With extraordinary comprehension, I built a floating city at Hogwarts.

Page 376

But in Mrs. Weasley's eyes, Harry was clearly a better match than Krum. After all, Harry was from the Underworld, and with him, Ron wouldn't have to marry far away. Besides, they had watched the child grow up, and his character was reliable...

Therefore, Harry also received an Easter egg from Mrs. Weasley, as big as an ostrich egg. However, he was completely unaware of Mrs. Weasley's good intentions and was very happy about it.

Ron's two older brothers, the Weasley twins, with Levin's help, released a bunny-themed Easter egg.

Those who eat the candy in the Easter egg will grow a pair of fluffy rabbit ears of completely random color, which has been widely welcomed by the young wizards. Following the betting in the third game, the twins made a fortune again.

Chapter 411 Maze Design

On the first day after the Easter holidays, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor went to the Charms class together. Today they were going to practice the Exorcism Charm, which is the opposite of the Summoning Charm.

Because flying objects around in the classroom could easily cause accidents, Professor Flitwick gave each student a large number of soft mats for practice, so that even if they strayed off course, they wouldn't get hurt.

The idea was good, but the execution was not smooth.

Neville was so inaccurate when he chanted incantations that he always accidentally sent heavy things flying all over the room—like Professor Flitwick himself.

Levin had no choice but to step in and help Professor Flitwick correct the young wizards' pronunciation.

Hermione also became another temporary teaching assistant.

With each victory she achieved in the Triwizard Tournament, no one dared to regard her as a "bookworm" anymore, and many young wizards were happy to seek her help with their studies.

Professor Flitwick was very pleased with his two prized students. He announced loudly that any young wizard who could successfully master the [Exorcism Charm] before the end of get out of class would be exempt from writing the paper assigned by Professor Flitwick.

Although the [Exorcism Spell] is quite difficult, most of the young wizards who joined the Erudite Society received the honor of being exempt from writing the assignment at the end of class, except for Levin and Hermione—they had already practiced similar spells.

The bell rang, and Levin was about to walk out of the classroom hand in hand with Hermione when Professor Flitwick called him back.

“I’m sorry, Miss Granger, I know that you two are a very close couple and want to be together all the time, but we have to take up your Mr. Green’s time for a little while now.”

As Professor Flitwick spoke, he playfully winked at Hermione, causing her face to flush crimson.

Professor Flitwick then turned to Levin and said solemnly, "Levin, come with me. The principal and Mr. Bagman are waiting for you in the principal's office. There is a very important task for you to complete today."

When they pushed open the door to the Headmaster's office, they found it crowded with people. Besides the Headmaster and Ludwig Bagman, Professors Sprout, Snape, and Moody were all gathered there, seemingly having a meeting around Dumbledore's large desk.

The large wooden table, once filled with a dazzling array of magical artifacts, has been cleared away, and now a giant maze model sits atop it.

This model is exquisitely crafted and is clearly the work of Professor McGonagall.

"Oh, Mr. Green, you've finally arrived!" Ludo greeted Levin warmly as soon as he saw him. "We're discussing how to design the fourth project for the Triwizard Tournament—the maze. You're also a member of the Triwizard Tournament organizing committee, and your wisdom and talent are crucial to us."

Levin glanced at the maze model and asked, "Where do you plan to set up the maze?"

“Quidditch Stadium, of course!” Ludo answered without hesitation.

Levin couldn't help but complain inwardly. This stadium had been modified countless times in a semester; it was really just a free lunch.

“We plan to place the championship trophy in the center of the maze,” Bagman began to explain the rules. “The warriors will start in the order of their previous scores, and whoever finds the trophy first will be the ultimate champion.”

Upon hearing this, Levin subtly sensed Professor Moody's reaction. He could clearly feel the excitement and anticipation surging within the old man.

At this moment, Ludo pointed to the maze model in front of him and said, "This is our initial idea, but I always feel that it seems a bit too simple."

Levin glanced at the maze model and nodded in agreement: "Indeed, this maze is not only too simple in design, but also too simplistic in its paths. Unless you intend for the warriors to fight amongst themselves from beginning to end in the quest for the trophy, you should design two or three, or even more, paths to the trophy, allowing the warriors to split up and increasing the suspense and strategy of the competition."

(bjej) "Perhaps you should offer your opinion?" Snape said sarcastically, this maze model was the result of their long-term efforts.

Levin glanced at Snape indifferently and said, "It's not exactly insightful, just a difference in perspective between Muggles and wizards. I heard that the professor lived in the Muggle world during his student days, so he should understand the differences between Muggles and wizards. At least, if a maze was designed by a Muggle, it should look something like this."

With that, Levin drew his wand, ignoring Snape's murderous gaze, and lightly tapped it on the maze model.

In the blink of an eye, the model underwent a dramatic change, and a more intricate maze appeared before everyone's eyes.

"This is the labyrinth of the Muggle world," Levin introduced to everyone.

Dumbledore exclaimed, "It is indeed very complicated. I dare say that without navigational magic, it would probably take several days to find the way out. However, the school's Quidditch pitch probably cannot contain such a large maze. Moreover, with this level of complexity, even without adding extra traps, not many warriors would be able to reach the end on time."

