The day after the graduation ceremony, a magnificent, colossal city rose from the northern snowfields and journeyed southward.
Through satellite transmissions, people worldwide witnessed a scene that defied the laws of physics. A year earlier, to achieve the element of surprise, the floating city had been concealed under a massive Disillusionment Charm and remained undetected by anyone.
Strictly speaking, this was its first appearance before the world.
After the initial panic, upon learning it was Wayne's doing, governments quickly calmed down. They hastily recalled already launched fighter jets and withdrew all defensive measures to avoid being misinterpreted as provocation.
The floating city drifted leisurely at less than a hundred miles per hour for several days before returning to Britain.
It took another day for Wayne to relocate all the pre-built facilities onto it, placing them in the pre-planned areas.
Thus, it finally began to resemble a city.
Within the ten-kilometre radius urban area, buildings were neatly arranged in three concentric rings.
The first ring was Wayne's residential zone at the very centre of the floating city - a cloud-piercing mage tower standing eighty-eight floors high.
It housed collections plundered from various divine realms and the Ministry of Magic of different nations, along with abundant potion ingredients and forbidden magical texts, fulfilling daily research and experimental needs.
Surrounding the mage tower was a beautifully landscaped residential area where all buildings were constructed from magical jade.
Beyond Wayne's residential zone, the second ring was designated as the commercial district.
If only he and the young women lived in the floating city, it would inevitably lack vitality, resembling a ghost town. Therefore, this would eventually become the commercial centre of the entire wizarding world, with even Muggle shops establishing a presence.
From wands to pets, from wizard robes to flying broomsticks - everything would be available, destined to become the most prosperous shopping centre.
Wayne didn't need to worry about his life being disturbed either.
A protective barrier existed between the residential and commercial zones - without his permission, no one could enter his domain, and not even noise could penetrate.
The outermost ring contained residential areas for tourists and staff, plus a large vacant plot. Wayne hadn't yet decided what to do with that empty space, leaving it temporarily unused.
One month later, the new term's enrolment was gradually completed. Britain alone had two thousand new students who had undergone Magic Riot, yet only two hundred of the most outstanding students could enter Hogwarts.
Regardless, these newcomers' first stop would always be Diagon Alley.
When parents brought their newly enrolled young wizards to Diagon Alley, they would successfully enter the street themselves, only to find the children they'd been holding hands with moments earlier had vanished without a trace.
Before they could start shouting, already stationed Ministry of Magic workers would approach with resigned expressions to explain.
Meanwhile, the young wizards found themselves transported to the floating city's outermost edge, where looking down at the clouds below made them wail in terror.
Nearby recording equipment captured their reactions clearly before guides led them into the city.
It must be said, Wayne's methods were rather wicked.
Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall wrote letters pleading with him to spare the poor children, but Wayne tossed them aside without a second thought.
He was determined to play the villain, and no one could change his mind.
Rita Skeet published a column in the Daily Prophet titled 'Mr Lawrence's Gift to New Students' to whitewash his reputation, leaving countless readers speechless.
How could anyone possibly defend this?
Regardless, the experience proved unforgettable for the youngsters, and the photographs and recordings would be given to them as graduation gifts.
Through these methods, the floating city's reputation spread far and wide.
Fixed Portkeys in major cities like London, Paris, and New York could transport people to the floating city wherever it drifted.
Thus, Wayne travelled the world with his city while others began their new lives.
Norman and Toby jointly opened a used battery recycling station, fulfilling their dream. They planned to retire once they'd earned enough and return to the wizarding world. With their status as Lawrence's former roommates, few things remained beyond their reach.
Ron joined Lawrence Bank as a vault guard. Though the pay was modest, he delighted in gazing at all the glittering gold.
Harry fulfilled his ambition by joining the Ministry of Magic, spending his entire summer in formal Auror training. However, within months, he was transferred to the newly established Propaganda Department.
Department Head Penelope temporarily returned from the floating city to London to reassure him.
"Potter, I know you're eager, but please be patient. This is Wayne's decision."
"Wayne?" Harry didn't dare show defiance in Penelope's presence.
