"No, no." Ryan hurriedly denied it.
The Ancient One before him was far too powerful. She seemed kind, but for all Ryan knew, one wrong word could get him mercilessly knocked out.
He didn't want that. He was here to learn magic, not to get beaten up.
So he put on an appropriately eager expression. "As long as it's magic, I'm interested."
"Mm." The Ancient One nodded, as though she understood something.
"Then I'll teach you something simple. Let's set a modest goal: learn the Mirror Dimension."
She had said that deliberately. As soon as she returned, she had heard Wong, Hachir, and Mordo singing Ryan's praises.
She knew his talent was astonishing. Even more remarkable was how little arrogance he showed despite it.
That made her want to test his composure.
Inside the room, the Ancient One raised a hand and pointed.
The ordinary space shattered, as though irregular crystal shards had sprouted from the void. It was a wondrous sight.
The Ancient One stepped inside. "Follow me."
Ryan had no reason to refuse. He followed close behind her and passed through the fractured space.
He found himself in a new space.
A room identical to the one before.
There was nothing special about it, but when the Ancient One waved her hand, everything inside shifted and rearranged itself.
Ryan had seen this move when he fought Kaecilius. It had to be a way of controlling the Mirror Dimension.
The Ancient One wielded it with even greater ease, as naturally as moving her own arm.
The sight filled Ryan with admiration. No wonder she's the Sorcerer Supreme. No wonder she's lived so long. She's incredible.
As he thought that, the Ancient One turned toward him. Her gaze was so deep it seemed to see through anything. "Ryan, what are