The robe concealed much of her beauty, yet the woman remained breathtakingly radiant.
Jet-black hair cascaded naturally, dotted with droplets of water. Her oval face bore delicate features accentuated by heavy makeup—her lips painted an unusual black-green. Though the style bordered on unconventional, it suited Nagini perfectly.
If anything, it added to her allure.
"No need to call me master," Wayne said, pulling his head free for air. "We agreed—just Wayne is fine."
"Mmm." Nagini smiled tenderly. "Young Master Wayne."
To Nagini, Wayne was the creator who had granted her a second life. The past no longer mattered—from now on, she would live only for this young man before her.
"Come on, Gardevoir has prepared a room for you. Rest properly for a while."
"No need." Nagini caught Wayne just as he turned to leave. "Open the Chamber first."
"No rush." Wayne chuckled. "There's an Eastern saying—'beat the grass to startle the snake'. If we wake the Basilisk now, Tom will definitely notice something's off when he arrives."
"Besides, you should test first whether you still retain your ability to command serpents now that the curse is gone."
"Alright." Nagini sounded disappointed but obeyed Wayne's instruction.
This wasn't just for Wayne's sake—she also wanted revenge on Voldemort.
During her lucid yet still serpentine days, Wayne had explained the broader situation to her.
Nagini never expected that so soon after Grindelwald's disappearance, another Dark Lord would rise in the wizarding world—and that she'd unwittingly aided him.
Truthfully, even Wayne didn't know the full details.
But from how Voldemort later turned Nagini into a Horcrux, he could guess the gist of it. It must have been during his most destitute period that he received considerable kindness from Nagini.
Arriving at the small house prepared for her by Gardevoir, Nagini suddenly felt the urge to cry.
After so many years, she could finally sleep in a human room in human form.
Wayne noticed her emotional turmoil and quietly withdrew, leaving Nagini alone to gradually compose herself.
His own mood remained rather buoyant—at last, he had someone capable under his command.
With Nagini here, some of his previous plans could now gradually unfold.
In the Muggle world, he was old money. In the wizarding world, he would similarly use wealth to pave his way, weaving a web of influence for himself.
Power was truly a useful thing.
A single glance, a mere word, could utterly transform countless lives.
Violence was merely the most direct method to eliminate those who posed questions. Overused, it easily left one isolated.
Within the rules, the methods were power and connections—using universally accepted means to achieve desired ends.
His handling of the Flint family last time was the perfect example.
Just a few casually written letters had brought a pure-blood family to its knees, yet no one considered Wayne's actions excessive.
Because no rules had been broken, losing within the established order left no room for complaint.
Still, he needed to find a patron for Nagini.
Nagini would only ever be the most loyal executor. Her origins were destined to leave her lacking in this regard.
The Scamander family's influence within the Ministry of Magic was insufficient. Nicolas, being French, couldn't overextend his reach.
Moreover, both were Wayne's elders with little interest in power. It wouldn't do to trouble them constantly.
He needed to find a suitable... tool.
Gradually, ideas began forming in Wayne's mind.
...
Exiting the cabin.
To celebrate Nagini regaining human form today, he decided to try his luck with the draw system.
Ten cards flashed by, then another ten. By the fifth set, something worthwhile finally appeared.
[Arcane Talent: Absolute Focus]
[Effect: Enhances the host's mental attributes. Synergises exceptionally with the Transcendence talent.]
Claiming it immediately, Wayne felt little noticeable change.
With Meditation and Transcendence already bolstering his mental fortitude, Absolute Focus was merely icing on the cake.
Still, any runic talent was valuable—he'd never refuse more.
With this mindset, Wayne continued drawing.
To his astonishment, three more draws yielded two additional arcane talents.
[Swiftness: Activate to consume magical power for increased spellcasting speed and agility.]
[Phase Rush: Upon striking an enemy twice within three seconds, enter burst mode with fully enhanced attributes.]
Wayne: "..."
Why were all three talents boosting his attack speed...?
Scratching his head in puzzlement, he remained uncertain about Phase Rush's mechanics.
"Gardevoir."
The maid appeared before him in an instant.
"Prepare your defences. I'm testing a new ability."
"Gardevoir!"
Nodding seriously, Gardevoir enveloped herself in protective shields.
Foregoing his wand, Wayne first activated Swiftness, feeling his body grow lighter. Then, two Knockback Jinxes shot towards Gardevoir in near-perfect synchrony.
