noveldrama
Chapter 151: A Magical Summer: Introduction to the New Arc
Chapter 151: A Magical Summer: Introduction to the New Arc
Chapter 151 - A Magical Summer: Introduction to the New Arc
A Magical Summer: Introduction to the New Arc
This Chapter will be brief, as it serves as an introduction to the upcoming small arc before our anticipated return to Hogwarts. I ask that you give it a read, as it lays the foundation for what's to come. Don't worry, in a few hours I'll be posting a new Chapter for you to continue enjoying the story. Thank you for your patience and ongoing support!
The week of the wizards' move was behind them, and with it, Isla Flamel had finally completed all the ongoing constructions. The families that decided to accept the invitation to move, including friends and acquaintances, numbered between 10 and 15, a number that could have been much higher if more families hadn't preferred to stay in their own homes.
Once the orders to close the entrances to the Muggle world were implemented, strict surveillance measures began to be established at every entrance and exit to the magical towns. As a result, many wizards chose to stay in their homes or remain within their own villages. Going out had become an exhausting process, with endless paperwork and constant checks. It was as if the entire magical world was under some sort of quarantine, which was starting to take a toll on the mood of its inhabitants.
The hotels and spas opened by MagicTech were overcrowded, offering all the possible comforts. However, despite their luxury, there was a major shortcoming: there weren't enough outdoor spaces for people to enjoy a simple walk. That's when Stephen had a brilliant idea. Since the virtual magic booths had successfully passed all technical and safety evaluations, he decided to deploy them throughout the magical world.
Using their purpose of "maintaining the psychological health" of the confined wizards as an excuse, he quickly obtained official permission to set up gaming centers equipped with these booths. Some wealthy wizards even purchased individual booths to install in their own homes. Thus, what seemed like a collective misfortune turned into an opportunity for entrepreneurs like Stephen. Though he decided to offer the gaming centers for free initially, he knew he would recoup his investments once the crisis ended.
Thanks to Metis, the AI created by Tony, servers capable of supporting almost the entire magical population simultaneously were established. This technological development marked the beginning of the first online multiplayer games within the magical world. Soon, wizards were not only exploring virtual landscapes but also interacting with each other through magical avatars in worlds designed to stimulate creativity and offer an escape from confinement.
The situation within the magical world was far from ideal. The virtual booths, though useful for alleviating the feeling of confinement, were not well-received by everyone. Some families expressed concerns, pointing out that they encouraged isolation and disconnection from reality. However, Stephen found himself caught in a dilemma: amid the crisis, the needs of the wizards were too great to ignore, but he was also aware of the limits of his influence as a businessman.
For those who had lost their jobs due to the lockdown, MagicTech introduced an ingenious initiative: magical suitcases containing portable farms. These suitcases were designed to meet various needs. For example:
Plant cultivation: From essential potion ingredients to magical foods thriving in controlled conditions.
This solution not only offered employment but also provided a way to keep the magical economy active. Wizards could harvest products directly from their suitcases and sell them in the market, maintaining their financial independence even in the toughest times.
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About this Chapter and the upcoming arc
This Chapter serves as an introduction and premise for the next arc of the story. Additionally, it is designed to answer some of the questions you're probably already asking:
How do wizards make a living during the lockdown?
What do they eat in these circumstances?
How are the magic booths now available to everyone when previously only schools had access to them?
This new arc will cover the summer holidays, just before returning to Hogwarts, and will explore a magical world with a strong video game-inspired style"something I've worked on in previous arcs and has been well-received by you all. I hope you enjoy this new stage as much as I enjoy developing it.
Of course, if you have ideas, suggestions, or feedback, don't hesitate to share them. Your input is essential for continuing to improve and bringing this universe to life! I hope this new arc is to your liking and gives you an even more exciting experience.
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