[Marvel's Hogwarts Professor] Chapter 681 - 685

Chapter 681: A Different Path

Why?

The magnificent dream world, Lockhart's most powerful ability and his foundation for godhood—why would he abandon it so easily?

After hearing the System's question, a calm smile spread across Lockhart's face. "I want to find another way forward," he whispered.

Remember when Lockhart took Thor to meet the Ancient One? As Lockhart was leading him away, the Ancient One had passed him a message:

What you give up now is the cornerstone of your strength in the future.

At the time, Lockhart hadn't fully understood. But a special reminder from the Supreme Sorcerer surely held significance.

He began reflecting on all his interactions with the Ancient One since joining Kamar-Taj. The Ancient One had helped him sign a contract with Vishanti, suggesting contract provisions that contained subtle loopholes for Lockhart's benefit. The Ancient One had agreed to this arrangement.

Later, the Ancient One had given him a personal book on chaos magic and shared handwritten insights on the relationship between gods and believers. Each time Lockhart sought guidance afterward, the Ancient One had provided direction for his practice.

Then there was the Ancient One's final mention of a last chance, delivered with unwavering conviction.

Lockhart now understood. The final choice presented by the Ancient One stood directly before him:

Either become a god in the Marvel world, continuing the age-old relationship between gods and believers...

Or relinquish that path and forge a new one.

Between these options, the choice seemed obvious. Becoming a god offered well-known advantages—eternal life, authority over reality's rules, command over countless devotees. Lockhart stood merely one step away from divinity.

The dream that fallen sorcerers like David had invested countless efforts to achieve, Lockhart already possessed. He needed only to nurture his dream world methodically, and an unobstructed path to godhood would unfold before him.

But what about the alternative?

Discovering an entirely new path for sorcerers—one the Marvel world hadn't uncovered in billions of years of existence. Moreover, pursuing such a path would likely earn the hostility of the multiverse's pantheon.

Most gods probably wouldn't care about a single mortal's ambitions. But even if just one percent—or even one ten-thousandth—of them took notice, Lockhart couldn't withstand such opposition at his current level.

This was Lockhart's choice to make.

Put simply, the Ancient One had asked Lockhart to decide: Should he integrate into the existing divine hierarchy of the Marvel world, or create a new path that would break the gods' control over sorcerers?

And Lockhart chose...

"Host, I understand your meaning," the System's mechanical voice declared. "Congratulations on finding your calling!"

A faint smile touched Lockhart's face, perhaps in response to the System's congratulations. Or perhaps because the System hadn't stopped him or mocked him for overreaching.

Yes, Lockhart had chosen the second option. He would abandon the readily accessible path to godhood and instead venture down an uncharted, winding road with no clear destination.

Mephisto and Dormammu looked utterly bewildered. They had heard nothing of the exchange, shielded by the System's power.

"System, thank you for your assistance," Lockhart said.

"You know my character."

"I've just told you what I want."

"So, what do you want in return?"

With that, Lockhart gestured toward the captive Mephisto and Dormammu.

"If you seek more primal power, I believe we could cooperate quite effectively in the future."

Who were friends, and who were enemies?

An excellent question.

If the System helped you, did that necessarily make it a friend?

Uncertain.

But did that make it an enemy?

Not necessarily.

The concepts of "friend" and "enemy" were themselves ambiguous.

Yet one criterion remained clear: When interests conflicted, even the closest friend would eventually become an enemy. When interests aligned, even a former enemy might become a friend.

The so-called "friend and enemy strategy" proposed by great thinkers centered on this principle—make more friends and fewer enemies by identifying common interests. The more shared interests you discovered, the more friends you gained.

This was precisely what Lockhart now attempted—establishing mutual benefit between himself and the System. Because his next steps, if the System proved willing to help...

"What do you think, Host?" The familiar mechanical voice of the System resonated with barely concealed curiosity. "I wonder what purpose you believe I might serve in your plans."

Though mechanical in tone, the voice couldn't hide the System's amusement and interest.

Lockhart didn't answer directly. Instead, he glanced at Mephisto and Dormammu.

Pointing at them, he finally responded, "These two are rather unsightly if left alive."

