The Ancient One's unexpected call

The relief from the lawsuit that had just ended still lingered in the hearts of Lin Hai and his three friends, but they were working to turn their attention back to their coursework at the California Institute of Technology.

At the large table in the living room, Peter was still tearing his hair out over a complicated physics problem; Gwen was organizing her thick biology notes; Harry was simulating a new armor structure on his computer; and Lin Hai was trying to understand a biology paper about plants.

Yet the gears of this world never stopped turning for any one person's wishes.

Quiet afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows into the living room, but the comfortable atmosphere was broken by the sudden ringing of a phone.

Lin Hai picked up his phone and paused when he saw the name on the screen—"Master Hamil." He motioned for his friends to be quiet and answered.

"Hello, Master Hamil," Lin Hai greeted him politely.

Master Hamil's familiar, steady voice came from the other end, carrying a barely perceptible note of gravity. "Lin Hai, sorry for disturbing you. Although the Ancient One has yet to return to Kamar-Taj, she has sent a message through mystical means."

Lin Hai's heart tightened. "There's news from the Ancient One? Is she all right?"

"She is unharmed." Master Hamil paused, then continued, "Her message specified that you and Gwen should come to Kamar-Taj as soon as possible. She will contact you personally about the details. That is all I know."

"Gwen and me?" Somewhat surprised, Lin Hai glanced at Gwen, who was looking at him questioningly. "All right, I understand. We'll leave as soon as possible."

"Good. See you at Kamar-Taj." Master Hamil ended the call without further ado.

Setting down his phone, Lin Hai faced three pairs