At the same time, Tom also understood exactly what his newly acquired talent was.
[Merlin's Magic Perception:
The host gains magic perception abilities equal to Merlin's, with the same level of sensitivity.]
The description was extremely brief. So brief that it left Tom momentarily confused.
Magic perception?
This counts as a talent?
But very quickly, Tom realized just how terrifying this gift truly was.
Magic, in the wizarding world, was universally acknowledged as an abstract concept. Yet no one would ever deny its existence. To deny magic was to deny wizards themselves.
Very few people could objectively describe what magic actually was. At best, they could only vaguely sense it while casting spells, or when encountering high-density magical constructs.
But now, Tom could truly "see" magic.
He could perceive the flow of magic, its movement, and the changes it underwent in motion.
Abstract concept?
That was just an excuse. A lack of talent, dressed up as philosophy.
Only now did he realize he had truly opened his eyes to the world.
Tom felt like someone pursuing the ultimate truth of magic, suddenly ripping away layers of translucent veils. The once distant and alluring figure now stood vividly before him, close enough to touch.
"Diffindo."
Tom raised his wand and cast a Severing Charm at an extremely slow pace.
From calm stability, to violent agitation, to the final explosive release of energy, he saw every step with absolute clarity.
"Hiss…"
The boy sucked in a sharp breath, personally contributing to global warming.
"No wonder Merlin was called the God of Magic. Everyone else was groping forward in the dark, while he was taking an open-book exam. How could he not be powerful?"
With this ability, he could not only analyze himself, but also learn by observation, stealing insights from others. More importantly, he could perceive the world itself on a far deeper level.
Later, when studying Andros's and Grindelwald's magic, combined with Overdrive Mode, his progress would be so fast that even he would find it unbelievable.
"Hahahahaha!"
Tom's unrestrained laughter echoed through the forest, startling flocks of birds into the air.
He was not usually this arrogant.
But this time, he simply could not hold it in.
...
This was far more useful than strengthening raw magical power or enhancing specific spell talents. It was like installing a scanner and analyzer directly into his brain. Whether learning or comprehending, everything would now take half the effort for double the result.
Seeing his master so happy, Usagi affectionately leaned in.
Thump.
Tom was knocked flat onto the ground.
"Ow, my back!"
"Usagi, you forgot to shrink yourself!"
Usagi's full form was now over ten meters long and weighed more than five tons. Tom was lucky he had not been crushed outright.
"Uuu…"
Realizing it had caused trouble, Usagi quickly shrank down and activated its adorable mode.
"I didn't even blame you. Why are you acting all wronged?"
Grumpily rubbing the dragon's head, Tom could not be bothered to get up. He lay there and unlocked the Seventh Trial.
[Seventh Trial: Profit]
[Seventh Trial: Profit
Fame alone is not enough. Profit is also required.
The host must earn five million Galleons and become the publicly recognized richest person in the wizarding world.
Current progress: 0 / 5,000,000]
[Trial Reward:
One Golden Apple
One Golden Apple Tree Seed]
[Golden Apple:
A wedding gift from the Earth Goddess Gaia to Hera.
Upon consumption, grants eternal life, everlasting youth, and awakens divine power.
The Golden Apple Tree Seed must be nourished with enormous amounts of magic.]
[Note:
The Golden Apple Trial was originally one of Heracles' labors.
All forms of shortcuts and cheating are prohibited.
All profits must be earned legally and reasonably.]
Tom shot upright.
What does this mean!
What do you mean by this, Trial Palace!
Is Tom Riddle the kind of person who relies on loopholes or cheats?
This is an insult to his character!
But upon seeing the reward, tears nearly slipped from the corners of his mouth.
A Golden Apple…
Not only a legendary treasure in Greek mythology, but also a famous artifact in Norse myths.
Ignoring the vaguely described divine power, eternal youth and immortality alone already surpassed every known treasure in the wizarding world. Even Nicolas's Philosopher's Stone was not worthy of comparison.
More importantly, this reward included a seed.
Self-sufficiency.
He would no longer need to beg Nicolas every year. He could eventually turn one apple into thousands.
In the past, Tom had disdained money. With enough strength, wealth was merely an external thing. People would throw Galleons at your door on their own.
But now, he suddenly found real motivation to make money.
This garbage trial did not even count the tens of thousands of Galleons he had already earned through hard work.
Five million?
Hogwarts' annual expenses were only one or two hundred thousand Galleons. How long would this take? Until the year of the monkey?
Does zero-cost acquisition count as legitimate business? Maybe he should try tomorrow?
Putting away the unicorns and hugging Usagi, Tom headed back toward the castle, already having several suitable candidates in mind.
...
The next morning, Tom got up early. He was about to head to the Headmaster's office to pick up the gargoyle when he saw Malfoy bragging in the common room with his two lackeys. His eyes lit up, and he walked over.
"Tom, good morning," Malfoy greeted hurriedly, and the two followers followed suit.
"Morning," Tom said with a smile, extending his hand. "I'm broke, Draco. Lend me some money."
When he needed him, it was Draco.
When he didn't, it was Malfoy.
Malfoy was screaming internally, but his hands moved quickly. Not only did he empty his own pockets, he also squeezed Crabbe and Goyle dry. In the end, he scraped together more than fifty Galleons.
Tom took the money and put it into his wallet.
The progress remained at zero.
So this did not count as legitimate labor.
Disappointed, Tom walked out of the common room under the puzzled gazes of the three boys.
Robbery did not work.
Then how about a bit of appropriate extortion?
Malfoy frowned. "We gave him all our money. Why does Tom look even more unhappy?"
The two thickheaded followers did not answer, only nodding along in agreement.
So angry was Malfoy that he stormed back to his dormitory.