"You might as well consume them."

This time, Lockhart's words reached Mephisto and Dormammu's ears.

Naturally, they protested.

While sacrificing an avatar represented an acceptable cost, needless sacrifice remained distasteful.

"My friend, don't act hastily," Mephisto quickly interjected. "I roughly understand your relationship with Lockhart."

"Whatever Lockhart can offer you, we can match."

"I may have had special resources when researching Lockhart, but that doesn't preclude potential cooperation between us."

"I understand your concerns about betrayal and deception."

"But you must believe in our sincerity. We possess many methods to ensure fairness for all parties."

Dormammu added urgently, "Don't rush to act—we're all restrained now anyway."

"Why not hear our proposal?"

"Our accumulation over hundreds of thousands of years is no trifling matter."

"The primal power of our two incarnations is merely our introductory offering..."

They desperately attempted to persuade the System to reconsider.

Though these were mere incarnations, their sacrifice still carried value.

After hearing their pleas, the System looked specifically at Lockhart's expression.

Seeing only indifference there, the System seemed to grow bored.

The next moment...

Whoosh!

The purple-gold sphere that embodied the System suddenly expanded.

In less than a second, it passed through the bodies of Mephisto and Dormammu.

In that instant, their forms vanished completely.

Immediately afterward, the System returned to its original size.

Floating before Lockhart, it continued as if nothing had happened.

"Now, you may speak."

Lockhart gazed thoughtfully at the space where Mephisto and Dormammu had disappeared.

Had the attempt to gauge himself through the eyes of these two entities yielded any insight?

When the System prompted him, however, Lockhart didn't hesitate.

"Of course," he replied directly. "System, as I've said before, I'm grateful."

"Your abilities are truly remarkable."

"Especially during the early stages of my journey through time—without your help, ensuring my safety would have been extremely difficult."

Chapter 682: Negotiations with the System

"Traveling between two worlds has allowed me to discover new systems, new magic, and make new friends. I've benefited tremendously," Lockhart continued.

"Not to mention your lottery function."

As he spoke, Lockhart's voice filled with emotion, tinged with a hint of awe.

"You can grant the ability to quickly acquire others' powers simply through favorability ratings."

"Truly formidable!"

Lockhart delivered this last comment with genuine appreciation.

The System maintained its appearance as a purple-gold sphere of light. Occasionally, shallow ripples appeared on its surface, suggesting it was listening attentively.

Lockhart didn't linger on the lottery function, instead changing the subject: "When facing attacks from the soul realm of evil gods like Dormammu, my personal abilities would have been insufficient to resist."

"Your presence created an essential defensive barrier for me."

Lockhart continued listing the ways the System had helped him, but stopped abruptly mid-sentence.

He realized that because he had deliberately avoided relying too heavily on the System, his understanding of it remained limited.

Was this good news or bad? He couldn't be certain.

"System, you've helped me tremendously."

"However, I personally believe there's no such thing as a free meal."

"If you consider your previous assistance an investment, then you surely expect something in return."

Having said this, Lockhart fell silent, his gaze fixed on the purple-gold sphere of light before him.

His meaning couldn't have been clearer.

He chose honesty with the System in this delicate situation, though he maintained an escape route. His body—condensed purely from the concept of existence—would persist unless all knowledge of him was erased from reality.

If the System truly surpassed the Ancient One, Odin, and the various evil gods in power, and could erase his existence, memory, and essence from the multiverse... then Lockhart would have to accept defeat.

After all, attempting to take food from a tiger's mouth inevitably carried risk.

He had done everything within his power to prepare. Now, he was willing to gamble.

By taking this chance, he bet that the System's capabilities, though vast, still had limitations—that it couldn't simply erase him from existence.

"That's my personal perspective," he added.

"So I'd like to know what reward you require."

"I'm also curious—why did you choose me initially? Was it because of my luck?"

Everything had cause and effect.

There must have been a reason for his time travel and for the System's binding to him.

Otherwise, with countless worlds and nearly infinite life forms, why choose Lockhart specifically?

Having spoken, Lockhart waited silently for the System's response.

"Investment?"

"That's an appropriate term!"

