"You're wearing the Cloak of Levitation on your back, aren't you?"
"Yeah. It liked me, so it came on its own. But don't worry, I don't intend to blackmail it!"
"…"
Nonsense.
If I wanted to blackmail someone to get that cloak, I would've done it long ago, and I could've taken it from you!
Daniel grumbled inwardly, displeased with the situation.
"Alaric's luck… truly unbelievable…"
Wong looked at the cloak with mixed feelings of admiration and envy.
"It's fine~"
Alaric replied nonchalantly, unfolded his fan, and began to fan himself lightly, a look of confident pride appearing on his face.
Wong and Daniel both twitched at the corners of their mouths at the same time.
Will you stop making a spectacle of yourself?
The cloak chose him, nothing could be done about it. Just endure it!
But what's with that fanning? Is he hot or just provoking them?
Daniel's quick temper couldn't take it anymore. He glanced at Wong, seeking an answer.
Daniel's look: Is this kid always this annoying?
Wong shook his head: I don't know. I rarely talk to him.
But as far as Wong knew, the Ancient One had great trust in Alaric. Sometimes she was strict with him, but it was obvious she valued him.
Judging by everything, if nothing changed, the future Sorcerer Supreme might very well be Alaric.
Wong thought this to himself, keeping a serious expression.
"So, why did you call me? Is it time to officially hand over the duty to me? Or is it something else?"
Alaric looked at the two of them, raising an eyebrow.
"Ahem… actually… Daniel wants to test himself against you in battle. What do you think?"
Wong coughed, trying to ease the tension. He didn't want to openly say that Daniel doubted Alaric's strength, as that could lead to conflict.
"A fight?" Alaric nodded. "All right. How do you want to fight?"
He realized that Daniel doubted his abilities, but it didn't bother him. He was ready to prove that he was strong enough to protect the Sanctum.
If I'm not qualified for this duty, then the Ancient One herself will have to show up.
"Let's go to the Mirror Dimension. We don't want to damage the Sanctum."
Wong suggested the most reasonable solution.
"I agree." Daniel nodded immediately.
"It's all the same to me. You decide." Alaric shrugged, clearly relaxed.
Daniel noticed this and frowned. He began to believe that Alaric was overly confident.
For a mage, the greatest danger lies in complacency, in believing you have everything under control. Many sorcerers had lost their lives to that mistake.
In Daniel's eyes, Alaric was still not ready for such a responsible position. He needed more experience and maturity.
Wong then unleashed his magic and opened a portal to the Mirror Dimension.
Inside, they could freely use their powers without worrying about damaging the Sanctum or harming the real world.
"Are you ready?"
Wong looked at them as a referee. When he saw both of them nod, he lowered his hand and gave the signal:
"Begin!"
"I hope you won't blame me after this for disagreeing with the Ancient One's decision."
Daniel spoke, his expression serious.
"It's fine, I understand." Alaric shrugged, calm as if he was amused by the whole situation.
"Then… here I come!"
Daniel spread his arms and activated the red Ring of Laggardol magic, creating a dense magical shield on both hands. In the next instant, he rushed toward Alaric.
It was the typical, direct fighting style of a Kamar-Taj mage.
Alaric, however, showed not the slightest sign of tension. He raised his right hand, holding his fan, and easily deflected the attack as if it were a game.
No matter how hard Daniel tried, he couldn't break through Alaric's defense.
Wong watched from the side and, although he didn't want to admit it, he began to understand why Mordo had been frustrated after his own duel with Alaric.
To fight this guy with old martial arts techniques? Utter foolishness.
Alaric wasn't even using classic magic; he was just using his prop, the fan, and he was already nearly invincible in this clash.
Wong recalled his conversation with Mordo. He knew that Alaric could channel magical energy through his body, enhancing his strength, speed, and endurance. No ordinary mage could contend with such a combination.
"Damn it! I forgot to tell Daniel about that!" Wong sighed, feeling a twinge of guilt.
But Daniel didn't need further explanation. As he continued his assault, it became clear to him that there was little hope of winning here.
And worst of all, Alaric was defending the whole time with just one hand.
This both shocked and angered Daniel.
Do you not take me seriously? I'm your senior!
The hiss of magic tore through the air as Daniel suddenly jumped back, dismissed the shield, and with a swift motion formed a magical whip. The whip coiled around Alaric's waist like a snake, and Daniel yanked with all his strength.
"Haaa!"
Yet the result was disastrous for him.
Alaric didn't even budge.
Daniel had been sure he could pull him off balance and use the moment to seize the initiative, but his plan crumbled at the very first step.
He couldn't even move him.
Alaric raised an eyebrow. "???"
Wong, standing aside, covered his face with his hand.
The scene was rather humiliating—not for Alaric, but for Daniel.
At that moment, Wong knew that the outcome of this duel was already decided.
In martial skills, even Mordo couldn't match him. Who then could? Perhaps not even the Ancient One could surpass him in that field.
And as for magic itself, the reason the Ancient One had sent Alaric to the New York Sanctum was simple—she had nothing more to teach him.
Wong sighed deeply and, watching the duel, felt doubt arise in his mind:
"Why do I feel like Alaric is not only incredibly strong but also knows how to fight like a warrior?"
When he looked again at the young man's confident expression, he realized what the problem was.
"It's all because of that face!"
Alaric, noticing Wong's gaze, tilted his head slightly.
"???"
Do you really blame me for looking good?
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