209- The Magic World Has Also Made Progress

    After observing for a moment, Rhys realized that the giant spiders before him closely matched the description of a magical creature mentioned in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them—the Acromantula.

    He approached the most intact spider body and counted its eyes—eight, just as described. Considering its other characteristics, Rhys was certain that this creature was indeed an Acromantula. These giant spiders originated in the dense jungles of Borneo, in Southeast Asia, and were a wizard-bred species designed to guard wizarding dwellings or treasures.

    ''A newly bred species, huh?'' Rhys thought to himself in realization.

    Although modern wizarding society had regressed significantly in some aspects compared to the magical world of a thousand years ago, there had still been innovations and advancements over the centuries.

    The Acromantula was one such development.

    After a brief encounter, Rhys was convinced that these creatures were specifically designed to counter wizards.@@@@

    They moved unpredictably, emitted no magical energy, and attacked with astonishing speed. Worse still, they traveled in groups—making them a nightmare for wizards who struggled with close combat. Their only weakness was the distinct clicking sound they made while moving.

    If he hadn''t been leading the group, or if he had reacted just a second slower, Astoria might have been taken. Daphne, at least, had her enchanted necklace for protection, but Astoria lacked such equipment. Considering that Acromantulas were known for their cruelty and their preference for human flesh, the outcome of being captured by one would have been grim.

    "It''s an Acromantula. I never expected to find such creatures in the Forbidden Forest—looks like we won''t need to hunt that wild boar anymore!"

    Rhys said.

    The small sparrows he had sent out had relayed their findings: the boar he was searching for was currently wrapped head to toe in spider silk, hanging from the treetop not far away.

    Compared to the smelly, foul wild boar, Rhys figured his Basilisk might actually prefer these spiders instead.

    "Acromantula... I think I read about them in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them..." Daphne paused in cleaning the spider fluids off her robes, instead trying to recall what she had read about the creatures.

    "I''ve seen them before in an apothecary. Their venom is incredibly valuable—one pint can sell for a hundred Galleons," Astoria suddenly remarked.

    "Hmm?" Rhys immediately snapped his head up.

    One pint, a hundred Galleons?!

    Was she serious?! The fact that these things hadn''t been hunted to extinction—was it because wizards were actually committed to animal conservation and sustainable development?

    However, Rhys had no intention of tracking down their nest and exterminating them all. In his view, the hunting of Acromantulas should be done in moderation—he couldn''t afford to wipe out such valuable "gold mines," nor could he risk disrupting the existing venom trade market.

    As for the risks posed by Acromantulas, the Forbidden Forest was already a perilous place. If it weren''t dangerous enough, how could it serve as a proper training ground for students?

    He was even considering sending Astoria into the forest for her own training in the future.

    Rhys cast a Freezing Charm on the three spider corpses, sealing off their wounds with ice, and then followed up with Disillusionment Charms to make them disappear from sight.

    As the three massive spiders gradually vanished before her eyes, Daphne visibly relaxed—those creatures were simply too terrifying to look at!

    Astoria noticed the change in her sister''s expression, a thoughtful look flashing across her face.

    As they began their journey back, Rhys let the Greengrass sisters walk ahead. The three Acromantula corpses floated behind them, controlled by his Levitation Charm, while he brought up the rear of the group.

    Astoria took a bit of effort to pinpoint the position of one of the spiders. Then, with a gentle flick of her wand, the spider''s leg lifted—just enough to poke Daphne right in the soft spot at her waist.

    Daphne let out a startled shriek and leaped nearly two meters away.

    The moment she realized it was her sister''s prank, she immediately clenched her fist and charged at Astoria.

    Astoria laughed gleefully and sprinted down the path.

    With a cold huff, Daphne raised her wand, and one of the vines Rhys had previously cut sprang into the air, tripping Astoria solidly.

    Before Astoria could get back on her feet, Daphne pounced, straddling her back and mercilessly tickling her underarms and stomach.

    Watching the two sisters playfully tussling, Rhys could only shake his head and chuckle helplessly—he had completely lost control over these two troublemakers!

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