The familiar mechanical voice of the System responded.

"It's fine if you think of it that way."

Hearing this, Lockhart felt a flicker of excitement.

If the System accepted the logic of investment, then meaningful dialogue remained possible.

Suddenly...

"But, Host, have you ever considered the possibility of becoming a puppet?"

Of course, that's my greatest concern, Lockhart thought silently.

This fear explained why he had chosen to separate from his soul and true spirit. The worry that the System had established deep roots during their long association haunted him.

If the System could manipulate him, turning him into an unwitting puppet, defending against such control would prove nearly impossible.

Yet the System's question actually relieved Lockhart somewhat.

Though maintaining its mechanical tone, he detected something like an almost-smile in the System's voice—as if making a joke, or referencing a possibility that had once existed but no longer did.

Lockhart smiled naturally and replied, "It would be dishonest to claim I never harbored such concerns."

"But I believe that partnership with me would yield greater benefits than controlling me as a mere puppet."

Lockhart's words caused the purple-gold sphere to bob slightly up and down, as if nodding in agreement.

"Indeed, Host, you are a genius."

"Among all worlds, your intellect would certainly rank among the finest."

Lockhart didn't allow himself to be distracted by the System's praise.

He quickly asked, "So, can you tell me what you want now?"

"If it's within my power, I'd be more than willing to help."

"Host, you're performing admirably as it is. Continue on your path." The System offered encouragement rather than a clear answer.

Lockhart pressed further: "Besides primal power, what else interests you?"

"If there are other things, I'll make sure to pay attention to gathering them in the future."

Lockhart continued to demonstrate goodwill, expressing his willingness to establish a trading relationship.

He hoped to establish clear communication and transaction mechanisms with the System—no vagueness, no excessive emotional entanglements.

A pure exchange of interests seemed, in Lockhart's estimation, the most reliable approach at present.

He didn't expect significant benefits from the System. After all, traveling between worlds had already granted Lockhart tremendous advantages.

He hoped for just one thing now: that the System would temporarily separate from his soul and true spirit.

He wanted control over his own existence.

At minimum, he wished to eliminate the possibility of his soul being secretly manipulated, turning him into an unwitting puppet at any moment.

"Host, if you wish to trade, energy of the same quality as primal power would also be acceptable."

The System stated part of its request, but offered nothing more.

Lockhart naturally nodded in agreement.

"I'm curious, Host," the System continued. "Why choose such a difficult path?"

"I could assist you if necessary."

Evidently, Lockhart's idea of forging a new way forward for sorcerers had captured the System's interest.

His previous explanation hadn't satisfied its curiosity.

Lockhart pondered for a moment before sharing part of his thinking: "I personally find the relationship between dimensional gods and their believers distasteful."

"It's fundamentally unhealthy."

Lockhart deliberately chose the word "unhealthy" to describe the relationship, revealing his contempt for the followers of gods and conventional sorcery.

"Besides, I have many good friends at Kamar-Taj."

"If someday they were forced into hostility because of divine relationships..."

As he spoke, Lockhart's tone clearly revealed emotional investment in this concern.

The system of divine worship appeared beautiful on the surface. Believers could gain power rapidly, while gods extended their authority and control.

Yet looking deeper revealed that the gods controlled everything, while believers merely served as sustenance.

It represented a deformed cultivation system.

This was evident in how few sorcerers had ascended to become dimensional gods in recent centuries. There existed no path forward except through extraordinary luck.

"Are there other reasons?" the System inquired further.

Chapter 683: Three Questions

Are there any other reasons?

Of course there were.

Lockhart kept these thoughts to himself. The reasons he had mentioned earlier were all respectable ones, though they genuinely reflected his thinking. But in reality, darker considerations also influenced his decision.

Chief among them was the role of the Ancient One.

The Supreme Sorcerer had offered guidance many times, and now the purpose seemed clear—to present Lockhart with a binary choice. But what would the Ancient One do if Lockhart chose to pursue godhood in the Marvel world?

Lockhart preferred not to dwell on this, yet his mind couldn't help generating possibilities.

Kamar-Taj had existed for thousands of years, with the Ancient One standing guard for much of that time. Throughout those millennia, no dimensional gods had emerged from their ranks.

