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Tom was a little confused.
Why did Dumbledore call Robert up to practice with him?
Wasn't this supposed to be about practicing the Disarming Charm before starting the two-on-two sparring? But from Dumbledore's words, it seemed he wanted both of them to go all out.
"Professor, when Tom and I started school, we learned many spells besides the Disarming Charm. Can we use them all this time?" Robert asked suddenly.
Dumbledore smiled. "Of course. That's why I asked you two to practice against each other. I sent you several books before the school year started, and I'm curious to see what you've learned from them."
Dumbledore's words sparked curiosity among the students in the classroom.
What did this mean? Dumbledore had sent books to Robert and Tom before school even began?
In other words, Robert and Tom knew Dumbledore before they started school... This wasn't too surprising, considering Dumbledore often picked up young wizards from Muggle families.
But the fact that he sent them books and wanted to see what they learned... That was thought-provoking.
Did this mean that Dumbledore had already given them special guidance before school even started? What kind of background would prompt the busy Dumbledore to take the time to guide them and even send them books?
And... Did Dumbledore mention this now to support Robert?
"That's great... Tom, do your best. I want to see how much progress you've made," Robert said, his expression growing serious.
Tom narrowed his eyes. From Robert and Dumbledore's conversation, he finally understood their intentions.
This was an exhibition match for them!
"Then be careful..." Tom warned.
Robert replied seriously, "Don't worry. I'll never underestimate any opponent."
Tom felt a chill. Was Robert about to get serious?
He remembered how Robert defeated the heavy-armored giant last night, as easily as killing a chicken. Tom couldn't help but feel a little panicked.
But with Dumbledore watching, Robert would know his limits, right?
Thinking this, Tom felt more at ease.
The two stood face to face and bowed slightly to each other.
Everyone held their breath, watching intently.
Dumbledore's words had stirred their curiosity. Everyone wanted to see what Robert and Tom had learned from him!
"Three, two, one, start!"
The moment the countdown ended—
Bang!
Two red spells collided mid-air, exploding violently!
Dumbledore waved his hand. "Everyone, move back..."
The students quickly stepped aside as Dumbledore stood before them, wand in hand.
The duel between Robert and Tom was more intense than he had expected...
The two blazing spells were locked together, neither giving way.
Tom felt his arms growing heavy, but he didn't dare relax. If he did, his spell would be overpowered.
Robert smiled. Tom was indeed talented. In such a short time, his spell had grown so powerful.
Of course, Robert could have easily disarmed Tom at the start, but this was an exhibition match. It couldn't end so quickly.
He needed to let Tom go all out. Otherwise, Dumbledore's efforts would have been wasted.
Thinking this, Robert flicked his wand, and the two colliding spells shattered.
Tom was startled and quickly cast a Stunning Spell.
Robert effortlessly deflected it, sending it into the ceiling and leaving a small hole.
This proved Tom was giving it his all.
Seeing his spell so easily blocked, Tom knew he needed to be more creative.
While Robert was occupied, Tom slashed his wand downward.
"Wind Swirl!"
A gust of wind roared toward Robert.
But Robert calmly swept his wand across, splitting the wind in two. The gusts slammed into the wall behind him, yet Robert himself stood firm, his robe unmoving.
Tom had anticipated his spell would fail, but his purpose wasn't to knock down Robert.
"Hazy Clouds!"
A white mist burst from Tom's wand, blowing straight at Robert.
Although Tom's magic wasn't strong enough to fill the entire room with fog, it was enough to block Robert's vision for a few seconds.
Using the mist as cover, Tom fired off a series of Disarming Spells.
To keep Robert guessing, Tom moved constantly while attacking, aiming his spells from different angles.
Red sparks shot into the white mist, but Robert's legs remained still.
Yet, no matter how many spells Tom fired, Robert's wand never flew out of his hand.
Just as Tom wondered why his attacks weren't working, a red spell shot out of the fog, heading straight for his face!
Tom narrowly dodged it.
He had hoped to blind Robert and launch a surprise attack.
Instead, Robert's counterattack came just as Tom let his guard down.
Tom suddenly realized his mistake—he had forgotten that Robert's spells were all cast silently!
This meant Tom had no way of predicting when or where Robert's spells would come from.
Feeling frustrated, Tom berated himself. How could he have been so arrogant?
Did he really think a few Disarming Spells would beat Robert?
While dodging, Tom noticed something odd. Every time he was cornered, Robert's spells would narrowly miss.
Was Robert... holding back?
Tom then remembered the purpose of this duel: to put on a good show.
Realizing Robert was intentionally letting him counterattack, Tom felt a surge of determination.
He launched a series of fierce attacks, and as expected, Robert's pace slowed, allowing Tom to gain some ground.
The fog gradually dissipated, revealing a small shield floating before Robert.
It had blocked all of Tom's spells! But where did the shield come from?
With a flick of his wrist, Robert turned the shield back into a feather.
Transfiguration! But where did he get the feather?
Tom didn't have time to ponder, continuing his attack with even more powerful spells.
Robert countered effortlessly, his silent spells equally as powerful as Tom's.
Their spells clashed violently, shaking the classroom floor. Cracks formed in the ancient stone bricks beneath them.
All the students watching were stunned.
How could two first-years fight with such power?
Even the Slytherin purebloods who had been plotting against them looked pale.
Could they really beat opponents this strong... and two of them?
Meanwhile, Charlie, Henry, and Alphard were thrilled, especially since Tom had promised they could become as strong as him one day.
Anne watched with determination. She was even more resolved to recruit these two for Mr. Grindelwald.
Dumbledore, observing closely, was also stunned.
He knew this was just an exhibition match, but he hadn't expected them to duel with the skill of elite Aurors.
Even though he knew Robert was blessed with ancient magic, Tom's rapid improvement was equally shocking.
"Ten Thousand Bullets!"
Tom shattered the broken bricks into shards, firing them at Robert.
With a wave of his wand, Robert slowed the shards, then transformed them into birds that sped toward Tom.
Tom quickly summoned a desk to block them, but it was instantly shattered.
The remains of the desk morphed into a giant net, trapping Tom.
"Petrificus Totalus!"
Tom was petrified and fell to the ground like a stone statue.
(End of Chapter)
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