Next Morning
All the Avengers and Peter's group once again gathered in the lobby of Star Academy on the ground floor. From there, they headed to a nearby café for breakfast.
Even though John hadn't appointed anyone to manage the academy's supplies, he had taken precautions. All the food was stored inside a special chamber, sealed with runes that prevented it from spoiling for years. This particular rune was called the Preservation Rune—something he had learned during his time in Touya's world.
After leaving the tower, the group crossed the central plaza and approached the café. Just as they were about to step inside, a glowing blue portal suddenly materialized in front of them.
"Since when did he become this lazy?" Fury muttered, raising an eyebrow.
"At least he's coming," Wanda replied with a faint smirk.
Nobody looked surprised anymore. They had grown used to John's sudden portals by now. And it wasn't difficult to guess who was responsible—none of them could create a gateway of this level. John's magic was still leagues ahead of everyone else's.
But instead of John, someone else stepped out of the portal. Then another person. And another. Five in total emerged before John finally walked out with a calm smile, his usual air of confidence surrounding him.
Looking around at the group, John's lips curled upward. "Did you guys miss me?"
Everyone rolled their eyes at his theatrics, though their attention quickly shifted to Coulson and his team, greeting them warmly and with genuine enthusiasm.
After a short round of exchanges, the large group finally had their breakfast together before moving toward the meeting hall.
The design of the hall mirrored that of the Sky Fortress—sleek, metallic walls with a faint bluish glow and arranged seating that offered a sense of authority and order. The Avengers settled in comfortably, but Coulson's team and Peter's group remained standing along the side, a little unsure of their place.
Skye glanced at Peter. "Are you guys new here too?"
Peter shook his head. "No… we're just waiting."
"Waiting?" Skye tilted her head. "Waiting for what, exactly?"
"I don't know," Peter admitted with a shrug.
Skye opened her mouth to say something but froze when John's voice filled the room.
"So, what do you guys think?" he asked, looking around the hall with that same calm smile.
"Unbelievable."
"Incredible."
"Fantastic."
Tony, Bruce, and Hawkeye answered almost at the same time, their tones laced with awe.
John nodded, his eyes settling on those who hadn't spoken yet.
Fury leaned forward suddenly. "How did you do it? After learning magic, I've managed some impossible things myself… but building an entire city? That's on another level. And if I'm not mistaken, it only took you three months to do all this."
"Actually, it wasn't that difficult," John replied casually. "Once you have the proper tools and the energy required to power them, building a city of your own becomes possible." His smile grew faintly.
He looked around the table, meeting each of their eyes before continuing. "All of you have just begun learning. There's so much more waiting for you. After some time—once you reach my level—you'll understand."
He paused, then shifted the discussion. "But for now, let's talk about something else." His gaze turned toward Peter's group and Coulson's team. "Would you mind stepping outside for a while?" His voice was warm, polite, yet firm.
Peter and Coulson exchanged a look before nodding. Their groups filed out of the hall and waited in the corridor.
Half an hour passed. Just as the two groups began growing restless, the Avengers began walking out one by one. Each wore a grave expression, their silence heavy, as if they carried the weight of something important.
Coulson frowned and stepped in Fury's path. "Sir, you look… tense. What exactly happened in there?"
Fury stopped briefly and met Coulson's anxious eyes. His tone was sharp, final. "Cleaning house." With that, he walked away.
Peter and the others exchanged uneasy glances. Whatever had happened inside was no trivial matter.
At last, Natasha emerged from the hall. "He's waiting for you. Come on."
They followed her back in, nerves buzzing.
John sat at the head of the table, his calm gaze fixed on them. "Please, take a seat. We have a lot to discuss."
Once everyone settled, John began slowly and clearly.
"First of all, thank you for coming here and placing your trust in us. Now, I need to explain the rules of Star Academy."
His tone hardened slightly. "From now on, you'll all be staying here for one year. During that time, each of you will begin training in magic. Natasha will serve as your instructor, and Coulson will take the role of principal."
The room went silent. Peter's group exchanged uncertain glances, and even Coulson's agents hesitated. Their faces revealed both curiosity and unease.
John noticed and leaned forward. "If any of you have questions, speak freely."
Peter rose to his feet, only for John to gently motion for him to stay seated. "You can speak from there."
Peter nodded. "Sir, I was wondering… would it be possible for me to leave for a few days? Just to visit my aunt?" His voice carried both respect and hope.
John fell silent, thoughtful, scanning the others as if searching for similar requests. "Does anyone else wish to leave?"
No one spoke. The silence itself was the answer.
Finally, John exhaled. "The truth is… the academy won't open for another six months. The only reason I want you to begin your training now is because I intend for you to become the core members of this place. When new students arrive, they will be lost, confused, and anxious in this unfamiliar world. They won't be ready for missions, nor to face real dangers."
He paused, his eyes softening. "But you are different. You are heroes. You've fought, you've saved lives, and you've proven your hearts. That is why I want you to grow faster—to be ready to guide the newcomers when the time comes."
His tone grew heavier, tinged with regret. "And that's why, Peter… I can't allow you to leave. I'm sorry."
John closed his eyes briefly, as if weighed down by the decision.
Peter's heart sank, but he quickly shook his head. "Please don't apologize, sir. I understand. And… I'm willing to do my part." His voice was steady, though his fists tightened slightly under the table.
John opened his eyes again and gave a small, genuine smile. "Thank you, Peter."
The atmosphere in the hall shifted. The hesitation in the room eased slightly, replaced by a quiet sense of resolve.