The Metal Mentor recalled once seeing data indicating that the advanced basic skills 'Grappling Mastery' and 'Grappling Specialization,' while appearing similar, offered a full 7% boost in Evasion and 9% in Parrying for Specialization upon reaching LV7—a significant divergence later on. Coupled with Fang Senyan’s impressive combat adaptability and inherent capability, it explained his composure when luring that terrifying Mountain Troll a full kilometer away.

“It seems,” the Metal Mentor mused, integrating these facts, his gaze toward Fang Senyan shifting slightly, “that this recruit might indeed be a necessary addition.” He considered internally:

“This Contractor’s potential leans toward above average. I can cultivate him tentatively first. If he proves effective and lacks dangerous ambition, further vetting can follow—provided, of course, he survives this current operation.”

With that thought, the Metal Mentor nodded at Fang Senyan and extended his hand:

“Welcome to the Symbiosis Society.”

Fang Senyan naturally proceeded to sign a series of agreements, certified by the Nightmare Space, outlining his rights, which largely mirrored what had already been discussed. Team members existed in a default state of peace; even area-of-effect damage would not harm allies. Any party initiating an attack against another member had to declare war 10 seconds in advance, incurring an immediate deduction of 6,000 Universal Points.

More importantly, the attacker’s name would instantly be flagged as having left the team, reported to all members within the current world. Furthermore, upon the combat’s conclusion (regardless of victory or defeat), the attacker would have one random piece of gear and three items from their inventory forcibly transferred to the attacked party. Should the attacked member perish, this compensation would transfer to the highest-ranking member of the team. This clause likely explained why Crowbar dared not directly attack Gree, opting instead for assassination by proxy.

Advanced team members possessed the authority to immediately convene a trial for a specific member. Upon initiation, the target’s non-aggression status with the team would be instantly revoked, and they would be expelled. However, the initiator’s attributes would temporarily decrease by 5%. A vote would then commence: if over 50% of team members in the current world deemed the judgment correct, the temporary reduction would be reverted; otherwise, it would become permanent.

Additionally, upon joining, Fang Senyan discovered he gained a passive, team-exclusive ability called ‘Resilience.’ If critically wounded by a Contractor during combat, it activated instantly, granting +10% Evasion for 10 seconds. While currently meager, this effect was presumably upgradeable, promising significant utility at higher team levels.

Team members could also exit the collective during the Nightmare Space’s peacetime state, though this incurred a cost of 5,000 Universal Points and 5 Potential Points.

After Fang Senyan joined the Symbiosis Society, the Metal Mentor invited Dass to join as well. Dass hesitated but firmly refused. However, through Gree’s mediation, Dass signed a temporary cooperation agreement. This allowed him to purchase the procedure guide for 8,000 Universal Points, in exchange for assisting the Symbiosis Society’s forthcoming mission. The Metal Mentor remained deeply suspicious, though the focus of his doubt had clearly shifted toward Dass and Gree.

Under normal circumstances, the Metal Mentor would have launched a thorough investigation to uncover the truth of the matter! But the situation was now critical; the Black-Hand Gang was in close pursuit, the tension palpable and ready to erupt. He reluctantly suppressed his growing impatience, prioritizing the greater objective. Time was pressing, so after a few brief instructions, he departed via the fireplace.

Having secured Fang Senyan’s entry, Gree became noticeably warmer toward him. While sharing life-or-death moments played a role, Fang Senyan’s actual strength was undeniable. With Crowbar’s vacancy, Gree clearly hoped Fang Senyan would support him, happily taking over Fang Senyan’s remaining tasks related to placating the Grindylows. After a quick consultation, the trio decided to stop by Hogsmeade Station to rest and await their transport before heading to Diagon Alley, London's largest magical marketplace.

This trip to London offered no such luck as having Floo Powder for immediate transit; they had to rely on the Hogwarts Express. The train running from Platform 9 ¾ to Hogwarts, naturally, did not run every ten minutes; it operated only twice daily—once outbound to Hogwarts, and then back. According to the posted schedule, the train was due at 11:00 AM, meaning Fang Senyan and the others had not missed the day’s run.

Fang Senyan suddenly remembered Hagrid mentioning a small shop when they first arrived and considered checking it out. Gree leaned back against the waiting room bench, shrugging languidly:

“It’s definitely cleaned out. Everything here is ridiculously cheap—a perk for the Hogwarts staff, I assume. If we hauled it back to the Space, we could easily clear two or three thousand Universal Points. Those two left at the station were counting on that perk; they wouldn't leave you so much as a wrapper!”

