Hogwarts: Starting as a Card Maker from a Failed Art Student

Chapter 46 The Off-Campus Season Begins! Helpo's Mansion

Ethan ignored Michael's nonsense.

Ethan could only say that this silly boy was a promising young man, constantly drooling over "sister, sister."

At that moment, Ethan's attention was drawn to the notice board.

Since stealing 700 Galleons from the Malfoys, Ethan has stopped doing odd jobs.

Completely immersed in preparing for the art exhibition, canvases and paints were consumed like snowflakes.

The cheapest unframed linen canvas costs around 12 sieverts, and a basic set of paints will cost 2 to 3 gallons.

While not exactly poor, Ethan couldn't help but sigh, "He spends money like water!"

"The notice board is quite lively today."

Ethan murmured, looking at the crowd that had gathered three or four deep around the notice board.

Most students do not have a need to work.

Therefore, aside from initially piquing the curiosity of the freshmen...

Usually, only a few older students are scattered around in front of the notice board.

Is there some new event going on again?

Ethan stepped forward.

When his figure appeared outside the crowd, like Moses parting the sea, the crowd automatically made way for him.

"Ethan, you've come too!"

A senior Ravenclaw girl waved to him familiarly.

"Come here, come and take a look!"

Ethan readily walked through the crowd.

Despite his small stature, he inexplicably exuded an aura of someone two meters and eighty centimeters tall among the group of older students.

He was completely unconcerned about the stares coming from all directions.

Standing beside Ethan, Michael nervously swallowed.

I finally understand what it means to "when one person attains enlightenment, even their chickens and dogs ascend to heaven."

"Hi, Ethan, I've been wanting to strike up a conversation with you!"

The older girl with long sideburns looked at Ethan with longing.

"My name is Penelope Crivart. If nothing unexpected happens, I'll be the next Ravenclaw Prefect."

Ethan gazed into the girl's sparkling eyes, parted his lips slightly, and uttered a single word:

"Pity."

"..."

Penelope was stunned. Looking at Ethan's genuine expression, she suddenly burst out laughing.

"Now I finally understand what Robert meant when he said, 'Be prepared to talk to Ethan.'"

My brain circuits are different from others.

It's hard to keep up with the conversation.

Ethan blinked, neither confirming nor denying.

I turned my head and looked at the notice board.

Above all the commissions, a line of newly added large text floated in the air—

[The off-campus competition season has begun! Those interested in registering or seeking information should contact their respective college deans!]

Below, a variety of other competitions are listed, such as the "Green Fingers Gardening Contest," the "Magic Horse Breeding Contest," and the "Witches and Wizards Rush Forward."

"The most famous sport on campus is Quidditch, of course," Penelope said cheerfully. "But there are other kinds of competitions too."

"For example—would you like to participate in the Little Wizard of Crayons drawing contest, Ethan?"

Ethan smiled slightly: "Are you sure?"

Penelope: "..."

Recalling Ethan's transcendent aesthetic sense and skill, she said firmly:

"No, let's forget about it."

It's considered good if a veteran player goes to the beginner village to blast fish ponds.

What I fear most is leaving those young wizards with lifelong psychological trauma.

One participation, lifetime ban, right?

"What are the benefits of participating in these competitions?" Ethan asked casually.

Penelope: "Uh—yes, like making friends with little wizards who share the same interests, well, you probably don't need that. Like gaining honors..."

Penelope racked her brains.

Ethan is so extraordinary that he would definitely look down on such vulgar things.

What Ethan is pursuing is certainly a greater and more profound goal!

"Like bonuses—"

Ethan looked up abruptly: "There's a bonus?"

"Ah? Yes, yes, there are prizes," Penelope answered instinctively, "like the [Secret Realm Search Challenge] with a maximum prize of one thousand Galleons..."

Upon hearing this number...

Ethan's breath hitched, and his pupils dilated.

Just like a cat seeing dried fish.

One thousand Galleons!!!

It's three hundred Galleons more than the huge sum the Malfoys gave us!

The prize money is the same as that of the three-way battle for supremacy, which has frequently resulted in fatalities.

However, this may also mean that the competition is equally dangerous.

But Ethan thought it made perfect sense.

After all, the more dazzling the gold, the more blood, sweat, and tears it is poured into it.

Ethan grinned.

The sunlight outside shone through the huge stained-glass windows of the auditorium, illuminating half of his face, making the black and white of his features stand out clearly.

"Senior Krivat."

Ethan looked up and, bathed in the bright sunlight, flashed an incredibly innocent smile.

"I want to sign up for this."

"......good."

Penelope opened her eyes slightly and murmured absentmindedly.

She was completely stunned by that smile.

It was as if someone had placed a fluorescent light right next to her face.

Those handsome, beautiful cobalt blue eyes seemed to pierce through her chest and seize her soul.

When Penelope realized what was happening...

She had brought Ethan to Professor Flitwick's office.

"Please come in."

Professor Frivi, who was grading papers at his desk in the office, looked up.

Upon seeing the two of them, their eyes lit up, and they greeted them warmly:

"What's wrong, Mr. Vincent? Miss Crevat? Is there something you need?"

Ethan: "Good morning, Professor Flitwick. I'd like to sign up for the Secret Realm Search Challenge."

Upon hearing this, Professor Flitwick raised his eyebrows in surprise and looked at Penelope:

"Miss Krivat, didn't you explain the dangers of this competition to him?"

"...I'm sorry, Professor."

Penelope lowered her head in shame, crying out in her heart:

It's not that she didn't want to, it's just that Ethan has a soul-stealing curse!

Who could resist being begged by such a pretty little face?!

Ethan blinked innocently and stood with his hands behind his back.

"This competition is very difficult, extremely difficult, Ethan, almost second only to the Triwizard Tournament," Professor Frivi said.

"The [Secret Realm Search Challenge] is a professional competition that assesses the comprehensive abilities of wizards. It is held every three years and is open to students aged 16 and under—that is, underage wizards. The content usually involves exploring a dangerous secret realm."

"Because there are all sorts of accidents every year, applicants must first pass the school's selection process and then be nominated by the school to participate in the competition."

"Although it's aimed at underage wizards aged 16 and under... most participants are over 14. There are very few even third-year students, let alone someone like you who's only a first-year student, Mr. Vincent."

Upon hearing this, Ethan fell into deep thought.

If it's held every three years, then we can certainly wait a bit longer...

However, that's a whole thousand Galleons!

The "Purple Epic" grade painting he requires for promotion must cost a lot of Galleons.

Holiday expenses and the investment in second-order paintings both require money.

But he must make sure he comes in first place and wins the top prize.

Otherwise, it would be a bit of a waste of time...

Just as Ethan was struggling with his decision, Professor Flitwick's voice rang out again:

"Moreover, this competition's secret realm is the most dangerous in its history—"

"The abandoned mansion of the black wizard Halbor, located in the swampy north of England."

"Uh? Mr. Vincent, what's wrong?"

Ethan raised his eyes, a strange light shining within them.

The mansion of the dark wizard Herpo.

This was the location the system had once told him about—the hidden treasure!