Lucian turned around.
Less than three meters behind him, a circular passage woven from golden sparks was slowly spinning.
Sparks danced around its edges, illuminating an entirely different scene on the other side: a courtyard of blue-gray stone where the snow had yet to melt.
On this side of the passage stood a bald woman dressed in plain, coarse robes.
She was tall and slender, her hands resting casually against her wide cuffs. A gentle smile hung on her face. Nothing about her seemed dangerous, yet she exuded the detachment of someone who had seen through the ways of the world.
The Sorcerer Supreme, the Ancient One.
Lucian's pupils shifted slightly, his feet holding steady above the sea.
He had never expected that simply coming to the Indian Ocean to test a newly acquired skill would draw out someone of her stature.
This was a genuine guardian of dimensions, with who knew how many dimensional demon gods on her borrowing ledger.
Lucian suppressed the ripples in his heart and did not rush to take a defensive stance.
Since she had appeared in such a conversational mood, things clearly had not reached the point of drawn weapons.
Lucian asked tentatively, "What exactly did you mean by learning magic, Ancient One?"
The Ancient One did not answer directly.
She looked at Lucian, a meaningful smile appearing on her face.
"Standing in this sea breeze to chat is hardly a way to receive a guest."
The Ancient One turned sideways and pointed at the sparking mystical portal behind her. "Come with me."
With that, she strode straight into the ring of light without waiting for Lucian's response.
The portal above the sea did not close immediately. Golden sparks continued crackling in the air, as though quietly awaiting the guest's decision.
Lucian stood where