"I think what you said makes sense. In the past, I was too weak, and I didn't make good use of the talents bestowed upon me by my ancestors," Tom continued writing in the diary.
"You've finally come to understand," appeared a line in the diary, conveying a sense of impatience.
Tom fervently wrote in the diary, subtly coaxing and manipulating, essentially stating: "I, Tom Riddle, have wandered through life (can ten years be considered half a life?), regretting not meeting a true leader (which you're not). Now, encountering my elder brother (reluctantly admitting, Voldemort, you indeed have a higher status than me), I pledge to face hardships together (you take the blame when problems arise), to live and die together (I'll witness your last breath as I send you to meet Merlin)…"
In the end, Tom played his last card, "But I'm too weak, I lack power."
Big brother, do you see my inadequacy? Can you offer some assistance here?
Tom Riddle's diary felt something was off, but he wasn't too concerned. As long as the other party desired power, Tom believed he could use it to his advantage.
Reedell sensed that this Tom was deliberately trying to please him, aiming to gain benefits — something Reedell himself had done in the past. However, Reedell didn't mind; desires were what mattered. If this Tom turned out to be a slacker, that would be troublesome.
"Do you have anything you want to learn? What year are you in now?"
Learning that Tom had just graduated from first year, Reedell felt at ease. A second-year kid, can't I easily mold him?
"Alright, let me teach you an amazing spell, something even many adult wizards struggle with: the Ironclad Charm! The principle behind the Ironclad Charm is…"
"I already know it," Tom interrupted.
Diary: ?
It was somewhat confused: How does this guy know such a high-level spell? He just graduated from first year a moment ago?
"No problem. Since you know defensive spells, I think you can learn a healing spell next. The incantation is 'Reparifarge.'"
"I already know that too."
Diary: …
"Well, I have some insights into Transfiguration, suitable for a second-year wizard. With this knowledge, you can breeze through classes and exams…"
"I've got the hang of it."
Diary: "How do you know everything? Do you even know Unforgivable Curses like Avada Kedavra?"
"To be honest, yes."
Diary: "Are you kidding me? A second-year student already knows Avada Kedavra? This is outrageous for Hogwarts! What's happening there? Second-year students using Avada Kedavra, it's simply indecent!"
Tom: Well, I have many spells I don't know, but you haven't asked about them...
It seemed that Reedell was getting irritated. He stopped beating around the bush and directly asked his own question: "So, Reedell, do you understand Wandlore and Alchemy? I have some questions about runic magic I'd like to consult you on."
"You're really a second-year student? Junior, your studies are quite profound! Well, I do have some knowledge in those areas."
So, Tom watched as Reedell explained the principles of runes. Perhaps due to his earlier somewhat inappropriate behavior, Reedell wanted to regain control through this knowledge-sharing session. He explained in great detail, providing Tom with extensive insights.
Line after line appeared in the diary. Tom almost pitied Reedell; he had written over ten thousand words.
Reedell's understanding of runes differed somewhat from Mr. Ollivander's. Ollivander pursued stable magical output and transport, more focused on auxiliary applications. Reedell, on the other hand, prioritized output.
Put simply, Ollivander's rune combinations were auxiliary, while Reedell's runes were mid-lane.
In general, a set of seven runes was sufficient, with two reserved for start and end, two for transfer, and the rest for conversion and connection. The practical usage might involve only one. Tom's flying, glowing coin was already considered versatile.
"For the concatenation of multiple sets of runes, I indeed have some research," Reedell shared his findings with Tom. From Reedell's perspective, he wrote down what he knew, and in a few seconds, he erased it. This junior wouldn't have time to comprehend it anyway, especially after confusing himself just moments ago.
However, Reedell miscalculated this time. Tom might find it challenging to memorize everything at once, but he could still grasp the general idea. Moreover, even if he couldn't immediately understand, he could simply copy the notes! Tom had a self-inking quill that required no ink and had an auto-correction feature.
Tom had decided that this research manuscript on runes wouldn't be hidden like Lohart's. He wasn't that kind of person; he respected intellectual property rights. To honor Mr. Reedell's labor, this manuscript would be named after him — let's call it "Tom's Runic Studies."
Tom looked at the diary, revealing a benevolent gaze. Unbeknownst to Reedell, he was almost completely drained by Tom!
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Collection/Tag is : TDDH
(End of this chapter)