Chapter 112: The Soul Space of Voldemort’s Horcrux

Lockhart's soul emerged from his body, floating in the air like a ghost at Hogwarts.

Turning around, he observed his body and office through his astral vision. Compared to normal vision, everything appeared brighter, with various colors indicating magical power fluctuations. It was more like seeing energy particles.

Satisfied with the comparison of his body and soul, Lockhart nodded. There was no difference, indicating a perfect fit between his soul and body. The faint purple-gold light on his body caught his attention. He realized it was the soul shell provided by the system—the golden light represented the soul shell, and the purple light symbolized the contract power of Vishanti. Normally, this contract should merge entirely with one's soul, but the system had intervened, making Vishanti believe the signing was successful, allowing Lockhart to enjoy Vishanti's power at no cost.

In the Marvel world, Lockhart frequently practiced using Vishanti's power, borrowing it extensively since it required no cost. He now understood the Ancient One's perspective: as long as the debt couldn't be demanded, it wasn't a debt.

Covering up the purple-gold light on his body, Lockhart focused on the Horcrux notebook on the table and smiled slightly before lunging his soul towards it. In an instant, his entire soul entered the notebook.

From the outside, Lockhart appeared asleep, leaning back in his chair with his head tilted to the left. In front of him was the black notebook.

As Lockhart entered the soul illusion space mentioned by Tom, the scene changed. He found himself in a place resembling Hogwarts, particularly the common room of Slytherin House. Reflecting on this, he realized that Voldemort had created the Horcrux at 16, during his sixth year, with Myrtle's death. Hogwarts, especially Slytherin House, had left a deep impression on Voldemort.

"You're Professor Lockhart!" Tom exclaimed, appearing silently behind him. Tom, wearing a dark green Slytherin robe, looked youthful but handsome.

"Hello, Tom," Lockhart greeted with a smile, inwardly pleased to disrupt Tom's plans.

Tom, stunned by Lockhart's appearance in emerald green wizard robes and smooth blond hair, felt an ominous premonition as his magic failed to affect Lockhart.

"Tom, let's see the effect of the soul illusion space you've been praising," Lockhart commanded calmly but with authority.

"Professor, what's your current state?" Tom asked, noting Lockhart's ghost-like but distinct state.

"I am in a soul state," Lockhart replied with a touch of pretentiousness. "This is a magic spell I researched called astral body projection. It allows the soul to leave the body and travel."

Tom's eyes lit up, realizing the potential of such a spell. However, he was also aware that it wouldn't help him escape the notebook. Smiling brightly, Tom complimented, "Professor Lockhart, you are indeed a rare genius. This spell alone is worth a Order of Merlin, Second Class."

Lockhart smiled proudly, then said calmly, "Tom, there's no need for flattery. Show me the soul illusion space. If it's effective, future experiments and teaching runes will be easier."

Tom cursed inwardly, frustrated by Lockhart's secrecy on key knowledge but smiled outwardly, promising, "Professor, with your guidance, my efficiency will surely improve."

Increasing the magical erosion on Lockhart, Tom thought of turning him into a puppet for 24-hour research. The runes Lockhart possessed seemed infinitely valuable, essential for Tom's goal of immortality, especially some that aided his soul fragment. He coveted this knowledge, feeling thwarted by Lockhart's secrecy.

With a smile masking his cold intentions, Tom said, "Professor, I'll open the soul illusion space now."

Tom waved his hand, changing the surroundings. Lockhart found himself in a hall similar to a dueling club, with a high platform and walls lined with alchemy puppets and materials. Noting the increased magical erosion, he smiled sarcastically.

"Tom, introduce the functions of the soul illusion," Lockhart ordered.

Tom, hiding his frustration, explained, "Professor, in the soul illusion space, we can recreate scenes from our memories. You can cast spells, practice processing materials, refine potions, and create alchemy items as long as you have the relevant knowledge and information."

"The drawback is it can't simulate beyond your understanding, and successful simulations may not always translate to reality. However, it's the best place to develop your own experience."

=========================

[More Chapter and More Update Weakly at p@treon.com/goldengaruda]

=========================