Fantasy Realm [One Piece] [Harry Potter] [Naruto] - [Progression] [LitRPG]

Chapter 182: The Legendary Hogwarts, First Sign of Corruption

Dumbledore leads the large group of players briskly through the castle.

Alex can't help but stare at the imposing structure in awe. While the castle looks grand and ancient from the outside, it's clearly enhanced by magic, appearing even larger and more impressive on the inside.

Damn, this place is incredible. Even compared to the castle I lived in back in Alexandria... Alex thinks, silently comparing Hogwarts to Castle Alexandria, where he once resided for quite some time. Both castles have their own unique charm, but I have to admit... Hogwarts has more impact. It's on a whole other level.

As he walks, Alex notices ghosts floating about and a few students lingering in the halls. They stop and stare at the large group of players being led by Dumbledore, their expressions ranging from curious to outright fearful.

Eventually, they reach the Grand Hall. Alex's jaw almost drops as he takes in the sight.

Damn, this hall is way bigger than it looked in the movies! And these tables—they're massive! How many students can sit here? He glances at the long rows of wooden tables, estimating their size. Around... 600, maybe 700 seats in total, no these seats are for children, so even more? That would mean at least 500 students, maybe even up to 1,000, are currently studying here.

The scale of the school's population surprises Alex, and he quickly begins reassessing his impressions of Hogwarts as a whole.

Before the group can reach the front of the hall, a loud, piercing scream echoes through the chamber:

"DUMBLEDORE!! You dare invite these foreign devils into our castle?! You are unfit to be headmaster!"

The players and students alike freeze at the sudden outburst. Alex spots a ghost barreling towards them, wearing a strange, pointed hat and flashing a wicked smile. The figure's dark eyes glint with malice, and his voice sends shivers through the room.

It's Peeves.

The mischievous poltergeist zips through the air, tossing down food, tableware, and anything he can grab, sending plates clattering and students scrambling out of his way. A few scream, their faces pale as Peeves rushes past them.

"Peeves! Look at his chest. Something weird is going on," Rishi whispers to Alex, who immediately focuses on the ghost's torso.

Alex narrows his eyes. Peeves is cloaked in an ominous dark glow, radiating malice far beyond his usual penchant for chaos and mischief. He looks outright... evil.

"Peeves... these are my guests. What are you doing? You're usually smart enough to show me at least some respect," Dumbledore says, his expression complicated as he observes the corrupted poltergeist.

The old wizard turns to the group of players, his tone serious. "Well, guests, this is a typical problem caused by the corruption I mentioned earlier. Peeves seems to be affected by something... foreign. Can you take care of it? Consider this a small test—it shouldn't be much of a problem for you, right?"

Rishi lightly taps Alex on the shoulder, his expression apologetic.

Fine, I'll do it, Alex thinks, stepping forward without hesitation.

Activating Ren, Alex raises his voice and shouts, "Glacius!" A blizzard erupts from his outstretched hand, engulfing Peeves entirely. The ghost freezes mid-air, his form encased in shimmering ice. Peeves looks momentarily stunned as if surprised that the spell worked so effectively against him.

You have dealt 37 damage to Peeves (corrupted)
You have slowed Peeves (corrupted)
You have frozen Peeves (corrupted)
Nimbus Cloak effect activates - Increasing Evasion by 5%, and Movement speed by 40%