"When will you return to the wizarding world?"
Grindelwald's question jolted Lockhart out of his drunken state. With a snap of his right fingers, the lingering redness in his face faded back to his normal complexion. The haziness in his eyes cleared instantly.
It was certainly a good question—one that immediately brought Lockhart's thoughts to the system's test.
Now, he had only one chance to return to the wizarding world. The next time, unless he completed his mission, it would be impossible to go back to Harry Potter's world. Of course, if he failed the mission, Lockhart would likely find himself cast out entirely. There wouldn't be much possibility of even contemplating a return to the wizarding world.
Why!
Lockhart sighed inwardly. Although he usually didn't rely heavily on the system, its sudden complete shutdown had left him feeling somewhat stressed.
"Come on, come on," he replied casually to Grindelwald. "I'll go back to the wizarding world after I finish what I'm doing."
This was his final opportunity for interdimensional travel, and he needed to seize it to develop his powers properly. Otherwise, he genuinely doubted he could withstand the dangers that would come with future divine invasions.
Yes, in Lockhart's estimation, the most dangerous threat was naturally the hostility of the vast majority of gods in the Marvel universe. After all, what Lockhart intended to do essentially upended the foundation of the deity-believer system. He had already imagined the worst possible scenario and naturally needed to prepare for it.
Hearing Lockhart's answer, Grindelwald nodded slightly. He wasn't in any rush—he'd simply wanted to ask the question.
After all, the fallen sorcerers had been completely annihilated. His contract with Lockhart was finally fulfilled. Going forward, as long as he didn't violate certain taboo principles, he could act with relative freedom.
Having experienced this new world, seen its sorcerer system, and encountered actual gods, excitement had been building steadily within him.
After a moment, something else seemed to cross Grindelwald's mind.
"By the way, Lockhart," he inquired with curious amusement, "something good happened today, didn't it? I noticed you were drinking quite enthusiastically."
Something good!
It was indeed something good. A smile formed unconsciously on Lockhart's face—a comfortable, genuine expression of happiness. His thoughts drifted back to the Bamboo Forest Teahouse earlier that day...
Kamar-Taj, Bamboo Forest Tea Room
The Ancient One, Supreme Sorcerer, stood before the window, gazing quietly into the distance. From her vantage point, she could see the snow-white mountain peaks, diffuse clouds drifting between them, and sorcerer apprentices training in the courtyards below.
After some time had passed, something changed. The corners of the Ancient One's mouth lifted slightly, forming a smile that revealed both happiness and relief.
"Finally, we've come this far," she murmured. "I didn't misjudge this person! The endless future, the fate of Kamar-Taj... The seeds of transformation begin today!"
The Ancient One appeared genuinely happy—perhaps happier than she had been in the past thousand years, laughing with true freedom and delight.
She turned around, took a few steps, and approached the table. Looking at the tea leaves in the cup placed before her, she waved her hand. Instantly, the tea leaves were replaced by fine wine that had been treasured for thousands of years. The teacup transformed into a small drinking vessel carved from white jade.
She poured herself a modest serving, took a sip, and narrowed her eyes slightly, as if savoring the wine's exquisite qualities. Yet through this studied appreciation, her happiness remained evident.
One cup, two cups, three cups...
Soon, the Ancient One had consumed most of the bottle.
Suddenly, she seemed to sense something. With a casual wave of her hand, a paper crane materialized from thin air and flew out the window, apparently conveying some message.
Simultaneously, she ceased her drinking. With her right hand, she touched the top of the wine glass and bottle. They instantly transformed into points of light that quickly vanished, replaced by the tea leaves from before.
Within minutes, footsteps could be heard approaching.
Two figures entered the room one after another. The one following behind was none other than Lockhart.
"Harold, you may leave us," the Ancient One said calmly. "I wish to have a proper conversation with Lockhart."
Wizard Harold, who had escorted Lockhart into the room, nodded, slowly retreated, and departed from the tea room. As he left, he closed the door behind him, momentarily plunging the chamber into darkness.
But soon, the Ancient One made a casual gesture, her sleeve moving slightly, and natural light returned to the space. At the same time, the tea leaves before her had been brewed into tea, emitting a subtle fragrance.
"Lockhart, please sit and taste the tea I've just prepared," she invited. "This particular tea has been treasured for ages. It comes from a tea tree specifically cultivated for the position of Supreme Sorcerer of Kamar-Taj—nearly 3,000 years ago."
As she spoke of this, the Ancient One seemed somewhat nostalgic. She had lived longer than most sorcerers, after all.
Lockhart naturally and obediently sat cross-legged, and a cup of tea floated gracefully before him. The tea was light green, with a delicate fragrance and... a mysterious quality.
However, as Lockhart inhaled slightly, a strange expression flickered across his face.
Wait a moment.
He could actually detect the scent of alcohol.
The Supreme Sorcerer has been drinking!
This thought flashed through his mind as he lifted the teacup and took a sip. The tea was initially somewhat bitter, but this quickly transformed into sweetness. Its fragrance lingered on his lips and teeth, creating a lasting impression.
At the same time, Lockhart entered an ethereal state, almost entranced, as if his soul had undergone some form of purification.
After a while...
"Good tea! Good tea! Truly excellent tea!" Lockhart praised it three times.
It was indeed exceptional—not only in taste, but in its ability to cleanse one's heart and soul. The worries and concerns of the past seemed to be swept away. Not simply forgotten, but gently removed like dust, allowing one to approach problems with a healthier, more positive attitude.
"This tea tree has been with me for over 3,000 years," the Ancient One reminisced. "During that time, I've tried every method to extend its life." Then she added, "Since you appreciate it so much, I will gift you this tea tree."
Having said this, the Ancient One blinked and said with a hint of playfulness, "Lockhart, you must not let me die!"
Hearing this, Lockhart took her words seriously. He picked up the teacup again, drained it in one gulp, and declared firmly, as if making a solemn oath:
"Don't worry. As long as I live, this tea tree will never perish."
The Ancient One smiled at this and poured Lockhart another cup of tea. "No human life is bound to the tea tree," she said with gentle humor. "Only by living can there be hope!"
Her tone seemed filled with both relief and expectation.
Lockhart opened his mouth to respond, but the Ancient One interrupted him with a wave of her hand.
"Lockhart, I won't hide something from you any longer." Her voice grew solemn.
"I'm dying!"