After accepting the Ministry's commission, Newt turned to Alan. "Alan, why don't you come back to my place with me? This Thunderbird is only willing to be near you right now. If you're watching over it during the journey, we won't have any problems. Besides, aren't you planning to take in that vampire? Director Bianca will be at my house as well. You can bring the matter up with her there. It's better than trying to talk now; she's a bit overwhelmed at the moment."
"At the same time," Newt continued, expressing his genuine goodwill, "Tina and I hope to find an opportunity to reciprocate your previous help. I'll show you my collection later. If there's anything you're interested in or any requests you have, please don't be shy."
Alan pondered for a moment before readily agreeing. "No problem. It's a good opportunity for me to learn how to care for such precious creatures."
While they were chatting, Aseria, who had been acting like an invisible observer on the other side, accompanied Bianca with a heavy, conflicted heart. Internally, she was spiraling. She had known nothing about this Silver Spears operation, and by the time she received the notice to support the front line, the battle was effectively over.
Furthermore, a Silver Spear had died on the scene. Although she didn't know the person, she knew that anyone participating in such a massive operation held a high position within the organization. As she looked at the scorched forest and the residual blue flames, Aseria realized that Thunderbird himself had been involved.
How was this possible? An operation involving Thunderbird had failed so completely. Over twenty collaborators were wiped out, and of the two Silver Spears, one was dead and the other—the famous Thunderbird—had been forced to flee. Looking at the sheer volume of seized magical creatures, Aseria knew the Silver Spears had suffered a devastating blow. Under normal circumstances, it would have taken a year to move this much inventory.
The logistics required for live creatures were immense. This escort must have involved the combined personnel of several black market collaborators in America. Now that they were gone, the losses extended far beyond the British branch.
Aseria felt like the most awkward person alive. She suspected she might be the only Silver Spear left in all of Britain. What would she do next? What could she possibly say if headquarters questioned her? She was completely in the dark. The internal punishment for failure was severe, yet she didn't even know if she had officially been part of the mission.
It was all because of that arrogant Thunderbird. It wasn't the first time he had carried out a mission without telling her, only to include her name in the reports to headquarters. Usually, this meant she gained merit for free, but now it meant she was taking the blame for a catastrophe. With Thunderbird gone and his whereabouts unknown, she wouldn't even be able to explain the situation when the investigators arrived.
Hoping to gather more information, she had acted proactively during the support operation. She had even joined the firefighting team to see the extent of the damage. The wide-ranging Fiendfyre only served to alarm her further—what kind of enemy could have forced Thunderbird into such a desperate retreat?
Despite her efforts, she gained no insights other than the knowledge that the wizard who fought him was incredibly powerful. She had risked exposure by trying to contact the Aurors on the scene, but everyone was as tight-lipped as if they had been rehearsed. Frustrated and on the verge of a breakdown, Aseria walked blankly toward Newt and Alan.
"Mr. Scamander, we've finished preparing the shipment. Director Bianca asked me to see if we can depart," she said. As Bianca's secretary, Aseria had to follow her boss. She estimated she wouldn't be getting any sleep tonight.
"Ready so quickly? Bianca's efficiency is even higher than I imagined," Newt chuckled. He turned to Alan. "How about it? Are you ready?"
"No problem. It's been a long time since I've experienced the night sky," Alan smiled, taking out his broom. He had no intention of using his flying cloak in front of so many witnesses.
"You are...?" Aseria glanced at Alan with surprise. Did Newt mean for Alan to come along as well? She wondered why Alan was even present. She knew him as the owner of Silver Lightning Trading Company; was he here for technical support like Mr. Scamander? But if an alchemy tool broke, they would just replace it, not demand on-site repairs.
Could it be? Was Alan related to the battle?
Aseria immediately shook her head. She knew Thunderbird was an awe-inspiring presence. How could a young wizard—a recognized alchemist, no less—participate in such a fight? Besides, he was completely unharmed, his clothes neat and tidy. He didn't look like someone who had just survived a duel with a monster. She mocked herself for being so paranoid as to think a student could be involved in such a grand undertaking.
Alan, however, looked at Aseria with a slightly teasing gaze. He didn't trust the Ministry's ability to keep a secret. To ensure the fact that he could track Thunderbird's mask remained hidden, he decided that Aseria needed to be dealt with as soon as possible. If he let it drag on, there would only be trouble.
<><><><><><><><><><>
POWERSTONES are greatly appreciated. It helps me push this story
For Advanced chapters.(+40)
[patreon .com /daydreamer7] (no blank space)
If you are not capable no worries-you'll get the chapters soon enough. Appreciate you being here!