Was this merely because achieving godhood was difficult?

Perhaps that played a role, but it couldn't be the entire explanation.

The most likely possibility was that the Ancient One had subtly guided—no, that term was too gentle. More accurately, Kamar-Taj actively prevented the emergence of dimensional gods.

Therefore, if Lockhart chose the path to godhood, despite being just one step away from success, taking that final step might plunge him into a bottomless abyss.

Even if he somehow survived such a catastrophe, Kamar-Taj and Earth itself would likely become forbidden territory to him.

One needed only to consider Dormammu's status to understand this reality.

Of course, this remained speculation. Lockhart's choice incorporated this factor, but also aligned closely with his personal inclinations.

He harbored deep curiosity about the future of magic and sorcery.

"Host, are there any other reasons?" the System asked again.

It seemed quite curious, eager to confirm Lockhart's true intentions.

"There may be many reasons, and I've contemplated this extensively," Lockhart replied calmly, his tone resolute.

"However, now that I've made my decision, I won't waver. No matter how many obstacles stand before me, I'll face them one by one."

"Even if I perish, I'll harbor no regrets."

Lockhart's determination was absolute.

This exemplified his character. Before making a decision, he might hesitate and consider all angles. But once resolved, he accepted any outcome.

It was a choice he had made independently.

He would bear full responsibility for the consequences.

Though Lockhart hadn't directly answered its question, the System grasped his meaning.

"Very well, Host, I understand."

"What would you like to know?"

"Given our previous partnership, I can grant you three questions to ask freely."

This time, the System didn't press further but offered Lockhart three opportunities.

The System's attitude greatly encouraged Lockhart.

Through various probing interactions, he had tentatively determined that the System harbored no significant malice, or at least no obvious ill intent. It seemed amenable to reasonable communication.

Yet suspicions remained just that—Lockhart couldn't be completely certain.

Now, faced with this offer, the System had granted him three opportunities for questions.

Countless possibilities raced through Lockhart's mind.

Why had he traveled through time?

What was the System's origin?

What was its purpose?

A multitude of questions ignited his curiosity.

Yet he remained silent, restraining himself and thinking carefully.

Three free questions implied future opportunities might require payment.

What mattered most to him at this stage?

"System, I want to know—in your opinion, what direction leads forward for people like us?"

"Beyond the established hierarchy of gods and sorcerers!"

Remarkably, his first question didn't directly concern the System itself.

Most would be astonished by this choice, given all the foreshadowing. Yet his first inquiry had nothing to do with the System's nature.

And the System...

"Host, I must say you truly deserve admiration."

"Most would use their first question to ask about my origins or my desires."

The System seemed to sigh, though without elaborating further. The purple-gold sphere pulsed slightly as its mechanized voice continued.

"Host, regarding your quest to forge a new path as a sorcerer—I believe you already harbor certain ideas."

"Otherwise, you wouldn't have chosen to sacrifice your dream world."

The System's light sphere rotated slightly before continuing with certainty: "Host, your intuition is correct."

"Your path forward lies at your feet."

"Upon this immense god."

Lockhart had won his gamble!

His guess proved accurate—the sorcerer's path forward existed within the god itself.

The Ancient One's mention of a "last chance" wasn't merely a warning.

It was to be taken literally.

Had the god fully formed, Lockhart would have missed his only opportunity.

The god contained the way forward.

He had encountered references in ancient texts emphasizing that Celestial Beings and Dimensional Spirits didn't follow identical systems.

Connecting these pieces, he had taken his calculated risk.

"Host, present your second question."

The System didn't provide detailed instructions, merely confirming Lockhart's supposition before prompting his next inquiry.

It clearly wished to explore the depths of Lockhart's thoughts.

This host intrigued it.

"For my second question, I wish to know whether our future relationship will be as partners, friends, or strangers."

Lockhart posed his second question without directly addressing what the System desired.

He sought to determine their future dynamics through these three relationship models.

Partners implied mutual interests.

Friends suggested the System didn't have significant need of him—otherwise, how could they be merely friends?

As for strangers—this would reveal whether the System intended to stay or depart after their honest meeting.

