When the wizards attending the council of magical organization leaders departed, their expressions were blank-shock and fear mixed with dawning realization.
They seemed to understand why this young Sorcerer Supreme was terrifying: he had mastered a magic so extreme, so unimaginable in its horror, that even the most powerful wizards could sense its depth instantly.
High-level wizards like William Moore immediately understood the scope. That magic wasn't just powerful-it was an independent universe, controlled entirely by a wizard, able to mobilize all magical resources and resonate with the external universe to strike enemies.
The sheer magnitude was beyond comprehension. Any wizard could imagine how advantageous such power would be for the future.
Yet the most powerful wizards led by Moore-especially those nearing the level to learn such magic-didn't look pleased.
Noah had stated this magic was originally intended for them, the Master Wizards of the large organizations. Now, even small magical organizations had a chance to obtain it. How could they be happy about that?
Small organizations felt fear, but their faces were dominated by excitement. Though not yet ready to learn it, they knew younger members could still have a shot in the future.
The large organizations wouldn't direct hostility toward them-their glares were reserved for the aliens. If not for the invaders, Moore and his peers would have acquired this magic outright. Now they had to compete with small groups as well.
It was a nuisance, but they remained confident in their ability to defeat both the aliens and the small organizations. It was just a waste of time. Noah had already given the magic to Kamar-Taj's Master Wizards, meaning this was a competition.
Noah had intended for large organizations to compete with each other. But now, everything had been disrupted. While the lower requirements seemed like a benefit, they knew Noah would only trust those he deemed worthy-those with character and will.
Even if they obtained the magic, only those who passed the Master Wizard trials would likely be chosen. Those who passed were of respectable character, capable of carrying the future. The "benefit" of lower requirements didn't really exist.
In short, they lagged behind Kamar-Taj's wizards. Noah had originally given them a fair chance; now, they would likely have to wait until after the war to access this magic. The lost time was incalculable, and competing with Kamar-Taj's wizards in the future seemed impossible.
While the magic relied on talent and elemental understanding, who among Kamar-Taj's Master Wizards was mediocre?
At the thought that even the one fair competitive environment Noah had provided was gone, who could be happy?
The large organizations glared at the small ones, and at the aliens, with burning eyes.
"Master Moore, what should we do?" a high-ranking wizard whispered. "Given the current situation... and that magic..."
"I'll give you advice, Mr. Charles," Moore said with a sigh.
"We won't fail to outcompete the small organizations. But assemble your young wizards and prepare to mobilize."
"Of course. We must unite and uphold our glory," Charles nodded.
"Indeed. Uphold our glory. But one personal suggestion: pass the Master Wizard trials. You know the Sorcerer Supreme-he might act in ways you find hard to understand, guided by character..."
Moore turned and left. His words left the other high-ranking wizards-those who hadn't participated in the trials-deep in thought.
True, if they weren't Master Wizards, Noah might act unpleasantly, going back on his word or requiring the trials first. Whatever he said was law; they had no power to resist.
Noah had no idea they were thinking such nonsense. To him, it didn't matter. If he had known their thoughts, he probably would have agreed. He would never hand a terrifying spell to someone who hadn't passed Master certification. The outcome would inevitably be exactly what they feared.
After handling the magical organizations, Noah returned to his office. The coming days would be spent slowly accumulating power and waiting for the imminent war.
Of course, during this wait, he had other matters-meeting wizards who completed high-difficulty missions and granting them their rewards. That was his plan, and he intended to see it through.
Noah's phone suddenly rang. The caller ID read: John Constantine.
He answered, puzzled. Why was Constantine calling now?
"Damn it! Noah, what the hell are you doing?" Constantine roared. "The Ministry of Magic found me! Your dear girlfriend dragged me out of bed with magic, opened a portal, and sent me to the Minister's conference room in my pajamas! Do you know how embarrassing that was?"
"Uh..." Noah was momentarily speechless. "Hermione dragged you out? Why?"
"She appeared in my apartment, out of nowhere, and hauled me out with a spell!"
"And then?"
"Dropped me in the Minister's conference room! In front of every Magic Minister, and the President of the Exorcists' Guild! Do you have any idea?"
Noah paused. Dropping Constantine into a Ministry meeting, and calling the Guild President too-he realized quickly. The Ministry wanted information through the mission-posting system of the Exorcists' Guild.
Noah didn't discriminate against exorcists. He liked them-he was friends with Constantine. He hadn't included him this time simply because it wasn't necessary. The magical world had enough wizards for the fight. But if Constantine or the Guild wanted to help, Noah wouldn't refuse.
"I think I know what's going on," Noah said, amused. "Sorry Hermione was forceful. Just cooperate with them, alright?"
"Damn, I really lost my reputation this time!" Constantine grumbled, lighting a cigarette. "Is it really war? I heard things are bad. I even saw that Fury fellow here."
"Fury was called in too?" Noah said, surprised. "Something like that. It's okay for now, but I want the young ones to gain experience. The Ministry isn't familiar with the mission systems, and since this is collaborative..."
"I know, I know," Constantine exhaled. "I'll join in this time too. I'm part of the magical world, after all. I hope the exorcists can participate. When it comes to thinking on our feet, arrogant young wizards aren't as good as us."
"Of course. If you want to join, I won't stop you. In fact, I'll issue an order: every wizard squad taking a mission must include a qualified exorcist. How's that?"
"Perfect! It's a deal. Damn, I want to see if I can snag one of your mission rewards too!"
Constantine snagging Noah's mission rewards? Shameless.
Even though he was an exorcist, he was Rank 7! If he jumped in, others would barely have room to shine.
One could only say: Constantine was truly a rare exception.