Superman Learns Magic

Over the next three hours, Xiao Han absorbed Kamar-Taj's magical theories with astonishing efficiency.

Unlike ordinary sorcerers, who needed to repeatedly practice incantations and hand gestures, he used his super brain to categorize and store all the knowledge directly, building a complete theoretical framework.

When Xiao Han finished the final page of Advanced Dimensional Mathematics, The Ancient One suddenly spoke. "Your way of learning is astonishing, Mr. Xiao.

But magic is more than theoretical knowledge. It requires resonance with the dimensions and cultivation of the mind."

Xiao Han returned the book to its shelf. "For now, I have no intention of casting these spells. But understanding the principles is the first step."

He pointed to his eyes. "My Heat Vision was not something I was born with either. I mastered it only after understanding the interaction between solar energy and biological force fields."

The Ancient One nodded thoughtfully. "So you believe that, with a sufficiently deep understanding, you will eventually find a way to cast spells without relying on a Sling Ring? As you said, using yourself as the medium?"

"Perhaps." Xiao Han walked toward the restricted area in the deepest part of the library.

"But right now, I want to know more about what methods our enemy might use."

The moment his fingers touched a copied scroll of the Darkhold, Wong rushed forward in a single stride. "No! That book is too dangerous! Even the Sorcerer Supreme—"

"Let him read it."

The Ancient One spoke again, her voice calm yet unquestionable. "Mr. Xiao is right. Understanding the enemy is necessary."

Xiao Han unrolled the scroll and swiftly scanned the twisted text upon it.

As he read further, his brow gradually furrowed. "The Dark Dimension's method of corruption is more cunning than I imagined... It exploits emotional weaknesses rather than flaws in magic."

The Ancient One walked to his side. "Is that so? Perhaps you have discovered something different."

"Look here."

Xiao Han pointed at a seemingly ordinary annotation to an incantation. "The Dark Dimension does not forcibly break through defenses. It creates cracks through the negative emotions in the guardians' hearts.

Fear, doubt, pride... those are the true points of entry."

The Ancient One's expression became exceptionally grave. After a long silence, she said softly, "You are right. Five hundred years ago, it was the greed of the guarding sorcerers that allowed Dormammu to breach the defenses for the first time."

Wong sucked in a breath. "Sorcerer Supreme! That is top-secret information..."

"There is no longer any need for secrecy." The Ancient One looked at Xiao Han, a complicated light flickering in her eyes.

"Mr. Xiao discovered in three hours a truth we had failed to fully understand for centuries."

Wong was too shocked to speak. He could only stare blankly at Xiao Han, as if he were looking at something inconceivable.

The Ancient One let out a long breath, and a rare expression of weariness and relief appeared on her face.

"Come with me, Mr. Xiao."

She opened a portal leading to the terrace. "It seems we need to talk some more."

On the terrace, the cold wind of the Himalayas howled past, but a warm barrier surrounded the two of them.

The Ancient One gazed at the distant snow-covered mountains in silence for a long time.

"Xiao."

She finally spoke, her voice carrying an unprecedented solemnity. "I once again ask you to consider succeeding me as the Sorcerer Supreme."

Xiao Han raised a brow. "I thought we had already discussed this."

"At the time, I did not fully understand your abilities."

The Ancient One turned around, an unusual light shining in her eyes.

Xiao Han did not respond and quietly waited for her to continue.

"I originally believed Doctor Strange would be my successor."

The Ancient One smiled bitterly. "But your appearance changed everything. In just a few hours, you grasped magical knowledge that ordinary sorcerers needed decades to understand.

You discovered a flaw in the defenses that even I had failed to notice. You even..."

She paused. "Your wisdom is already at the level required of the Sorcerer Supreme, and perhaps before long, you will be able to open portals without a Sling Ring."

Xiao Han looked into the distance. "The Sorcerer Supreme needs more than power."

"Precisely."

The Ancient One's voice suddenly became fervent. "You possess power, yet do not abuse it. You discover flaws and immediately repair them. You reject authority, yet are willing to shoulder responsibility. These qualities are more precious than any talent for magic."

The cold wind swept up The Ancient One's yellow robes. She looked more like an ordinary cultivator than ever, rather than Earth's guardian.

"I foresee darkness approaching, Xiao. Dormammu is only the beginning. Thanos, dimensional collapse, the reorganization of the universe... this world needs a guardian stronger than me."

After thinking for a moment, Xiao Han suddenly asked, "In this universe, have you seen how you will die?"

The Ancient One's expression froze for an instant. "I have seen... many possibilities.

But one thing is certain. When I die, someone must take my place. Otherwise, Earth will fall into eternal darkness."

Xiao Han exhaled, and white mist condensed and dispersed in the cold air.

He turned around and looked directly into The Ancient One's eyes. "I cannot promise to become the Sorcerer Supreme. I have my own path to follow and many things to handle."

The Ancient One's shoulders drooped slightly, but Xiao Han's next words made her lift her head again.

"However,"

Xiao Han's voice carried a teasing note. "If that day truly comes, I will act. I still plan to live on Earth, after all.

Before then, I promise to help protect the Three Sanctums and fight Dormammu and other threats."

A trace of relief flashed through The Ancient One's eyes, and she nodded slightly. "That is enough. Thank you, Xiao Han."

The two stood silently on the terrace as the first ray of dawn pierced through the clouds in the distance, bathing the snow mountains in golden light.

"Daybreak." Xiao Han broke the silence. "I should head back. Tony is probably already wondering about my disappearance."

The Ancient One smiled. "You are welcome to return anytime. Kamar-Taj will always have a place for you."

She drew open a portal to New York. Just as Xiao Han was about to step through it, he suddenly stopped.

"Master."

Without turning back, he said, "Try to live a little longer. This world needs you."

With that, he stepped into the portal and vanished amid golden sparks.

The Ancient One stood alone in the morning light, a faint smile on her lips.

She murmured to herself, "No, Xiao Han. What this world will eventually need is strength."

After Xiao Han left, Mordo walked to The Ancient One's side. "Do you truly trust him?"

The Ancient One looked up at the starry sky. "I trust his choices. I believe that in every future, he stands on the side of light."

"Even if he does not wish to become the Sorcerer Supreme?"

"Especially because he does not wish to become the Sorcerer Supreme." The Ancient One turned and walked back into the sanctum.

"A true hero never fights for power."

Under New York's night sky, Xiao Han floated above the clouds, recalling everything that had happened today.

Kamar-Taj's magical knowledge had opened a new door for him, giving him a more complete understanding of this world's system of power.