The Echo Map provided a clear layout, but it couldn’t display specific magical signatures. Additionally, several cages were draped in cloth, obscuring their contents. Medea studied the outlines carefully. "That small cage, it looks like a Diricawl," she noted. "One of the large ones definitely has a Gryphon. As for the other two big cages… they’re covered, so it’s hard to say."
She tapped the map, tracing one of the medium cages. "These look like Abraxan, probably a few packed together."
Another Auror squinted at a particularly tall, narrow cage. "Wait." His brow furrowed. "That one… that’s not an animal."
The group focused on the cage in question. Unlike the others, this one was about two meters high but had a much smaller base, almost like an oversized birdcage. And inside… There was a figure. A human figure. Limbs, clothing, posture, everything pointed to it being a person rather than a magical beast. But why would smugglers be transporting a human in the same way they smuggled creatures?
Silence fell over the Aurors as the weight of that realization sank in. Medea clenched her fists in anger as she stared at the humanoid figure in the cage. "Those scum, trafficking people too?" she seethed through gritted teeth.
Moody, however, merely let out a cold snort. "Hmph. Not surprising. In the magical underground of the Americas, trading in enslaved wizards and intelligent creatures isn’t uncommon." His voice carried the weight of grim experience, as if he had encountered such horrors before.
Medea, already eager for battle, pulled out her wand. "That’s it. They’ve arrived. Let’s go!"
Alex sighed, shaking his head. The Aurors had plenty of fighting spirit, but when it came to tactical execution, they were far too direct. "Slow down." His calm but firm tone made her pause. "You’re focusing too much on the cargo. Count how many people they have first."
With a flick of his wand, he zoomed in on the Echo Map, displaying a more precise view of their enemies. The Aurors instinctively leaned in to count. Then, as realization hit, several of them audibly swallowed. "Merlin’s beard..." one of them muttered. "There are twenty-four of them. And... are those dogs?*"
Alex’s voice was steady. "Including the two Silver Wands, that makes twenty-six. Twenty-four regular wizards, two high-ranking operatives, plus three hounds. And you think charging in with just fifteen of us is a good idea?"
Silence. A few of the less experienced Aurors shifted uncomfortably. "Then... should we call for backup?" one of them suggested hesitantly.
Alex shook his head. "Waiting isn’t an option. Our primary objective is to capture them all, especially those two Silver Wands If we delay for reinforcements, they might slip away. And we can’t afford that."
Moody, who had been watching Alex closely, finally spoke. "Alright, Alex," he said gruffly. "How do you suggest we handle this? Especially while keeping casualties low?"
Alex smirked slightly, sweeping his gaze over the group. "Fifteen against twenty-six isn’t an impossible fight. The numbers aren’t even double, and based on your reports, these foreign wizards are barely above standard adult skill level." He paused before adding, "This isn’t difficult. We just need to fight smart."
"First," Alex began, "we assess our strengths and weaknesses." He gestured at the Echo Map as he spoke. "We have the advantage of stealth, they don’t know we’re here. We also have better equipment, thanks to standard-issue alchemy gear, which gives us superior firepower." He let his words settle before shifting his tone. "But we can’t get cocky. They outnumber us. We don’t know the individual skill levels of their group. We also don’t know if they have any alchemical weapons or defensive enchantments prepared. The presence of guard dogs suggests they’ve adjusted after your last raid, meaning they might have countermeasures against jammers."
Alex turned to the group. "If we want to take them down efficiently, we need to maximize our strengths and catch them completely off guard." He let that hang in the air before asking, "How many of you can cast the Disillusionment Charm proficiently?"
Most of the Aurors raised their hands. "Good." Alex nodded approvingly. "Now, given that they’re trafficking living beings, especially humans, it’s likely they’ll put up a fight. Some of them might even use the Unforgivable Curses. How many of you can effectively counter the Killing Curse and Dark Magic?"
There was hesitation. The group glanced at each other before, ultimately, only four senior Aurors, including Medea, raised their hands. Alex gave a slight nod. "Four? Barely enough, but we’ll work with it." He straightened. "Alright, here’s the plan." He tapped his wand against the Echo Map, conjuring formations as he spoke. "We’ll use a three-three formation. Each team consists of three people, with the four senior Aurors as captains. Moody and I will act as an independent unit." "Each group will have one captain proficient in countering Dark Magic. The formation is simple: a triangle, with the captain in the center. Their job is defense, while the two flanking members focus on offense. If the situation turns chaotic, tighten your formation and fall back toward your captain. Your targets are the twenty-four smugglers. Moody and I will deal with the Silver Wands"
Alex’s tone remained crisp and unwavering. "Now, before we engage, the four captains and I will set up two types of jammers. Everyone else will cast the Disillusionment Charm on themselves. We’ll approach in a fan-shaped formation and position ourselves at these four locations." He pointed to four key points on the Echo Map, all spots with wide visibility and natural cover. "And as for the hounds," he added, reaching into his coat, "I have a potion that eliminates scent trails. Apply it before we move out.
When we reach the target location, wait for my signal," Alex instructed, his voice firm and precise. "As soon as the signal is given, focus on the nearest smuggler and launch all your attack talismans. At that moment, Moody, you and I will move in on the Silver Wands" He cast a sharp glance at Moody.
Moody grinned coldly. "No problem. I’ve been looking forward to getting my hands on these bastards. They supposedly have some unique magic, I’d like to see for myself." His scarred face twisted into something almost feral.
Alex continued, unbothered. "Timing is everything. Hit fast, hit hard. We need to eliminate at least five of them immediately." "The first strike will throw them into chaos," he went on, eyes scanning the group of Aurors. "Once they start scrambling, don’t hesitate, press the attack. But the moment they regain their footing, be ready for a drawn-out fight. That’s when the captains take charge. Your priority shifts to defense, keep your teams protected at all costs." He met the gaze of the four senior Aurors, ensuring they understood.
"No problem," one of them responded, nodding.
"But what about the magical creatures?" Medea interjected, brows furrowed. "What if they take hostages or, worse, release the creatures to cause chaos?"