But that would mean he couldn't exactly follow in the footsteps of Voldemort or Grindelwald.
Li Weide already had an idea in mind and opened the system interface in his head.
The system interface was very simple, showing only two things: the available items and the merit point balance.
[Item 1: Dittany 50ml (Unlocked) – 5 Merit Points][Item 2: Complete Guide to Basic Spells (Unlocked) – 50 Merit Points][Next Refresh in: 8 hours, 27 minutes, 39 seconds][Merit Points: 50][Dark Lord Achievement: Not Achieved]
As soon as Li Weide saw the second item, he immediately clicked to view it without hesitation.
[Complete Guide to Basic Spells is a system-exclusive book on basic spells. It covers nearly all basic spells currently circulating in the world, and explains all casting techniques and their historical development in detail...]
Before he even finished reading the description, Li Weide purchased it straight away.
Even though the book only covered basic spells, it would still be incredibly useful for someone like Li Weide, a complete novice in magic!
And with how detailed the book was, there was no way you'd find anything like it in any bookstore.
"Ding! Would you like to purchase Complete Guide to Basic Spells?"
"Yes!"
"Ding! Please select the language for this book."
You can choose the language?
Surprised, Li Weide asked impulsively, "Is there a Simplified Chinese version?"
He was just asking out of curiosity—after all, Simplified Chinese didn't even exist in the 1930s yet.
"Ding! Complete Guide to Basic Spells (Simplified Chinese version) has been delivered. Please check your inventory!"
Li Weide suddenly felt a warm sensation in his palm, and a black-covered book materialized in his hand!
He picked up the book with a bit of confusion—it seemed too thin.
If it really contained all the detailed content described in the system, it should've been way thicker than this.
Li Weide glanced at the dark cover and saw the title embossed in large golden English letters: Oliver Twist.
Huh? Where's the spell book? Why was it a Charles Dickens novel?
Li Weide frowned.
Then suddenly, as he focused his gaze entirely on the title, the English letters for Oliver Twist slowly transformed into Simplified Chinese: "Complete Guide to Basic Spells".
Even more curiously, once he looked away, the title reverted to Oliver Twist in English.
"Ding! System-exclusive items can only be seen for what they truly are by the host or people authorized by the host."
Li Weide was quite satisfied with the spell book's disguise feature.
This way, he didn't have to worry about anyone noticing how unusually detailed the book was.
And since the real content was hidden, its thickness couldn't really reflect how much was inside.
He casually opened the book, and just as expected, the "novel content" slowly transformed into detailed spell explanations as he read—all in Simplified Chinese!
Normally, spell books were full of Old English terminology, and even though Li Weide's English was decent, those texts were tough to understand.
But thanks to the system's translated version, the language was not only accurate but elegantly phrased—making everything easy to understand.
Knock knock! "Sir, it's time for dinner."
Deep in spell study, Li Weide looked up and saw it had already grown dark outside.
He had completely lost track of time.
Opening the door, he saw Tom standing there with a slightly humble expression and an obedient smile.
As if the arrogant kid from earlier had never existed—when it served him, Tom could really put on a mask…
In a way, that was one of his talents.
"Tom, don't call me 'sir.' It sounds weird. If you don't mind, just call me Weide," Li Weide said with a smile.
Tom nodded and smiled politely. "Then I'll call you Weide when others are around, and call you 'sir' when we're alone."
Li Weide had to admit—Tom was a born manipulator. He spoke sweetly, seemed thoughtful, and was quite good-looking.
Anyone who didn't know him would probably be fooled.
No wonder everyone at school liked him—except Dumbledore, who had seen through his real face.
"Suit yourself."
Li Weide replied casually and began walking to the dining area.
Tom quickly followed behind.
On the way, Tom was the picture of obedience.
He walked respectfully behind Li Weide, looking like a loyal lackey.
But Li Weide knew the truth: this was a venomous snake. If given the chance, it would bite down on his throat without hesitation.
What a wicked child… if that's the case…
A thought flashed through Li Weide's mind. He glanced at Tom, who was still smiling politely at his side.
Then suddenly, smack!
Tom clutched his head, staring at Li Weide in shock. A flash of anger passed through his eyes but was quickly hidden again.
"W-Weide… sir… why did you hit me?!"
"Ding! Host has inflicted an insulting injury on a wicked child. +10 Merit Points!"
Perfect. That's the right way to use Tom. And now he had enough merit points to buy the Dittany.
Hearing the system notification, Li Weide withdrew his hand, satisfied.
"Sorry, I just saw a fly on your head…"
"Th-then… where's the fly?" Tom rubbed his still-thick hair, thoroughly confused.
"It flew away," Li Weide said calmly.
"...?"
Tom's eyes widened. Even if he were an idiot, he now knew Li Weide had hit him on purpose.
"Hurry up. Mrs. Cole doesn't wait for anyone at dinner."
Tom stared at Li Weide's back, equal parts shocked and angry.
Did he figure out what I was planning? No… that's impossible! There's no way he knows what I'm thinking…
Then why did he suddenly hit me? Was he… testing me? Testing whether I'm truly obedient?
At that thought, Tom anxiously replayed the moment he got hit, trying to remember if his face had shown any hint of his real feelings.
But how would he know? He hadn't exactly been looking in a mirror at the time.
Nervously, Tom hurried to catch up.
Right now, he was genuinely afraid that Li Weide might suddenly turn on him and beat him half to death.
Because if it were him… that's exactly what he would do.
(End of Chapter)