Alan, currently facing off against Thunderbird, felt his Eye of the Storm strike something, but given the powerful opponent before him, he dared not be careless in the slightest. During their previous clash on the main battlefield, Alan had already perceived that this person's strength was extraordinary, particularly their proficiency with Fiendfyre.
After the earlier probing, Alan had confirmed several points.
Firstly, the opponent's mental strength was exceptionally high, leading to a magic intensity that was almost absurd—certainly not weaker than his own. High intensity usually requires the support of intense willpower or emotion, and Alan wondered how the opponent managed it. Could arrogance and pride truly boost magic intensity to such a degree? The question piqued Alan's academic interest.
Secondly, this Silver Spear's magic perception and control were equally exaggerated. Although their casting techniques appeared different, they both required immense focus. At the very least, his opponent's control-type magic had reached the instinct level, allowing him to manipulate differentiated magical elements with ease.
Moreover, Alan could feel he had been at a slight disadvantage in their previous encounter. He deduced that the opponent's magic sensitivity was stronger than his own. This was a significant problem; sensitivity affects not only perception and control but also output efficiency. If Alan could generate 1.5 points of magical effect with 1 point of magic, Thunderbird might be achieving 1.6.
In a war of attrition, Alan would likely be the first to run out of magic, especially since the opponent's reserves seemed no smaller than his own. This was a true master. Alan knew that relying solely on raw power would not secure a victory; he had to use every tool at his disposal and rely on the coordination of his alchemy equipment.
However, the opponent's Fiendfyre was too fierce. Thrown equipment would likely be incinerated before it could get close. He needed to interfere with the opponent's perception, but the Silver Spear masks provided enhanced vision, making ordinary fog useless.
Alan scanned the surrounding environment. It was relatively open, dotted with pine trees as thick as a man's embrace, with snow piled on the branches and the ground. Snow? Perhaps he could work with that.
"Kid..."
Just as Alan was calculating his battle plan, Thunderbird chuckled.
"Don't waste your effort. You are no match for me. I was just playing with you earlier. If we engage again, you will surely die." Thunderbird looked at Alan, returning to his habitually arrogant posture.
"Heh," Alan chuckled back. "Is that so? Then why didn't you just finish me on the spot? Or is the cargo you transported thousands of miles so insignificant that you have time to stand around talking?"
"Hmph!" Thunderbird snorted. "I didn't kill you then partly because I didn't want to damage the goods, and partly because I felt your talent was a pity to waste."
"Your strength has reached the threshold for the Club. How about it? Are you interested in joining us? If you are willing, I can act as your recommender and exempt you from the duel assessment. You should know that very few receive such treatment."
*What the hell are you thinking?* Alan cursed silently. He had wealth, property, and strong ties to the Ministry. Was he supposed to throw that away to become a criminal? However, to extract information and buy time, he decided to humor the man.
"Oh? You're just an organization that specializes in smuggling and whose origins are unknown. I've never even heard of this little club. You think you can recruit me with a few words? Aren't you being a bit naive?" Alan used the provocation to keep the conversation going.
"Hahaha!" Thunderbird fell for it. After a hearty laugh, he said arrogantly, "What do you clowns hiding on an isolated island know? The Silver Spears are famous across the European continent. You dare call a history of several hundred years 'unknown origins'? It is pure ignorance. And do you really think mere smuggling is our only goal? That is just..."
Thunderbird stopped abruptly. Realizing he had said too much, he fell silent and glared at Alan. "Enough talk. Just tell me if you agree or not. Details about the Club are for members only."
Alan felt a pang of disappointment at the sudden silence. He had been listening with great interest.
"What are the benefits? You should know I am a certified battle hero of the British Ministry, about to graduate Hogwarts with honors, and a future alchemy master. Do you really think your group is worthy of me?" Alan spoke off the cuff, letting the boasting flow freely.
"Battle hero... Hehehe." The title seemed to annoy Thunderbird again. "You mention a title that offers no substantial benefits. I admit your future is bright, but that is exactly why the Silver Spears is your best choice. Our principle is to select the best of the best. Becoming one of us is the ultimate symbol of strength."
"As for benefits, you won't be shortchanged. The Club has its own treasury with precious materials and unique knowledge. If you prove your worth, you can choose from our secret methods. We even have the alchemy information you crave. If you can become a Spear, there are advantages you can't even imagine."
Thunderbird clearly had a genuine desire to recruit Alan. A wizard who could fight on par with his usual level at such a young age was a rarity, even within the Club.