Chapter 56: Freeloading Spells
Here it comes!
Hermione's spirits lifted.
Actually, she'd anticipated meeting the Ancient One. After all, she possessed the Time Stone—could observe timelines.
A disruptor like her entering the Marvel world? High probability of detection.
Just didn't expect it this soon.
For this question, Hermione had considered her answer. Final conclusion: only one option.
Simple. Tell the truth.
She could spin wild lies to Fury—the information gap was massive... But the Ancient One wasn't so easily fooled. Her understanding of this world far exceeded Fury's. Unnecessary deception would backfire.
So...
"I'm from another world."
Hermione laid her cards on the table.
The Ancient One nodded. Not surprised by this answer.
"That world resembles this one. But no enhanced individuals. No mystic sorcerers. Only wizards. Wizards have organizational structures, social systems, dedicated magic schools. I'm a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
"Coming here was pure coincidence. While secretly researching certain forbidden magic, I accidentally connected to this world. Unintentionally created a passage only I can traverse. So..."
Here, Hermione looked slightly embarrassed. "I come over to visit sometimes."
She'd basically told the truth—just omitted the Magic Book. Made the crossing sound like a magical experiment's result.
The Ancient One nodded slightly.
About what she'd guessed. If this world truly had a wizarding community, she'd know. Only possibility—didn't belong to this universe.
Though the child wasn't exactly lying. To her, the wizarding world was real.
"Thank you for clarifying. You're welcome to visit Kamar-Taj anytime." The Ancient One said calmly.
"Uh... that's it?"
Hermione was confused.
"Of course. What did you think I'd do?" The Ancient One smiled faintly.
Reading her thoughts, the Ancient One said, "The passage is yours. I can't stop you from coming... Besides, I'm certain you're human. Not some dimension-devouring entity. Why waste effort expelling you?"
"Moreover, though the future's been affected—images fragmented and unclear—I can confirm: your arrival may cause many deaths. However... this isn't necessarily bad for the world."
Many deaths? Yet not bad?
The conclusion seemed contradictory. But Hermione quickly understood.
The Ancient One protected Earth, no doubt. But she never cared about individuals—even hundreds of thousands, millions. She cared about the future as a whole.
She could sacrifice everything for one key figure. Could watch countless die without flinching—as long as the future's overall outcome was favorable.
If she truly valued lives that much, during major crises—with her abilities—she could've intervened far more directly. Wouldn't have operated so subtly while casualties occurred.
Because that future was optimal.
The Ancient One's meaning was clear: Hermione's appearance disrupted the timeline, would bring consequences... but the final result benefited Earth. So she didn't object. Might even befriend Hermione.
Understanding this, Hermione relaxed.
They sat facing each other. Neither speaking.
The Ancient One felt no awkwardness. Lived over eight centuries. Seen everything.
Hermione fidgeted. Slightly uncomfortable in the austere setting.
"Ahaha... If Master Ancient One has nothing else, I'll be going." Hermione said.
The Ancient One nodded. Rose, opened a portal. Other side—Stark Tower rooftop.
Hermione turned, stepped toward the portal. Suddenly remembered something. Quickly turned back. "By the way, can I browse Kamar-Taj's library in the future?"
The Ancient One paused. "Yes."
Hermione turned again. Suddenly remembered something else. Turned back. "By the way, can I consult you about mystic arts in the future?"
The Ancient One nodded slightly.
Hermione turned. About to leave. Suddenly turned back again. "By the way, that tea earlier—do you have more? I thought it was excellent. Could I take some back..."
The Ancient One's expression flickered. Didn't answer. Just silently watched her.
"By the way, about certain artifacts..."
Before finishing, the portal whooshed shut. Not a single spark remained.
Hermione: "..."
Fine. Why close so abruptly?
[Spells]
[Eldritch Magic Lv1]Solidify magical energy into various forms
[Sling Ring Portal Lv1]Open and maintain a portal connecting two spatial nodes
[Mirror Dimension Lv1]Create a mirror dimension. Control all changes within. Interior isolated from reality. Can seal low-level spatial magic effects
Incredible harvest!
Hermione looked at the Magic Book. Couldn't suppress her grin.
Worthy of being the Magic Book!
Just casually acquired the Ancient One's techniques!
Eldritch Magic and portals weren't particularly useful to her. But the Mirror Dimension? Absolute treasure!
Control, attack, imprisonment—all in one. Ultimate utility.
Just massive mana consumption. Plus controlling internal changes required extra output.
Hermione finally understood why it was used sparingly—only as support. Rarely relied on fully for combat.
Resource intensive!
Kamar-Taj—fruitful harvest. Could pause for now. Come back later for more learning.
Current priority: address certain threats.
Daring to attack her? Really thought she was a soft target.
Washington, D.C.
Alexander Pierce left the World Security Council. Returned home.
Leaning against the sofa, unease stirred in his heart.
Perhaps sending Ghost to capture that witch wasn't the best choice.
He'd known about her before. Only knew she was suspected enhanced. Didn't pay much attention.
Nick Fury had contacted her first. Kept everything to himself... If he hadn't decided to form a response team—recruited certain operatives—even he would've been in the dark about the witch's existence.
He wouldn't allow anything beyond their control.
Though intel on the witch was incomplete—just a young person. No matter how capable, shouldn't escape a carefully planned operation.
Once they mastered this power called "magic"...
As he considered possibilities, a voice suddenly came from behind.
"So you're the one who sent people to attack me?"
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