Chapter 4: The Proper Use of Tom
However, if that were the case, he couldn’t simply follow in the footsteps of Voldemort and Grindelwald.
Levi already had a plan in mind as he opened the system interface in his mind.
The system interface was simple, displaying only the available items and the balance of merit points.
[Item 1: Fresh White Potion 50ml (Unlocked) – 5 Merit Points]
[Item 2: Complete Guide to Basic Spells (Unlocked) – 50 Merit Points]
[Refresh Countdown: 8 hours 27 minutes 39 seconds]
[Merit Points: 50]
[Dark Lord Achievement: Not Achieved]
Levi immediately clicked on the second item without hesitation.
[“Complete Guide to Basic Spells” is a system-exclusive edition of a book covering nearly all basic spells currently known worldwide, detailing every casting technique and the historical evolution of these spells...]
Before the system’s description even finished, Levi decisively chose to purchase it.
Although the book contained only basic spells, it was of immense help to Levi, a novice in magic.
Moreover, the level of detail in this spellbook was something no bookstore could offer.
“Ding! Do you wish to purchase ‘Complete Guide to Basic Spells’?”
“Yes!”
“Ding! Please select the language of the book.”
He could choose the language?
Levi pondered for a moment and asked casually, “Is there a Simplified Chinese version?”
He knew Simplified Chinese wouldn’t appear until the 1950s, and it was only the 1930s now, so he was just testing.
“Ding! The Simplified Chinese version of ‘Complete Guide to Basic Spells’ has been delivered. Please check your inventory!”
Levi felt a warmth in his palm as a book with a black cover suddenly appeared in his hand.
He picked it up curiously but noticed something odd about its thickness.
If the book truly contained as much content as the system described, it would be far thicker.
Levi glanced at the jet-black cover and saw large gilded letters spelling the English title: *Oliver Twist*.
Hmm? What about the spellbook? How could it be Dickens’ novel?
Levi furrowed his brow.
---
Suddenly, Levi noticed that when he focused entirely on the title, the English *Oliver Twist* slowly transformed before his eyes into Simplified Chinese — *Complete Guide to Basic Spells*.
What amazed Levi even more was that when he looked away, the cover reverted to the English title *Oliver Twist*.
“Ding! System-exclusive books have camouflage functions. Only the host and those permitted by the host can see the true content.”
Levi was quite pleased with the spellbook’s built-in disguise.
Since the book could conceal its true nature, he need not worry about others noticing this overly detailed spell guide.
Furthermore, since the real content was hidden, its thickness could not be used to judge how detailed it was.
Levi opened the book casually, and sure enough, the novel’s text slowly transformed into detailed explanations of spells right before his eyes — all in Simplified Chinese!
Spellbooks usually mixed many archaic English terms, which were difficult to understand even for someone proficient in English like Levi.
But since this was the system’s Simplified Chinese version, the translation was accurate, elegant, and faithful, solving that problem effortlessly.
...
“Knock knock! Sir, it’s time to eat.”
Lost in his studies of spells, Levi looked up and noticed the sky outside growing dim.
Unconsciously, it was already dinner time.
Levi opened the door to find Tom standing there with a somewhat humble demeanor, his face showing obedience.
It was as if the arrogant person from earlier in the day had no connection to this meek figure—his thick skin could manifest whenever needed...
From another perspective, this was Tom’s unique talent.
“Tom, don’t call me ‘sir’; it sounds strange. If you don’t mind, just call me Levi.”
Levi smiled.
Tom nodded with a slight smile, “Then I’ll call you Levi when others are around, and sir when we’re alone.”
One had to admit, Tom was a natural at disguise—charming, considerate, and quite good-looking.
Most people who didn’t know him would be easily deceived.
No wonder after starting school, everyone except Dumbledore, who had seen through him, adored him.
“Suit yourself,” Levi said noncommittally, then headed toward the dining area.
Tom hurried to follow.
Along the way, Tom was flawless in his act.
He followed Levi respectfully, looking every bit like a sycophant.
---
But Levi knew better—Tom was a viper! Given the chance, he would strike and sink his teeth into Levi’s throat!
What a venomous child... If that was the case...
Levi seemed to recall something and glanced at Tom, who was obediently trailing him. A faint smile curved Levi’s lips.
*Smack!*
Tom clutched his head, staring at Levi in shock. A flash of anger crossed his eyes but was quickly masked.
“Levi... Sir... why did you hit me?”
“Ding! Detected offensive injury to a malicious brat. Awarded 10 merit points!”
Excellent. He had successfully discovered the correct way to deal with Tom and earned merit points to buy Fresh White Potion.
Hearing the system’s notification, Levi withdrew his hand with satisfaction.
“Sorry, I just saw a fly on your head...”
“Then... where’s the fly?” Tom rubbed his once thick hair, looking bewildered.
“It flew away,” Levi replied coolly.
“?”
Tom’s eyes widened. Even as a fool, he understood Levi had hit him on purpose.
“Let’s hurry. Mrs. Cole doesn’t wait for anyone before eating.”
Tom watched Levi’s retreating figure, both shocked and angry.
‘Could he have guessed what I was planning? No... impossible! How could he know my thoughts?’
‘Then why did he hit me? Could it be... he’s testing me? Testing if I’m truly obedient?’
Thinking this, Tom hurriedly tried to recall if his expression had betrayed him when he was hit.
But since he hadn’t looked in a mirror, how could he know if he’d controlled his face?
Tom followed nervously.
Now, he worried that Levi might suddenly turn hostile and leave him half dead.
Because if he were in Levi’s place, he certainly would.