Chapter 34: Chapter 34 - Problems and their solutions
"Alright, for the time being, the issue with magical weapons is resolved. How are things progressing with the construction of the Elysium Academy?" inquired Asmodeus Grindelwald as he descended the stairs.
"The construction of the Academy is proceeding according to plan. In approximately three months, by the end of March, the exterior will be completed. The next steps involve designers and interior arrangements," replied Grindelwald.
"That's good. What about the new trading street?" Asmodeus asked, noticing the darkened expressions on Gellert and the others.
"What's wrong? Any issues during construction?" Asmodeus questioned, observing the visibly incorrect expressions on the elders' faces.
"Construction is proceeding smoothly, but... those shop owners in the diagon alley refuse to open branches with us. They claim there aren't enough wizards in England to attract visitors," explained Grindelwald.
"Hmm... Have you mentioned squibs to them?" Asmodeus suggested.
"Yes, but they don't believe it. They won't believe there's a method for squibs to become wizards until someone officially announces it. As for Muggles, we haven't disclosed that yet," admitted Grindelwald.
"Alright, then let's announce through official channels that I've found a solution for squibs. A new Magic Academy will be built for them, along with a trading street adjacent to the academy!" declared Asmodeus.
"Are you sure? I thought you wanted to quietly subjugate all squibs..." questioned Grindelwald
"In fact, those Filch brought me are already sufficient. I currently have 10,000 subordinates, 'former squibs,' and I have no intention of handing over magical circle technology just like that. At least not until the academy admits all elite Muggles and they become full-fledged wizards. I plan to announce through 'The Daily Prophet' that I am ready to heal all squibs willing to sign a contract with the Morningstar family. They commit not to oppose the Morningstar family in any form!"
"Sounds good to me; I'm all for it!"
"Alright, when can you make the announcement on behalf of the Minister of Magic?"
"Tomorrow! Let the old man rest today... you know, lately, I've been constantly checking if everything is going according to plan during construction."
"Alright..."
As Asmodeus said this, it seemed he remembered something and told Nicolas, who was descending the stairs, "Nico, here, take this. Engrave these runes so that the castle and the surrounding area are always neither too hot nor too cold," he tossed the book to Nicolas.
Basic runes for improving living conditions – a book he bought a long time ago for 100 points. It contains special runes for enhancing comfort in the house and several runes for reinforcing the building itself. For example, the "cooling" rune can be used as an air conditioner if inscribed on the castle wall. In conjunction with the "warmth" rune, they can create a constant temperature of 25 degrees in the building. The book contains many such useful but non-combat applications of various runes.
"Wow, Asmodeus, this is excellent! I was thinking of using my alchemical knowledge for this, but with these runes, everything will be much easier."
"You're always welcome," Asmodeus nodded.
"By the way, Grindelwald, you can take this book from Nico and build a couple of high-class hotels on the trading street. I think there will be many visitors willing to pay extra for better living conditions. Moreover, Muggle elites will surely want to occasionally meet with their children there. You can register the hotels in your name; in any case, the entire street belongs to me."
"Oh, and regarding those who want to open branches with us after the Ministry of Magic announcement, suggest either renting the buildings we've constructed or inform them that building new structures is possible on the outskirts. Try to keep the shops in the center for our needs."
Grindelwald nodded and said nothing. It didn't matter to him anymore; he was pleased that his goal was nearing completion, and he would assist Asmodeus in any way he could.
Having said all he wanted to this group of people, Asmodeus headed towards where Newt Scamander and magizoologists were sitting.
"Newt, hello. How's the selection of animals I mentioned going?"
"Oh, hello Asmodeus, I didn't notice you. What you asked for is not impossible, but still not that simple... gathering different magical creature species below level 4 and creating habitats for them within the castle... I still don't understand why we're doing this."
"To allow Muggle students from different countries to interact with magical creatures from their regions and promote the protection of these beings! You know, according to our research with Bathilda Babbling, the more wizards in the world and the more people know about magic and believe in it, the higher the magical density in space. Over time, the amount of mana in the world will only increase, and magical creatures will become more abundant, gradually becoming stronger. We need to train new wizards to interact with them in advance and not push them away."
"I know, I know... I just think it's better for animals to live in their natural environment."
"I completely agree with you, but we'll have to do this. I want to teach students to live in harmony with magical creatures and instill in them a love for nature. And for that, they need constant contact with friendly animals."
"Alright, alright... I'll do it, but I'll need a lot of funds."
"Ha-ha-ha, tell Nico to lend you the Philosopher's Stone if the money from the Muggles isn't enough. Anyway, he has boxes filled with those philosophical stones. I'm sure he'd be happy to lend you some."
Newt Scamander nodded.
Having finished all his business, Asmodeus headed towards Dumbledore's table.
"Albus, tomorrow Grindelwald's people, in the form of Fudge, will make a statement that I'm ready to cure squibs. You'll have to handle the pressure from the International Confederation of Wizards."
"Yes, I've already heard about it. Don't worry; I'm no longer the coward you could push around. I've broken out of the cage I trapped myself in after Fudge's ousting."
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