The World Serpent.
In Norse mythology, that was the title of Loki's son, Jormungandr, the legendary sea serpent.
His mother was the giantess Angrboda, making him a giant himself, and the strongest of them all.
Banished by Odin into the bottomless ocean depths of Midgard, the human realm, for being too dangerous, Jormungandr grew to such immense size that he could encircle the entire world, his tail touching his mouth.
...
And this World Serpent Ring was given that name.
Although it was a ring, like the Silver Serpent Ring before it, it was a living being. Judging by the System's designation, it could freely control its size, potentially even more so than its predecessor, perhaps even capable of encircling the Earth itself.
This terrifying size wasn't an illusion either. It was real, achieved through its ability to alter reality!
It might seem exaggerated, but that was how preposterous a being with god-like magical power could be.
When Tom was merely a legendary wizard, he could 'nuclearize things every day'. Now, having ascended to a god-like magical being, almost a level beyond legendary, destroying a country with a single blow wasn't an exaggeration. Given time, he could even sink continents. If he truly didn't want to play games, destroying the entire world wouldn't take more than two minutes.
Why else would he increasingly ignore his so-called "enemies"? Why would he become increasingly reluctant to fight?
A normal person wouldn't be interested in boxing an ant, would they?
They'd be far more interested in watching two ants boxing.
"Death… I hope you can get stronger…"
With his current divine armor, even without resorting to "instant death" to instantly kill, Tom worried if Death, stripped of his authority, would even be a match.
Of course, without divine equipment, it was an impossibility. Without it, one couldn't be a true opponent of a god, and that would be an utterly unplayable battle experience.
Therefore, he could only hope his opponent would grow stronger. He desired a "balanced match," not a "crushing" or "being crushed."
"…"
Stroking the World Serpent Ring on his right hand, he noticed a subtle change in its appearance. It was no longer dazzling, but instead, had reverted to a more simple form, closely resembling the original Silver Serpent Ring, although more refined and with subtle differences.
Hiss~
The imitated snake's hiss echoed softly in the Room of Requirement.
Seemingly sensing its master's melancholy, the Little World Serpent loosened its body, coiling around Tom's hand and gently rubbing against him, clumsily and obediently comforting him in its own way.
Looking at the undulating scales, Tom reached out and touched them with a touch of curiosity. His tone was undeniably indulgent towards this obedient and rather appealing little creature. "If we ever encounter Jormungandr, and if He is still alive, we shall kill Him. Consuming Him might make you even stronger."
One World Serpent… particularly this one… was enough.
As if responding to Tom's words, the Little World Serpent raised its upper body, rustling its scales with a crisp, melodious sound, its "blood-red mouth" opening as if facing the enemy Tom wanted it to defeat.
Heh~
This little thing's "fierce" appearance was more like a cute act, making one unable to resist a laugh.
However, it should be known that the power contained within this little thing was truly "fierce"; even Merlin might not be able to defeat it. It seems like we've unknowingly gained another unit of combat power?
After all, Merlin and the Little World Serpent were both gods of magic in terms of raw power. However, because the Little World Serpent was also an artifact that surpassed its limits, it possessed an ability that even true gods, let alone gods of magic, could hardly master—the ability to alter reality.
To modify reality to one's liking was an incredibly powerful ability, capable of making emperors shout "You win now!" during battles.
Theoretically, it could indeed directly change the outcome to "its own victory."
As for why it was only theoretical, it was because a very few god-kings from different systems, having lived for countless years, should possess some countermeasures. Moreover, at that level, altering reality involving them wouldn't be so easy; at least, Tom could not do it now.
After playing with the Little World Serpent like a precious toy for a while, he allowed it to return to his right hand.
The Little World Serpent obediently crawled back, biting its own tail, encircling its "world," and transforming back into a ring that, apart from being exquisite, seemed unremarkable.
...
Leaving the Room of Requirement, a dazzling flame illuminated the corridor, even blinding the "figures" in the paintings on the walls, who raised their hands to shield their eyes.
"Fawkes?"
Tom stared at the sudden eruption of light, completely unaffected. In fact, he could stare at the sun all day without any ill effect.
Screech
A phoenix appeared in the flames, its cry conveying its signal.
"I understand."
The words had barely left his lips when Tom vanished.
Fawkes, who was about to teleport Tom away: ???
...
Eighth floor of Hogwarts Castle. Headmaster's Office.
Waiting for the familiar flames to reappear, Albus Dumbledore, looking bored, picked up a photograph from his desk. Two photos were framed in a wooden frame: one of him and Gellert Grindelwald, the other a group photo taken at the Triwizard Tournament, with his favorite student standing beside him as a teacher of his house.
"Ha…"
His breath caused the glass frame of the photograph to fog, and he gently wiped away the almost non-existent dust with his robe.
Behind the half-moon spectacles were gentle, yet clear eyes, and a long, white beard reaching his waist couldn't hide the smile at the corner of his mouth.
As people aged, they couldn't help but sigh. Dumbledore, who had worked hard for most of his life, had never imagined such an easy life… or perhaps he had become accustomed to his past busyness, which was why, even after such a drastic change, he still wondered if he was dreaming every morning.
The next moment, with a "crack," Tom's figure appeared in the Headmaster's Office.
His calm eyes reflected the still-smiling Dumbledore with a puzzled look. "Dumbledore, you wished to see me?"
"I told you to call me Professor!"
Dumbledore instinctively retorted, then froze. "Wait, where's Fawkes? How did you get in here?"
"Just like that."
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