The artifact's creation was swift. The Silver Serpent Ring had always been his, and the newborn serpent utterly subservient. Their fusion was seamless.
As the black serpent dissolved into wisps of smoke, squeezing into the silver ring, the ring—a silver serpent biting its tail—seemed to awaken. The serpent's head, once fixed, detached, writhing like a living snake. Pupils, previously unpainted, now gleamed with sharp scarlet, and eerie black light flickered between trembling silver scales.
Under Tom's direction, the Silver Serpent Ring transformed from a mere alchemical creation into the black serpent's new vessel. The merging accelerated under his magic. The magical shockwaves announcing its birth were firmly contained within the Room of Requirement; otherwise, the entire castle would have felt the reverberations. Though newly forged, this [Mythical]-level artifact's creation was far from ordinary.
Finally, the last gap sealed, and the new artifact was complete.
It remained a serpent ring, but not of plain silver, nor eerie black. Instead, it shimmered with an iridescent, silvery-white glow.
This was an extraordinary artifact, fully self-aware, both object and living being.
The tiny phantom snake, no longer than a finger, gazed up at Tom. It resembled a miniature figurine brought to life, possessing an undeniable charm.
Sensing its gentle affection, Tom extended a finger, larger than the serpent's head, and stroked it gently. After a brief exchange, it slithered back up his finger, coiling and biting its tail, resembling a simple ring once more.
This time, the ring adorned his right hand.
[Accessory: Ouroboros Ring]
[Quality: Mythical]
[Gender: None]
[Magic Level: SS]
[Ability 1: Ouroboros Magic Power. When worn, provides its owner with a 50% bonus to all attributes and a 100% bonus to spell power! Additionally, grants a 30% bonus to damage dealt to souls!]
[Ability 2: Ouroboros Devours Magic. Devours magical attacks and replenishes its owner's magic power. Its internal space is virtually limitless and can also be used for storage.]
[Ability 3: Illusionary Transformation. A natural ability of the Ouroboros, and as the natural enemy of soul-based beings, it can interfere with its surroundings, alter the environment, and create illusions that benefit itself and can confuse souls.]
(Note: As a living being, the Phantom Serpent can use this ability to further materialize itself, such as growing to a gigantic size and actively engaging in combat.)
[Evaluation: An extremely unique existence. It is both a divine artifact and a living being. As a divine artifact, it provides its master with immense power; as a living being, it is the natural enemy of soul-based beings. A phantom beast born between reality and illusion, it possesses terrifying power comparable to legendary wizards!]
The system's attribute list resembled both creature and item listings.
Fascinating.
Even Tom was briefly surprised, but he dismissed it. Knowing it was beneficial was enough.
"We shall wait a bit longer. Once I have extinguished the Voldemort remnant soul, I will feed it to you."
These were Tom's first words after reviewing the little phantom serpent's attribute list. This reflected his satisfaction with this new artifact, and its biological nature set it apart from others; it possessed the ability to grow.
Hearing Tom's words, the phantom serpent ring's pupils flashed with a dreamlike red and white light, as if in response.
Tom gazed at the messy, even damaged, Room of Requirement. After a moment's thought, he casually repaired it before departing.
Before he left, however, he cast a Guardian Charm, directing the basilisk guardian spirit to leave the Room of Requirement and ascend towards the castle above.
...
Hogwarts, the Headmaster's Office on the eighth floor.
"Heh heh... uh heh heh..."
Dumbledore sat at his desk, munching on Honeydukes' new sweets and chuckling to himself—or so it seemed to Gellert Grindelwald.
Grindelwald edged away from Dumbledore. "Albus, what's wrong? Has something pleasant occurred? Or have you witnessed something amusing?"
"No, Gellert, I am simply happy."
Dumbledore snapped out of his reverie, his unusually clear eyes twinkling. "Tom just informed me that he has destroyed all seven Horcruxes created by the other Tom."
As he spoke, Dumbledore was overcome with emotion. He believed Tom. The Voldemort remnant soul's Horcruxes were indeed seven, and they had all been destroyed.
With the Horcruxes gone, the Voldemort remnant soul was no longer a significant issue.
In other words, the problem that Tom had thrust upon him, a problem that had plagued him for decades, had been resolved by the other Tom himself.
If Harry did not have a prophecy where he killed the Voldemort remnant soul, I'd deduct Trelawney's salary.
"Horcruxes? Seven of them?"
For the first time, Grindelwald was taken aback by the Voldemort remnant soul's resilience.
"Daring to fragment his soul in such a manner... no wonder he devolved into that wraith."
Images of the Voldemort remnant soul's periodic madness flashed through his mind, and Grindelwald couldn't help but wince. "Do you believe that boy, Tom, might end up in a similar state if he partakes in this again?"
"..."
Dumbledore paused, his expression turning serious. "Tom will not do that. He has no need to."
"I am aware his soul is sound."
Grindelwald waved his hand, clarifying that he did not intend to disparage Dumbledore's pupil. "I only meant, if he resorts to this, will he... perhaps lose his hair or something?"
"..."
This time, Dumbledore recoiled from Grindelwald. "Do not expect me to shield you when you are inevitably beaten."
"Albus, when did you become so callous?"
Grindelwald chuckled feebly. "That child is not present; you need not..."
He was interrupted by the appearance of a small basilisk Patronus, emerging from behind Dumbledore.
Before he could utter a word, the Patronus darted out the window and vanished in an instant.
"..."
This was unexpected, and unwelcome.
"Do not fret, Gellert."
Dumbledore patted Grindelwald's shoulder reassuringly, his voice gentle. "I shall assist you."
"By taking a beating on my behalf?"
"No, I shall assist you in conversing with Tom. I trust he will not slay you over something so trivial. At most, he will use sparring as an excuse to be a little more... vigorous."
"..."
"Ahem, regardless... all the Horcruxes have been destroyed."
Dumbledore had no doubt. Tom would not deceive him. "That is heartening. I am considering revisiting Honeydukes. Perhaps they have new sweets to celebrate."
"Excellent idea. Care to accompany me?"
"Since when have you developed an interest in sweets?"
"Sigh, I simply do not wish to remain at Hogwarts for the moment. That Tom child lacks a proper appreciation for his own strength."
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