After all, if given the choice, the System might prefer to leave and find a new host. Though this would incur initial costs, it might represent a favorable option.

Lockhart deliberately omitted a fourth possibility—enemies.

The System seemed to grasp the subtext of Lockhart's question.

After a pause, it rotated slightly before responding.

"Though the Host is consistently generous, with many seeking friendship with you..."

"I believe a partnership better suits us."

"Of course, should the Host desire it, the System would gladly befriend individuals with potential."

Though delivered in mechanical tones, the final words carried a playful quality.

Lockhart understood.

Apparently, something within him attracted the System.

Though he couldn't identify this quality, it must exist.

He knew his time travel and the System's attachment weren't random occurrences.

The System would not choose to leave him.

"Host, what is your final question?"

"What would you like to know?"

"System, I want to know—can you still take me to other worlds?"

Chapter 684: All Worlds and Heavens

All worlds!

The moment Lockhart heard these words from the System, he was immediately captivated.

Truthfully, Lockhart had always harbored a particular suspicion about the System. What suspicion? For him, the System's greatest value lay in facilitating travel between two worlds.

With only the resources of these two realms, Lockhart had reached his current position—just one step away from godhood, with even that threshold no longer presenting a true obstacle.

It was easy to imagine that access to more worlds would allow Lockhart to absorb resources from countless realms. Many worlds meant many civilizations and many cultivation systems to reference.

The difficulty of creating the new sorcerer system he envisioned would undoubtedly decrease dramatically.

Moreover, if he had traveled once, and then twice—why not more?

Lockhart's expectations soared.

However...

The familiar mechanical voice of the System brought disappointment.

"Host, I understand your thoughts."

"You're inquiring about traveling through all worlds. The System does possess such functionality."

"However, you've declined to be deeply bound to the System. Unfortunately, the relevant functions cannot be activated for now."

Lockhart felt speechless.

It wasn't that he had rejected the System's lottery mechanism entirely.

If his entire being, all his abilities, were acquired through the lottery...

That would indeed constitute deep binding.

At that point, he would no longer be simply a Hogwarts professor wandering through Marvel.

Instead, he would become a Hogwarts professor traversing all possible worlds.

Lockhart found a bitter amusement in this thought.

But he also knew in his heart:

If this were truly the choice, would he still retain his independence?

He might avoid becoming the System's puppet, but the outcome probably wouldn't be much better.

A silent complaint rose within him, regret briefly crossing his features.

Nevertheless, Lockhart remained convinced that his choices had been correct and farsighted.

Then, the System continued...

"Of course, Host, while your situation is uncommon, it isn't unprecedented."

"For outstanding talents like yourself, we naturally provide robust support."

The System's tone grew gentler.

"Your excellence is recognized by me."

"However, it requires verification."

"I need you to produce tangible results that will convince others."

Hearing this, Lockhart was stunned.

Though he had employed various methods to test the System's intentions—confirming it harbored no murderous intent before arranging this meeting—he had also speculated about its origins.

Could it be a cosmic treasure?

Perhaps a powerful entity that had suffered grave injury?

Or might there be an organization operating behind it?

All manner of conjectures had cycled through his mind.

Yet he hadn't asked directly, fearing to waste the System's three free questions.

What real benefit would these answers provide him now?

Conversely, asking something inappropriate might create problems or elicit lies.

But gleaning understanding from the System's responses suggested a higher probability of truth—information the System consciously wanted him to know.

Therefore, he had considered his three questions with extreme care.

Now, he had obtained the insight he sought.

An organization existed behind the System, and there were likely others like him.

What did this imply?

The possibilities were numerous. Were they all time travelers? Was this similar to a divine realm spanning multiple worlds? Or perhaps an organization that extended across all realities?

The potentialities overwhelmed Lockhart, threatening to confuse his thoughts.

So much information lay concealed behind these hints.

Nevertheless, he maintained his composure, gazing steadily at the purple-gold sphere of light before him. "What results would satisfy you?" he asked calmly.

The System remained silent. Faint ripples appeared across the surface of the purple-gold sphere, as if it were contemplating.

After a time, its familiar mechanical voice resumed.

