Chapter 821: Chapter 230: Return to Hogwarts, Second Duel with Merlin? (2)

Everyone says Voldemort only likes Avada Kedavra.

But few remember that the young Tom was truly both wise and brave—actually, were it not for the dangers of ancient times and spaces, Riddle’s plan could definitely be considered a superior strategy.

"By the way, I need to ask you something."

It was at this moment.

Nicolas Flamel seemed unable to hold back his curiosity any longer, "Speaking of which, why did our initial attempt to guide you get interrupted suddenly, and why couldn’t we sense you through your Big Ben anymore?"

This was clearly why Albus Dumbledore was eager to ascend to legendary status, as the Big Ben was originally supposed to act as a beacon to utilize for Ian’s return.

Because they suddenly and completely lost contact with Ian, Albus Dumbledore and Nicolas Flamel went to search for the era Ian might have fallen into.

"Because when I was coming back, there were three people returning in total. I believe this caused the guiding power to overload." Ian took a deep breath and relayed Riddle’s previous judgment.

This was indeed the most likely scenario.

"I see." Nicolas Flamel nodded in sudden realization, a glint of understanding flashing in his eyes, clearly agreeing that this situation would indeed affect Ian’s return.

However.

Hearing the little wizard’s answer.

Dumbledore seemed to realize something, first looking somewhat stunned, and then, with a slight flicker of his eyes, turned his gaze to the little wizard who was frequently glancing towards the wall.

"Didn’t Mr. Malfoy get rescued?" The old headmaster suddenly inquired, he and Nicolas Flamel had clearly already investigated Ian’s experiences from that night.

Ian sighed.

"Malfoy’s situation is not bad, despite encountering some accidents and disasters, Riddle was quite close to healing him. However, he and Riddle were left behind in Merlin’s era with me."

"This return was too sudden, I didn’t have any time to prepare." Ian could understand why it happened so fast; Dumbledore and Nicolas Flamel surely wanted to quickly bring him back.

"Riddle... was resurrected, wasn’t he." Nicolas Flamel’s voice carried a hint of shock, his brows slightly knitted, with a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.

Obviously.

From Ian’s words, and the mention of the three people earlier, Nicolas Flamel had already pieced together the course of events. He and Dumbledore were both the sharpest minds of this era.

Naturally.

Clearly, Dumbledore realized this even earlier. Hearing Ian’s answer, the old headmaster was not surprised, merely nodding calmly.

Ian’s response seemed to confirm his suspicions.

However, compared to the old headmaster’s calmness, the little wizard’s mind was quite complicated, as he held some apprehension towards Riddle. Ian turned to Dumbledore and asked.

"Will this affect history?" he asked, his gaze unconsciously landing on the oil painting on the wall, clearly worried that Riddle might irrevocably change history in the past.

"This was a clue I found when exploring where you had fallen with Dumbledore." Nicolas Flamel looked towards the direction of Ian’s gaze and explained in a low voice.

His fingers gently caressed the edge of the painting, his eyes carrying a touch of nostalgia, with his tone holding a trace of lamentation, "It was hidden in a dust-covered divine hall."

He looked back towards the little wizard.

The gaze of this Alchemy Master bore undisguised admiration.

"Ian, you have done something truly extraordinary." Of course, he could ascertain what kind of scene the painting depicted, and was genuinely shaken by Ian’s experience. Since realizing Ian was already a legend just moments ago, Nicolas Flamel had not known how to appraise Ian’s accomplishments.

A twelve-year-old legend.

Who had vanquished countless terrifying dark legends in the past.

This was an achievement beyond awe.

"I suppose this counts as a form of changing and distorting history?" Ian’s gaze lingered on the painting for a moment before shifting to Nicolas Flamel and Dumbledore.

The old headmaster did not respond.

He simply looked to his old friend beside him.

Nicolas Flamel smiled faintly, with a hint of profound wisdom flashing in his eyes.

"Whether it’s a distortion or change depends on how you perceive history. Perhaps everything has already happened; we only see history when you were filling in its blanks."

As he spoke, he pulled out a heavy history book from the bookshelf and handed it to Ian. Ian received the book, the gilt font on the cover flickering weakly under the lamp light.

This was a history book authored by the editor of The Quibbler, and as he opened the pages, his eyes fell on the folded record about the ancient city of Pompeii that Nicolas Flamel had marked.

Behold.

The book unexpectedly described the history he remembered.

The ancient city of Pompeii had vanished.

Experts and navigators speculated it disappeared due to a volcanic eruption.

However, this history book mentioned an unconventional view, suggesting some Wizards believed that the original Pompeii was relocated due to a disaster—yes, the old Pompeii moved after the volcanic eruption, and the city that disappeared later was not the original Pompeii.

This view truly surprised Ian.

And it was no different from the history in his memory.