Within the sanctified halls of Kamar-Taj, Elder Byrne's expression darkened progressively as he reviewed the reports accumulating on his desk. Each document detailed another concerning development in this growing crisis.
"Report: Investigation confirms fifteen practitioners currently implementing the forbidden Little Freedom Methodology within the New York Sanctum."
"Report: Investigation confirms twenty-one practitioners currently implementing the forbidden Little Freedom Methodology within the London Sanctum."
"Report: Evidence indicates additional unauthorized methodology circulation within Hong Kong Sanctum..."
The reports continued unabated, each more troubling than the last.
Elder Byrne, Chief Enforcer of Kamar-Taj's mystical regulations, stared grimly at the junior sorcerer who had delivered these disturbing findings. His weathered features contorted with barely suppressed fury.
These fallen sorcerers are deliberately courting annihilation, he thought, rage building as he contemplated their audacity in openly disseminating such dangerous knowledge.
What particularly incensed him was the insidious packaging of this subversive methodology—wrapped in seductive rhetoric about "freedom," "magical civilization's advancement," "fairness," "independence," and "protecting Earth." Such calculated language specifically targeted impressionable young practitioners and apprentices.
Byrne had to acknowledge the psychological effectiveness of these positive framing devices. Had such concepts been promoted by legitimate authorities—governmental institutions or Kamar-Taj itself—he would have found nothing objectionable about them.
The fundamental perversity lay in their source—fallen sorcerers whose practices were characterized by bloodshed, cruelty, and malevolence. Based on his extensive knowledge of David and his associates, such sophisticated propaganda seemed utterly incongruous with their established methodologies.
David possessed skills in rebellion and discord, certainly—but this level of ideological sophistication suggested something altogether more dangerous.
This isn't mere rumor-mongering, Byrne realized. This represents precise, calculated subversion.
One assertion after another—magical civilization, Earth sorcerers, equitable treatment, independence from divine constraints—each statement designed to fracture Kamar-Taj's unity and introduce chaos into their ranks. The fallen sorcerers showed no hesitation in attempting to lure Kamar-Taj practitioners toward darker patrons.
What truly malevolent timing, Byrne thought bitterly. Just as we face imminent conflict with Asgard.
He recognized this for what it was: conspiracy. Naked, unambiguous conspiracy.
His eyes narrowed dangerously as he contemplated appropriate countermeasures.
"Elder Byrne," the reporting sorcerer continued, "our investigation has identified seventy-six practitioners who have either accessed or implemented the Little Freedom Methodology."
The young sorcerer shifted uncomfortably. "However, given the methodology's inherently secretive nature, we cannot discount the possibility of practitioners concealing their involvement—particularly senior sorcerers familiar with our investigative protocols. When combined with the contractual propagation requirements embedded within the Little Freedom Methodology, we face a potentially extensive and deeply concealed network."
Byrne remained silent for several moments, absorbing this assessment.
With a casual gesture, he dismissed the junior sorcerer. "I understand. Return to your duties. Keep all enforcement personnel at heightened readiness."
"Yes, Elder," the young sorcerer responded with a respectful bow before departing.
Alone with his thoughts, Byrne's expression grew colder, more calculating. Someone extraordinary had clearly joined the fallen sorcerers' ranks—someone whose strategic acumen surpassed anything they had previously encountered.
He had to acknowledge their tactical advantage; Kamar-Taj found itself reacting to their initiative rather than proactively addressing the threat. Nevertheless, the fallen sorcerers appeared to have overlooked a fundamental principle: against overwhelming mystical force, even the most intricate conspiracies disintegrated into insignificance.
Decision made, Byrne raised his hand in a precise gesture. A portal ringed with crimson flames materialized before him, revealing the Bamboo Forest Teahouse—the Ancient One's preferred sanctuary for contemplation.
This situation transcended the enforcement division's typical jurisdiction. When fallen sorcerers adopted entirely new methodologies—ones exponentially more dangerous than their previous approaches—immediate intervention became imperative. Every passing moment only heightened the peril.
Byrne would willingly bear potential criticism or censure for circumventing proper channels. This threat demanded the Ancient One's direct attention.
Within the tranquil confines of the Bamboo Forest Teahouse, the Ancient One sat with characteristic serenity, methodically placing select tea leaves into an exquisite porcelain pot before adding perfectly heated water with practiced grace. Her expression remained placid, the faint smile that typically adorned her features undimmed by worldly concerns.
Across from her, Elder Byrne maintained a rigid posture, his customary formality undiminished despite the urgency of his visit. He inhaled appreciatively as delicate tea fragrance permeated the space.
"Speak your mind, Byrne," the Ancient One prompted gently. "Rarely have I seen you in such evident haste, appearing unbidden at my doorstep."
Byrne's serious expression briefly yielded to a rueful smile at her gentle teasing.
"Sorcerer Supreme, I fear I must request your direct intervention," he stated without preamble. "We face an increasingly precarious situation."
"Indeed?" she responded softly. "Define 'precarious.'"
