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

Chapter 183: Abuse of Authority, Raiding the Kitchen!

Alex's eyes shift toward two other figures, instantly recognizing Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley. He rubs his eyes, surprised by how unimpressive they appear. Harry, in particular, looks extremely average, lacking the typical main character energy Alex expected, with only his lightning-shaped scar confirming his identity.

He's part of our mission; better be careful around him, Alex decides, filing Harry away in his mind as a potential focus for later.

After the short introduction in the Great Hall, Dumbledore leads the group of players, along with the professors, into a side room behind the hall.

The professors take turns explaining the rules of the castle to the players. Snape, in particular, takes every opportunity to admonish them, his tone dripping with disdain:

"I warn you, should you disrupt my lessons or throw this castle into turmoil, I will take immediate action," Snape says coldly, glaring at the group.

Alex hears some of the male players snickering behind their hands, muttering insults about Snape under their breath. Meanwhile, a group of female players giggle softly, whispering among themselves about the dark, brooding professor.

Are they using the same tactic as us, or are they just stupid? Alex wonders, narrowing his eyes at the players' antics. Even I wouldn't insult him so openly. Snape's the kind of unstable character you don't want to provoke without a damn good reason.

Dumbledore clears his throat, redirecting everyone's attention. "Now... please get serious. For now, I want you to patrol the castle without disrupting the lessons. I'll grant you free access to the castle grounds, but do not abuse my trust."

His tone shifts slightly as he continues. "Of course, your primary task is to address the corruption spreading from the Forbidden Forest. If left unchecked, it could pose a serious threat to the school and the tournament in the long run."

The players exchange glances, listening closely as Dumbledore elaborates.

"We will pay you each 100 Galleons a week for your services. Your pay will be delivered to your temporary homes in Hogsmeade. Additionally, as a gesture of good faith, I will provide a 100-Galleon bonus later today to help you get settled."

Alex raises an eyebrow at the mention of the bonus, his attention sharpening.

"Furthermore," Dumbledore continues, "should you find valuable items in the Forbidden Forest, I have tasked Hagrid with facilitating their exchange for various rewards. Some of you foreign witches and wizards have expressed interest in our unique brand of magic, and I am happy to add that knowledge as a reward option. Of course, you can also exchange your finds for simple Galleons—no questions asked. Should you succeed in felling corrupted beasts, we'll take note of that as well. The choice of how you approach your task is yours."

Alex can't help but smile at this. The good old system of exchanging prey for contribution points and then for sweet rewards. I've seen it before, and it's always reliable and I got a head start! Glancing to his side, he notices Tereza smiling brightly as Dumbledore mentions magic.

"Now then... you are dismissed. Every week, I will call you to my office to discuss your progress. Expect an owl to deliver your summons."

With a casual wave of his hand, Dumbledore sends six keys flying from his pocket. Each key lands in the hands of a team leader, one of them instinctively landing in Rishi's palm as though the castle itself recognized their group's strategy.

Dumbledore and the professors then leave promptly, exiting the backroom of the Great Hall and leaving the players behind. The room falls silent, the players looking around at one another with confusion and unease.