With Professor Enoch defeated and the Lost Tome of Stupidity securely in my grasp, I made my way back down the great hill, feeling like a freaking champion. The candy trees rustled softly in the breeze, and the purple sky seemed to sparkle with anticipation.

  As I re-entered the clearing where I'd first met them, the Knowledge Gnomes rushed out to greet me, their eyes wide with awe and respect. "Amy, you've done it!" one of them exclaimed, jumping up and down with excitement. "You've retrieved the Lost Tome of Stupidity! We owe you a great debt!"

  I grinned, striking a dramatic pose. "You bet your sweet gnome asses I did. So, what's my reward? I hope it's something awesome."

  The gnomes exchanged glances, and then the one who seemed to be their leader stepped forward. "Indeed, Amy. As promised, we will grant you a great reward for your courage and dumbness. Firstly, we shall bestow upon you the title of Grand Dumbass, a title rarely given and highly respected in these parts."

  I puffed out my chest, preening at the sound of that. "Grand Dumbass, huh? I like it!"

  The gnome leader continued, "Additionally, we shall grant you two levels' worth of experience points, to help you on your continuing journey through this world."

  "You have been rewarded by the Knowledge Gnomes!" the voice in my head said. "You have gained 2 levels and new stat points!"

  Stat Screen:

  Available Stat Points: 4

  I allocated my four stat points, putting two into Strength and two into Dexterity. I could feel myself growing stronger and faster with each point.

  The gnome leader noticed the change in me and nodded appreciatively. "You are indeed becoming a force to be reckoned with, Amy. But there is one more thing we would like to offer you—a choice of evolution."

  New Evolution Available:

  I considered my options, but the choice was clear. I wanted to be the dumbest of the dumb—pure idiocy in the flesh.

  "I'll take Radiant Idiocy," I said, my voice echoing with newfound power.

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  A wave of pure, unadulterated idiocy washed over me, and I could feel my body changing once again. My skin took on a glowing, almost ethereal sheen, and my muscles became more defined and rippled with dumb energy. I threw back my head and let out a roar of pure, radiant idiocy.

  The gnomes stumbled back, their eyes wide with a mix of fear and awe. "You have chosen well, Amy," the leader said, his voice barely above a whisper. "With this evolution, you are now a true force of nature—a Radiant Idiot."

  Stat Screen:

  Skills:

  I felt freaking invincible! With my new evolution complete, I turned back to the gnomes, eager for my next challenge.

  The gnome leader seemed to sense my anticipation and nodded solemnly. "There is one more thing, Amy. A great danger threatens this world, and we have a quest that only someone of your unique abilities can undertake."

  I leaned in, my eyes wide with excitement. "Lay it on me, gnomes! I'm ready for anything!"

  The gnome leader took a deep breath and began to speak, his voice grave and serious. "Deep within the heart of the dumbest forest, there lies a ancient temple dedicated to the goddess of Stupidity. For generations, this temple has been guarded by the stupidest of all creatures—a creature known as the Ultimate Idiot. This creature possesses a artifact of immense power—the Crown of Infinite Stupidity. Whoever wears this crown will gain control over all things dumb, becoming the ultimate ruler of this world."

  I grinned, already imagining myself wearing said crown. "Sweet! So, what's the catch?"

  The gnome leader's expression darkened. "The Ultimate Idiot is a creature of pure, unadulterated stupidity. It is said to be the physical manifestation of all things dumb, and its power is beyond comprehension. To make matters worse, the temple is guarded by hordes of lesser idiot creatures, all equally as stupid and dangerous. Your quest, should you choose to accept it, is to journey into the heart of the Dumbest Forest, defeat the Ultimate Idiot, and retrieve the Crown of Infinite Stupidity."

  I stood there for a moment, letting the weight of the quest sink in. Then, I threw back my head and laughed—a deep, dumb laugh that echoed through the clearing.

  "Count me in, gnomes!" I exclaimed, my eyes shining with excitement and just a touch of madness. "I, Amy, the Radiant Idiot, will journey into the heart of the Dumbest Forest and kick some serious stupid ass! Bring it on!"

  And so, with my new quest in hand, I set off once again, ready to face whatever dumb challenges lay ahead. The world was my oyster, and I was the dumbest pearl in its crazy, stupid shell.

  The Redburn Magic Path to Archduchess [Progression, Dungeons, Romance, Inspired by Harry Potter] by the awesome Ally_k05! A Harry Potter inspired progression story full of awesome lore, backstory, and cool character art.