"Host, I believe your previous goal was quite suitable."

"If you can discover a path forward for sorcerers and train ten god-level warriors while establishing yourself in the Marvel world..."

"Such an achievement would prove most convincing."

"Should you accomplish this, I would willingly open the doors to all worlds for you."

The System's voice carried notes of encouragement and expectation.

Based on past experience, it remained optimistic about the Host's prospects.

However, a certain wisdom applied:

A dead genius is no longer a genius.

No matter how excellent the Host might be, death would render his potential meaningless.

Conversely, if the Host could complete this task, he would represent tremendous investment value.

After hearing the System's requirements, Lockhart maintained outward calm, though inwardly he drew a sharp breath.

Was the task difficult?

Undoubtedly!

But why had he accepted the Ancient One's invitation and sacrificed his dream world?

To a significant extent, confidence—perhaps even arrogance—drove him.

Of course, another factor was...

"That shouldn't be a problem."

"But I'd like to know what changes will occur in the System if I choose this option."

Lockhart understood perfectly that a formal meeting with the System, especially one involving a deal, would inevitably bring changes.

The System's response confirmed this naturally.

"Host, since you've chosen this path..."

"Changes will certainly occur."

"From today onward, the System will enter a dormant state and will not respond to any Host requests."

"Only when the Host reaches the established standards will the System reactivate and initiate a new cultivation protocol."

"During this period, should the Host encounter danger, the System will neither warn nor assist."

"Death means death!"

"This serves as your test, Host."

The System's voice now resonated with coldness and indifference.

Lockhart inhaled deeply upon hearing this.

The complete shutdown of the System would undoubtedly impact him severely.

In truth, he had placed significant hope in the System for the development of his new sorcerer path.

Now...

Suddenly, the System's voice transformed from indifferent to gentle.

"However, given your excellent past performance, Host, and our previously positive working relationship..."

"I can assist you one final time!"

As these words faded, the purple-gold sphere of light sank into Lockhart's brow in the blink of an eye.

The next moment, the System's voice emerged within Lockhart's mind.

"The System will completely shut down in six months!"

"During this period, the Host may travel between worlds only once."

"All other functions are offline."

"Finally, I wish the Host success in achieving his ambitions!"

Chapter 685: Final Preparations

The System's voice faded into silence.

Lockhart gazed at his dull, lifeless soul across from him, his heart filled with complex emotions.

This frank encounter with the System—what had it achieved?

The results were positive, overall. His strategy of testing the System through multiple trading interactions had not been in vain.

Yet the sheer volume of information gathered during this meeting shocked him deeply.

The System did not exist in isolation. An organization operated behind it—evident from its use of "we."

The references to multiple worlds, test tasks, and other revelations had profoundly shaken Lockhart's understanding.

Ultimately, the System had returned to his body again, leaving him with final words.

This seemed normal, yet it had exceeded Lockhart's expectations.

He had made extensive preparations for this confrontation with the System.

Including contingency plans for dealing with complications afterward.

Of course, his philosophy remained simple: fight if you can win; flee if you cannot.

At minimum, he needed to safeguard his basic existence and free himself from System control.

Therefore, he had orchestrated this elaborate scheme—sacrificing his dream world and offering the two evil gods as meeting gifts.

He had separated from his soul and true spirit, temporarily becoming a purely conceptual entity.

His current state represented a concept of existence composed of the idea of "Lockhart." He was the embodiment of the collective understanding of Lockhart's identity. As long as someone remembered him, he could never truly die.

This served as Lockhart's final lifeline and the source of his confidence during the confrontation.

The System should have been powerless against him in this state.

When action becomes impossible, peace negotiations naturally emerge as the optimal choice.

This had been Lockhart's original vision.

Yet the System's final move—directly integrating into his conceptual body, returning to its previous bound state—carried clear implications.

Fortunately, the two parties had essentially reached a cooperative arrangement.

Lockhart felt satisfied with this outcome.

As for the final test assigned by the System...

Lockhart's expression remained calm and determined.

These were tasks he had already intended to pursue, regardless of external directives.

In the next moment...

Lockhart, a being composed purely of concept, slowly drifted toward his dormant soul.