Clearly, he knew nothing about the Muggle world.

It should be said that, apart from wizards from the Muggle world, most wizards know nothing about Muggles, even if they offer Muggle studies courses.

Levin also remembered Ginny's father, Arthur Weasley, a man who would always bombard Levin or Harry with questions about Muggle-related matters whenever they met.

In fact, he was the wizard Levin had ever met who knew Muggles the best.

In contrast, Kereddy Bubbage, who teaches Muggle research, can't even distinguish between an engine and a generator, and is far inferior to Arthur Weasley, the Muggle machine modification expert.

“Mr. Green, stop showing off your knowledge here.” Moody snorted impatiently, his breath revealing obvious displeasure. “We all know that no one here knows the Muggle world better than you, so please get straight to the point. We don’t have time to beat around the bush with you.”

Levin nodded slightly, his tone calm: "Since you feel that the previous plan was too complicated, then we will make some adjustments."

He raised his wand and gently tapped it on the maze model, instantly transforming the maze completely.

The originally intricate network of passages was greatly simplified, leaving only three paths leading to the center of the maze, while the rest of the unnecessary side paths were cleverly eliminated. In this way, although the maze still retains its intricate characteristics, its overall structure appears clearer and more accessible.

“I’ve deliberately left some side paths that lead to the end,” Levin said, tapping the model with his wand. Several points of light were marked on the side paths and passageways. “These passageways and side paths greatly reduce the difficulty of finding the end, but I left them out on purpose. If you want to set traps, these locations will be ideal.”

Dumbledore's eyes lit up, and he clapped his hands: "This design is fantastic! Compared to our previous ideas, this maze is obviously more interesting and challenging. Fortunately, you joined the Triwizard Tournament's organizing committee. Your suggestions have truly enhanced the Triwizard Tournament."

He glanced at Levin with a complex expression, but regardless of his actions, the boy's talent was undeniable.

Ludo rubbed his temples with some concern: "The problem is, the Quidditch pitch isn't big enough."

Levin tapped the table lightly and said in a deep voice, "We can use the [Seamless Extension Charm]."

“That’s a good idea, but the maze is so big, we need more people!” Professor McGonagall reminded us, “Even if we all combined our efforts, we wouldn’t be enough to cast the [Seamless Extension Charm] on the entire maze.”

Ludo also looked troubled: "The Ministry of Magic doesn't have enough manpower to assist us either. Ordinary staff might be able to handle the task of casting the [Seamless Extension Charm] on ordinary rooms, but facing such a large maze..."

Levin pondered for a moment, a glint of inspiration flashing in his eyes: "Actually, I have a suggestion. We can contact Tonks and seek the assistance of the Aurors."

“Building a maze, seeking Auror help…” Snape looked at Levin and said in a strange tone, “I didn’t know that Auror training now includes learning the [Seamless Extension Charm].

Levin glanced at Snape indifferently, ignoring his sarcasm: "No, they don't know the [Seamless Extension Charm], but they have mastered a spellcasting technique called [Circle Array]. This technique requires three people to work together, one to lead the casting and two to assist. By sharing magic power, the effect of the magic is far beyond imagination, but the assistants do not need to be proficient in the relevant magic."

He paused, then offered his suggestion: "We can have the Aurors use the [Circle Array] to assist in casting the [Seamless Extension Charm]. I believe the Aurors would be very willing to help—as long as we're happy to pay them overtime."

"Oh! I've seen that before!" Ludo immediately recognized it. "On the night of the World Cup, I saw many Aurors casting spells in groups of three. That was the [Circle Array], right?"

“That’s right.” Levin nodded in confirmation. “The training of the new Aurors incorporates the concepts of Muggle armies, emphasizing teamwork and coordinated combat. Therefore, they must master some cooperative skills to maximize the strengths of each individual.”

After listening to Levin's explanation, the professors began to imagine a completely new look for Aurors under this model.

In this model, Aurors will receive relatively less individual skill training because they no longer need everyone to be an all-around warrior.

However, each Auror needs to have their own area of ​​expertise.

In this situation, the new Aurors may not be as capable of acting alone as the old Aurors, but once they form a team, they will unleash amazing combat power.

After all, it's difficult for a generalist to defeat an expert who specializes in a particular field, especially since this expert has two teammates who, with the amplification of the [Circle Spell], unleash power far exceeding that of three experts.

This training method will also significantly lower the recruitment threshold for Aurors.

Traditionally, a Hogwarts graduate who wants to enroll as an Auror must have five NEWT certificates and achieve "excellent" or "good" grades in Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Transfiguration, and Charms.

However, the requirements for the new Aurors don't need to be so high.

Perhaps the requirements for the NEWT certificate will be reduced to four or three, or perhaps there will be no more need for so many "excellent" or "good" grades, but rather a focus on outstanding performance in a particular subject.

This will greatly increase the number of Aurors without reducing their quality.

On the contrary, the more Aurors there are, the more their overall combat power will increase exponentially.

