Tom studied his newly acquired system carefully. The "Strongest Learning System," as its name suggested, was designed to assist him in studying and becoming a super academic master.
Any behavior related to learning that yielded results earned him credits, the core mechanism of the system.
Credits served multiple important functions:
Hire Private Tutors: Tom could spend credits to hire private teachers. The first hour each day was free; every additional hour cost six credits in tuition.
Enter Extraordinary State: By spending credits, Tom could enter an extraordinary mental state that improved learning efficiency, accelerated thinking, and helped him surpass his limits—similar to the effect of "weak enlightenment." Each entry into this state cost 100 credits for ten minutes, with additional time extendable at ten credits per minute.
The system also featured an important currency: achievement points. These were awarded for accomplishments in life, academics, or by completing system tasks.
Currently, Tom had discovered only one function of achievement points: summoning teachers. The points required varied by teacher level:
Medium-level Adult Wizard (B): 1 achievement point
Outstanding Wizard of a Generation (A): 10 points
Great Wizard of the Generation (S): 100 points
King of the Century (SS): 1,000 points
Immortal Legend (SSS): 5,000 points
Each rank indicated staggering differences in power and reputation. Thirty years made a generation, and the "great wizard of the generation" represented the best talents of that era. A century defined the "King of the Century," the single strongest wizard in a hundred years—an honor beyond doubt, one Dumbledore certainly deserved.
Immortal legends were rare beings transcending time itself, scattered throughout magical history.
Back at the system panel, a gift box appeared—Tom's novice gift pack. Upon opening it, he received 100 credits and a chance to summon a master-level tutor, at least one rated "great wizard of the generation."
Curious, Tom summoned all his rewards. Brilliant golden light filled his vision, and he felt momentarily dizzy as if from a sharp, forceful head shake. When he recovered, Tom found his consciousness in a foggy ethereal realm.
This space was incredibly real. Tom had the illusion of teleportation but clearly sensed his physical body lying safely on the bed.
The system explained: this was the learning space. Time flowed the same as in reality, but studying here cost no physical energy; Tom could study all night and wake refreshed. His books and teaching aids could manifest material-like here, creating a virtual world nearly identical to reality.
However, entering this space cost credits, equivalent to activating the famous teacher tutoring function. Tom's 100 credited gift pack would soon deplete.
Understanding the rules, Tom searched for his summoned teacher.
Suddenly, a hearty, unrestrained laugh echoed through the thick fog. The mist began to clear, expanding Tom's vision twofold.
From the depths emerged a tall man striding confidently toward him.
He wore a long, slanted robe from ancient Athens, exposing much of his muscular physique. A laurel wreath crowned his resolute, sculpted face, resembling a living ancient Greek statue radiating masculinity.
Surveying the fogged realm, the man's eyes settled on Tom with growing delight.
"You must be the young wizard who summoned me."
"What an amazing talent! You've stirred my long-dormant soul. This unbreakable bond… Child, your good fortune stirs envy."
Jealousy mixed with warmth in his voice, but Tom felt no fear. The system guaranteed no harm could come to him here, and this man would teach sincerely, with no deception or traps.
Moreover, the man's noble demeanor embodied pure righteousness—compared to him, Dumbledore seemed almost crafty.
"Sir, shouldn't you introduce yourself before questioning me?" Tom asked calmly.
The system kept Tom in suspense, no information about his new tutor had been revealed.
"Hahaha!" the man laughed heartily. "You are right! It was rude of me to ask first."
"My name is Andros, an ordinary wizard from Greece."
"I have expertise in wandless spellcasting and the Patronus Charm, skills more than sufficient to guide you."
A flash of memory came to Tom: at Diagon Alley, Dumbledore had given him two chocolate frogs, each depicting famous wizards. One was this very Andros—the invincible Andros.
This title was no boast or mere nickname. "Invincible" was a name given during his time because Andros had never suffered defeat. Renowned especially for his wandless magic and ability to summon a giant Patronus without a wand—an unprecedented feat still unmatched.
No wonder Tom admired him at first sight.
Casting a Patronus required strong positive emotions and happy memories, typically used to distinguish dark wizards. Andros radiated overwhelming positive energy, pure righteousness embodied.
"Mr. Andros, I'm Tom Riddle."
Tom smiled and introduced himself modestly. "I will be your student. If I err, please correct me."
Though bound by the system's limits, Tom remained polite and humble to those aiding him.
The tutor was pleased. "No problem. I will do all I can to help you become a great wizard."
Then Andros said professionally, "Of course, your talent comes with a price. Without delay, let us begin."
Tom did not hesitate, he was thinking of Hogwarts' teaching methods.
"Mr. Andros, I haven't entered magical school yet. Let's start with the basics—simple lighting and levitation spells."
Andros looked confused. "Levitation spell? Illumination spell? What are those?"
Tom: "???"