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The following days were calm and monotonous.
Every day, aside from classes, Dudley devoted himself to studying, researching potions, and training his body.
The difference was that he became even more focused on potions, to the point of asking Mrs. Figg to help him purchase more advanced books on magic and herbology.
His physical training also became increasingly disciplined and rigorous.
It was as if something had stimulated him.
He had transformed into a true study maniac.
Then a new year arrived.
A memorable year.
An important year.
The year Dudley and Harry would turn eleven.
At eleven, there was a possibility of receiving a Hogwarts letter.
...
"Harry, I've got something to do today. You can head home without me," Dudley said after school one afternoon.
"If they ask, just say I went to play football with a classmate."
"Okay, D."
Harry nodded obediently and walked toward Little Whinging with his backpack on.
After spending so much time around Dudley, he already knew that certain things simply weren't meant to be asked.
After parting ways with Harry, Dudley slipped into a quiet, empty alley.
First, he changed into a suit he had prepared in advance.
Then he began applying something to his face.
A short while later, an ordinary-looking young man walked out of the alley.
Disguise.
Or rather, makeup.
A skill unlocked through the system.
Level 1.
The system really had everything…
Except real magic.
Today, Dudley had a meeting with a publishing house.
That was why he needed the disguise.
Although the idea of "Jerry" being an underage author would make for excellent marketing, it would also bring countless unnecessary complications.
And Dudley hated complications.
Discretion had always been his principle.
...
The agreed meeting place was a café.
He had told the publisher that he had written the book there—ordering a single cup of coffee and sitting all day.
"Mr. Jerry, long time no see!" Jimmy, an employee of the publishing house, greeted him with a polished, professional smile.
A radiant one.
Thanks to "Jerry," the publishing house was practically swimming in money.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say Dudley was their financial lifeline.
After a round of formal pleasantries, they got straight to business.
"The second volume of The Lord of the Rings has been another huge success."
"The royalties for this installment have already been transferred to your account. If there are any issues, please contact us anytime."
The second volume had been published under a profit-sharing model.
Even the first volume had been renegotiated into profit-sharing after its explosive initial success.
Selling like wildfire was only natural.
Fantasy literature in this world was extremely scarce.
The arrival of The Lord of the Rings had been a shock to the genre's readers.
"We'd like to know when we can expect the manuscript for the third volume," Jimmy said, finally revealing the true purpose of the meeting.
The overwhelming success of the first two volumes had made many publishers envious.
From their perspective, it was like picking money up off the ground.
No one wanted to lose that opportunity.
Seeing Dudley remain silent, Jimmy grew anxious.
"Are you concerned about the profit split? We can renegotiate."
Even with a smaller percentage, the sheer sales volume would more than make up for it.
But losing their "God of Fortune"?
That would be a real disaster.
...
Dudley changed the subject instead.
"Mr. Jimmy, we've been working together for two years now, haven't we?"
"Yes, Mr. Jerry."
Jimmy sighed. Who would have thought that first attempt would lead to such success?
"I think you're capable. Have you ever considered working directly with me?"
Jimmy did not answer immediately.
"I want to start a company."
Jimmy didn't refuse—but asked cautiously,
"What kind of company?"
"Merchandising."
You don't always need cutting-edge technology to make money.
Build a strong brand.
Copyright.
Derivative products.
Merchandise.
Harry Potter in his previous life.
Pokémon—one of the greatest money-making IPs in the world.
As long as the brand stays relevant, you just stir up hype from time to time.
Money practically prints itself.
Write novels.
Sell massively.
Build the brand.
Sell merchandise.
That had always been Dudley's plan—just in case he didn't get into Hogwarts.
In his previous life, he had struggled endlessly for money.
This time, he had no intention of worrying about finances again.
If he couldn't enter a magic school…
At the very least, he would achieve financial freedom.
Especially in a technological era.
The Muggle world's productivity was no weaker than that of the wizarding world.
In fact, technology posed a very real threat to spellcasters.
In other fictional worlds—like Fate—a single sniper rifle, a pack of explosives, and a special bullet were enough to send elite magi running.
Dudley had always been curious:
Could firearms kill a wizard?
In some universes, bullets worked just fine.
Perhaps one day he would test it.
...
Jimmy responded carefully,
"Mr. Jerry… may I take some time to think about it?"
Deep down, he wanted to accept.
He worked for the publishing house.
Even if they made millions, he would only receive a bonus.
But alongside Jerry…
Even a small share of that success could change his life.
Dudley nodded.
In the end, no one turns down money.
After that, the two engaged in an intense—but friendly—negotiation over the third volume's revenue split.
They reached an agreement.
Both sides were satisfied.
"Pleasure doing business."
"Likewise."
Jimmy left.
Dudley finished his glass of milk.
He didn't like coffee.
Not espresso. Not even an Americano.
So he went to a café… and ordered milk.
According to him, he was still growing.
He needed protein.
Yes.
That nearly 5'11" boy was only eleven years old.
...
A few days later, Jimmy gave his answer.
He would join.
One provided the capital.
The other provided management.
They quickly acquired a factory and began producing licensed merchandise for The Lord of the Rings.
The results were predictable.
Within a month, sales skyrocketed.
The most popular items were those featuring the trio of hobbits.
But the elven prince was unquestionably the favorite among girls.
The merchandise boosted the book's popularity even further.
A perfect cycle.
Before long, The Lord of the Rings became a cultural phenomenon.
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