Harry Potter: Archmage of Another World

As Hermione calmly revealed the truth of the situation, the group's varied expressions betrayed their mixed emotions. However, knowing their survival was assured and escape was possible, they no longer appeared as panicked and disoriented as before.

"So, according to the Treants, the demon guarding this place isn't that powerful. Does that mean, given my and Thor's current abilities, we should be able to handle it?" Loki asked, his tone gradually softening as he spoke.

Hermione nodded slightly. "That's correct. The Treant Elder determined that, since you and Thor are intermediate-level mages, you'd have no problem dealing with the demon's lesser soldiers. That's why the Treant tribe poured all their efforts into breaking the illusion, allowing us the opportunity to bring the Fruit of Life out of this place."

Qiu frowned slightly. "If that's the case, why did the demon commander seem so indifferent toward us? Surely, if he knew about Loki and Thor's level of power, he wouldn't have appeared so brazenly without any precautions."

Lillian cast her gaze toward the altar at the valley's center. Overhead, the massive eye remained closed, its purple rays quietly connected to the giant. "Clearly, since this is a site of worship for Mammon, even if the demon in charge here isn't very powerful, it likely has some hidden cards. Otherwise, this so-called ritual site would be a joke if any intermediate mage could rampage through without resistance."

Thor offered a faint, self-deprecating smile. Among this group, only Lillian seemed to view his and Loki's so-called intermediate status with complete indifference. He couldn't help but feel a sense of helpless frustration.

"In fact, we should all try to see the brighter side of things," Thor said. "We're no longer in the dark facing an unknown enemy. Thanks to the Treants' sacrifice, we've broken the illusion and gained clarity about the situation. I think all of you should set aside your fears and anxieties, treat these demons as nothing more than training dummies, and approach the battle with a calm mind. That way, we can make full use of our advantages. Perhaps that's why the Treant Elder entrusted us with this task. We owe it to them to not let their efforts go to waste. Moreover, don't forget—we need to rescue our companions. Whatever happens, let's face this battle together."

His words carried a warm, radiant determination that lifted the spirits of those around him. Gradually, the group's mood improved.

Around the altar, countless demonic statues began to glow with a dim, blood-red light. The blood-filled river slowly flowed toward the statues, while crimson streaks of light flickered before finally converging on an imposing central figure. This massive statue, clutching a spear, stood silently on the cold metallic ground.

The red light gradually coalesced within the statue. With a faint cracking sound, the enormous eye in the sky trembled ever so slightly. A purple ray of light connected to the statue's eyes, and its dim glow caused a giant gate to appear out of thin air before the statue. Constructed of purple iron, the gate shimmered with a translucent veil that seemed to show countless realms and planes, filled with stars and crystals.

The veil rippled, and the sound of something sharp tearing through the air echoed as a massive, icy blade emerged from the portal. Alongside it came a large, brownish-yellow arm and a pair of pale, pointed horns. Covered in thick fur, a hulking minotaur, standing nearly three meters tall, stepped silently through the portal.

"That's their trump card? Even if Loki and Thor didn't make a move, we could send this stupid ox packing ourselves," Ron scoffed, giving the massive figure a derisive look.

No sooner had he finished speaking than another minotaur, then another, followed through the gate, each wielding a steel blade. To everyone's shock, a total of about thirty minotaurs assembled in an orderly fashion. Their calm demeanor suggested they were veterans of countless battles across the planes. Their bloodthirsty eyes occasionally flickered, betraying their violent nature.

Ron's face turned slightly pale. His earlier bravado seemed all but forgotten. The sheer number and size of these creatures made their quiet presence feel like the calm before a storm of slaughter.

Before anyone could fully process this, the veil rippled again. One by one, black-armored goat demons emerged, each carrying a battle axe. Clad in dark armor that gleamed coldly, around twenty of these demons formed a line opposite the minotaurs.

The icy air grew heavier around them. Was this what they called "lesser demons"? From any perspective, it seemed like they, as mere mage apprentices, were the ones more suited to the title of "fodder."

"Surely, there can't be more coming out of there?" someone murmured in a low, desperate voice, as though praying that no more demons would emerge from the portal.

But prayers, especially in this accursed place, were useless.

The veil shifted once more, and an eerie, fiery sea appeared. Countless wailing souls and vengeful spirits writhed and screamed within the flames. A gray staff emerged from the portal, followed by a frail, skeletal figure. Cloaked in a voluminous crimson robe, the figure's bony, claw-like hand extended from the folds of the garment. Its face, as decrepit and decayed as its body, appeared under the hood.

"That old man looks like he'd be easy to take down," Ron remarked, forcing a strained smile, clearly relieved to see what seemed to be the weakest enemy so far.

Hermione let out a soft sigh and smiled wryly. "I've finally discovered your greatest strength."

Ron turned away in embarrassment, his expression both indignant and flustered.

Suddenly, the skies dimmed. The green light flowing through the heavens was replaced by a crimson glow. From the portal emerged a striking figure—a handsome young man clad in a pristine black-and-white military uniform. A brilliant golden star adorned his chest, exuding a radiant aura.

"Thank you all for waiting. Forgive me for the less-than-ideal hospitality. The banquet shall begin now. Any further delay might test the patience of our esteemed mages." His polite smile carried a sharp edge as his piercing gaze landed squarely on Loki and Thor.

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