from the banquet.
Her gauzy dress fluttered gently in the summer night breeze, while her fair skin glowed softly beneath the moonlight.
She looked at Lewis, who was chatting and laughing among the crowd, then glanced at Shirella, whose eyes were filled with impatience.
She seemed lost in thought.
Her delicate brows were slightly furrowed, and faint ripples shimmered in her eyes.
The banquet had reached its climax.
The warm air was filled with laughter, conversation, and the clinking of tableware against plates and glasses.
But that liveliness belonged to everyone else.
Penelope's heart felt empty.
She felt as though she had lost something.
Finally, after Lewis finished another speech, the banquet also came to an end.
All the young wizards stood up and politely bid farewell to the host.
As they departed, the entire manor fell into a brief silence.
After seeing off the final young wizard, Lewis walked into the courtyard and immediately spotted the beautiful girl sitting on the bench.
She wore a blue gauze dress adorned with silver ribbons. The gentle breeze stirred the hem of her dress, causing it to shimmer beneath the moonlight.
A pair of crystal-clear blue elongated crystal earrings hung from her ears, dangling through her flowing curls.
They swayed gently with her soft breathing, making her face appear even more radiant.
Her entire appearance seemed smaller and cuter than usual.
"Lewis, would you like to take a walk around the manor?" Penelope Clearwater took the initiative to invite him.
"Me?" Lewis was somewhat surprised. "I thought you were going to invite Shirella."
At the mention of that name, Penelope frowned again.
"Are you going to accept or not?"
Lewis did not answer.
He simply looked into the girl's eyes and extended his hand, making his attitude clear.
Penelope grasped his hand and allowed him to help her up from the swing.
The moonlight was like water, covering the manor and bringing a tranquil stillness.
"Tomorrow, I'm going to attend Auror training," Penelope suddenly said.
"I know. Shirella will be going with you," Lewis replied casually.
Penelope's tone immediately became more heated.
"Can't you just not mention her at a time like this?"
"What? I thought you two were good friends."
Lewis was somewhat surprised by Penelope tonight.
"Of course we're good friends!"
There was a hint of irritation in Penelope's voice.
"It's precisely because we're good friends that I don't want you to mention her."
After saying that, she stared straight at Lewis.
"Why did it have to be you?"
Lewis did not respond immediately, but he already understood what she meant.
The two walked silently through the garden.
After walking side by side for about ten minutes, when they had begun making their third circuit of the garden, Penelope finally spoke.
"Walk me out."
She said it calmly.
"Okay. I'll walk you out."
Lewis slightly raised his head and looked into Penelope's eyes with complete sincerity.
The two walked toward the manor gates.
The distance was clearly less than a hundred meters.
"Why did it have to be you?"
Penelope spoke softly.
"Before I met you, I always thought I liked girls… but why did it have to be you?"
Lewis remained silent as he held her hand.
He could feel the girl's soft hand tremble slightly, but in the end, she did not pull away.
No matter how slowly they walked, a hundred meters was quickly traversed.
The two arrived at the gate.
"Then, see you tomorrow."
"It's already today."
Penelope leaned forward slightly and corrected him playfully.
"Is that so?"
Lewis let out a soft sigh.
"Yes!"
Penelope laughed cheerfully.
"Then… see you later."
Lewis's voice sounded particularly moving beneath the night sky.
"Don't sleep in."
Penelope spoke sweetly.
"I'll set an alarm."
Lewis replied.
"Put on your pajamas," Penelope reminded him.
"Brush your teeth."
Lewis smiled and nodded.
"Cover yourself with the blanket."
Penelope gazed at the corner of Lewis's eyes.
"Have a good dream."
Lewis also looked back at Penelope, both of their gazes filled with deep affection.
"Will you… come into my dreams?"
Penelope crossed her arms over her chest and asked quietly.
"I will."
Lewis smiled and answered in a low voice.
"I remember there's a spell called [Dreamcasting]…"
"Don't mention spells at a time like this!"
Penelope pouted coquettishly.
"You're wonderful in every way. Seeing you and Shirella together is quite romantic too… It's just that you really shouldn't mention spells."
"Sorry."
Lewis helplessly scratched his head.
Another brief silence followed.
"Goodbye!"
Penelope waved at Lewis.
"Goodbye."
Lewis raised his hand as well.
Neither of them was willing to turn around.
They waved at each other while slowly walking backward.
"Good night!" Penelope said with a smile.
"Don't sleep in!" Lewis called out loudly.
"You already said that."
Penelope's face was full of smiles.
"Did I? Then have a good dream."
"You already said that too."
Penelope tossed her long hair and acted rather mischievously.
"Is that so?"
Lewis was still smiling.
"If we keep this up, I'll never make it home."
Penelope put both hands behind her back and raised her eyebrows with a smile.
"That's possible."
Lewis could not help laughing.
Penelope nodded, and a flash of inspiration crossed her mind.
"Then let's do this. We'll get ready and turn around together."
"Okay."
Lewis readily agreed.
"Ready—"
The two shouted together.
Lewis immediately turned around and walked forward a few steps.
Then he stopped.
He turned his head to look back.
Penelope was still standing where she was, completely motionless.
When she saw Lewis turn back, an extraordinarily brilliant smile blossomed across Penelope's face.
"Lewis!"
Penelope softly called his name, like a spring breeze brushing across green leaves.
She quickly ran into his arms.
Lewis caught Penelope firmly and embraced her, lifting her feet off the ground so they would not drag against the surface.
He spun around twice, as though dancing an elegant waltz.
"I like you."
Penelope whispered softly, her voice filled with deep longing and a trace of guilt.
"You're clearly Shirella's boyfriend, but I still can't stop myself from liking you."
"That's perfectly normal."
Lewis gently comforted her.
"A lot of people can't help liking me, so you don't need to blame yourself."
"You awful narcissist!"
Penelope lightly pounded Lewis's back, but suddenly stopped caring about it.
After all, there were still Zhang Qiu, Hermione, and Luna ahead of her.
Shirella definitely wouldn't blame her.
"Good night!"
Penelope suddenly raised both hands and gently cupped Lewis's face.
She leaned forward and softly kissed him.
The tender kiss was like a beautiful poem, instantly occupying Lewis's entire mind.
However, Penelope immediately let go.
Like a graceful little deer, she happily ran into the distant night.
Her figure gradually disappeared into the darkness, but her smile remained in Lewis's heart like starlight scattered across the night sky.
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