Voldemort, however, seemed not to hear.
He stared into the air.
He seemed to still be recalling what he had seen in that instant.
"He noticed very quickly."
"But he didn't panic."
"He even deliberately let me see."
Lucius said cautiously,
"Perhaps he didn't know it was you."
Voldemort finally smiled.
The smile was as thin as ice.
"Lucius."
"When did you learn to comfort people?"
Lucius's back tensed.
"I wouldn't dare."
"Of course you would."
Voldemort stepped down from the altar.
His steps were slightly unsteady, but his voice was steady.
"But this time."
"There's no need to be afraid."
"I did succeed."
Lucius immediately bowed.
"Congratulations, Master."
"Congratulations on taking a crucial step, Master."
Voldemort walked up to him.
"It's just not complete yet."
"I can see glimpses of him."
"But I can't follow that thread any deeper."
"That crystal was too fragile."
"And the channeling structure you prepared was too poor."
Lucius's heart sank.
"It was my failure."
"I'll prepare everything again immediately."
"Of course you will."
Voldemort said coolly,
"Replace it with a new core."
Lucius's lips stiffened slightly.
"A new... core?"
"What?"
"Can't bear to part with it?"
Lucius immediately lowered his head further.
"No."
"As long as it serves you, Master."
"Any price is worth paying."
Voldemort looked at him.
"Very good."
"Then don't let your distress show on your face."
Lucius's throat tightened.
"I was just thinking."
"Since a connection has already been established this time."
"Perhaps we can go further next time."
Voldemort slowly nodded.
"Indeed."
"At last, you've said something intelligent."
Lucius followed up,
"If we can trace backward along the bloodline."
"Sooner or later, you will be able to seize the initiative back, Master."
A dark gleam flickered in Voldemort's eyes.
"The initiative?"
"He thinks he's been watching me all