Chapter 1306 The Dark Lord in Hero's Clothing
Carlton was well aware that the Muggle government and the Ministry of Magic held different positions.
"Mr. Wayne is currently our only expert capable of effectively dealing with magical disasters. His actions are authorized by our highest authority. We hope that the Ministry of Magic will prioritize public safety, assist in the rescue operation, and avoid unnecessary conflict."
Kingsley looked at Carlton, then at the mysterious wizards focused on the rescue, and finally fixed his gaze back on Vincent's back.
They showed no reaction to the Aurors' arrival; they might not even give them a second glance if they walked right up to them.
Kingsley took a deep breath and said in a low voice, "We understand the seriousness of the situation, and protecting innocent lives is also the Auror's duty, as long as Wayne's actions are focused on rescue and disaster control—"
Before he could finish speaking, the magical communicator on his wrist rang.
He raised his wrist, his face darkened, and he reluctantly switched to voice communication.
“Shakel! Where are you?” Fudge’s voice, sharp and distorted with rage and paranoia, immediately rang out, even cracking slightly from the intensity of his emotions:
"Do you see that demon Vincent Wayne? I order you to arrest him immediately! Immediately! What he's doing now isn't rescue, it's a performance! It's a further trampling of the Secret Code, a display of magical power to the Muggle world, an act of terror that incites panic and undermines the foundations of our society!"
Kingsley and the other Aurors frowned, and Carlton's expression turned particularly grim.
Unable to get a response, Fudge continued his exaggerated claims: "Vincent Wayne is more dangerous than those cursed madmen! He is the Dark Lord in the guise of a hero! Seize him! This is an order concerning the survival of the wizarding world! If he dares to resist, I will allow you to use all necessary means!"
These remarks were malicious and blatant slander, twisting Vincent's rescue operation into a malicious incident of magic exposure.
Kingsley and the Aurors behind him grew increasingly grim, with Tonks even displaying an expression of anger and disbelief, completely contradicting what they had witnessed.
“Mr. Secretary,” Kingsley said, trying to keep his voice steady, “the situation on the ground is extremely serious. At least two hundred Muggles have been victimized. Wayne is trying to address the source of the curse. Arrests will only disrupt the rescue efforts, cause chaos, and result in more unnecessary casualties.”
“Shackle! You’ve been fooled!” Fudge’s voice was almost hysterical. “The suffering of those Muggles might be part of his conspiracy! A tool to gain sympathy! What he wants is to disrupt the stability and unity of the wizarding world! This disaster could very well be… no, this is all a show he orchestrated to try and whitewash himself!”
Not to mention Carlton, Kingsley's clenched fists were already cracking.
"I'll say it one last time: Follow orders! Arrest Vincent Wayne immediately! Otherwise, I will consider it disobedience, and you and your squad will face serious consequences!"
Not only Kingsley, but the Aurors behind him were also caught in a huge struggle and silence.
Just as Kingsley was about to be driven to the brink by this absurd order, a calm, hoarse voice, carrying an undeniable authority, pierced through the noise:
"Shakel, turn off that annoying thing!"
Everyone looked in the direction of the sound, and Scrimgeour appeared on the outskirts of the crowd at some point.
He looked somewhat travel-worn, but his lion-mane-like hair was not messy at all; in fact, it was much smoother.
But his eyes remained sharp, causing Kingsley to instinctively hang up the communication.
Scrimgeour strode up to Kingsley without even glancing at the magical communicator on his wrist that kept ringing and being quickly hung up.
Scrimgeour's gaze swept across the entire venue, finally settling on the figure on stage who was unleashing a fierce fire that was burning the sound equipment.
“I have a preliminary understanding of the situation on the ground.” His voice was not loud, but it clearly reached the ears of every Auror. “This is a large-scale, premeditated, and malicious curse attack. It is the highest priority event listed in the first article of the Auror Charter. Our mission is to protect lives and resist the threat of dark magic.”
He turned to Kingsley and announced to all the Aurors: “As the Director of the Auror Office, I hereby issue the highest command on the ground: All Aurors, immediately engage in rescue and disaster control, assist the Muggle government in evacuating the masses, stabilizing the wounded, and cooperating with existing rescue forces to contain the effects of the curse. Any previous orders that conflict with the on-site rescue mission are hereby suspended.”
He paused for a moment, then said, “If the minister’s office has any objections, tell them that this is a judgment made by me, Rufus Scrimgeour, based on the situation on the ground, my Auror duties, and my basic conscience. I take full responsibility. I will submit the report and my resignation letter later.”
His words were clear and firm, leaving no room for negotiation, directly demonstrating his determination to resign, like a thunderclap that shattered the hesitation and gloom in the hearts of the Aurors.
"Yes, sir!" Kingsley was the first to respond loudly, his voice filled with relief and deep respect.
The other Aurors immediately straightened their backs, responded loudly, and acted swiftly and efficiently, no longer dwelling on Fudge's absurd command.
Scrinker nodded to Carlton, then crossed the security line and headed straight for the stage.
The speaker, the source of the curse, had been completely burned to ashes. Vincent turned to look at him. "Director Scrimgeour, this isn't something that can be fixed by simply admitting fault and apologizing."
Scrimgeour snorted coldly.
The Lane Hotel was not isolated from the world. After so many days, he roughly guessed why Vincent wanted to use his identity.
"Is there any progress? This kind of large-scale project can't be done by one person alone."
Vincent shook his head. "The executor is Aiden Selwyn, and he is supported by a mysterious force."
Scrimgeour's eyes narrowed. "Pure-blood supremacists? Or those damned..."
He didn't continue, but his meaning was already quite clear.
Within the UK, only fanatical supporters of bloodline theory and a group of utter lunatics would dare to launch such a large-scale curse attack, especially against Muggles.
Scrimgeour looked around; the arrival of the Aurors had greatly improved the efficiency of the rescue.
He took a deep breath. "I will mobilize all the Aurors I can to go to the various sites. What do you need?"
Vincent's voice was low and suppressed, like a muffled thunderclap about to explode deep in the clouds, "Please contact me immediately once you find Aiden Selwyn."
He took an A-shaped ball from the bracelet on his wrist and handed it to Scrinker.
“Good!” Scrimgeour sensed a suppressed rage burning within his calm eyes.
……
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