Fang Senyan grimaced ruefully, realizing how far behind he lagged in accrued knowledge compared to a long-time team member like Gree. He checked the time, then asked Gree and Jess, who had already closed their eyes to sleep:

“Where’s the restroom?”

Gree, seemingly exhausted to the bone, grunted—it was unclear if it meant acknowledgment or ignorance. Jess, however, pointed to the left:

“Twenty meters straight ahead, the building with the white roof.”

Fang Senyan followed the direction and entered the restroom. The interior was remarkably clean and tidy. After scanning his surroundings and ensuring he was alone, he took a deep breath and retrieved the key from his Nightmare Mark’s storage space.

The key that had dropped from the Mountain Troll.

The key that was unmistakably shimmering with a faint silver light!

Even Fang Senyan’s practiced composure struggled as his heartbeat accelerated! He steadied his nerves, summoned the Treasure Chest, and opened it. Immediately, a stream of information flooded from the Nightmare Mark:

“You have acquired the Silver Plot-Grade Item: Troll Soul Vessel.” “You have acquired the Black-Grade Weapon: Troll’s Great Femur.” “You have acquired an Unidentified Item: A roll of thick leather.” “You have acquired 2,000 Universal Points and 1 Potential Point.”

Fang Senyan didn't have time to examine them closely, rushing to deposit the rewards into the Nightmare Mark’s storage space. However, the Black-Grade weapon, the Troll’s Great Femur, was monstrously large—preliminarily estimated to be a two-handed heavy weapon! Someone like Fante, rumored to possess 28 Strength, would certainly be keenly interested. Moreover, the unidentified item, the roll of thick leather, also took up considerable space. Fang Senyan anxiously reorganized the internal compartments of his Nightmare Mark storage, finally managing to squeeze both items in before letting out a long, relieved breath.

Returning to the waiting area, Jess and Gree were both fast asleep. As official Hogwarts employees now, they were effectively in a safe zone, protected by the station staff. That’s why they slept so soundly. Fang Senyan followed suit, lying down on a waiting bench, feigning repose while beginning to review the properties of his newly acquired items.

Troll Soul Vessel (Acquired via Specific Method / Rare) Item Rarity: Silver Plot-Grade Usage Effect: Upon use on a Black-Grade equipment/weapon, it becomes its “Vessel Soul,” upgrading the object’s grade to Silver Plot-Grade. Warning: If the Soul Vessel’s compatibility with the equipped item is insufficient, the Vessel will be destroyed. Material: Spectral Weight: 3 grams. Description: This is a rare and precious type of Soul Vessel, nearly comparable to Dark Gold quality. Description: For a troll, dying in battle is an honored destiny; they are mentally prepared to be hunted while they hunt other creatures. Consequently, they usually face death with stoicism. However, all Mountain Trolls detest magic, viewing its use as a contamination of the meaning of combat. Thus, if magic is used against a troll, such a Soul Vessel will never manifest. The vessel’s appearance signifies that the troll you slew was subdued by your martial prowess and willingly chooses to accompany you in conquering foes.

Troll’s Great Femur Origin: Harry Potter Magical World Equipment Rarity: Black Attack Power: 30~80 Material: Calcium Carbonate / Calcium Phosphate / Chitin Attachable Device: Grip Handle Weight: 87.34 kilograms. Length: 281.4 centimeters. Base Attack Interval (Strength value can shorten the interval, but it cannot drop below 3.8 seconds.) Equipment Requirement: Strength must be 25 or higher, Constitution 15 or higher. Durability: 120 points. Equipment: +2 Strength. Equipment: 50% chance to ignore 5 points of enemy Defense when dealing damage. Active Ability: Bone Toss. The holder throws the massive bone, inflicting damage on distant enemies. Damage = (Attacker’s Strength - Defender’s Strength) * 2 + Fixed Damage 40 points. This attack will carry the Knockdown attribute, causing the struck enemy to fall for three seconds, rendering them unable to move, attack, or cast during the knockdown duration. Warning: After the bone is thrown, you will be considered unarmed. Warning: The thrown bone can be attacked, depleting its durability. Once durability reaches 0, the weapon is permanently unusable and requires repair. Heavy Bludgeon Passive Effect: Penetration. Heavy bludgeons ignore an additional 50% of defense gained from armor-type protection during attacks. Combat Power Score for this equipment: 21 Appraisal: It yearns for a powerful soul to wield it.

Unidentified Item: A roll of thick leather. Item Rarity: Black Material: ?????? Weight: 27 kilograms.