Regarding the Delusional Family and the Lovegoods, Sean didn't immediately follow up, because June 24th had arrived—the day the third round of the Triwizard Tournament began.
So much had happened between the second and third rounds that the past months seemed almost surreal. Sean himself had changed greatly, both in strength and status.
Standing before the Quidditch pitch entrance, Sean found it almost unrecognisable.
Half of the original spectator stands surrounding the pitch had been removed. The remaining half consisted of towering walls covered with green plants, with dense fog obscuring the top. Aside from occasional roars of magical creatures from within, no other sounds emerged.
On the judges' platform, Dumbledore was speaking with Durmstrang's vice-principal—a grim-faced middle-aged man who, facing Dumbledore, had to force a smile and speak with feigned enthusiasm. Glancing at the nameplate, this man was called Bladen Hoffka.
Besides Hoffka, the other faces on the platform were familiar, including Barty Crouch, whose face was grey with exhaustion, dark circles shadowing his eyes. Obviously the scandal surrounding his son Barty Crouch Jr had worn him down. After this tournament ended, whether he could keep his current position remained uncertain.
Though in Sean's view, the old man was lucky to still be alive—he should count his blessings.
Walking to the competitors' preparation area, Sean immediately saw Gavin waiting there. The other champions also had family members present.
Seeing Sean arrive, Gavin said, "I thought you'd want your parents to come watch your competition, but you refused."
"This place isn't safe. For me, family safety comes first."
"Then aren't you worried about me?"
"Aside from Dumbledore and Volde... that person, is there anyone in the magical world who could harm you?"
"Ah... to be so disliked in old age. My grandson doesn't worry about my safety at all."
Seeing Gavin's expression, Sean rolled his eyes. "Stop this act. I'm not falling for it."
"Hey, you little brat. I really don't know if you'll shed a single tear when I die."
"Don't wait for that day. I can tell you right now—I won't shed a single tear."
"Ah, suddenly my heart hurts."
Looking at Gavin clutching his chest, Sean said helplessly, "But seriously, is Dumbledore's side ready?"
Lowering his hand, Gavin nodded. "Of course it's ready, but are you sure you want to do this? Your own safety isn't a joke."
"Don't worry, Grandfather. I never joke about my own safety."
Gavin looked at Sean, confirming he was truly prepared, before continuing. "Spiritual sight has great utility in battle, but it also consumes tremendous mental energy. So my suggestion is to use it in critical battles. When you can handle things without activating spiritual sight, try not to use it."
"Alright, I understand."
"Good. I won't say more. The competition is about to start. Good luck. If possible, bring back the Triwizard Cup—that way I can keep pulling strings for you at the Ministry."
Just as Gavin finished speaking, Ludo Bagman's voice suddenly rang out.
"Will the three champions please come to the starting line in order! Our competition is about to begin!"
Hearing the announcement, Sean nodded to Gavin, then glanced at Dumbledore sitting on the judges' platform, just in time to see him give a thumbs up.
Arriving at the starting line and seeing Fleur and Krum already waiting, Sean said, "You two, I'm going ahead."
"I'll catch up quickly and kick your arse."
Seeing Fleur's confidence, Sean laughed heartily, then looked at Krum. Krum met his gaze and hesitated slightly, then said, "Regardless of what happened before, you're innocent. After you go in, be careful."
Smiling and nodding, Sean told Krum, "You too, Krum. Be careful. Also... remember, after going in, don't trust anyone."
At Sean's final warning, both Fleur and Krum froze, just about to ask something when Ludo Bagman's voice rang out again.
"Now then, the first champion, from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry—Sean Bulstrode! Begin!"
With the starting whistle, a magical light screen appeared at the centre opposite the stands, displaying Sean's back.
Sean didn't hesitate. Drawing his wand, he crossed the starting line and rushed into the dense fog at the maze entrance ahead.
As Sean started running, he could clearly hear cheers and encouragement from the audience behind him. But when he plunged into the fog at the maze entrance, those sounds cut off abruptly, disappearing completely. Only the sound of wind flowing through the dim maze and occasional roars of dark creatures remained.
Interesting place.
Sean muttered, then immediately ran forwards.
He knew his real-time image was being broadcast outside, so he didn't make any conspicuous movements—just normal running. Soon Sean's first challenge appeared.
A moving maze.
The maze walls constantly shifted. Whenever Sean advanced, a wall would preemptively block his path. Once, twice—Sean thought he might have reached a dead end. But three, four, even five and six times, he immediately realised he'd encountered a moving maze.
Without hesitation, when he encountered the moving maze for the seventh time, he raised his wand.
"Confringo!"
Yellowish flames shot from his wand tip, striking the maze wall ahead.
The Level 4 Blasting Curse was extremely powerful. With just one casting, Sean blasted a huge gap in the wall.
Looking at the small branches growing rapidly to repair the wall after being blasted open, Sean charged right through, passing through the gap to the other side. The moment his feet touched the ground, he immediately saw seven or eight blurred figures rushing towards him. The powerful vision granted by Wolf's Keenness allowed Sean to instantly capture these figures' true forms.
A group of grotesque, ugly creatures like little demons—Cornish Pixies.
What familiar faces!