- In Marvel: I Start by Marrying Scarlett Witch [Complete]
- MWM Chapter 194
A spell capable of slowing down both the tangible ten rings and the intangible Killing Curse simultaneously—Leo could only think of one thing that could accomplish this: time magic.
And this wasn’t without precedent.
In this world, wizards have not only delved deeply into spatial magic but also into time magic. Spells like the Freezing Charm, the Time-Reversal Charm, and the Reparo Charm all, to varying extents, involve some characteristics of time magic.
Moreover, the special magical device created using time magic, the Time-Turner, allows its user to travel back to the past, enabling a certain degree of time travel.
However, due to the inherent dangers of time magic—not only to the user but to the entire world—knowledge about it is virtually inaccessible in schools or bookstores.
At least, in Tom Fawley’s memory and in various bookstores, Leo had found no theoretical studies or research outcomes on time magic.
But considering Dumbledore was one of the greatest wizards in history and was proficient in almost every form of magic, it wasn’t surprising that he would also know time magic.
What was surprising, however, was his ability to use time magic in combat, something Leo hadn’t anticipated.
“Whirlwind Hex!”
After dodging the ten rings and the Killing Curse, Dumbledore’s left hand aimed at Leo’s shadow clone, casting a whirlwind spell.
Immediately, a violent tornado rose beneath Leo’s shadow clone, tearing it apart in an instant.
“It’s not an illusion, nor is it entirely physical, yet it can still cast magical attacks. How peculiar!”
Seeing Leo’s shadow clone disintegrate into the air, Dumbledore’s expression grew more serious.
If he had been merely cautious initially, now he was fully alert.
Because the powerful spells and magical artifacts Leo had unleashed thus far suggested that one wrong move could indeed lead to a disastrous outcome today.
Having also realized that Dumbledore could use time magic to alter the flow of time around objects near his body, Leo promptly summoned the ten rings back to protect him.
He was concerned that if Dumbledore Apparated close and used time magic, he would have to rely on activating the second stage of his body transformation and using the Eight Gates Release Formation to counteract the negative effects induced by the time magic with his overwhelming physical strength.
However, doing so might expose his true identity because his alter ego was known for his physical prowess. He also intended to rely heavily on both magic and physical strength in his future confrontations with Grindelwald.
Thus, the best strategy was to recall the ten rings to establish a defensive energy field, providing constant protection.
Even if Dumbledore used time magic up close, breaking through the rings’ energy defense wouldn’t be easy.
Sure enough, seeing Leo recall the ten rings for protection rather than attacking, Dumbledore sighed with a hint of regret. He then flickered away, temporarily halting his magical assault and increasing the distance between himself and Leo.
By now, the Quidditch pitch had been reduced to ruins due to their battle, and the Aurors from the Ministry of Magic had retreated in fear to a safe distance.
Over at Hogwarts Castle, the headmaster and all the professors combined their magic to cast a massive protective shield over the entire castle, preventing any spillover from the battle.
They had no choice; even without witnessing the detailed exchange, the collision between water and fire alone had been terrifying enough—powerful enough to wipe out a group of wizards instantly.
“Dumbledore, you are indeed stronger than I expected. But if, say, a hundred of me attacked you at once, what would you do?”
As he watched Dumbledore Apparate away to widen the distance again, Leo formed a hand seal:
“Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu!”
In an instant, ninety-nine identical shadow clones appeared across the battlefield.
“Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet!”
“Water Release: Water Formation Wall!”
“Earth Release: Earth Dragon Spear!”
“Wind Release: Pressure Damage!”
“Lightning Release: False Darkness!”
One by one, the shadow clones quickly formed seals, unleashing countless high-level five-element ninjutsu attacks, showering them like they were free, covering the area where Dumbledore was standing.
Even Dumbledore, who had great confidence in his Protego charm, didn’t dare to defend against such an onslaught and immediately Apparated to evade.
The barrage of elemental ninjutsu continued for a full minute, only stopping when the chakra in the shadow clones was almost depleted.
The Quidditch pitch, which had originally been the site of the battle, was now completely transformed into a small lake due to the onslaught of the ninjutsu.
This terrifying scene left all the wizards, both young and old, watching in utter shock.
Of course, despite the formidable attacks, they still hadn’t managed to kill Dumbledore, as he had long since Apparated out of the area covered by the ninjutsu.
And Leo knew this because he hadn’t intended to kill Dumbledore in the first place.
His goals in coming here were twofold: to complete Grindelwald’s task and to demonstrate to the wizarding world that his power could rival Dumbledore’s, thereby putting pressure on both Dumbledore and the Ministry of Magic.
At the same time, he sought to establish a reputation within the Pure-Blooded Wizards Party second only to Grindelwald.
Thus, his objective was to showcase his own strength, and unleashing ninety-nine shadow clones to cause havoc was a way to demonstrate this.
Yes, Dumbledore could dodge with his extraordinary Apparition skills, but what about other wizards?
How could they withstand such a powerful Leo?
“Boom!”
At that moment, dark clouds suddenly appeared above all of Leo’s heads, with thunder and lightning followed by a torrential downpour. Then, bolts of lightning as thick as an arm came crashing down, bombarding all of Leo’s clones below.
It wasn’t long before all of Leo’s shadow clones were blasted into puffs of smoke by the lightning.
It was Dumbledore, who had been lying in wait at a distance, seizing the moment to launch a counterattack. He used the Weather Charm to conjure a vast storm cloud, guiding the lightning within it to strike down at Leo.
“Is he dead?”
The British Ministry of Magic Aurors, also hiding at a distance, couldn’t help but Apparate over to Dumbledore when they saw all of Leo’s clones vanish.
Holding his wand, Dumbledore shook his head and warned cautiously:
“No, those were just clones that disappeared. His true form must have hidden elsewhere by now. You should keep your distance from me; we don’t know what kind of strange magic he’ll use against me next.”
By this point in the duel, he understood that while his opponent might not match him in certain aspects, the sheer destructive power of their magic was certainly on par with his and Grindelwald’s.
If his opponent counterattacked, Dumbledore could rely on Apparition to dodge, but if the Aurors were nearby, they would likely be caught in the crossfire.
Hence, the Aurors being there wouldn’t be of any help; instead, they would only hinder him.