I wonder if my great purple rank is qualified for the challenge?

Inside the bedroom.

The moonlight illuminated the mess in the room.

As if a whirlwind had swept through, the bed curtains were ripped down, and books and other belongings were scattered all over the floor.

But Ethan didn't care at all.

He stood there, head tilted back, gazing in fascination at the enormous creature that stood proudly before him.

I was so engrossed in it that I couldn't snap out of it for a long time.

His jet-black sideburns rolled like flames, occasionally flashing with a streak of crimson.

His temples revealed bright red muscles, as if his entire body was covered with colorful ribbons.

Dissolving and then restoring, with pus and blood constantly flowing out with a sizzling sound, the muscles surge like waves during the movements, exuding a great sense of power.

In those three pairs of foolish and confused eyes, there was not a trace of the docility that Lou Williams had possessed, which came from being tamed by humans.

Yes, there is only brutality and bloodlust.

Pain was written all over their faces.

This suffering, in turn, exacerbates their violence.

Without a doubt, if the monster guarding the door is inside, then no one has any chance of entering the trapdoor.

"roar……"

The monster thrashed its head in fury, growling incessantly, dissatisfied with being confined to the canvas.

Claws capable of easily disemboweling a person scratched and clawed at the ground, leaving deep scratch marks.

It was as if it were a living thing.

No.

It is a living thing!

They are beings that do not exist in this world; they are new creations created by Ethan with his soul and paintbrush!

Cerberus, the watchdog of hell and a servant of Hades!

[An artwork of exceptional quality has been detected and automatically added to the gallery.]

Congratulations! You have successfully created a living painting!

【Name: Cerberus, the Corrupt Cerberus】

[Type: Portrait]

[Tier: Tier 1 - Purple Epic]

When Ethan saw this line of text, he was startled!

A purple epic painting!

The highest level of painting within the same tier!

This is not only an affirmation of his drawing skills, but also represents a more powerful card effect!

Ethan was filled with excitement and couldn't wait to continue reading.

[Description: Death is the end of torment, but they never die.]

[Effect: ① It will be absolutely loyal to the creator—that is, "you"—and will not betray or actively harm you;]

[②You can summon this creation into reality; it continuously consumes mana while it exists.]

【③This creation's attacks are inherently fire and corrosive; this creation can be damaged by fire, has curse resistance, and is weak to light; it can hide in shadows and move quickly between shadows; it cannot be damaged by physical attacks and will quickly heal itself after being injured...】

[Review: Combining it with "Broom Rash" has a miraculous effect... but who could be so guilty?]

Looking at the series of effect descriptions, Ethan felt his heart pounding and his brain spinning.

That's incredible! So incredibly strong!

Hagrid's Fulwe is powerful enough that he can bite Professor Snape unexpectedly.

And the Cerberus plus version he created is several times stronger!!

That series of characteristics is enough to overwhelm the enemy.

Even the most ordinary physical attacks come with burning and corrosive effects.

Ethan's eyes widened, revealing a ring of white around his pupils, which looked somewhat eerie.

"Too powerful...too perfect..."

Ethan murmured in fascination, smiling, and reached out his scarred hand to stroke the monster he had created.

"Gurgle..."

The three-headed dog struggled slightly, then lowered its proud head, allowing Ethan to pet it.

Even through the canvas, Ethan could feel the intense heat and the chilling cold.

The three-headed dog's mane was cold, as cold as death, while the flames emanating from its body were enough to melt everything.

Including their own physical bodies.

[Second promotion requirement must be met: Create a painting of purple rank!]

[Reward: Map of the Corrupted Swamp - Herbo Mansion!]

It happened in a flash.

A complete and detailed map unfolded in Ethan's mind.

His pupils contracted slightly, and his breath hitched.

In an instant, the vast swamp became completely invisible to him.

[Your current location will be automatically marked when you are within the map area.]

—It's an external plug-in!

Damn it! Doesn't this make his victory seem unfair?!

Ethan: "Holy crap, give me more, hehe."

How can rewards be considered cheating?

This is the result of his long and arduous efforts!

Just then.

Two figures burst in with a bang.

My roommates are Michael and Mandy.

"Ethan, are you alright?! Merlin! What on earth happened—huh?!"

When they saw the things on the giant painting, it was as if they had been choked, and their voices stopped abruptly.

Oh, radiant Merlin... Am I still among men?

Ethan turned his head and warmly invited, "This is my new friend, Cerberus Cerberus. Would you like to come and play with us?"

As they spoke, the three-headed monster on the canvas turned its head to look at them.

Saliva mixed with blood and foam dripped from the jagged, pointed teeth.

Michael & Mandy: Don't come any closer!!

Who's playing whom?

Does that monster play with them?!

"...Damn it, I'm going to bet all my pocket money on Ethan to win."

Michael said, his legs trembling, his voice trembling with sobs.

Mandy didn't respond, but she nodded stiffly.

Now, they really feel sorry for the other contestants.

—A race against death.

……

at the same time.

In a room where no one was watching.

Quirrell snapped out of his shock, his body trembling twice.

That terrifying roar just now seemed to pierce through his soul, making him tremble with fear.

That child doesn't want to come with us; it's a waste of our effort...

"I'm so sorry, Master..."

Quirrell clenched his back teeth.

Was it a waste of effort?

He invested not only his physical strength, but also his mental and financial resources!

For the past two months, he's been like a clown, constantly circling around Ethan!

[If we can't have him, then we'll destroy him... We can't do anything on campus, but off campus, that old bastard Dumbledore can't protect him!]

Have you done the things I asked you to do?

"Of course, of course, Master!"

Quirrell nodded repeatedly, a hint of pleasure and ruthlessness flashing in his eyes.

"I've already planted a seed of suggestion in the Hog's Head pub for those two Slytherin contestants."

"They'll do everything they can to eliminate Ethan completely!"

I hope you won't let me down.

"This time it will be foolproof, Master! In a competition where things often go wrong, crippling a first-year wizard is incredibly easy..."

Farewell, you ignorant brat.

I might shed a couple of tears while I'm lying in St. Mungo's.

Quirrell imagined that scene and couldn't help but chuckle softly.

……

The next day.

On the day of the challenge.

Thanks to Ms. Toponfrey's superb skills, Ethan, who had been admitted to the school infirmary for the second time, woke up completely recovered.

"I feel refreshed and energetic."

Ethan waved his arm, striking a strongman pose, and smiled at his two roommates who were keeping him company:

"I can participate in the competition at my absolute best!"

Michael: "Uh—I think a 70 out of 100 is enough."

Ethan: ?

Mandy adjusted her glasses: "If you need legal assistance, my parents work in the Ministry of Magic's legal department."

Ethan: ? ?

Ethan tilted his head, looking at the two with amusement, and reassured them, "Don't worry. I won't be bullied."

Michael & Mandy: "..."

No! We're worried you'll bully others!!

Ethan hummed "A Happy Day" as he changed his clothes with great joy.

With Cerberus and the map in hand, Ethan had another brilliant plan in mind.

This could make the game more interesting and engaging.

After preparing, Ethan checked all the medicines, tools, and other items in the bag.

He then pushed open the door and went out.

I bumped into a bunch of people.

Students from all grades and colleges gathered at the entrance, waiting for him to come out!

The previously restless atmosphere suddenly quieted down the moment Ethan was seen.

Pairs of eyes stared intently at him, parting a path like Moses parting the sea.

It was as if they were welcoming the king's personal expedition.