Riddle's nerves were fragile and sensitive.
Full of inner monologues.
However, the young Wizard's lack of a direct answer, and even his feigned ignorance, suggests that Riddle's inner turmoil was not solely due to a persecution complex.
Seeing Riddle's surprised and uncertain expression.
"We'll talk about your matter after we've dealt with Helpo." Ian was trying to appease Riddle with words, but Riddle, a master of such tricks, wasn't fooled.
"I need you to swear a magical oath! You must promise to bring me back to Hogwarts alive and well so I can face judgment from Dumbledore and the Ministry of Magic!"
"You're just a student! You have no right to dispose of me! This is against the law! It's against justice and morality!" It's hard to believe that one day you'll hear such Diadem words coming from Riddle's mouth.
There was no other way; he was genuinely growing increasingly distrustful of the young Wizard's reputation. Becoming bird feed or part of Helpo was not the outcome Riddle desired.
Compared to these two outcomes, being imprisoned in Azkaban is actually a better one!
"Sorry, I have no sense of justice or morality." Faced with Riddle's persistent pestering, Ian stopped pretending and shook his head directly, indicating that he did not accept Riddle's offer.
"..."
Riddle was completely taken aback by the young Wizard's straightforward answer.
"I need to see Dumbledore! I have a secret to tell Dumbledore! It concerns the safety of the entire world!" With no other choice, Riddle had to stake his own resources.
"Is it related to why you and the other remnant soul betrayed Voldemort?" Ian could guess Riddle's secret; he had learned some information from the other remnant soul before.
"Yes, that's right, that's why I'm fleeing to this era." Riddle didn't deny it, but instead explained his act of stealing the Time Machine with a serious expression.
"He became a servant, a servant of Death, and had to fulfill a mission given to him by Death, a crisis no less severe than Helpo's."
It will happen, right now, in our time.
That brings us to this.
Riddle's expression grew even more serious. However, he still didn't reveal what mission Death had given Voldemort, or why it would lead him and another remnant soul to betray him.
This secret is probably Riddle's biggest bargaining chip.
In response to this...
Ian nodded noncommittally, then turned his head to look in the direction of the " Priestess." "You know his memories, so I think you can tell me what this secret he was talking about is?"
To be honest, Ian really didn't want to make any deal with Riddle. After all, if he agreed, wouldn't he be seen as someone who colluded with the Dark Lord?
"He has no memory of that." Faced with the young Wizard's question, the goddess, cracking a nut, shook her head, giving an answer that the young Wizard hadn't expected.
"You've hidden your memories?"
Ian glanced at Riddle with some surprise.
How could I possibly have that ability?
Riddle rolled his eyes.
"Yes, if he could fool me, he wouldn't have thought of asking you for help when faced with Helpo's curse." The " Priestess " next to him also stood up for Riddle's "innocence."
He was mainly boasting that his power was unaffected by Riddle.
"I can only know the answer when I'm linked to that soul fragment. Once the link is broken, I'll immediately forget it. However, both the remnant soul you and I killed realized that this wasn't the situation we wanted, and it would inevitably lead to our Eternal Damnation. The only solution is to sever ties with that remnant soul that betrayed us."
Riddle's willingness to use this as leverage clearly stemmed from careful consideration; only by bringing him back to the future could Ian, Dumbledore, and others learn about the Voldemort who had mutated.
"Perhaps you could send me back first, that way you won't have to worry about me playing any tricks," Riddle said again, expressing his longing for Hogwarts.
He actually had his own ideas and plans.
after all.
It was too difficult to survive in ancient times.
Returning to the future was the best option for him. He was now a complete individual, even though he was Voldemort's past Voldemort. He was only sixteen years old, and at that time, he didn't bear so many sins. He could earn a chance to "turn over a new leaf" through his own abilities.
Even if we can't get it.
That was still more respectable than staying in ancient times. In Riddle's view, all he had to do was pay for the death of the Moaning Myrtle; the other deaths were Voldemort's doing, what did they have to do with him, Tom Riddle? Weighing it this way, he certainly didn't want to stay here a moment longer.
"It seems you really miss 'home'."
