Feeling the affectionate branches rubbing against his ankles and hearing "Father!" called out beside his ear, Ciel's face lit up with delight.

"Shadow? You're awake?!"

As he called out the name, from within the shadows, the Shadow Thorn Tree slowly emerged. Its thorn-covered branches wrapped even more intimately around him, seemingly expressing long-missed longing.

Looking at Shadow now, he felt somewhat helpless. Previously as Shadow Thorns, Shadow's lethality was already quite impressive. Now having merged so many Shadow Thorns into this extremely rare Shadow Thorn Tree, any single branch's lethality exceeded before. If not for his own amazing vitality and robust constitution, Shadow's embrace wouldn't be something ordinary people could endure.

Then he opened his arms. After being affectionate with Shadow for quite a while, he finally calmed it down from excitement. Simultaneously, he learned surprising news from Shadow.

"You're saying before this, you sank into the shadow world to digest the enhancements from merging so many Shadow Thorns and adapt to the transformed ancient shadow magic? During this process, you already entered that deep shadow world we hadn't entered before?"

One of Shadow's branches kept shaking, as if nodding to him. Simultaneously, it seemed to recall the humiliation of last time, not even entering the deep shadow world before fleeing in disarray, emitting a determined voice, "This time—can do it."

His eyes flickered, trying to learn more about the deep shadow world from Shadow. But Shadow's linguistic abilities and intelligence still weren't sufficient to support describing such complex situations. One thing was certain—the diamond-level Shadow Thorn Tree, even in the deep shadow world, could dominate. During this time, Shadow hadn't encountered any existence threatening it.

This made him fall into deep thought. In his hands, the Shadow Flower preserved after the Philosopher's Stone destruction ritual had quite good planting rewards. Diamond-level Shadow Magic Affinity was equivalent to letting him bypass his own magical talent limitations when using shadow-related magic. Combined with his ancient shadow magic, plus Shadow Control, Shadow Erosion and other abilities, effects were remarkable.

If possible, he naturally hoped to plant it as soon as possible. Otherwise, last time he wouldn't have endured the pain of shadow magic erosion to explore the shadow world. But last time's results were quite regrettable—the shadow world's magic suppressed his other magic. Going deeper, erosion grew stronger. Plus sixth sense warnings made him decisively abandon continuing deeper. The Shadow Flower planting plan temporarily halted.

But now thinking about it, circumstances seemed different. Last time, Shadow was still immature Shadow Thorns, feeling quite strained just diving near the deep shadow world region. Now Shadow was already a mature Shadow Thorn Tree, ancient shadow magic's power vastly different. Even the deep shadow world it could already traverse freely.

Similarly, his own transformation was tremendous. He himself mastered ancient shadow magic and possessed Shadow Control abilities. In the shadow world, moving like fish in water, no longer suppressed. Not to mention just obtaining two diamond-level new abilities—Magic-Resistant Scales and Petrifying Eyes. These greatly helped him search for suitable Shadow Flower planting locations in the shadow world.

Various thoughts emerged in his mind. He realized obstacles to exploring the deep shadow world and planting Shadow Flowers seemed resolved.

If so, we can go one more time.

Then his gaze fell on the Invisibility Cloak. This time, just in case, he'd bring this Deathly Hallow. Since myths said this Invisibility Cloak could even deceive Death, it should at least have some effectiveness against mythical-level existences. If luck was extremely bad and they truly encountered unexpected situations, this Invisibility Cloak was also insurance.

Additionally— He silently warned himself. Don't go too deep. My purpose is only finding suitable Shadow Flower planting locations. Once found, immediately stop, plant it successfully, and then leave. As for whether the shadow world has secrets—don't explore, don't care. Not matters I should worry about—don't even think too much.

Having previously touched divine king authority, nearly bringing catastrophic disaster, he grew increasingly cautious about possibly encountering mythical-level existence scenarios. He didn't want to experience that feeling again.

Moments later, after making various preparations, he took a deep breath, eyes showing determination. He stepped forward, sinking into the shadow mass Shadow created.

Then familiar sensations returned. Instantly, surroundings were shrouded by rich shadows. Even various original magics were all replaced by shadow-natured magic. He again arrived in this shadow-filled world.

But previous times coming here, he'd felt sincere oppression and shadow erosion pain. Staying long required extremely strong will. But this time, he felt no suppressed feelings whatsoever. On the system panel, Shadow Control's luster became unprecedentedly bright. Surrounding surging shadows felt like coming home. Even Magic Intensity, Magic Perception and many abilities increased somewhat. No situation like before, where almost all magic couldn't be used appeared.

This made him show a satisfied expression. Then after adapting to various changes from arriving in the shadow world, he followed Shadow's guidance toward deeper shadow world regions.

This time their deep shadow world penetration speed far exceeded ever before. Within moments, he could already see that boundary separating shallow and deep shadow worlds. In Boundary's deeper areas, shadow magic all presented semi-substantialized states, somewhat similar to Shadow Flower's state. This meant crossing the boundary might find places capable of cultivating Shadow Flowers.