The blue-tinged shield showed cracks. Though Wayne hadn't channelled much power, both spells had struck the exact same point simultaneously, nearly doubling the impact.
This alone proved Swiftness far surpassed the system's simplistic description.
After both attacks landed, Wayne's magical power began boiling within him. Unconsciously leaking energy churned the clouds overhead, conjuring sudden gales.
"Such exaggerated amplification," the youth marvelled, casually firing a Disarming Charm.
"Gardevoir!" Gardevoir instinctively sensed danger, activated her Mega form, and reinforced the shield before her once more.
Yet even so, she was forced back two steps.
"Are you alright, Gardevoir?" Wayne asked with concern.
Gardevoir nodded her head, and only then did Wayne relax.
After about fifteen seconds, the turbulent magical power finally settled. After conducting several more experiments, Wayne finally grasped the activation pattern of Phase Rush.
It only triggered upon striking an enemy's shield or their body—blocking an attack or hitting an obstacle wouldn't activate it.
The effect lasted roughly fifteen seconds, but if the triggering conditions were met again within that time, the duration would extend. As for whether there was an upper limit, Wayne hadn't managed to test it.
In the magical world, there were likely few who could drag him into a prolonged battle.
Having clarified the functions of these two runes, Wayne proceeded with his next draws.
Two ten-pulls later, the guaranteed golden light emerged.
The golden glow shattered, and a blue prismatic crystal embedded itself into his forehead.
A chilling sensation ran through him, making him shiver involuntarily.
[Glacial Augment (Inspiration Talent)]
[Effect: Grants the host the power of ice, significantly enhancing the effects of frost-based and freezing spells.]
"Haah..."
Wayne exhaled a long breath towards the lake.
Though the surrounding temperature remained a steady twenty degrees, the moment his icy breath touched the water's surface, a thin layer of ice formed—and rapidly expanded.
By the end, the entire lake was completely frozen.
"A single casual breath of cold, and the world trembles in terror~" Wayne was thoroughly satisfied with Glacial Augment's effects.
Between Thunderlord's Decree, Waterwalking, and now Glacial Augment, a few more similar talents, and he could rightfully call himself an Elemental Lord.
[Host: Wayne Lawrence]
Magical Power: SS+ (Current: 0.3 Dumbledore Units)
Charms: SS+
Defence Against the Dark Arts (White Magic): SSS
Dark Magic: S+
Transfiguration: SS
Potions: SS-
Alchemy: SS
Special Talents: Memory Palace, Innate Saint, Wandless Magic, Magical Creature Affinity, Manaflow Band, Dynamic Perception, Thunderlord's Decree, Elemental Affinity, Master's Inspiration, Waterwalking, Sudden Impact, Gathering Storm, Crowd Pleaser, Transcendence, Absolute Focus, Swiftness, Phase Rush, Glacial Augment
[Talent Evaluation: You stand but a single step from legend!]
[Combat Rating: Archmage (Full Power) / Professor-Level (Standard Magic)]
Whether in talent or strength, this status panel could only be described as dazzling.
The threshold of legend was notoriously difficult to cross; therefore, in truth, there had been no significant progress. The minor improvements in Charms and Transfiguration were simply due to his Meditation Technique reaching Master-tier.
But in terms of raw power, Wayne had finally bridged that chasm.
His total magical reserves had recently increased by 0.1 Dumbledore Units—thanks to the first feedback from Gathering Storm, natural growth, and the assistance of his Manaflow Band.
"Full Power" likely referred to his utilisation of all runic talents combined with the explosive potential of his Supreme Heaven Robes.
In that state, he far surpassed his capabilities with ordinary magic—enough to carve his name into history.
In the present world, only Dumbledore could rival him.
As for the other two... Grindelwald had been imprisoned for decades, his wand long lost—how much strength he retained was unknown.
And Voldemort? Probably still gnawing on rats in Albania. Hardly a concern.
Wayne felt a bit light-headed.
He was now considered a person at the pinnacle of the world; if he wanted to, instigating the Third Wizarding War would not be a problem.
But that was just a thought.
Life was so beautiful; why create trouble for himself?
However, he really did want to spar with Dumbledore once, to see just how strong he had become.
It was just a bit difficult to force old Dumbledore to make a move.
Having drawn so many good things, Wayne felt that his luck had nearly run out lately, and he wasn't planning to continue.
"Why is the lake frozen over?"
At that moment, Nagini's puzzled voice appeared behind him.
"I just tested out some new magic I mastered. Why did you come out?" Wayne turned around.
"I'm hungry." Nagini shyly rubbed her stomach.
