Chapter 78 Ancient One: Do you want to learn magic?
"Master Ancient One, I have long heard of your great name."
Chen Nan greeted calmly, but his fingertips tightened quietly, holding the space gem firmly in his palm.
The powers of the Infinity Stones check and balance each other, and the invisible and strange power of the Time Stone is even more difficult to defend against.
Facing this supreme wizard who has protected the earth for hundreds of years, any slackness may result in being trapped and killed in the long river of time.
"Let's chat?" Gu Yi's voice was calm, as if he was just inviting an old friend to reminisce.
"My pleasure." Chen Nan raised the corners of his lips slightly.
Light and shadow flickered, and the surrounding scene changed instantly. The bustling streets gave way to silence, and the two found themselves in a cafe filled with the aroma of coffee.
A young man in modern clothes and a monk with extraordinary demeanor, this strange combination attracted the curious glances of a few customers.
"I'm very confused," Chen Nan leaned forward slightly, looking directly into Ancient One's eyes that seemed to see through everything. "I don't think I've done anything as drastic as destroying the Earth, so how did I alarm you, the Supreme Sorcerer, and come to me personally?"
Ancient One gently stirred the coffee in his cup, and the brown liquid swirled into a small vortex. "You indeed have not crossed the line. If Apocalypse had not awakened prematurely and the Sentinel robots had not appeared out of nowhere, disrupting the established flow of time, I would not have been aware that such a being as you existed in this world."
She raised her eyes, her deep gaze seeming to penetrate the mists of time and space. "I used the Time Stone to peer into your past and future...but all I saw was a chaotic past, and the future has already been turned upside down by you."
Her tone grew more serious. "Your very existence is a huge variable, an... unknown danger. Can you help me understand? Your origins make me deeply uneasy."
In order to verify Chen Nan's existence, she used the Time Stone to deduce countless times, but each time she was left in a fog.
His fate is different from that of ordinary people - other people's lives have countless forks and possibilities, but he seems to have only a vague but extremely tough one-way street with no end in sight.
She once had the idea of eliminating these aliens, but every time she thought about it, the Time Stone sent a strong warning, and the shadow of death was like a thorn in her back, making her dare not act rashly.
"Me?" Chen Nan met her scrutiny calmly, his tone firm, "I'm a true Earthling, there's no doubt about that."
"Young man," Ancient One's voice was filled with compassion, "your every move is pushing the established timeline off track. I don't want to restrict you, but I only hope you will remember: never stand against the Earth."
Chen Nan understood her sincerity. This wizard, who dedicated his life to fulfilling his oath of protection, was worthy of the title "Supreme."
He also knew that as long as the bottom line of the earth's survival was not touched, this guardian would never interfere with the changes and rise and fall of the mortal world.
"Not only will I not harm the Earth," Chen Nan promised solemnly, enunciating each word, "I will also do my utmost to protect it."
"I believe you on this point." Ancient One nodded slightly. She sought assurance because the Time Stone could not show her more details and the price paid for Chen Nan's protection of the Earth.
"Then, Master Ancient One can rest assured." Chen Nan smiled easily, picked up the coffee cup, and made a slightly casual "cheers" gesture, as if they had reached some kind of tacit understanding.
Gu Yi was amused by his inappropriate behavior, but he didn't mind it. He raised his glass elegantly and took a sip.
Putting down the porcelain cup, Gu Yi changed the subject: "I see that you have mastered the Space Stone. Are you also interested in the way of magic?"
"Hmm?" Chen Nan was slightly stunned by this sudden proposal.
"What? Do you doubt my sincerity?" Gu Yi's tone contained a rare hint of sarcasm.
"Haha, shouldn't the secret magic of Kamar-Taj be a secret that cannot be passed on?" Chen Nan said bluntly.
"The gates of Kamar-Taj are always open to any devout believer who seeks magic," Ancient One said solemnly, then cut to the point. "Your physical strength is immense, and your mutation abilities are top-notch. However, you lack one crucial thing—the means to fight against the dimensional demons."
Her gaze seemed to penetrate the walls of the cafe, gazing into the depths of the universe. "I have seen the future... The catastrophe of the multiverse is approaching, and when that happens, Earth will need you to step forward!"
There was a hidden meaning in her words, as if she was restricted by some rules and could not express it fully.
But Chen Nan understood her hint instantly.
