Tom stood before Li Wade, his skin prickling as if needled.
The psychological pressure Li Wade exerted was immense.
He cautiously glanced at Li Wade's expression. "Perhaps my name is too common. Many are called Tom, so it might just sound familiar…"
As he spoke, a flicker of disgust crossed Tom's eyes. He wasn't lying—he truly despised his mundane name.
He had always believed his extraordinary gift set him apart from the common herd who shared it. The very thought of being lumped in with those fools sickened him.
"An ordinary name doesn't matter, Tom. If you become powerful enough, terrifying enough… your name will become a taboo. What name remains ordinary when no one dares to speak it aloud?"
Tom watched as Li Wade's hand lifted from his shoulder. He swallowed hard.
Before Li Wade, he felt utterly exposed. That vulnerability filled him with both dread and fury…
But… to make his name a taboo?
Tom mulled over Li Wade's words. His pupils contracted; his breathing grew shallow and rapid.
Could it really be done?
Undeniably, the idea thrilled him.
He suddenly realized how petty it was to waste his rare gift tormenting ordinary people. No wonder Li Wade looked down on him…
But if Li Wade could hone his power through practice, why couldn't he?
In Tom's mind, today's humiliation was solely due to his own lack of training!
With rigorous practice, he refused to believe he couldn't surpass this arrogant fool!
Just wait. One day, I'll…
Tom lowered his head slightly, eyes shifting.
As he plotted his revenge, he stole a glance at Li Wade—only to meet an unnervingly knowing, half-smiling gaze. His blood ran cold.
Damn it! What does that look mean? Does he know what I'm thinking? No… impossible!
Tom couldn't know that Li Wade, a time traveler, understood his life story better than he did himself. Reading his thoughts was child's play.
Li Wade's smile returned—warm and benign. "My name is ordinary too. Li Wade—or, as you'd say, Wade Li. You may call me Wade."
But I resent you calling me Tom!
Tom screamed inwardly, struggling to keep his expression meek. This art of deception seemed innate to him.
"Today was… a misunderstanding, W— I mean… sir," Tom stammered, still too cowed to use the name.
Though he told himself Li Wade was merely putting on airs, the suffocating pressure was undeniable.
Then came a realization:
True power, true fear, did make people afraid to utter your name.
So… making his name a taboo was achievable!
Only one name shall become a taboo. And that name… is mine. Only mine!
Perhaps… I can learn from him first. Then…
A faint crimson glint flashed once more in Tom's eyes.
Li Wade noted every micro-expression. He knew Tom was no follower. Today's defeat would fuel a relentless desire for revenge.
Yet he let Tom leave unharmed.
Sparing the future Dark Lord served multiple purposes. Killing him here would invite unnecessary trouble. A living Tom was still useful.
Most importantly, Li Wade knew Albus Dumbledore himself would soon deliver Tom's Hogwarts letter…
He wanted to witness the legendary scene of Dumbledore setting Tom's wardrobe on fire.
...
After Tom left, Li Wade closed the door. He eyed the broken lock, pressing his left hand gently against it.
Now that he knew his power was magic—and recalled spells from books and films—there was no reason not to try!
"Reparo!" (Repair!)
The lock clicked and groaned, its pieces knitting together.
Was it the spell? Or the fruit of his relentless practice?
Li Wade studied the still-visible crack in the repaired lock, uncertain. He recalled that magic required precise incantations, wand movements, and proper intonation. Perhaps the spell hadn't fully worked—otherwise, the crack would've vanished completely.
But he wasn't concerned. Spells could wait.
Beyond uncovering this world's truth, he'd activated a system he hadn't yet examined.
Focusing inward, he mentally called out to it.
Ding!
"Host successfully bound to the Virtue System! Accumulate Virtue Points through righteous deeds to exchange for items in the System Shop!"
"System Notice: Shop refreshes two items daily at 00:00. Host may lock one item to prevent it from being refreshed."
"Host interaction with future Dark Lord detected. Assessment: Host possesses greater Dark Lord potential. Upon achieving Dark Lord status, host shall ascend to godhood, transcending this world. Note: Dark Lord criteria determined solely by the system. Strive diligently!"
Li Wade stroked his smooth chin, slowly sitting on the single bed.
Becoming a Dark Lord wasn't difficult. Gain power, then follow Voldemort's blueprint—or revive Grindelwald's methods after his fall.
But such ambitions required immense personal strength.
Even without the system, Li Wade was confident in his growth. Yet refusing its aid would be like entering a treasure trove empty-handed.
So, he'd use it.
The crux, then: did accumulating virtue contradict becoming a Dark Lord?
A slow smile spread across Li Wade's face.
Who says virtue bars one from being a Dark Lord?
It all depends on how you do it.