Gwen and Magic

The Ancient One nodded slightly, approval in her eyes, her voice as clear and crisp as melting snow from the mountains. "Miss Gwen Stacy, you do indeed possess both the talent and the fate to learn magic. I simply do not know whether you are willing to embark on a path you have never imagined."

Gwen felt as though she had been struck by an enormous windfall. Her blue eyes widened instantly, her fingers unconsciously clutching the hem of her clothes as she grew a little dizzy. "Huh? You mean... is this real? I can learn magic?"

Gwen's voice trembled slightly with excitement. Blood rushed to her face, tinting her cheeks red. After Master Ancient One had consecutively rejected Peter and Harry, Gwen had been quite prepared to be rejected herself. Yet she had never expected such a surprise to come so suddenly.

The Ancient One calmly poured tea, its fragrance curling up from the cup. "You heard correctly. Yes."

Gwen instinctively looked toward her companions.

The disappointment on Peter and Harry's faces had long since been replaced by joy. Peter even excitedly gave her a thumbs-up, silently mouthing, "That's awesome!" Harry was also beaming, delighted that his good friend had earned Master Ancient One's recognition.

At last, her gaze met Lin Hai's. His warm smile was as gentle as sunlight, his eyes full of encouragement. When he gave her a slight nod, it seemed as though he were saying: Believe in yourself.

Gwen took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Gradually, her heart settled.

She began to think calmly, images flashing through her mind: her family, her schoolwork, her laboratory research, the companions who fought at her side...

When she opened her eyes again, her gaze had become resolute.

"Respected Master Ancient One, thank you for believing in