Last time he was here, his sixth sense warned him, making him decisively leave. When leaving, he caught a glimpse of something like a giant python in the deep shadow region, seemingly disappointed at not waiting for prey, flashing past.

But this time, he squinted. Enhanced sixth sense remained calm without ripples, indicating ahead held no lethal dangers. His Petrifying Eyes, compared to previous Night Vision, more clearly saw magical power movements. The distant deep shadow world near boundary lines showed no especially concentrated shadow magic gathering.

Because last time I came without shadow magic control abilities, like luminous prey thrown into deep seas, so attracted those shadow world living creatures waiting to hunt? But this time, I've nearly completely merged with the shadow world, so I didn't attract shadow creatures' attention?

Thoughts flashed through his mind. Then he hesitated no more. Since Shadow already explored, it should truly be fine.

Then he followed Shadow, directly crossing that boundary line, formally entering the deep shadow world.

The moment he crossed the boundary, a scene completely different from shallow shadow regions unfolded before him. Here shadow magic reached near semi-substantialization—simply like black semi-transparent jelly or viscous semi-melted asphalt. But here couldn't be called deathly silent—could even be called quite lively.

In this world where directions held no meaning—no up, down, left, or right—shadow-formed objects drifted continuously with the flow of shadow magic. Some resembled rocks, others like solidified black lightning, still others like huge mushrooms with staggered, umbrella-like caps. Of course, these were descriptions he made using his own experience—in truth, these things were impossible to describe properly, their forms existing only in shadow worlds.

Seeing this, he understood why Shadow had been unable to describe what lay within. Human language was inadequate here.

Then he witnessed something even more remarkable. He watched as a giant bat-like shadow creature with edges that dripped and melted constantly collided with a writhing, multi-legged slug-like shadow creature. They immediately began entangling and merging, like two shadow masses battling for dominance. Finally, the "bat" won—the "multi-legged slug" merged into its shadow, making the bat's color slightly deeper than before.

This reminded him of what Shadow had told him about Shadow Will. Shadow will meant eroding, containing, and encompassing everything. The more shadows devoured, the stronger their Shadow Will became, and their shadow magic grew increasingly powerful. These shadow creatures in the deep shadow world seemed to be constantly undergoing this process.

Noticing his gaze fixed on the "bat," Shadow immediately extended python-like branches, as if presenting him a small gift, and seized the "bat." Simultaneously its voice sounded in his mind, "Father—delicious!"

He felt surprised—Shadow was offering to let him "eat" this "bat"? After pondering briefly, he waved his wand, chanting ancient magic incantations. His own shadow immediately enveloped the "bat."

Instantly, he felt the "bat" merging into his own shadow. His ancient shadow magic's derived Black Shadow Legion trait gained one more "soldier" he could control. His Shadow Will also grew stronger from absorbing this pure shadow creature, the bat.

On the system panel, the text for ancient shadow magic brightened considerably. His heartbeat accelerated. If he kept devouring like this, couldn't his Shadow Will increase limitlessly?

But the moment that thought formed, his instincts immediately sent up warning signals—his sixth sense was telling him this was dangerous thinking. Actually pursuing such a path would likely lead to catastrophic consequences sooner or later.

His expression froze as a sobering realization struck him. The deep shadow world had countless active shadow creatures, every moment constantly devouring and merging, simultaneously absorbing the shadow world's power. After so many years, some shadow creatures must have devoured enough of their peers to concentrate their Shadow Will to unimaginable levels.

If I were one of these shadow creatures wanting to continue growing stronger, I'd definitely seek out powerful prey to devour. Otherwise, just relying on devouring weak creatures like that bat—how long would progress take? So before the weaker shadow creatures in the deep shadow region reached a certain threshold, these apex predators wouldn't interfere. Only after their prey reached a certain level would these hunters come calling—like a farmer fattening livestock before the slaughter.

That massive serpent he'd glimpsed last time might be exactly this type of apex predator—sensing him as an outsider and actively lying in wait. Perhaps this entire region was its hunting ground, shared with other powerful shadow creatures through some unspoken agreement. If Shadow and he went on a hunting spree here, they'd eventually draw that serpent out again.

The thought sent a chill down his spine. Before understanding the true nature of these creatures, he didn't want to take that risk. He immediately abandoned any thoughts of continuing to hunt shadow creatures, even restraining Shadow, who was eager to hunt more.

He came only to plant Shadow Flowers. However, just crossing the boundary line, shadow magic concentration wasn't yet sufficient—must continue deeper.

As he and Shadow continued toward the shadow world's deeper regions, the surrounding shadow magic grew increasingly viscous. Gradually, some especially concentrated shadow magic gathering places truly presented substantialized states—exactly like Shadow Flower's state.

Seeing this, he didn't greedily seek to go deeper into the shadow world, finding even better locations; instead, he decisively decided. Though deeper conditions are better, unknown situations are also more numerous. The probability of encountering giant python-like shadow creatures would be higher. No need to risk this.

So he immediately stopped, carefully withdrawing the brought Shadow Flower from the box originally sealing the Philosopher's Stone, closely monitoring Shadow Flower's reactions.

