Chapter 136: Reconciliation

When Harry took the Golden Egg into his hand, thunderous cheers erupted from the spectator seats in an instant.

Harry Potter raised the Golden Egg aloft, riding a Fire Crossbow Bolt as he circled the arena.

He proclaimed the challenge completed.

Then came the scoring segment.

Old Barty and Dumbledore gave Harry 9 points, Ma Ke Xi Mu Fu Ren gave 8 points, and Karkaroff gave only 4 points.

Harry's final total settled at 30 points.

Like John, he had a high score; Furong only had 28 points, and Krum had 29.

Thus Harry and John temporarily tied for first.

Afterward, Harry, still holding the Golden Egg, slowly descended to the emergency tent for inspection and awaited further arrangements.

When Harry and John met, they excitedly rushed forward and gave him a hug.

Clearly having passed the challenge, the heavy burden in his heart was lifted; John smiled and returned the hug, and they congratulated each other.

"The four warriors have all passed the first trial!"

"They fully displayed their courage and wisdom! The next challenge will be even tougher, but this moment's glory still belongs to them!"

Dumbledore spoke again, delivering a passionate concluding remark.

He then had the students exit in an orderly fashion under the professors' guidance.

Dumbledore, leading two Headmasters and Old Barty, also went to the emergency tent.

"Well done, children."

Upon entering, Dumbledore smiled at the four of them.

Karkaroff and Maxime each went behind their own students, lightly patting their warriors' shoulders in encouragement.

Then Old Barty stepped forward and addressed the four.

"First, congratulations on successfully passing a challenge."

"The time for the next challenge has been set: February 24th of next year."

"And the clue for the second challenge lies within the Golden Egg you hold."

"You must, before the second challenge begins, uncover the Golden Egg's secret and prepare for the second challenge."

Hearing Old Barty's words, the four warriors lowered their heads to the Golden Egg in their hands, curious about what puzzle it might hold.

John immediately set about opening it, wanting to see whether any of the Headmasters would reveal a slip when they saw the inside of the Golden Egg.

But before he could open it, Dumbledore's hand rested on John's.

"Don't be impatient, John; open this after you return."

Dumbledore said with a cheerful smile.

"......"

John instantly felt a sense of déjà vu, because that smile was the same as when Dumbledore had tricked him into eating the Bibi Multi-flavor Beans that tasted like boogers.

"... I understand."

John nodded in agreement.

Dumbledore smiled and withdrew his hand.

But as soon as Dumbledore's hand retracted, John decisively twisted open the switch atop the Golden Egg.

Snap— the Golden Egg unfolded.

Whoa!!!!

In an instant, a sharp, piercing blast roared out.

The sound was like countless sea monsters shrieking mournfully at your ear, and like a gale whipping through a deep cavern, making the scalp tingle.

Everyone instantly covered their ears from the piercing noise.

John hurriedly closed the Golden Egg, and the sharp sound abruptly ceased.

Silence returned to the tent at once, and the warriors stared at each other, clearly bewildered.

Is the Golden Egg's information really that explosive?

A literal, physical explosion.

Dumbledore and the other Headmasters were also unable to bear the noise, yet they clearly already knew its contents.

So this was a deliberately designed puzzle.

"John, you kid..."

Dumbledore shook his head, then, speechless, looked at John.

He told him not to open it, yet he insisted.

His old bones can't endure such strain.

"Alright, alright, hurry back; everyone at your academy is waiting to celebrate your return."

Dumbledore waved his hand and promptly sent the four warriors away.

Lest any reckless youngster open the Golden Egg again.

John and Harry had just stepped out of the tent when they saw the waiting companions outside.

Hermione, upon seeing the two, rushed forward excitedly and embraced them both.

"Harry! John! You're amazing!"

Clearly the recent competition had made her very worried and nervous. Now that they're safely back, her lingering anxiety finally eased.

"That's over the top, Hermione."

Harry chuckled lightly, patting Hermione's shoulder, signaling her not to get too excited.

John gave a faint smile.

At that moment, Ron also came to Harry's side, and Harry, seeing Ron, was also breaking free from Hermione's embrace.

Hermione, seeing Ron and Harry's situation, hurriedly pulled John aside.

She silently left space for the two to be alone.

Meanwhile, Titus and the others gathered around John, praising his performance in the dragon duel.

That Transfiguration was simply masterful; even an adult Wizard might not be able to conjure a Stone Giant to clash head‑on with a Fire Dragon.

Sirius also gave him a thumbs‑up.

John naturally accepted them all; if he didn't accept those compliments, why would he be pretending?

On the other side, Ron lowered his head slightly, looking at Harry.

"Harry, I've thought about it for a long time, and I think you must be crazy to even apply for this..."

"For such a dangerous competition, anyone who signs you up must be out to get you!"

Harry listened to Ron's words; although he was glad Ron had come around, recalling Ron's earlier scowl, he couldn't help but retort sarcastically.

"Finally figured it out? You've been thinking about it for ages,"

Hearing Harry's cutting remark, Ron pursed his lips and felt sorry for Harry.

He scratched his head, lowered his voice: "Harry... I'm sorry, I'm really as stupid as a donkey."

Harry looked at Ron's flushed face, and the resentment in his heart eased considerably.

He threw an arm around Ron's shoulder and laughed: "Isn't that just a donkey, though?"

Ron couldn't help but laugh, hugging Harry tightly.

After parting, the two exchanged a smile, and the barrier vanished.

Hermione, watching from the side, saw them reconcile and, excitedly, embraced John.

It felt like two unlucky kids finally making up, and a mother‑like figure feeling relieved and content.