"Correct." Penelope smiled while explaining, "With the world currently at peace and nobody daring to cause trouble in Britain, you'd have little opportunity as an Auror. Wayne believes this position better suits your talents."
"What does the Propaganda Department actually do?" Harry asked blankly, completely unfamiliar with the new department.
"To help Muggles properly understand wizards, and to eliminate pure-blood prejudices against Muggles. Our department aims to bridge the gap between both worlds and guide public opinion."
Harry was stunned. "What does that have to do with me?"
"You're our perfect promotional material." Penelope suppressed a laugh. "Wayne decided to make a film about a young wizard's life at Hogwarts, with you as the protagonist. Your story with Voldemort provides ideal content."
Though Harry wanted to refuse, Penelope gave him no opportunity.
"Here's Ageing Potion - one drop makes you one year younger for three days. Don't overuse it. The film crew is ready, awaiting only their lead actor."
"Don't refuse. Dumbledore, Sirius and others have already agreed to participate. I think... You wouldn't want Wayne to discuss this with you personally, would you?"
Harry shuddered and reluctantly agreed.
Unlike Harry, Grindelwald and Dumbledore showed great enthusiasm for filmmaking. After familiarising themselves with the process, they decided to produce their own stories too.
Newt, who had been searching worldwide for new magical creatures, was summoned back - for in the first film, he would be the main character, not them.
Wayne, upon learning of it, enthusiastically helped liaise with various governments to facilitate their filming.
Unlike Harry's minor skirmishes, Grindelwald was playing for high stakes—he genuinely intended to set half of Paris ablaze to recreate the original scene.
Meanwhile, Hogwarts was particularly lively this year.
The new Holy Grail War had begun.
Initially scheduled every five years, it was moved forward after discussions among several schools. It would be broadcast live to other new magic schools, allowing young novices just entering the wizarding world to witness what outstanding students were capable of and gain greater motivation to learn.
The hollowed Holy Grail, modified by Wayne, had been returned. It could still select champions, but its wish-granting ability could not be restored.
Not that it mattered, as Wayne offered his own reward—whoever won the championship could make a request of him.
His promise was practically no different from a wish-granting device.
The competing champions were thrilled; this reward was far more valuable than the Galleons offered by the schools, and each gave their absolute best. Even the professors were privately giving them intensive coaching.
Unfortunately, Hogwarts' champion was Astoria.
In the first four tasks, the rich little girl had already built a lead of over thirty points. By the final task, she guarded the Holy Grail, defeating all other contestants head-on before calmly raising the cup.
The award ceremony was especially explosive.
The Grey Lady no longer concealed her identity and, in the name of Ravenclaw, passed judgment on Slytherin, who had been tormented for over a year, also revealing the truth to the world.
Finally, amid Slytherin's agonised screams, he was devoured flesh and blood by the Dimensional Altar, sacrificed alive.
The Slytherin students were as grief-stricken as if they had lost their parents, and it was Ravenclaw's comfort that somewhat eased their pain.
"There is nothing wrong with pursuing glory and power; the mistake lies in losing oneself and becoming a slave to power. We cannot deny Slytherin's contributions to Hogwarts because of his wrongdoing."
Only after the judgment was handed down did Astoria's award ceremony take place.
She seemed entirely unaffected, happily hugging Wayne and kissing his cheek. Her smooth, fragrant white hair brushed past his nose, making his heart flutter.
"So, contestant Astoria, what is your wish?" Wayne asked, feigning seriousness.
The rich little girl blinked. "Can we discuss it back home?"
Wayne naturally agreed.
...
In the floating city, within the hall on the first floor of the mage tower—which Wayne had named the Hall of Ten Thousand Spells—he encountered an unexpected visitor.
"Professor Snape? You're a rare guest. Last year, I invited you to visit, and you refused. What brings you here today?"
Snape, unusually, did not trade barbs with Wayne but merely nodded awkwardly. It was Astoria who came to his rescue.
"Wayne, I'd like to give my reward to Professor Snape. Is that alright?"
"Of course." Wayne nodded. He would never refuse Astoria's requests anyway; this reward, priceless to others, was nearly meaningless to her.