Soon, the two merged into one.

Lockhart opened his eyes, feeling the familiar flow of soul power and magic coursing through him once again.

A smile formed on his face.

"System, I hope we achieve even better cooperation when next we meet," he thought silently.

No response came from the System.

Its silence confirmed it had truly gone offline.

Lockhart whispered to the System, but the familiar personal data interface didn't appear.

Only a curtain of light manifested before his eyes, displaying two lines of text.

The first line, illuminated by familiar blue light, read: Undertake one last world journey?

The second line, highlighted in warning red: 182 days, 23 hours, 57 minutes, and 23 seconds until System shutdown...

The seconds continued to decrease steadily.

Seeing that only half a year remained, Lockhart felt a pang of regret.

In six months, he could return to the Harry Potter world one final time.

This undoubtedly disrupted his previous return plans.

Nevertheless, Lockhart considered the exchange worthwhile.

Suddenly...

"Host, I have one final message for you."

"Due to your recent disruption of world consciousness, the System has severed your connection with the Harry Potter world to help you avoid being locked."

"Time flows differently between the two worlds now."

"You must understand that the energy levels of the two realms differ. Previously, time synchronization relied on your connection to both worlds, but that connection no longer exists."

"I have warned you about this before."

"I recommend that the Host returns as soon as possible. The longer you wait..."

The System didn't complete its statement, but its meaning was abundantly clear.

Lockhart drew a deep breath.

It was manageable. Nothing had completely derailed yet.

They simply needed to accelerate their plans.

Outside the massive god's form.

Grindelwald, Strange, Ian, Wanda, Thor, and the others waited for some sign of change in the divine entity.

Though they maintained faith in Lockhart, they harbored concerns about Dormammu and Mephisto's involvement. Claims of having no worries would be absolutely false.

"Mr. Grindelwald, how did you meet Master Lockhart?" asked Strange in a low voice, apparently finding the waiting tedious.

His undercover assignment had profoundly affected him. Constantly dancing on the knife's edge while provoking Mephisto had been an intense exercise in courage.

Not to mention Grindelwald's life-altering teachings.

At least from outward appearances, Strange seemed to find Grindelwald approachable.

"How did I meet Lockhart?" Grindelwald drifted into memories.

His first awareness of Lockhart had come through the meditation method heralded as a miracle in the wizarding world.

Their first actual meeting involved discussing meditation while disguised as a communicator.

It seemed meditation formed the common thread between them.

Indeed, at that time, meditation had been the only subject capable of capturing Grindelwald's interest.

"We didn't truly know each other until we fought," Grindelwald remarked with a slight smile.

Strange naturally accepted this statement and quickly asked with curiosity, "Who won your battle?"

"It ended in a draw," Grindelwald replied calmly.

He couldn't admit that he had merely wanted to test Lockhart's combat abilities before departing.

That would sound like defeat.

During his time undercover, Strange had learned to read people's emotions. Sensing a shift, he quickly changed the subject: "By the way, teacher, what are your plans after this?"

Grindelwald had considered his future course extensively.

The conditions he had promised Lockhart were now fully satisfied.

He had become relatively familiar with the new world's dynamics.

This world contained many powerful individuals, indicating a high upper limit of potential.

Extraordinary people abounded here.

It provided the perfect environment for wizarding development, far superior to the narrow confines of the wizarding world.

In truth, Grindelwald's visions of the wizarding world's future had grown increasingly bleak—fewer wizards, diminishing magical power, and eventually Muggles taking over, reducing wizards to clowns with a few special abilities.

All he had foreseen was endless despair.

This had led him to imprison himself in the high tower, awaiting the inevitable future.

But circumstances had changed. Everything was different now.

The new world's existence truly broke the cycle of despair.

Grindelwald's next step would be returning to the wizarding world to bring the remaining saints and his wizarding family to this new realm.

They would escape that hopeless future entirely.

"Next, I shall naturally continue studying magic..." Grindelwald responded calmly, as though this represented his genuine intention.

However, before he could elaborate further...

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The enormous body of the god's soul began to tremble, and the entire space vibrated violently.

Great change was imminent!