Chapter 162: The Maze

Quidditch Pitch.

A massive hedge maze made of hedge walls appeared before everyone's eyes.

The maze was shrouded in a mist, making it unclear, but one could barely see that the maze extended beyond the Quidditch pitch, almost reaching the edge of the Black Lake.

The four champions, along with the three headmasters and Old Barty, stood on the high platform of the Quidditch pitch, looking at the maze.

Today was the day they would announce the content of the third task.

So they had been summoned here early in the morning.

"The third task of the Triwizard Tournament is also the final task."

"Your task is simple: get through the maze and find the Triwizard Cup in the center."

"Whoever grabs the Triwizard Cup first is the final champion."

Old Barty stood at the edge of the high platform, speaking slowly to the four champions.

"Of course, it's not as simple as a regular maze."

"The maze is filled with layers of obstacles; please be sure to treat it with caution, otherwise, you might not even have the chance to call for help."

Listening to Old Barty's words, everyone looked at the maze shrouded in mist, their expressions varying.

John, at least, looked very excited; he loved adventure games the most.

"So, what's the point of the points from the first two tasks?"

John suddenly asked.

"Of course, it's useful."

"The contestant with the highest points can enter the maze first, followed by the others according to their ranking, with a five-minute interval between each."

Old Barty replied.

However, upon hearing this, John was not only unhappy but complained with dissatisfaction.

"So the first place gets to go in first to clear the mines for them?"

"......"

As soon as these words were spoken, Old Barty and the headmasters were speechless.

"Your entrances are different, and the paths inside are full of uncertainty. Entering first means you can have more choices and be one step ahead."

Dumbledore spoke up to answer John.

"Then it would be better to set a single entrance, and I'll just block the door at the start."

John curled his lip and said.

"......"

This child really didn't want to lose out on anything.

Dumbledore also shook his head helplessly.

After the content of the third task was announced.

The champions finally knew in what direction they should prepare.

Maze, traps, and unknown magical creatures.

They had to be fully prepared to deal with all kinds of unexpected situations.

Most importantly, naturally, was how to find the correct direction in the maze.

"Here, this, the Point Me Spell, can help a wizard find the correct path."

In the library, John and Hermione were sitting together as usual, discussing countermeasures for the third task.

Hermione pointed to a spell in a magic book and introduced it to John.

"Oh this, I know, Professor Fuliwei told me about it."

"But is this thing useful in the maze? After all, the maze might have interference magic cast on it."

John looked at the spell and said uncertainly.

"Interference magic will indeed affect the accuracy of the Point Me Spell, but it is determined by the strength of the magic power. Theoretically, as long as you are strong enough, you won't be interfered with."

"Even if there is interference, you can calibrate the direction by casting the spell repeatedly."

Hermione had naturally considered John's concerns; even with interference, it was better than bumping around like a headless fly.

Combined with magical markers, marking the paths already traveled, the possibility of getting lost could be greatly reduced.

"So that's how it is."

John nodded.

It seemed the Point Me Spell still needed more practice.

"Having solved the problem of getting lost, the next thing to consider is the dangers that might be encountered in the maze."

Hermione put down the magic book and took out another book about magical traps.

"Like Pitfall Spells, Illusion Arrays, and trigger-style magic nets, these could all be used in the maze... um, also..."

However, John, watching Hermione's serious demeanor from the side, couldn't help but laugh.

Hermione was speaking seriously, and upon hearing John's laughter, she looked at him with dissatisfaction and asked.

"What are you laughing at?"

"Cough, nothing, you continue."

John hurriedly suppressed his smile, pretending to stare intently at the trap book.

But his eyes still held a hint of hidden laughter.

Hermione, seeing his relaxed demeanor, couldn't help but tap his arm lightly with the book.

"Take this seriously, this isn't a joke."

John rubbed the spot where he was tapped, but the smile didn't fade, and he looked into Hermione's eyes and said seriously.

"I am being very serious, okay? I am listening carefully to every word you say."

Hearing John's suggestive words, Hermione's face turned slightly red.

She pursed her lips and immediately pretended to be pouting again.

"Then what were you laughing at just now?"

"Laughing at how cute you are, listing a bunch of traps for me so seriously, as if I would really run headfirst into them."

John said softly, resting his chin on one hand, his eyes filled with a hint of teasing and tenderness.

Hermione, hearing John's blunt words, felt her cheeks turn even redder, and she tapped him lightly with the book again, complaining in a low voice.

"It's all your fault, always looking so relaxed, making people worry."

"Alright, alright, I will definitely be on high alert!"

Saying this, John sat up straight, placed his hands properly on the table, and widened his eyes, looking incredibly energetic, which made Hermione laugh again.

"Idiot, who told you to act like that."

"I just hope you can take these dangers seriously, because I don't want to see you in danger."

After laughing, Hermione's voice lowered slightly: "So promise me, don't push yourself. The Triwizard Cup is just a friendly competition. Don't do anything reckless just to win."

Looking at Hermione's worried expression, John's eyes gradually softened, and he gently held her hand: "I promise you."

"Besides, with you by my side to remind me, how could I be careless?" John squeezed her hand gently, a smile rising at the corner of his mouth.

Hermione lowered her head, her cheeks slightly red again.

"... Smooth talker." ===== CHAPTER 163 =====