The original Shadow Flower—even Nicolas Flamel said it wouldn't last long before completely dissipating. But now in the shadow world, Shadow Flower not only showed no magic dissipation signs, but its condition actually improved. This made his heart relax slightly, confirming his speculation. Indeed, Shadow Flowers can only be planted and survive in shadow worlds.

Only then did he carefully plant Shadow Flower toward that shadow magic-concentrated substantialized region. Originally he wondered what herbology techniques to use to cultivate Shadow Flowers, but just planting it, the Shadow Flower itself rooted in this region.

Simultaneously, a reward orb flashing clear diamond radiance appeared before him, representing successful Shadow Flower planting.

After slight surprise, he smiled in realization. Shadow world creatures, even Shadow Flowers, devouring other shadow magic is instinct. Planting it in beneficial environments, it eagerly wants to firmly root here. Where would I need to do anything? Following plants' instincts, cultivating them, possibly needing to do nothing, plants themselves displaying optimal states—this is the best herbology technique.

Then after completing Shadow Flower planting, he didn't delay, immediately leaving this region with Shadow. Not until the real world reappeared before him did he exhale deeply.

Still, the familiar real world made him feel more secure. After speculating the shadow world might contain those "higher shadow creatures," even possessing Shadow Control abilities, he truly had no security to speak of. He didn't believe his shadow-related abilities let him oppose creatures in the shadow world that had devoured who-knows-how-many others.

But next time harvesting Shadow Flowers—that might not be so. His eyes flickered slightly.

Then attention withdrew from this shadow world exploration, instead noticing morning dawn light shining into the small greenhouse from outside. He froze, immediately looking toward the small greenhouse clock. Wait—already over two days have passed, and now it's the third day's morning? Though I walked some distance in the deep shadow world, delayed time shouldn't have been too long. How could so much time suddenly pass?

His eyes widened. Could it be that in the deep shadow world, time flow differs from reality? Just staying briefly, has reality passed so long? Or it's not time flow issues, but the two worlds' time is fundamentally independent—can't simply calculate reality time from how long I delayed in the deep shadow world?

Well, only this speculation. This also made him quite relieved. Good thing I didn't execute that hunting plan in the shadow world, otherwise school might have already started by now. For me, that would truly be wasteful. Now just wasting over two days is still acceptable.

Then he walked toward the mailbox. I hope I haven't missed any important messages while I was away.

After opening the mailbox, he found several copies of the Daily Prophet. He scanned them—nothing but Fudge's propaganda speeches. Beyond that, there was no valuable news. Perhaps the most worthwhile content was the jokes tucked into the corners of page three.

Besides the Daily Prophet, there was also a letter, clearly from the Muggle world, signed by Vernon Dursley.

Seeing the letter jogged his memory—he'd promised Dursley he would come to dinner. This was connected to the gemstone minerals he needed for cultivating Bloodvine. He'd nearly forgotten about it.

Opening the letter, he found Dursley's language remarkably careful and deferential—essentially, Dursley was eagerly looking forward to his visit, asking about dietary restrictions, and inquiring how many people would be coming.

This gave him an idea. If he was attending a dinner while finalizing their business arrangement, bringing a guardian might help dispel any Muggle world suspicions. Otherwise, a twelve-year-old showing up alone to a dinner invitation would seem rather odd—and it wouldn't match the wealthy family background he'd already established. He needed to find a guardian who could command respect, someone who would prevent future complications. But who?

Names ran through his mind. Dumbledore? He dismissed that immediately. The Headmaster might be willing to attend, but bringing him would be asking for trouble.

Hagrid? He'd certainly want to come, but he'd already made quite an impression on the Dursleys last time. He simply wanted to complete this business arrangement smoothly, without any complications—better not.

Professor Sprout? She never put on airs; compared to aristocratic types, she was more like a kindly aunt. Snape? His presence was certainly commanding, but for one thing, he probably wouldn't be willing to dress like a Muggle, and for another, convincing him to wash his hair would be quite the challenge—

Just as he struggled to find a suitable candidate, he suddenly looked up toward the greenhouse door. What was that?!

The next moment, a silver doe glided into the greenhouse. Before he could even register whose Patronus it was, Snape's voice emerged from the doe—urgent, strained, and weakened:

"The Alihotsy shipment has been compromised. It must have been those estate owners—someone leaked our plans. When I met Malfoy at the rendezvous point, a group of Dark wizards ambushed us. Malfoy got away, but they seized the Alihotsy—cough cough—I'm at my safe house now. I'm secure. Lay low."

Then the doe shimmered and dissolved into wisps of silver smoke, vanishing before him.

With Snape's Patronus message, his expression darkened like a gathering storm. More than that—a fury unlike anything he'd felt before ignited within him.

Why steal my Alihotsy? Why sabotage my plans? And why—why hurt Professor Snape? Sure, the man had been an insufferable git at first, but after all this time, he owed Snape far too much. I wanted to keep my head down, develop quietly. I never wanted it to come to this. Why did they have to push me this far?

Taking a deep breath, he stepped out of the greenhouse. Black diamond-patterned scales erupted across his entire body. His eyes burned with murderous intent.