His current strength has fatal shortcomings in the face of threats from higher dimensions.
She gently blew away the hot steam from the coffee, said no more, and just waited quietly for Chen Nan's decision.
Chen Nan tapped his knuckles on the table, pondered for a moment, and a flicker of determination flashed in his eyes: "Give me a few months to deal with the matters at hand, and I will go to Kamar-Taj in person."
"Okay!" Gu Yi heard this, a hint of imperceptible relief flashing across her eyes. She slowly pulled up the wide brim of her monk's hat, and finally looked deeply at Chen Nan.
"If there are unpredictable changes in the future, the Earth... will be entrusted to you." Her voice was heavy with entrustment. "I believe you will do better than I can. I am in Kamar-Taj, awaiting your arrival."
The circle of light silently expanded behind her, instantly engulfing her figure. Through the magic passage that had not yet closed, Chen Nan caught a glimpse of the end of the passage - where Kamar-Taj was located. The magnificent snow-capped peaks were breathtaking.
The aperture disappeared, and Chen Nan was the only one left in the cafe.
"Learning magic? I'm afraid you want me to take over the responsibility of the Supreme Mage!" Chen Nan lowered his head, with a smile on his lips.
He had just quietly gained insight into Ancient One's ability—that was a "too elementary" affinity with magical energy that allowed him to control it with ease.
I guess the same will be true for Doctor Strange in the future?
Magical talent is different from mutant genes that require specific conditions to activate. His physique is a natural container for magic!
What's more, Doctor Strange is the successor appointed by the Eternal God and his potential is unfathomable.
...
At this moment, the entire Earth is still immersed in great shock and fear. In just two days, the dark clouds of nuclear bombs, the despair of apocalypse, and the sci-fi arrival of sentinel robots...
Scene after scene played out in reality, just as Apocalypse was about to destroy everything, a mysterious figure descended like a savior, turning the tide and driving Apocalypse away.
While the outside world was still in shock, Chen Nan had no time to care.
He was concentrating on a more "important" task - strengthening the women around him one by one. Although he could not push them directly into the Omega level, he had enabled them to take a solid step on the road to the Alpha level.
The next morning, Chen Nan was having breakfast leisurely when Jiliu called.
"Boss, Medard is anxious to see you!"
"Medar?" Chen Nan swallowed the strawberry and smiled knowingly, "It seems he can't sit still any longer."
"That's right!" Jiliu's voice was filled with gloating. "That former president, because of his forced showmanship, he almost dragged the entire country down. Now he's become a public enemy, a rat crossing the street! The public's anger is about to overturn Capitol Hill. Resigning? That's his only option. Now the vice presidential position is up in the air, and that guy Medal is almost bugging his eyes out."
...
Hellfire Club, top floor reception room.
"Medel," Chen Nan said, leaning comfortably on the sofa, fiddling with an exquisite badge with his fingertips. His tone was full of control and composure. "What did I say? Jimmy can sit on the presidential throne, so naturally you, Medel, can sit on it too. Now, do you believe it?"
"I believe it! I believe it too much! Sir, your methods are really unpredictable! Jimmy has already rolled off the stage in disgrace!" Medal's face was full of flattering smiles, his body leaning forward, his posture extremely humble.
"So..." He rubbed his hands, his eyes flashing with irrepressible excitement and desire, staring at Chen Nan.
According to the American Constitution, if the president is unable to perform his duties for any reason, the vice president will immediately take over and complete the remaining term.
History has long seen precedents. However, with only a year and a half remaining in Jimmy's term, Medal's ambitions clearly extend beyond the title of "interim" president.
"Medar," Chen Nan put down the badge and looked at him with a sharp gaze. "I can mobilize all the resources of the club to help you win the next presidential election and ensure your successful re-election."
"But!" He paused and put forward a condition.
Medal's heart began to beat wildly. The Hellfire Club's extensive network of influence spanning every state was the ladder to success he had always dreamed of! "You tell me! Just tell me! I'll agree to any condition!" he promised eagerly.
Chen Nan stared at him, and the request he slowly uttered was like thunder, causing the blood color on Medard's face to instantly fade. His body swayed violently, and he almost fell off the sofa:
"I want you to... formally transfer the jurisdiction of the Hawaiian Islands to my forces. I will establish a kingdom within a kingdom there."