Ignoring Wong and Mordo, Noah handed over the core principles and knowledge of the magic.
A brief wave of nostalgia washed over him. Somehow, without realizing it, he had gone from a little mage constantly learning from others to a top-tier sorcerer inventing spells for everyone else to scramble over.
The sentiment lasted only a second. There was still much to be done.
The System was slower than usual this time, but given the circumstances, that made sense.
The magic Noah had just handled wasn't overly complex-precision was the key.
The Sealing Art was different. Its upper limit reached the level of a Demigod, with no clear lower-bound. Downgrading it was the System's job, and it wasn't easy.
Not exactly "climbing a mountain is easier than descending," but it wasn't a walk in the park either.
Noah wasn't in a rush. Chaos had greeted him upon his return, and he hadn't slept. Now that the mess was mostly cleared, he wasn't going to push himself.
Over the next few days, Noah recuperated while studying his Domain.
The fact that his Domain manifested the same power as the System left him uneasy. Even if he no longer feared the System's true creator, he couldn't rest until he fully understood the power and its effects.
While Noah focused on his silver-white energy, the magical world predictably erupted in unrest.
War was coming, and no one could remain calm-not even wizards, still human at heart.
Magic Ministries worldwide convened joint sessions. Intelligence had come from the Sanctum Sanctorum, so accuracy was unquestioned.
Their task: allocate forces for the coming conflict.
They weren't inexperienced. The Great War of 2012 against invading aliens was still fresh in memory.
This time, it was different.
They were to enter Asgard's realm and fight alongside its warriors against a far more terrifying extra-terrestrial threat.
Debates raged over how many sorcerers to send to Asgard and how many to keep on Earth.
Base-snatching wasn't a difficult concept-Earth had nearly been ruined years ago when enemies warped directly in.
If the Sorcerer Supreme-elect hadn't prepared the magical world in advance... well, they mostly watched as the future Sorcerer Supreme wiped out the invasion force.
They weren't sure if he would personally fight this time, but they had confidence.
Years of development, plus the current Sorcerer Supreme's contributions, had made the magical world's power skyrocket.
The week-long debate was purely about allocation. Everyone wanted their wizards to see action. Even ordinary wizards volunteered.
The frenzy was driven by Noah-his Task System offered massive incentives.
Participation wasn't a free-for-all. Ministries had to control personnel, ensuring talented sorcerers got experience while guarding against internal strife.
A high-value task ignored could lead to petty wizards stabbing one another-catastrophe.
Hermione was beyond frustrated.
Noah had returned, but she barely saw him before being dragged into high-level ministerial meetings.
She felt Kenn or Harry could handle this-they were energetic and capable.
Barring surprises, the next Minister for Magic would likely come from them. Emotionally, Hermione supported Harry, a fellow Gryffindor. Rationally, Kenn had a better shot.
Gryffindor had held the seat for two consecutive terms; a change was due.
Kenn being Noah's former roommate and childhood friend also mattered.
Hermione herself benefited from Noah's shadow-without him, her approval ratings and authority wouldn't be nearly as high.
Of course, her own competence was recognized, but the Ministry was almost entirely Wizarding Alliance now. Noah's relationship with her shaped perception.
Shaking her head, she set the thoughts aside. She wasn't leaving the Minister's seat anytime soon.
She sighed as the President of the Magical Congress of the United States delivered a long-winded speech about great nations sending men while smaller nations guarded Earth.
The bickering over task distribution irritated her.
Finally, after the American President finished, Hermione stood before the French Minister could speak.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I don't think we should continue this argument."
The room fell silent. Her status wasn't ignored.
"Minister Granger, please share your thoughts," one asked.
"Simple: follow the Sorcerer Supreme's arrangements," Hermione said impatiently. "He's given enough guidance. Don't obsess over details. Everyone is responsible for defending Earth. If you can't agree, send people in shifts or set fixed quotas. The Task System is already being built by civilians-bring in their project lead. Don't forget the Exorcist Guild. John Constantine is a veteran exorcist; his experience with contracts and task systems surpasses ours."
The ministers were stunned. Her words threatened their interests, but her status was undeniable.
The latter half of her suggestion made sense.
The Task System was being built by "Normals"-Noah's decree-and the magical world had no say.
This annoyed them, but efficiency was undeniable. Wizards had a blind spot.
Exorcists were still considered second-class, but Hermione's suggestion was reasonable. Inviting them to coordinate with civilians would help the Ministries understand the system.
The ministers nodded.
"We understand, Minister Granger," the German Minister said. "However, quota distribution still needs-"
"Discuss it amongst yourselves," Hermione interrupted. "Let me be clear: if you continue red tape, the Sorcerer Supreme will not be pleased. Remember the Mutant Registration Act debate? A hundred years! If you stall now, the magical world might not exist!"
"We-"
"Sorry to interrupt. One thing: our Sorcerer Supreme is not patient. I witnessed him destroy a planet with my own eyes, and he settled the Mutant Issue in days. Enough said. The rest is up to you."
Hermione stood and walked out.
The hall was deathly silent.
He destroyed a planet?
It was a blatant threat.
But a Sorcerer Supreme willing to execute a Level 7 High Mage in broad daylight might act if they kept stalling.
Cold sweat broke out on ministers' foreheads.
Just then, the doors swung open.
Victor walked in slowly.
"Still arguing? Forget it. Your efficiency is pathetic. I'm here for one reason: the Sorcerer Supreme has developed a new spell. You should all experience it yourselves..."