Letting Snape have it was perfectly acceptable.
After all, he had helped Wayne a great deal in the past, brewing no fewer than fifty bottles of Felix Felicis alone.
Thump!
Under the astonished gazes of the surrounding young women, Snape actually knelt down, prostrating himself respectfully on the ground, his voice trembling as he pleaded:
"Wayne, I beg you, please bring Lily back to life."
"This is my wish. If you feel it's not enough, I can work for you for the rest of my life. Whatever potions you need, I will spare no effort to brew them until the moment I die."
The great hall fell utterly silent.
Wayne looked at him calmly, then turned his gaze to Astoria. "Did someone let it slip?"
He didn't want too many people to know about the taboo of resurrection, as it would inevitably cause tremendous upheaval. He wasn't afraid of those with ill intentions, but he found it troublesome, so he had always kept the Resurrection Stone's function hidden, with only a few close individuals aware of it.
At that moment, Ariana, hiding behind Grace, timidly raised her hand. "It... it was me."
Everyone looked over.
"I accidentally called out to Brother Albus, not noticing Professor Snape was in the house..." Ariana explained in a small voice, nearly in tears.
"It's alright, Snape is considered one of us," Wayne reassured her. "Just be more careful in the future."
Ariana nodded her little head vigorously.
Snape remained lying on the ground, silently awaiting Wayne's final judgement.
"I can agree to your request, Professor."
Finally, Wayne spoke, making Snape ecstatic with joy, but he continued:
"You should know that even if Lily is resurrected, she won't like you, let alone be with you. She might even despise you, after all, it was you who told Voldemort the prophecy, leading to the subsequent tragedy."
"Even so, do you still wish to resurrect her?"
His words were like sharp blades, stabbing into Snape's heart one by one. After a long silence, he rasped:
"Yes, please bring her back to life."
"The sins I've committed make me unworthy of anyone's affection. I just... I just want her to live, to see her reappear in this world. As for love, I don't need it."
"Once this obsession is resolved, I will devote all my energy to magic and serve you better."
"No need," Wayne shook his head. "A wish is a wish. I don't require additional payment from you."
"Give me a photo of Lily, and come back in three days to collect her."
Snape handed the prepared photo to Wayne respectfully before withdrawing.
Three days later, Snape saw the red-haired woman who had always lived in his dreams, tears streaming down his face.
"Snape..." Seeing her old friend, Lily showed a faint smile. "You've aged so much."
Snape wept and laughed simultaneously, repeating the same phrase over and over.
"I'm sorry... I'm sorry..."
Harry, who was filming 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,' was suddenly pulled from the set by Snape. The reunion between mother and son was tear-jerking; they embraced and cried for a long time before gradually regaining their composure.
It was only then that Snape revealed the whole truth.
Harry already knew most of the story, but he had never known that it was Snape who leaked the prophecy to Voldemort.
Facing Harry's shocked, disbelieving, and disappointed gaze, Snape met his eyes calmly and said slowly:
"I asked Wayne. Those hit by the Avada Kedavra curse have their souls destroyed, so they cannot be resurrected."
"Before Lily was killed by Voldemort, she had already performed the magic of love for you at the cost of her life, fortunately preserving her soul.
"It was I who caused your father's death, and my regret has already been made up for, Harry. You can take your revenge now."
Harry stared blankly at him, "If I kill you, will my father come back?"
"I'm sorry." Snape bowed his head deeply.
"Then what's the point of killing you? Making myself a wanted criminal?" Harry laughed.
"Let it be. Let everything end here."
"Harry..." Snape was astonished.
"If you really feel guilty, then don't target my son in the future." Harry shrugged helplessly, "To be honest, I've had the impulse to use an Unforgivable Curse on you more than once."
Snape also laughed, "If it's a daughter, I promise she'll be the princess of Hogwarts."
The two looked at each other and burst into laughter simultaneously.
...
With Wayne's warning, the news of Lily's return remained with Harry alone; even Sirius and Remus were kept in the dark for the time being.
Remus was fine—he was someone who could keep a secret—but Sirius...