Wayne chuckled in surprise and asked Gardevoir to prepare dinner.
...
The next day, Saturday.
Hogwarts experienced its first snowfall of the winter. By the time Wayne emerged from the Forbidden Forest and returned to the castle, many students were already outside having snowball fights.
He even saw Percy being chased around by a pile of snowballs controlled by the twins.
Wayne had spent the night in his suitcase, as an excited Nagini had kept him chatting until late, leaving him with hardly any sleep.
In the past, Nagini had lived at the bottom of the magical world and knew very little.
Wayne could only try to impart some common knowledge to her and later let Gardevoir teach her before he could confidently send her out.
At ten o'clock, he arrived punctually at the portrait on the eighth floor.
Within a few minutes, Hermione, Cho, Penelope, and the Greengrass sisters also arrived.
It was usually more convenient in the suitcase, but since Nagini was still around, it was a bit inconvenient, so he had to choose the Room of Requirement.
Once they entered and learned about such a magical place within the school, the Greengrass sisters were very surprised.
"Don't worry, Wayne, I definitely won't tell anyone else," Daphne said firmly, while Astoria nodded her little head beside her.
"Whatever, it's school property anyway, not my exclusive room."
Wayne didn't really mind.
Since he could bring them here, it meant he had a certain level of trust in the visitors.
Not to mention that Daphne had a decent relationship with him.
Just holding Astoria's hand, he had never worried about anything.
"Come here." Wayne waved, and Astoria skipped over.
After some time, Astoria's physical condition had greatly improved; she no longer looked as frail as before and had a rosy complexion.
"You are still too young; your main task now is to memorise the spells, understand?"
Astoria obediently nodded, and Wayne handed her a collection of spells, after which she ran off to the side.
"Cho, you accompany Daphne for some training first."
Wayne then handed two fake wands to Daphne and Cho: "I'll let Hermione try out my latest invention."
"What is it?" Cho asked curiously.
Wayne conjured a bronze helmet as if performing a magic trick.
"This is it, the Virtual Brain Machine."
Virtual Brain Machine?
Hearing this utterly unmagical term, everyone looked bewildered—even Hermione was no exception.
Being a top student didn't make her omniscient. This was still a concept in the realm of scientific fantasy.
"Put it on, and you'll understand."
Wayne had Hermione sit on a chair before placing the helmet over her head. Though made of bronze, it wasn't as heavy as expected.
"Beginning now."
His wand tapped gently against the temple mechanism of the helmet as Wayne channelled magical power into it.
Hermione felt the world spin violently. When her vision cleared, she found herself standing in the Great Hall, arranged exactly as it had been during the Duelling Club event.
"Ah!"
The young witch couldn't suppress a startled cry.
Wayne drew his wand outward, releasing wisps of smoke that allowed others in the room to observe Hermione's current state.
Astoria immediately scurried back, gazing curiously at the projection.
"Hermione, do you know what a Pensieve is?"
"Of course!" The know-it-all answered instantly. "It's an extraordinarily powerful magical device that stores and replays memories with perfect immersion."
"Your current state is similar to entering a Pensieve. Here, take this."
Wayne pressed another wand into Hermione's hand, causing an identical one to materialise in her projected form.
"This is just your consciousness—you can't actually get hurt. Try casting a spell."
Virtual-Hermione obediently attempted the Levitation Charm as usual, making a chair float upwards.
"How fascinating."
She experimented repeatedly. Had Wayne not explained, she might have believed her physical body had entered another real world.
"Then who'll be my opponent?"
As she spoke, a featureless figure appeared opposite her and stated tonelessly: "Select difficulty level."
"What options are available?" Hermione inquired.
"Third year, fourth year, fifth year, sixth year, seventh year, elite adult wizard, or Auror."
After consideration, Hermione chose the easiest: third year.
The faceless figure morphed into a Slytherin third-year girl.
A countdown appeared between them.
Hermione hastily raised her wand.
When the timer ended, the girl shrieked and lunged—attempting to scratch Hermione's face.
"Eek!"
Darkness swallowed Hermione's vision as the helmet clattered to the floor.
Cho: "..."
She stared incredulously at the boy. "Did you genuinely think third-years duel like this?"
Wayne chuckled awkwardly. "Minor technical issue—insufficient data samples."
His observations from the Duelling Club weren't wrong, though. Many girls had indeed favoured face-scratching and hair-pulling over wands.
"Give me a moment to adjust the parameters. It'll be fixed shortly."