In the training ground, dozens of people were learning basic magic under the guidance of a mage.
The Avengers from the Prime Universe, along with Captain Carter, stood directly behind, listening to the elderly Master Hamir's explanation on the stage.
"Calm down, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, lower your center of gravity, and clear your mind of all distractions. Don't rush to exert force, and don't rush to pursue so-called results."
"Breathe in rhythm with me. Today we'll learn the most basic magic in Kamar-Taj — the Rings of Raggadorr."
As the Master Hamir introduced himself to the crowd, he extended his severed left hand. The arm drew an arc in the air, and a golden magic shield instantly appeared on the stump.
"It is your first line of defense against external invasion, and also the first step for you to perceive your own magic."
"Follow my movements, adjust your breathing, watch the hand gestures, palms facing inward, fingertips touching, feel the energy flowing within your body, sense the magical energy in the surrounding world, and connect your mind with this energy."
At this moment, Master Hamir was like a gentle and kind old professor, patiently repeating the same action over and over again.
"Do not use brute force to urge it on, nor touch it with doubt or resistance."
The more you resist, the more likely you are to fail.
He paused deliberately, his gaze sweeping over the apprentices below the stage, whose expressions ranged from anxious to bewildered. His tone remained gentle as he revealed the core of the spell:
"Magic is never a power that can be forcibly controlled. If you harbor doubts in your hearts, if you are fixated on 'can I do it?' or 'will I fail?', these distracting thoughts will sever your connection with magical energy. Even if your gestures are perfect, you will not be able to gather even a fraction of power."
"Just as you believe you can breathe and stand, believe in the existence of this power, let go of your doubts and restlessness, empty your mind, and focus only on the sensation in your palm."
After listening to the explanation, Tony, watching the apprentices trying things out, spoke to the people beside him.
"How about it, guys? Want to have a contest to see who can shed their Muggle identity first?"
"You can't possibly be detached from this, Tony. How could a scientist like you genuinely believe in these mystical things?"
Natasha from the Prime Universe took a step forward and began drawing circles in the air, following the movements taught by the Master Hamir. After speaking, she didn't forget to glance at Tony and tease him.
"I'll definitely succeed first, there's no doubt about it. That Thor guy said that I'm the Sorcerer Supreme in other universes."
Tony raised an eyebrow and began to perform the spellcasting motions as well.
The others were also encountering the realm of magic for the first time, and they were all filled with curiosity, so they all began to try it out.
" Danny, why don't you give it a try?"
Natasha in the Knowhere looked at Iron Fist Danny, who had begun to meditate, and asked.
"No, magic is different from the system I cultivate. I've tried it in my own universe, and I don't have that magical talent."
Iron Fist Danny gave a calm reply, then sat down on the ground, crossed his legs, and began his daily meditation practice.
"He's a true cultivation fanatic."
Natasha, in the Knowhere, glanced at Captain Carter beside her and muttered a complaint.
"Maybe he's just used to it."
Captain Carter glanced at Danny, who was meditating.
Pietro, unable to bear the silence, had already performed hundreds or even thousands of spellcasting actions during the brief pause in the conversation, yet nothing had changed.
If he hadn't seen a few apprentices ahead of him drawing a few scattered sparks, he would have long since run off to play somewhere else.
Half an hour passed, and of all those present, including the Avengers, only a few managed to draw a few golden lines. They were still a long way from completely casting the spell.
Captain America Steve, had tried to make the gesture countless times and failed countless times, but he didn't give up easily. Instead, he continued to imitate the gesture and draw circles over and over again.
Buzz---!
While everyone was practicing diligently, a strange buzzing sound suddenly rang out, and everyone turned to look back in the direction of the sound.
A round shield appeared in both of Tony Stark's palms, and golden-yellow magical energy with a hint of crimson gathered in his hands.
This is the most basic magic of Kamar-Taj, the Rings of Raggadorr.
Tony spent only half an hour learning everything from scratch and directly assembled two complete shields.
"I told you so! I, Tony Stark, was definitely the first to learn magic! From now on, please call me Sorcerer Supreme Tony, Muggles."
Tony looked at his teammates with great arrogance, and even deliberately held up two shields next to Captain America Steve to show them off.
"Hey! Isn't that the famous Captain America Steve Rogers?"
" Old Popsicle, look what I have in my hand!"
This is way cooler than your shield!
Captain America Steve looked somewhat helpless upon hearing this, ever since Tony and the others had seen the future and the root cause of the Avengers' split.
Tony really doesn't treat him like a human being!
I'd tease him all the time, and the worst part is he couldn't argue back; he could only stay silent.
It's better than the two of them completely breaking up, like in the future.
Seeing that Steve didn't react, Tony curled his lip. " Old Popsicle is Old Popsicle, no sense of propriety at all. Hey! Banner! Look what I have in my hand?!"
" Tony, I'm almost there too, don't bother me."
Dr. Banner was the only superhero present, besides Tony and the others, who drew the gold lines.
" Banner, how could I disturb you? Look! Take a good look at these magical runes; maybe you'll succeed later too!"
Tony shoved both shields right into Banner's face, just like a child who had received a new toy.
The group of people present were all competitive, and with Tony directly challenging them in front of everyone, they practiced even harder.
Unfortunately, talent is something you either have or you don't have; it's not something you can catch up with just by working hard.
Of course, if you have a system that allows you to make up for your shortcomings through diligence, then that's a different story.
Thor emerged from the Mirror Dimension with a somewhat dark expression.
That old bastard the Ancient One!
Being petty is one thing, but being a sore loser and resorting to cheating is another!
Even though they couldn't beat him, they actually resorted to summoning a god to possess them!
No wonder he's a deadbeat! He has absolutely no integrity!
Fortunately, the benefits that the Ancient One sought were all for the next Sorcerer Supreme; otherwise, they would have had to fight another three hundred rounds. Putting aside whether they could win or not, they certainly couldn't lose in terms of momentum.
Do you really think he learned the Mountain-Shaking Fist Manual for nothing?!
Thor teleported to Strange's room, conjured an inkpad, and pressed his finger onto an ancient parchment scroll.
Putting aside personal morality, the Ancient One was still quite good, for the sake of the Earth.
And look... she's copied Mephisto's signature style perfectly.
No wonder people always say that your enemies often know you better than you know yourself.
In short, following Valeria and Emma Frost, he is about to have another top-tier bull and horse.
He glanced at Strange, who was fast asleep, and patted his face.
"Get some rest, Strange. When you wake up, even if you want to see the Goddess of Death, I can drag you back to work for me!"