"The Venerable One is on Mars and cannot come. If you have any objections to this arrangement, wait until she returns from Mars. I am sure she will gently answer all your questions." Facing the challenges, Master Wong shut them down bluntly. He was already run ragged and had no time for the trivial complaints of the Sanctum deacons during this operation. Arcanists were on call twenty-four hours a day; threats would not cease just because they went to bed.
Some low-ranking deacons had never met the Emperor. They had only heard from others about his time studying at Kamar-Taj and compiling the codex. Master Daniel of the New York Sanctum could not keep his subordinates in line. When certain fools learned that this mission was being led by a spellcaster entirely unaffiliated with Kamar-Taj—Wanda Maximoff—the pride and rebelliousness unique to inexperienced young people immediately went to their heads.
Master Wong promptly slapped the fool leading them.
The resounding crack of flesh striking flesh echoed through the Sanctum hall. Nearly everyone jumped. The low-ranking deacon who had been struck remained frozen in the same posture, terror written all over his face as he trembled and checked whether his head was still attached.
"The Venerable One rarely gets angry, and so do I, but you had better not mistake that for tolerance. I now declare you, you, and you unqualified. In five minutes, return to headquarters through a portal and continue learning self-control until Mordo approves." Master Wong pointed at the terrified low-ranking deacons, closing in on them and staring them down. "You used to be apprentices. Kamar-Taj treated you as well as possible, allowing you to focus completely on your studies. Now you should understand that no one here deserves special treatment unless you demonstrate your value. Kamar-Taj has disciplined