Kamar-Taj

Feeney had often heard people say that the world would keep turning no matter who was gone.

But now, he always felt that what the Ancient One meant was that if Earth lost him in the future, it might stop turning.

The Ancient One's assessment surprised him, but it also made him a little proud. Yes, proud. Not everyone was content to be ordinary. He could choose an ordinary life, but he did not want to have no choice but to be ordinary.

"I think I'll make this world a better place!"

Looking at the Ancient One, who was watching him, Feeney took a deep breath and said, "Just as you said, the future can't be controlled, but everyone can choose their future."

"No matter what reason you have for stopping me from using my abilities, I believe you're doing it for the sake of this world. So if they really endanger the world and you make me choose, I can temporarily give up using this ability."

Feeney didn't know why the Ancient One didn't want him to use the Golden Great Deduction Technique, but he wasn't too concerned about it. This ability wasn't very powerful at the moment anyway. Besides, with the system, he might draw an ability stronger than the Golden Great Deduction Technique in the future. For now, he should focus on the present.

Hearing Feeney's words, the Ancient One didn't answer. She only gave him a deep look before beginning to explain:

"Your magic modifies the rules of reality, making it an invading force from Earth's perspective. A Sorcerer's duty is to protect Earth from invasion. Therefore, as long as the Three Sanctums' power continues to protect Earth, it is destined to hinder your magic."

At that moment, Feeney finally understood why the skill proficiency of Sumire's Fried Chicken Roll had risen so quickly over the past eight years, while the Golden Great Deduction Technique had progressed so slowly.

It turned out that he didn't have a talent for cooking. His ability had merely been suppressed by the environment.

"So, as long as I'm not on Earth, I'll be able to use my power freely?"

Feeney asked curiously.

The Ancient One shook her head. "Of course not. However, without other forces hindering you, using your magic will be much easier. Even so, it will still depend on your personal circumstances. If another powerful force resists it, using it might be even more difficult than it is on Earth."

After saying this, the Ancient One hesitated, but continued:

"Unless you inject enough energy and Willpower into your magic to break through those obstacles!"

So he still had to rely on his own strength after all!

After hearing the Ancient One's words, Feeney once again deeply felt his own weakness.

"Actually, I've always been curious. What is this magic called?"

Perhaps because she had said everything she needed to, the Ancient One returned to her usual indifferent attitude and asked curiously.

"Golden Great Deduction Technique. It's a kind of magic that suddenly appeared in my mind when I was born. It can alter reality according to what I have in mind." Since the Ancient One trusted him so much, Feeney didn't hide anything and explained everything he could about the Golden Great Deduction Technique.

"What an extraordinary power!"

The Ancient One praised him. There was neither envy nor fear in her eyes, only a trace of curiosity and restraint toward this knowledge.

"Master Ancient One, I..."

Just as Feeney was about to ask once more whether he could stay and learn magic, the Ancient One seemed to know what he wanted to say and interrupted him:

"The magic of Kamar-Taj actually isn't very suitable for you. If you insist on learning it, you'll have to shoulder the responsibilities of a Sorcerer in the future. Are you sure you want to join us?"

Normally, learning Kamar-Taj's magic did not necessarily require one to shoulder its responsibilities, since it could be taught to outsiders, such as those who needed help.

Did Feeney count as someone who needed help? He personally thought he did, but the Ancient One clearly didn't see it that way. Therefore, she required Feeney to join Kamar-Taj and uphold that responsibility with them.

Fortunately, Feeney didn't mind. As far as he was concerned, the Sorcerers' greatest enemy was currently Dormammu. That guy was naturally hostile to everyone on Earth, so Feeney agreed without hesitation. "I'm sure. I'll join!"

Successfully becoming her disciple made Feeney feel rather cheerful, and his personality began to show its true nature.

"Master, I came in such a hurry that I didn't bring a gift. Would you like to try my special fried chicken roll?"

As he spoke, Feeney casually summoned a Sumire's Fried Chicken Roll and grinned as he held it out. They would have plenty of time together in the future, so it was impossible to keep it hidden. Besides, the Ancient One might have already known that he could do this.

"What a miraculous ability."

As expected, the Ancient One wasn't surprised. She praised him again and accepted the fried chicken roll without hesitation, taking a bite. A blissful expression appeared on her face as she said involuntarily, "It really is delicious!"

Kamar-Taj was a beautiful place. Beneath the night sky, it appeared even more tranquil and peaceful. The Ancient One took Feeney on a brief tour and introduced him to the other Sorcerers.

From then on, he could be considered an official member of the Mystic Arts Mages, even though he still didn't know a single spell.

Afterward, since it was already late, Feeney had no choice but to say goodbye for the time being. He planned to tell his family first, then return to begin his studies. As he was leaving, he hesitated several times before finally asking the last question in his heart:

"Master, aren't you curious about how I knew about you?"

Hearing this, the Ancient One smiled. There was an enigmatic look in her eyes as she said, "Everyone has secrets, don't they?"

"Besides, sometimes knowing too much isn't a good thing. Exploring more unknown matters can be quite interesting too!"

Feeney didn't quite understand what she meant. Did the Ancient One think he knew too much, and since she had finally encountered something she didn't understand, she wanted to find some amusement for herself and preserve that sense of curiosity?

With complicated feelings, Feeney left Kamar-Taj and returned to the New York Sanctum station.

The pitch-black night changed back into daylight. Feeney headed home while considering how he should explain to his family why he would be leaving.

Time always passed silently, and before long, evening came to New York.

After dinner, Feeney called his family over and said that he had something to announce.

Looking at the three people waiting for him to speak with curious expressions, he thought for a moment before saying, "I've been thinking about going out on my own for a while to see the outside world. I'll come back when school starts. Is that okay?"

"Why are you suddenly going away?"

"Where are you going?"

"I'll go with you!"

Their reactions differed. His mother was reluctant to see him leave, his father asked where he planned to go, and Skye was more straightforward, immediately saying she would follow him.

"I want to go see the area around the Himalayas."

Kamar-Taj was located in the Himalayan region, so he wasn't exactly deceiving his parents. As for Skye wanting to come along, he decided to speak with her privately later.

Since Feeney had been clever and well-behaved from a young age, and had rarely made demands over the years, his mother ultimately agreed despite her reluctance. His father merely reminded him to stay safe and asked when he planned to leave.

When they heard that he intended to leave within the next few days, they were all somewhat surprised. Skye also realized that something seemed suspicious and stopped clamoring to go with him.

That night, after his parents had gone to bed, Feeney went alone to Skye's room, preparing to explain the matter of Kamar-Taj to her.

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