Even at nearly forty, he still couldn't be trusted. Harry could only hope that he would mature after marrying Amelia Bones, so that he could share this joy with him.
Meanwhile, Lily temporarily moved to the floating city, where Grace taught her the latest developments in Potions. Her talent was remarkable, not inferior to even Snape's.
Three months later.
On the familiar isolated island, Wayne lay on the beach, gazing up at the overcast sky.
After a long while, he let out a deep sigh.
"This home... I won't be returning for a while now."
As the ancients said, food and sex are human nature.
When everything returned to monotony, with no life's worries or career pursuits, there was very little left for Wayne to do.
Apart from studying the Dragon King's inheritance when he was in high spirits, he spent most of his time seeming relatively idle.
And once a person is idle, it's only natural to think about procreation.
After all, he was still the only heir of the Lawrence family.
However, he had made a mistake common to all men: while tending to the flowers at home, he had inadvertently brushed against a couple of wild ones.
"It's not my fault..." Wayne muttered to the sky. "Ginny's been plotting this for years; the fact that I held out this long makes me a gentleman.
"Artemis may seem clever, but she's actually quite naive. If I didn't take advantage of such a sweet, gullible girl a few times... wouldn't I be a fool?
"The Lawrence family motto is 'if you're not profiting, you're losing.' I was just following our ancestors' will..."
Unfortunately, these excuses went unheard, or even if they were, they wouldn't have helped. The women back home were all keen on locking him up in a dark room to settle accounts and prevent him from straying again.
"No, I can't keep wallowing like this. I still have to become the God of Magic."
Wayne sat up straight, his fighting spirit briefly rekindled.
Pulling out the Dimensional Altar, he prepared for the final sacrifice.
Staying in this world, he had no goals left, nor any way to progress quickly. Even the rate at which he earned points had slowed after his graduation.
If it weren't for fleecing the first-years thoroughly in his seventh year, he would have started panicking long ago.
[Host: Wayne Lawrence]
Rank: Legend
Magical Power: 13.5 Legends
Talents: Sorcery, Domination
Dragon King Inheritance Progress: 4% (20% obtained)
Comprehensive Evaluation: With a mortal body, he rivals the divine. Though only a Demigod, who says a Demigod isn't a God?
Compared to the lavish, multi-page attribute panel of the past, the system's evaluation was now extremely simplified, yet it clearly reflected his current strength.
Demigod!
Wayne hadn't yet drawn divine power into his body to further evolve his life, but the system had already classified his strength as Demigod-level.
This was thanks to various powerful inheritances, the augmentation methods of the Darkin, and the two complete World Runes of Sorcery and Domination.
Especially the latter two, which provided a tangible boost to his combat power.
No realm, just pure stats.
The only regret was that Wayne still had a considerable amount of shop points. If possible, he would have loved to exchange them for all the runic talents.
However, since he had obtained too few fragments of the other three types of runes, the system shop had not yet unlocked the exchange permission, so he could only wait a while longer.
As for breaking through to Demigod, it was not particularly difficult for him.
After a few years of diligent study of the inheritance, combined with witchcraft runes to deepen his understanding of magic, it would come naturally when the time was right.
But Wayne still felt it was not enough. He believed he could become stronger and advance further on the path of Legend.
The best example was the Great Arcanists of the Netheril Empire. Although his current Legend realm already qualified him to be called a Great Arcanist, he was still far too lacking.
During the peak of the Netheril Empire, even ordinary gods could not look directly upon the radiance of the Great Arcanists.
None of them possessed divinity; they simply continued advancing along the Legend path.
In the end, they even managed to trap and kill the first-generation Goddess of Magic.
Boom!
The altar landed on the ground, stirring up a large cloud of dust.
Wayne placed the bodies of Odin and Zeus on the altar for sacrifice. After absorbing their flesh-and-blood power, the altar erupted in endless light, condensing into a spatial vortex spanning worlds.
"I hope it's a useful plane, otherwise where will I find more sacrifices?"
Muttering to himself, Wayne prepared himself, stepped into the vortex, and ventured into the unknown.
His journey across the myriad realms and to becoming the God of Magic was only just beginning!