"Lockhart has informed me of our deteriorating relations with Asgard," Byrne explained. "Conflict appears increasingly inevitable."
He leaned forward slightly. "Simultaneously, the fallen sorcerers have initiated a new stratagem—systematically disseminating a forbidden methodology designed to undermine our collective resolve. We've confirmed nearly a hundred practitioners have been exposed, with an unknown number potentially concealing their involvement."
His expression grew grimmer. "We face simultaneous external and internal threats at a moment when unity remains our most critical asset."
"This forbidden methodology," the Ancient One inquired with apparent curiosity, "possesses sufficient potency to destabilize Kamar-Taj's morale?"
Without hesitation—having anticipated this question—Byrne produced the black volume containing the Little Freedom Methodology and placed it before the Ancient One.
"This represents the immediate threat, Sorcerer Supreme," he declared emphatically. "Its potential damage exceeds even that posed by Asgardian aggression if left unchecked."
"Allow me to examine it," she replied, gesturing toward Byrne's untouched teacup. "Please, refresh yourself while I review the contents."
The teapot tilted of its own accord, filling Byrne's cup with amber liquid.
The Ancient One opened the black book, methodically reviewing its contents. As she progressed through the pages, the subtle smile never left her face.
How fascinating, she thought. Lockhart's mysterious associate demonstrates remarkable ingenuity.
Minutes passed in silence while Byrne grew increasingly restless. The Ancient One had clearly finished reading yet offered no immediate commentary.
"Sorcerer Supreme," he finally ventured, unable to contain himself further, "your assessment of this 'Little Freedom Methodology'?"
"The approach demonstrates considerable sophistication," she replied thoughtfully. "However, its limitations are equally apparent."
"Limitations?" Byrne asked, surprised. "I failed to identify any significant weaknesses."
"Naturally," she acknowledged with gentle understanding. "The methodology's primary limitation lies in its extreme specificity. It targets precisely the contractual arrangement between Kamar-Taj and Vishanti."
"Its universal applicability remains severely constrained—effective solely against the particular mystical contract governing our relationship with Vishanti. The creator clearly devoted years to studying our contractual specifics; nearly every countermeasure demonstrates remarkable precision."
Why is she praising this dangerous methodology? Byrne wondered silently.
Perceiving his confusion, the Ancient One tempered her assessment. "Such specificity represents both strength and vulnerability. We need only modify our contractual arrangement with Vishanti to render this methodology entirely ineffective."
She gestured dismissively. "Any adaptations would require extensive research and significant time investment. The immediate threat can be neutralized relatively easily."
Byrne nodded with dawning comprehension. Kamar-Taj could invalidate the methodology's effectiveness whenever necessary.
Nevertheless, his concerns persisted.
"Sorcerer Supreme, these fallen sorcerers still represent a significant threat. Should they refine this methodology to increase its versatility..."
"Their efforts clearly intend to fracture Kamar-Taj from within," he continued urgently. "Their rhetoric about freedom, fairness, Earth sorcerers—"
"Sufficient, Byrne," the Ancient One interrupted gently. "What specific intervention do you propose?"
Byrne responded without hesitation. "Sorcerer Supreme, Earth represents Kamar-Taj's rightful domain. If possible, your personal intervention could eliminate these fallen sorcerers entirely."
His voice gained intensity. "This would sever the root and source of this methodology. Particularly with Asgardian aggression looming, internal harmony must take precedence. We must secure our own foundations before confronting external threats."
His appeal concluded with profound sincerity.
However, the Ancient One merely shook her head slightly.
"Byrne, we shall address this matter subsequently," she replied, her tone allowing no further discussion. "Our immediate priority remains preparation for potential conflict with Asgard."
Her unexpected dismissal left Byrne momentarily speechless. As he opened his mouth to protest, a subtle shift in her expression silenced him immediately. Despite her outward serenity, something in her gaze suggested she perceived elements of the situation beyond his understanding.
In the great library of Kamar-Taj, as Byrne departed from the Bamboo Forest Teahouse, Wong paused in his cataloging of mystical texts. A slight frown creased his typically impassive features as he sensed a disturbance in the dimensional energies surrounding Earth—subtle fluctuations that suggested complex magical workings occurring simultaneously across multiple locations.
Something was gradually taking form, like a vast, invisible web slowly encompassing the entire mystical community. The Little Freedom Methodology represented merely a single strand in a far more intricate design.
Meanwhile, in his chamber within David's headquarters, Grindelwald observed these developments with satisfaction. The Ancient One had reacted precisely as anticipated—recognizing the threat but underestimating its true purpose. While Kamar-Taj and Asgard focused on each other, his real objective—the Celestial embryo—remained relatively unguarded.
The true genius of his plan lay not in the methodology itself, but in the contract binding its users. Each signature, each new practitioner connected to his grand design, unknowingly contributing power to the spell matrix he was constructing. When finally activated, it would not merely shield practitioners from Vishanti's oversight—it would redirect that divine power to himself.
Divine theft indeed, but on a scale Harvey and the others could scarcely comprehend.
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