You Influence This World Too Much

Bleecker Street 177A.

In front of a three-story building, Finney looked at the iconic pattern on the roof and let out a long sigh. After searching for over an hour, he had finally found the place.

Standing before the main entrance, Finney felt a strange sensation looking at the building. To put it simply, it felt like it could be easily overlooked if one wasn't paying attention.

Finney didn't know if this was magic, but he hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to go in. Although he had prepared for nearly a month, he still felt a bit hesitant when the moment of truth arrived.

"Speaking of which, with Master Ancient One's abilities, she must have foreseen my potential arrival, right? Is her absence because she thinks I shouldn't be here?"

"No, it's also possible she's already waiting for me inside, just unwilling to personally come and greet me. After all, she's the Sorcerer Supreme; she needs to maintain her dignity in front of her disciple."

After a bout of random thoughts, Finney finally took a step forward, heading towards the New York Sanctum.

The main door opened with a push. Upon entering, Finney looked around. The spacious hall was quiet, and all the items exuded a classical aura. A staircase led directly to the second floor.

"So rich."

Finney muttered softly to himself, looking at the luxurious, aristocratic environment. Having learned from his previous experience, he no longer dared to speak carelessly, even when it seemed like no one was around.

"Is anyone here?"

Finney didn't act rashly. Instead, he stood in the hall and called out. After all, this was one of the Three Sanctums; who knew if there were any magical traps set up around?

Soon, a... bald person walked down from upstairs!?

Looking at the man's bare head, Finney suddenly felt a pang of worry for his own hair. Surely, the price of learning magic from Master Ancient One wouldn't be hair loss!?

Thinking of the future Doctor Strange, Finney temporarily put his thoughts aside and said to the mage descending the stairs, "Hello, I am a disciple Master Ancient One took in some time ago. My name is Finney Hailsaiz, you can just call me Finney."

"Master Ancient One's disciple?"

The man was taken aback. He glanced at Finney with some confusion, then replied, "Hello, I am Daniel Dembla. I apologize, Master Hailsaiz, but I haven't heard of Master Ancient One taking in any disciples recently?"

"Cough..."

Finney coughed awkwardly and then did his best to appear unfazed. "Perhaps Master felt my level wasn't high enough to mention, making it difficult to speak of. I've actually come today to ask Master Daniel to take me to see Master. I have some questions I'd like to ask her."

Daniel stared at Finney with a scrutinizing gaze for a long time. Then, seemingly deeming Finney non-threatening, he nodded and said, "Please follow me."

Daniel led Finney to a corner on the left side of the hall, where there was a closed door.

Finney watched as Daniel opened the door, only to reveal a stone wall behind it.

Then, Daniel made a few strange gestures. Orange-red energy filled his hands, and he pressed them against the wall. The stone wall began to change rapidly, slowly becoming transparent, and finally resembling a water curtain.

"Earth is truly not bad when it comes to transportation!"

Finney silently marveled. Although Earth appeared weak overall at the moment, if its hidden strength were considered, it was enough to surpass many civilizations in the universe.

Stepping through the water curtain, the two arrived in a place that looked like a library. Above them, a giant Earth Model floated motionlessly in the air.

Finney curiously examined everything around him, especially the numerous locked magic books.

As he passed the Earth Model, Finney specifically glanced at the platform. He didn't find the Eye of Agamotto, which was made from the Time Stone. It must be with Master Ancient One.

Daniel led Finney forward without any conversation.

The time zone changed. It was already evening in Kamar-Taj. The change in the sky made Finney feel a bit unaccustomed. The other people they passed on the road merely glanced curiously at Finney's attire, none paying him much mind.

"Please wait here for a moment. I will inform Master Ancient One."

Upon reaching a reception room, Daniel asked Finney to wait a moment before disappearing.

Finney sat nervously on a chair. For the past month, he had constantly thought about what to say when he met Master Ancient One and what he could answer if she asked questions. Now, the time to face it had finally arrived.

"Welcome to Kamar-Taj, Mr. Hailsaiz."

Soon, a familiar voice sounded in his ear. Master Ancient One, brighter, more radiant, and more powerful than Daniel, appeared in the living room and asked, "Would you like some tea?"

"Thank you, you can just call me Finney, Master."

Finney quickly stood up, looking at Master Ancient One with slight nervousness. Beside her stood Daniel, who had guided him earlier.

"Thank you for your trouble, Master Daniel. I would like to speak with Master Finney now."

After dismissing Daniel, only Finney and Master Ancient One were left in the room. After skillfully brewing two cups of tea, Master Ancient One sat down and said with a smile, "Please try it. It's Chinese Longjing. I wonder if you're accustomed to it."

Finney didn't refuse. He directly picked up the teacup and took a sip. His tongue felt a slight tightening sensation. It wasn't bitter, and the aftertaste was slightly sweet, accompanied by a fresh aroma that instantly cleared his head, which had been feeling groggy after making the compass.

"It's delicious!"

Finney couldn't help but exclaim. Lacking extensive knowledge, he couldn't describe it in detail, but it was simply delicious.

"Thank you!" Master Ancient One smiled and also picked up her teacup for a sip, her movements elegant and natural.

Finney hadn't come here just for tea. Although the tea was good, he didn't drink much. Seeing Master Ancient One savoring hers, he decided to speak first. "Master Ancient One, I wish to learn magic from you. May I?"

"But don't you already know how?"

Master Ancient One looked at him calmly.

"No one dislikes gaining more knowledge," Finney replied earnestly. "I still haven't been able to fully utilize that power. I wish for you to teach me."

"What if I told you that I am actually hindering you from using this power?"

Suddenly, Master Ancient One said something astonishing.

"What!?"

Feeney was a little stunned. He had thought Ancient One might refuse, or agree, or perhaps propose conditions or restrictions, but he had never expected this answer.

Was the slow progress of the 'Golden Great Deduction Technique' related to Ancient One!?

"No one can truly control the future, Mr. Hailsaiz," Ancient One said slowly. "I have seen too many future possibilities, yet I still feel the future is unknowable, especially yours."

"Your future sometimes becomes unimaginably vast, and sometimes I can see nothing at all. I'm even unsure if choosing to see you back then and now was the right decision!"

Ancient One walked up to Feeney, her deep gaze fixed on him as she spoke. "The power you possess is terrifying, Feeney. You might make this world better, but you might also hasten its destruction."

"Feeney Hailsaiz, your influence on this world is too great!"

Hmm... I've signed the contract, let's celebrate. You can give me a tip now! Please support me! By the way, in my impression, Ancient One's personality is that of a very kind teacher, right? Hmm, she also has a playful, joking side.