Hogwarts : this dark lord is so evil

Chapter 3: Who Says You Can't Become the Dark Lord by Doing Good Deeds?

Jacob stood in front of Voldemort, feeling as if needles were pricking his entire body. The psychological pressure Voldemort put on him was overwhelming.

He cautiously glanced at Voldemort's face and said, "Maybe my name is just too common. A lot of people are named Jacob, so it might sound familiar to you…"

There was a trace of disgust in Voldemort's eyes. He wasn't lying about that—he truly hated his ordinary name.

With his rare talent, he had always considered himself extraordinary, completely different from the mediocre people who shared his name. Just the thought of being associated with them made him feel sick.

"It doesn't matter if your name is common, Jacob," Voldemort said, his voice calm yet menacing. "If you become strong enough, feared enough, then your name will naturally become a taboo. How can a name that no one dares to speak aloud be considered ordinary?"

Jacob watched as Voldemort removed his hand from his shoulder. He swallowed hard.

Standing before Voldemort made him feel completely exposed, as if his every thought was being laid bare. This realization filled him with both fear and anger.

But… making his name a taboo?

Jacob carefully considered Voldemort's words. His pupils contracted slightly, and his breathing quickened.

"Is that really possible?"

There was no doubt that Voldemort's words had struck a chord with him.

Suddenly, Jacob felt that using his rare talent just to bully ordinary people was unworthy of him. No wonder Voldemort looked down on him.

But if Voldemort could grow stronger through training, why couldn't he?

Jacob was convinced that the only reason he had been humiliated today was that he hadn't practiced his abilities enough. If he trained hard, he refused to believe that he couldn't match or surpass the arrogant man in front of him.

"Just wait, I will definitely…"

Jacob lowered his head slightly, his eyes flickering with determination. He was already plotting how to deal with Voldemort. However, when he cautiously glanced at him again, he caught sight of Voldemort's half-smile—and an eerie chill ran down his spine.

Damn it! What's with that look? Why does it feel like he knows exactly what I'm thinking? No… impossible!

Jacob didn't know that, as a time traveler, Voldemort was more familiar with his life and deeds than he was himself. Seeing through his thoughts was almost effortless.

A smile reappeared on Voldemort's face. "My name is also quite common. I'm Voldemort. Oh, in your naming style, it would be Tom Riddle. But of course, I don't mind if you just call me Voldemort."

But I mind you calling me Jacob!

Jacob shouted this in his heart but forced himself to maintain a submissive expression. He had always been good at hiding his true emotions.

"There was a misunderstanding today, Vold— I mean… sir," Jacob said carefully.

Despite telling himself that Voldemort was just putting on an act, the oppressive aura coming from him was undeniable. It made Jacob feel powerless.

At the same time, a revelation dawned on him.

If someone was strong and terrifying enough, others truly wouldn't even dare to mention their name.

In other words, Voldemort's idea of making his name a taboo was completely feasible!

One person is enough to make their name a taboo! And that person… is me! It can only be me!

Maybe I can find a way to learn from him… and then…

A faint red glow flashed in Jacob's eyes.

Of course, the subtle changes in his expression did not escape Voldemort's notice. He knew that Jacob was not someone who would willingly remain under another's control for long.

It was only a matter of time before he sought revenge for today's humiliation.

Still, Voldemort allowed Jacob to leave his room unharmed.

For one, he didn't want the future Dark Lord to die in his room and create unnecessary trouble.

More importantly, Jacob was still useful to him.

And above all else, Voldemort knew that Dumbledore would soon arrive in person to deliver Jacob's Hogwarts admission letter.

He was looking forward to witnessing the famous scene of Dumbledore setting Jacob's wardrobe on fire.

---

After Jacob left, Voldemort closed his door again. He glanced at the broken lock, then placed his left hand over it.

Since he now understood that his abilities were magic, and he had read books and watched movies before traveling to this world, there was no reason not to try a spell.

"Reparo!"

With a soft clicking sound, the damaged lock slowly mended itself.

Voldemort wasn't sure if it was because the spell worked or if it was simply the result of his repeated practice.

He noticed that there were still some visible cracks on the lock. Perhaps his pronunciation, wand movement, or the pause between syllables wasn't perfect.

But he wasn't in a hurry to figure it out just yet.

More important than spellwork was the system that had just activated in his mind.

With that thought, Voldemort focused, summoning the system interface.

A familiar ding echoed in his mind.

"Ding! The host has successfully bound to the Merit System. By performing good deeds and accumulating virtue, you can earn merit points and exchange them for items in the system shop!"

"Ding! The system shop refreshes with two new items every day at midnight. The host has one product lock function—locked items will not be refreshed."

"Ding! The system has detected an interaction with the future Dark Lord. After evaluation, the host has significantly greater potential to become the Dark Lord. Therefore, if the host achieves Dark Lord status, they will ascend to godhood and transcend this world. The system will determine the required achievements, so please work hard, host!"

Voldemort stroked his smooth chin and slowly sat on the edge of his bed.

Becoming the Dark Lord isn't difficult.

He could simply follow Voldemort's path from later generations. Or wait for Grindelwald to be imprisoned and repeat his conquest strategy.

But to do that, he needed true power.

Even without the system, Voldemort was confident in his ability to grow stronger.

But having the system and not using it would be like stepping into a treasure trove and leaving empty-handed.

So, he would use it.

However, there was one issue…

Doing good deeds and accumulating virtue seems completely at odds with becoming the Dark Lord.

Then, a smirk spread across Voldemort's lips.

Who says you can't become the Dark Lord by doing good deeds?

It all depends on how you do them.