Ian said jokingly, he could clearly sense Riddle's emotions and thoughts, he never thought that the famous Dark Lord would have a time when he couldn't fit into his environment.
"The future is heaven compared to this place!" Riddle didn't hide his discomfort with this era, not only because this era had gods but also evil Legendary Wizard.
"I've been lurking in the city all along. Can you believe that just an ordinary little shop is selling Soul Separation services? They Soul Separation of slaves and give them to tireless puppets, so the puppets can work non-stop for 24 hours a day. My shop owner sells this service at least three to five thousand times a year."
"Compared to this kind of Wizard, what am I? That shopkeeper is the real Dark Lord! The one who invented this magic! He's the Dark Lord among Dark Lord!"
Riddle may have been trying to clear his name, or he may have been genuinely amazed; after all, he had gained some experience and knowledge in the ancient world.
"You must respect the different directions of development of civilizations." Ian actually quite admired the creation of this kind of magic; putting aside ethics and morality, it at least boosted productivity, didn't it?
"By the way, have you learned this kind of magic? I think you could use that as leverage to persuade me. Don't get me wrong, I just feel that only by understanding this magic can we better prevent it from being used inappropriately. And if I don't study it, how will people know how to guard against it?"
"The advancement of magic, as well as the prevention and countermeasures against Dark Magic, require sacrifices from some people, and I am willing to sacrifice for its development. When will you write down this magic and show it to me?"
Ian showed his curiosity about magic.
He has always firmly believed this.
There is no bad magic in this world, only bad Wizard. If this magic is used on people who deserve their punishment, isn't that a manifestation of civilization and fairness?
"..."
When Riddle saw the look in Ian's eyes, his emotions were incredibly complex. He felt he might understand why Voldemort was universally hated while Ian was thriving at Hogwarts.
Voldemort, or rather himself, was too honest. He told everyone what he was doing, including that he was doing bad things and engaging in shady operations and schemes.
This is nothing like the little Wizard in front of me... He clearly wants to learn this extremely evil Dark Magic, yet he can still act with righteous indignation and show a critical learning attitude.
That's incredibly shameless!
"Swish swish swish~"
The sound of dictation began.
Riddle had certainly learned this magic by stealing it, so he remained silent in the face of the young Wizard's request, demonstrating his utmost sincerity through his actions.
"Give."
After finishing writing, Riddle handed the Parchment to Ian.
Ian took it.
They lifted it up and aimed it at the light source in the dungeon.
"This magic is indeed quite evil."
After Ian finished reading the knowledge Riddle had given him, he glanced at the Skills that had instantly lit up on his Personal Panel. He raised his wand, and a cloud of Black Mist rose up, giving Riddle a small shock of his Dark Magic talent.
"How could you learn so fast!" Riddle was truly stunned. He quickly took several steps back, as if afraid that Ian would use him as a practice subject.
"Because this magic is dark enough."
Ian gave an honest answer.
"Ah!?"
Riddle was completely bewildered.
The young Wizard thought Riddle hadn't understood, so he explained again in a sincere tone, "My talent tree is a bit off-center; the darker the magic, the faster I learn it."
"So, based on how quickly I learn magic, I can determine which category a particular type of magic should be placed in. I remember realizing this was about a year ago, when I was waiting for my First Year to start in Hogsmeade Village. My best friend gave me a copy of ' Secrets of the Darkest Art.'"
"My teacher also taught me Avada Kedavra, and my days were very fulfilling." His tone carried a hint of wistfulness, reminiscing about the past.
"??????"
Upon hearing this, Riddle was completely stunned.
This was information he couldn't get from anyone else at school.
At this very moment.
The young Dark Lord completely understood why the young Wizard before him could live so comfortably in this era, even managing to befriend a god—it was simply because the wizard was meant to live in this barbaric age.
Hogwarts?
That's such a waste of his talent.
Feeling wronged, Riddle was quite frustrated. He couldn't understand how such a student could still be allowed to roam around Hogwarts. Compared to this little Wizard, his research during his school days was practically worthless!
"Well... you really are amazing..."
