"Oh? I don't recall the Club ever distinguishing between superiors and subordinates like the Ministry does. According to the rules, the only difference between the Short Spears and the Spears is their level of authority," Bird Snake replied flippantly.
"Hehehe, you can understand it that way if you wish. However, there's another rule in the Club: the strong reign supreme. How about it? Do you want to try challenging me to a duel? If you win, I'll tell you everything." A sinister laugh erupted from beneath Thunderbird's mask, and he leaned close to Bird Snake's face.
Bird Snake shivered and quickly backed away. He knew the man in front of him was a madman capable of anything, and he was wary of his strength. His imposing aura vanished instantly.
"What are you doing? I'm here on behalf of Lord Phoenix! He sent me to get clear answers from you. You know your progress has been too slow, and the last operation was even sabotaged by the British Ministry. Several Lords of the Club are quite displeased," Bird Snake stammered, invoking his boss's name for protection.
"Hmph, trash is trash. If you were a bit tougher, I might actually think highly of you. You have no strength of your own, so you just hide behind that woman," Thunderbird sneered. "Sphinx's stealth team has completely lost contact. I only know they went silent a week ago after receiving intelligence from me. Now even I can't find them. Who knows if those burrowing moles have all been wiped out."
*What? Four Silver Spears going missing is no small matter.* Bird Snake grumbled inwardly. *With their mobility, I don't believe anyone could have caught all of them. Don't tell me you got a new thrill and turned on your own people.*
"Do you know what you're implying? Am I the kind of person who doesn't understand priorities?" Thunderbird turned and glared, his gaze filled with such malice that Bird Snake felt it even through his mask.
*Who knows what you're thinking?* Bird Snake speculated bitterly. *It's not the first time. When you go crazy, you kill everyone in sight.*
"Those guys vanished as if into thin air. Do you think I'm not anxious? They were carrying out important Club business. Now I can't even get news from my insider in the Ministry. I suspect this might be related to the Scamander family," Thunderbird said. He knew Bird Snake was aware of the details, so he didn't hide Newt's involvement.
"What? You mean Newt did it? But according to our intelligence, he shouldn't have that kind of strength. Could the report be wrong?" Bird Snake lowered his head in confusion. "If that's true, the Club's danger rating for him must be adjusted. I remember rumors that he was the one who arrested Lord Grindelwald. Is that true?"
"Impudent! Don't mention that name in front of me!" Thunderbird suddenly became furious, glaring fiercely at Bird Snake again.
Bird Snake knew he had overstepped. For many of the Spears, that name was taboo. He lowered his head and remained silent.
While the two conversed, the foreign wizards finished loading the cargo. A small mountain of cages had been piled on the open ground.
"Lord…" A man in a loose wizard robe wiped sweat from his forehead and approached. "It's all ready. The last few transports haven't been smooth; we suffered heavy losses last time. This time you asked us to increase the volume—this is an entire year's inventory. We should move quickly."
"Heh." Thunderbird sneered at the man's nerves. "Don't worry, no one from the Ministry will disturb us. I've made thorough arrangements. They're busy putting out fires elsewhere right now, so move the goods boldly. This time, I'll personally escort them to ensure everything is foolproof."
"What?" Bird Snake turned his head. "What exactly have you done? Lord Phoenix said we need to act discreetly. You haven't caused more trouble, have you? If you provoke the Ministry too much, it might affect the progress of the transit station."
"Hmph…" Thunderbird snorted. "Establishing the station is my mission. I'm the one in charge. I'm not afraid, so why are you? Besides, once this transport is complete, this area can go silent for the next six months."
"But—" Bird Snake began, only to be cut off.
"There is no 'but.' Concentrating resources to complete this operation was a plan the Club agreed to. I made it very clear at headquarters: once this is done, there will be plenty of time for construction. Are you doubting my wisdom...?"
Boom!
Before Thunderbird could finish his boast, a violent thunderclap echoed through the valley. A thundercloud suddenly appeared in the sky, shimmering with silver light.
Simultaneously, a group of wizards appeared around the crowd with a whoosh. They were divided into several teams, scattering as they arrived. They immediately launched a coordinated assault, firing offensive spells and hurling various amulets at the smugglers.
The smuggling team was suddenly surrounded by flying spells, violent sonic booms, and intense flashes. The chaos left them dizzy and disoriented. In an instant, it felt as if the entire world had turned against them. Several smugglers were knocked back immediately; others, stunned by sonic booms or blinded by magical light, lost all ability to react.
"It's an attack! You idiots, organize a defense! Dispersing Mist!" Thunderbird, having just promised that nothing would happen, was now in a towering rage.