American comics: From Hogwarts to God on Earth

Chapter 103 Dumbledore: The advantage is mine!

Dumbledore volunteered to take on the task of dealing with Voldemort, and Rune was naturally happy to have an easy job.

In the original books, Dumbledore was killed by Voldemort because he was cursed. But now, Dumbledore is not only uncursed, but he also has more information than in the books. His plans will certainly be more prudent, rather than being forced to gamble with his life as in the original stories.

Furthermore, there's a factor many haven't considered: in the decade or so after Voldemort's death, or rather, his near-death experience, magical spells were constantly being refined. Dumbledore was a research-oriented individual, and he was only a little over a hundred years old. For Muggles, this age might be so fragile that a fall could be fatal, but for a powerful wizard like Dumbledore, he was still in his prime.

And Voldemort? He wasn't entirely inactive during those ten-odd years, but he certainly wasted his time. Aside from possessing other people and orchestrating a few failed plots, he spent his time searching for snakes to possess and evading the Aurors. If Wormtail hadn't sought a powerful backer, he might still be alive today.

Moreover, the foolish minister who had dragged down the entire British wizarding world had been eliminated by Rune, and the Daily Prophet was now in Rita's hands. The spread of news of Voldemort's resurrection was not hindered in any way; however, after being frightened by Rune's previous killings, the wizarding world was not overly panicked.

Voldemort, defeated by the infant, was far less formidable than he once was. Not to mention, people now fear, respect, and adore Rune more. Rune's organization is now the most powerful and violent force in the entire wizarding world. What makes Voldemort think he can win?

Therefore, Rune didn't need to worry about whether Dumbledore would win against Voldemort; instead, he was considering how to win the battle. With the last remaining concern in the Harry Potter world eliminated, almost everyone in the DC universe could see Rune's good mood. Not long ago, this handsome boy always had a sour face, and everyone who approached him was afraid.

After patiently answering his classmates' questions and finishing a day of classes, Rune finally returned to the farm.

The farm is no longer what it used to be. After Rune made his money, the Clark family's house was renovated. The new house no longer used the cheap wooden structure, but instead used more expensive reinforced concrete. The walls are also much thicker than before, with not only insulation but also high-end soundproofing—mainly to provide Nathan and Martha with privacy.

They were initially hesitant about the expensive renovation plan, but when Rune mentioned they also needed some privacy, Martha readily agreed. Jonathan wanted to say something, but ultimately said nothing. However, this stubborn man, Jonathan, still hadn't given up his old profession and continued to do farm work every day.

"I can't rely on my children for everything; I need to have my own things to do too," Jonathan said. "I know you mean well, but I have to leave you a way out."

The man, with dark skin and wrinkles etched with the marks of time, his clothes worn and tattered, looked solemnly at his two children: "If one day you encounter any difficulties or setbacks outside, always remember, children—you still have me, and this farm. You still have one last path to take."

Martha chimed in, agreeing that she was used to this kind of life. However, Rune still helped Jonathan upgrade his gear. Electric tools were bought, and the vehicle was replaced with one with a larger carrying capacity. When Rune handed the car keys to the stubborn man and wished him a happy birthday, he was as happy as a child.

Over the course of the year, Rune gradually came to accept Jonathan. He couldn't bring himself to call him "father," after all, considering both his past and present lives, he was probably older than Jonathan. But he still considered Jonathan, Clark, and Martha as his family, even though he knew it might become his Achilles' heel.

Furthermore, during that year, Rune was forced to register a company, thanks in part to the IRS. There are three things on Earth that are universally acknowledged as absolutely forbidden: drinking alcohol in Russia, selling drugs in the US, and evading taxes in the United States.

At the end of 2021, the IRS issued a notice reminding Americans not to forget to pay their taxes. Doesn't that sound normal?

However, the IRS notice essentially includes the following: If you are a thief in the United States, please report your stolen goods to the IRS after stealing property; if you are a corrupt official in the United States, please report your embezzled funds to the IRS after embezzling.

Rune started the company solely to deal with this largest violent organization in the United States. The US tax code is approximately 380 million words long.

He had no interest in reading it word by word, so he hired a lawyer to help him calculate it.

Just as Rune was happily cooking, a heated argument broke out downstairs. Clark and Jonathan were arguing fiercely, forcing Rune to put down his chopsticks and go downstairs.

Jonathan is great in every way, except he's all bark and no bite, and he's very stubborn. Clark, whom he raised, is also going through a rebellious phase, and Rune and Martha have been acting as a buffer between the two.

After Rune went downstairs, the first thing he saw was a brand new car. The car's design was very classic. If a car could be considered classic even by Rune, who doesn't know much about cars, then it must be either extremely expensive or extremely cheap.

After carefully listening to the content of their argument, Lu Enshou understood the whole story. Actually, it wasn't a big deal.

Clark saved a wealthy man. To repay his life, the wealthy man gave Clark his car. Clark, of course, was overjoyed to take the car back and considered it the fruit of his labor.

But Jonathan was clearly unhappy. He felt that it was just a small favor for Clark, and that saving lives should not be done for any reward.

Martha was inclined to side with Jonathan and was also trying to persuade Clark to return the car. But Rune's opinion was exactly the opposite of the couple's.

"Clark was definitely in the wrong." Rune interrupted the argument and looked at Clark, who looked aggrieved, asking, "How did you bring the car back? Did you even have a driver's license?"

Distracted by Rune's words, Clark paused for a moment, then honestly shook his head: "Uh, it seems not—okay, I admit I did something wrong, I'm sorry—"

"Hmm." Rune nodded, then looked at the Jonathans, who thought he was speaking up for them, and said, "But I don't think there's anything wrong with Clark getting the car."