Riddle forced a smile that looked more like a grimace.
He gave Ian a thumbs-up from the bottom of his heart. At that moment, he thought of a conversation he had overheard between Malfoy and Ian while he was inside Malfoy's body—only a madman can deal with a madman, Voldemort is a madman, so we must let a madman deal with a madman who is not quite dead.
When Riddle first heard this, he was quite dismissive.
But now...
He, however, felt that perhaps not all people from Pureblood families were fools.
"The person who invented this Enslavement Curse is truly brilliant, a genius idea... I feel as if I've glimpsed the true origin of Dementor within this magic!"
"I never imagined, Tom, that you could actually make a real contribution to Hogwarts. I think given some time, Hogwarts will have its own Azkaban!"
"You—no, those restless Death Eater who remain from your future self—are blessed; they will gain immortality." Ian's talent for Dark Magic was clearly not limited to instantaneous learning.
He can also apply what he's learned to other situations.
This magic reveals some potential directions for future development.
"..."
Riddle heard the young Wizard's excited speech.
He remained silent for a long time.
"Could you please not be so wicked... I'm sorry, I really don't feel right now." Finally, when Riddle spoke, his tone was more sincere than ever before.
He was used to being on the side of evil.
I'm really not used to thinking from the perspective of perceiving others as evil. And just as Riddle was racking his brains, unable to figure out why such a young Wizard was Dumbledore's favorite child.
"Just a reminder, your time is running out." After finishing the nuts in her hand, the " Priestess " patted the crumbs off her hands and abruptly interrupted Ian.
"What do you mean by 'not much time left'?"
Ian glanced at Riddle.
"Isn't he supposed to live for another seven days?"
He observed the changes in Riddle's skin.
You have seventeen hours left.
The " Priestess " gave an irrelevant answer.
It's obvious that there are some restrictions preventing them from revealing too much.
The young Wizard reacted quickly.
" Pompeii's Doom..."
The thought of the bustling city and the little Girl who worshipped him as a god being destroyed by this Calamity filled Ian with a sense of unease.
The biggest difference between him and Riddle is that he is not cold-blooded. Simply reading about history in history books is far less effective than being immersed in that history and feeling its tragedy firsthand.
"Since you know this, why can't you do something? This city is dedicated to you..." Ian couldn't help but look at the " Priestess " who didn't seem to care much about the disaster.
"The fixed point in time cannot be changed, at least not for us." Upon hearing this, the " Priestess " simply shook her head slightly, expressing her helplessness in the face of the impending disaster.
"Then what is the point of worshipping the gods?"
Riddle couldn't resist making a sarcastic remark.
The Priestess glanced at him.
The next moment.
The poor Dark Lord felt as if he had been struck by a heavy blow. He was sent flying like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily into the stone wall and sustaining serious injuries.
That's the meaning.
After speaking coldly to Riddle, she turned to look at Ian again.
Have you figured out how to deal with Helpo?
The " Priestess " seemed to be asking a question, or perhaps giving some kind of hint.
"Um."
Ian squinted.
"You can't expect me to fight a Legendary Wizard, let alone Legendary Wizard who has attained the so-called Angel Status. So, you'll need to come with me to deal with Helpo."
After saying that.
There was a brief pause.
"That's an order."
He emphasized it.
The contract on the back of his hand appeared.
In response to this...
The Priestess, however, showed no anger.
"It's an order... Well, there's nothing I can do about it then." She also raised her hand to look at the contract that appeared on the back of her hand, her tone full of laughter, and she couldn't even suppress the upward curve of her lips.
It's obvious.
This goddess is not so docile.
"Cough cough cough! That was really ruthless!" Riddle, clutching his chest and getting up to wipe his mouth, witnessed this scene. The turmoil in his heart was far more intense than the beating of his injured heart.
"Did I see some secret I shouldn't have seen?" He looked at Ian and the terrifying god not far away, and couldn't help but feel worried about his Destiny again.
Gods accept the commands of mortals.
Is this something a sixteen-year-old Dark Lord should be able to access?
He said something was off about that little Wizard Ian!
It really was something dirty!
(End of this chapter)