July 26, 1991
Surrey, Staines – By the River Thames – Second Floor, Luxury Villa
Bathed in the soft morning sunlight, Ethan Adrien sat at the edge of his bed, gazing blankly at the envelope in his hand.
Moments earlier, still groggy from sleep, he'd been startled by a series of knocks—urgent, rhythmic—on his bedroom window. Startled, he got up and opened it. Despite being on the second floor, an owl had fluttered in, a letter clutched tightly in its claws. That letter now lay in his hand.
The envelope was detailed with elegant, emerald green ink, addressed specifically: "To Mr. Ethan Adrien." On the back was a wax seal in dark red, impressed with a crest featuring a lion, eagle, badger, and serpent encircling a large "H."
It had finally come.
As a transmigrator, Ethan had known this day would arrive. Born into privilege as the heir to a wealthy family, he had grand plans: dive into finance, play the stock market, and maybe even open a fitness brand in his spare time. A chill, money-making life.
But fate had other plans.
In second grade, after a class reshuffle, a new student named Harry Potter appeared—thin, pale, with a lightning bolt scar on his forehead. During breaks, a chunky bully named Dudley would often harass him.
In that moment, Ethan's suspicions were confirmed: he was in the Harry Potter world.
"This must be the world of Hermione and Her Two Big Sons," he muttered the first time he saw them together.
He initially hoped to avoid getting involved in magical affairs. After all, if he didn't provoke wizards, they wouldn't provoke him, right?
That hope vanished a year ago when he began experiencing magical surges—uncontrolled outbursts of mystical energy. It confirmed he was a wizard.
With that, he was left with few options. He needed magical education. Hogwarts was the default, but he could have applied elsewhere—like Ilvermorny in the U.S. Still, despite its dangers, Hogwarts had proven the best for Muggle-born students... outside of Voldemort resurrection years, of course.
"Sigh…"
He opened the envelope, half-excited, half-distressed, and pulled out the parchment inside.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore (Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, Supreme Mugwump, Order of Merlin, First Class)
Dear Mr. Adrien,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry…
As Ethan reached the end of the letter, a golden interface suddenly appeared in front of his eyes.
It didn't obstruct his vision, but hovered clearly in his line of sight—transparent, simple, and efficient.
[System Panel]
Name: Ethan Adrien
Age: 11
Bloodline: Wizard
Talents:
"Excessive Soul" – A heavier soul grants higher learning efficiency and faster spellcasting.
"Strong Physique" – Excellent physical fitness increases magical adaptability and endurance.
Spells: None
In the lower right corner, a red gift box tied with a ribbon shimmered.
The newbie gift pack.
Though this "golden finger" system seemed basic, it was leagues better than having none. In a world obsessed with bloodline superiority and hoarded resources, this was a significant advantage.
What caught Ethan off guard was the fact that he had two talents.
"Excessive Soul" likely stemmed from his transmigrated soul. It made sense—he had always been a fast learner.
"Strong Physique" was probably inherited. He had a sturdy build, taller than his peers, likely a result of daily exercise. He'd thought it was just preparation for launching a fitness empire. Who would've thought it'd help with magic too?
Very promising.
Focusing his mind on the red gift box, a stream of data poured into his brain.
[Newbie Gift Pack: You have received three random max-level spells. Wishing you a smooth magical journey.]
Three max-level spells!
In this world, magic wasn't just about saying the right words. It involved willpower, intent, and training. Even the simplest spells could become deadly in the hands of an expert.
For example:Lumos could act like a flashbang.Reparifarge could detonate living beings.Densaugeo could make teeth burst through skulls.And now Ethan had three spells—at max level.
With a buzz, the ribbon unraveled and three golden beams of light shot out, blinding and brilliant.
"Gold! Three in a row!" he shouted, grinning like a lunatic.
But just as the excitement surged, the smile on his face froze.
The world around him shifted. He was no longer in his room.
He stood in an open wilderness—barren, blood-stained, echoing with screams. Dozens of pale figures rolled on the ground in agony.
Occasional flashes of green light silenced them.
Others stood still, eyes hollow, blank, staring right at him.
A cold voice echoed.
"Crucio!"
"Avada Kedavra!"
"Imperio!"
Each incantation rang out in his skull. His head throbbed. Blood vessels bulged in his eyes.
After several long minutes, he collapsed backward onto the bed, exhausted.
When he opened his eyes, the knowledge had settled.
He didn't just know the three Unforgivable Curses—he had mastered them.
He didn't need a wand. No gestures. Not even incantations. As long as he desired it, the magic would come.
His spell panel updated:
Spells:Killing Curse (Level 10)Cruciatus Curse (Level 10)Imperius Curse (Level 10)Powerful? Unquestionably.
But usable? Absolutely not.
The moment he used even one of these in public, it'd be a direct ticket to Azkaban. A life sentence.
And then—just as he was processing the absurdity of his situation—the panel blinked again.
[Achievements Unlocked]
Fallen into Darkness
A self-indulgent soul, stepping into the shadows of dark wizardry.Goal: Learn all three Unforgivable Curses (3/3)Reward: Enhanced Dark Magic TalentI Am Darkness
Manipulating flesh and soul alike. You don't fall into darkness. You are darkness.Goal: Master all three Unforgivable Curses (3/3)Reward: Talent – "Heart of Darkness" (Use Dark Magic without emotional aid)Mastermind
You wear the mask well. No one knows what you're capable of.Goal: Keep mastery of Unforgivable Curses a secret (3/3)Reward: Any magic not seen with the naked eye will go unnoticed."What kind of character assassination is this?" Ethan muttered, stiffening.
"Coo! Coo!"
The owl's hoot broke his panic.
Right—he had to reply to the Hogwarts letter. But first, some food for the messenger owl.
Chapter 2: Professor Visits
July 28 – Early Morning
"Didn't sleep well?" asked Philemon Adrien from the living room sofa, newspaper in hand.
"Nope," Ethan answered, rubbing his eyes.
The past two days had been sleepless. He'd spent hours mastering dark spells on test subjects—mainly lab rats, since humans were obviously off-limits.
He had the servants buy over a hundred. He was still working through them.
It wasn't just about power. He was testing magical theory. Discovering that at max level, spells didn't need a wand, gestures, or words—only intent and magic output.
And now, thanks to the "Heart of Darkness", not even emotion was required. His gaze alone could kill. A single look was enough.
His eyes were deadly weapons.
Even Voldemort would've found that impressive.
More importantly, he'd unlocked two new achievements.
[Wandless Magic]
You've taken your first step toward high-level magic.Goal: Cast a spell successfully without a wandReward: One random spell[True · Deadly Gaze]
Your glowing eyes strike fear—and death.Goal: Use a light-based spell via your gazeReward: ???