For those dark wizards, this was undoubtedly a nightmare.

Thinking of this, Professor Flitwick suddenly asked, "Levin, since you know so much about the [Circle Array], I suppose this is also your creation?"

“Yes, Professor Flitwick,” Levin readily admitted.

“I’m proud of you, Levin,” Professor Flitwick said, holding it in high regard. “This magic has the power to change the world.”

Chapter 412 Division of Labor and Cooperation

After comprehending the secrets of the [Circular Magic Array], everyone finally understood Levin's plan: how he intended to solve the current manpower shortage problem.

Indeed, if the [Circular Magic Array] can be skillfully utilized, the effectiveness of wizards who are already proficient in the [Seamless Extension Spell] can be increased by at least three times. In this way, the problem of insufficient manpower will be easily solved.

Ludo immediately agreed: "The Aurors' pay is not a problem. Thanks to you, the sponsorship from the Hogsmeade merchants is very generous. We can give them a large sum of overtime pay."

Once the maze framework is finalized, the next step is to design traps and levels.

Without much hesitation, Levin proposed a series of ingenious and complex traps and level designs. If placed in a maze, these would surely provide every warrior with an unprecedented challenge and surprise.

Levin added, "These traps were actually inspired by the defense strategies of the forest surrounding my home. I can provide more styles if needed."

"Enough!" Professor McGonagall interrupted Levin. "With the traps set up your way, I'm afraid no warrior will be able to pass the test. They'll be trapped and die before they even reach the finish line! There's no point in continuing this competition!"

Professor McGonagall's annoyance is understandable, because many of the traps Leven designed were ones she had never even considered, making them quite difficult to break, and even more so for the students.

“Really? But I believe Hermione can do it.” Levin confidently used his girlfriend as an example, “At least she has the ability to break through the defenses of the forest surrounding my house.”

Of course, this is under the premise that the forest is not managed by tree spirits.

Snape's lips curled into a sly smile: "Mr. Green is planning to trap all the other Warriors, isn't he?" He then changed the subject, "That way, his girlfriend can easily win the final championship."

"You don't seem to have the right to talk to me like that," Levin retorted. "As far as I know, Professor, the hallucinogens you mentioned are no joke. If some unlucky warrior were to be poisoned, he might never recover."

“Let’s forget it. Mr. Green’s trap, though ingenious, is too difficult. There’s no need to make it so complicated. The original intention of this project was to test the courage and wisdom of the warriors.” Dumbledore’s fingers moved lightly in the air, as if sorting out his thoughts. “Alastor’s suggestion of Boggart and Red Hat is quite an interesting idea.”

His eyes gleamed with a deep light as he continued, "Pomona's upside-down grass and devil's web, combined with Snape's hallucinogens and sleeping powder, might create unexpected effects. However, the use of hallucinogens needs to be more cautious. Severus, reduce the dosage and make sure the warriors can recover on their own after leaving the trap's area of ​​effect."

"Hagrid will be involved in the setup with his Blast-tailed Shells, and you, Mr. Green, with your Animated Gardening Shrubs, are undoubtedly the best choice to guard the key fork in the road. We can't let the warriors get close to the key road so easily, can we? And then there's the Sphinx, that mysterious creature that will guard the final hurdle before the trophy, a test that only those with enough wisdom can pass."

To Levin, the traps Dumbledore mentioned all seemed far too simplistic.

He couldn't help but ask in return, "Are you trying to hand the championship to Hermione? With her strength, I'm afraid these challenges won't pose much of a threat."

Dumbledore was silent for a moment, then finally conceded, “Alright, you can add some more challenging levels. But we must make sure that among the many paths to the finish line, there is at least one that the warriors can overcome. Remember, the purpose of this final is to test the warriors, not to destroy them. Don’t forget the true meaning of this match.”

Levin astutely grasped the deeper meaning behind the other party's words: since it concerned Voldemort, the difficulty of the maze seemed insignificant.

He shrugged slightly, tacitly agreeing to Dumbledore's suggestion.

Then, he waved his wand and gently tapped it on the maze model. In an instant, models of traps and levels filled the intricate paths and passageways like flowing water.

Levin didn't stop there. He cleverly set up several constantly moving walls and mushroom circles for teleportation, which would become hidden paths for the warriors during their exploration.

"In this way, even if a warrior is blocked at some checkpoints, he can still get closer to the finish line by luck," he explained.

Then, Levin offered another creative suggestion: "We can also use dense garden shrubs to form hedges to create the walls inside the maze. This will greatly reduce the walls' sturdiness, allowing warriors to find new breakthroughs by breaking through the walls when they encounter difficult obstacles. At the same time, we can also cleverly place traps in the walls to increase the maze's challenge."

"Excellent!" Dumbledore clapped his hands and laughed, praising Levin's idea highly. "I think you have grasped the essence of the final challenge."

The design blueprint has been finalized, and the next step is to carry out the construction work in full swing.

Ministry of Magic staff and Aurors will assist in using the [Seamless Extension Charm], however, the actual construction of the maze cannot rely entirely on them; various tasks need to be assigned by those present.