"Sebastian this restaurant is one of the entrances to the hidden marketplace. It is protected by magic that makes it invisible to ordinary people ensuring maximum privacy for those who know about it. Of course to guard against certain special circumstances there are also sentries stationed here at all times. They serve as the gatekeepers to the secret place where mages gather."
As Daniel spoke a middle aged man in a robe emerged from what looked like the back kitchen. He glanced briefly at Daniel and Sebastian with recognition. He said nothing and simply pointed toward the back kitchen door with a gesture. Without another word he walked to the bar and sat down silently.
Daniel nodded to Sebastian and led him through the indicated door.
The moment they stepped inside a completely different scene unfolded before their eyes.
It resembled the streets of a medieval town. Quaint and old fashioned in its architecture and layout. But curiously it was blended with advanced high tech elements scattered throughout. Oddly enough the mixture was not jarring at all. It felt natural as though the two eras had always coexisted.
"There are many hidden places like this around the world for magical communities to gather. This one in New York is among the largest of them all. The style here is intentional. Retro you could say. It was designed over two centuries ago by the founding mages to resemble the Middle Ages when magic was more openly practiced."
Daniel explained while gesturing around at the surroundings.
"Daniel how do people trade here? And how do mages communicate with each other in this place?"
Sebastian asked with genuine curiosity.
"See those stalls lining the street on both sides? Those are run by mages selling goods and materials. Everything on display is up for sale at the marked prices. Prices are clearly marked and it is first come first served. That keeps conflicts to a minimum among buyers. As for communication there is a room up ahead that functions similarly to an exchange office or meeting hall. In theory it is meant to facilitate trade and discussion among mages from different traditions. However in reality most of the so called exchange offices are run by charlatans or half trained amateurs who do not know what they are talking about."
"Sebastian it is enough just to take a look around and observe. I do not think there is any real need to get involved too deeply with those people."
Daniel advised with a note of caution.
"Thank you Daniel. I truly appreciate you coming with me today. It helped a great deal to have your guidance."
Sebastian responded with genuine gratitude.
Sebastian was not just being polite with his words. While he did not think he would suffer any serious harm here the place was filled with mages of varying skill levels. It was impossible to be sure what kind of hidden tricks or traps might be lying in wait around every corner. The chaotic mix of magical goods and energies was enough to give him a headache just sensing it all. But with Daniel's experienced guidance he avoided any major trouble or missteps.
They walked through the marketplace together with Sebastian trailing slightly behind. He examined the items on display at various stalls with interest. He bought a few materials that suited his needs for his research. Nothing too rare or expensive. Since most of the items could be found in the non magical world and had simply been enhanced or refined with magic they were not overly expensive to purchase.
The foundational magic of Kamar Taj leans more toward close combat applications in its philosophy. Magic is fused with martial arts techniques to create a hybrid fighting style that is unique. Advanced mages can open portals across great distances. They can summon mirror dimensions for battles. They can perform various other spatial magics that manipulate reality itself.
At more profound levels of mastery a mage begins drawing upon the energy of higher dimensions and eldritch entities for power. When it comes to direct combat the mages of Kamar Taj are unrivaled and incredibly powerful compared to most other traditions.
However the system does have its shortcomings in certain areas. Healing spells and recovery magic are severely underdeveloped. Alchemy particularly potions and transmutation is not emphasized at all. It is no surprise that even the Ancient One showed little interest in brewing healing draughts or crafting complex potion recipes.
After nearly two hours of shopping Sebastian's schoolbag was packed with magical materials. His wallet was all but empty after his purchases. Alisha's pocket money and the savings from his part time jobs were barely enough to scrape by anymore at this rate.
Staring at the many rare materials he could not afford Sebastian found his mind wandering to possibilities. Maybe I should hitch a ride with Thor to Asgard when he arrives on Earth. I could stock up on some high grade wand cores and potion ingredients while I am there.
Then his thoughts shifted to another opportunity. Tony Stark has already been kidnapped by now has he not? Once he escapes and returns he will be swimming in technology and influence. If I approach him correctly maybe I can convince him to invest in my research institute. It is worth a shot considering his wealth and his ego.
Compared to the other corporate bigwigs Tony might be arrogant and rich and constantly surrounded by women. But at least he was not known for backstabbing his allies or breaking contracts.
Still Sebastian reminded himself firmly. This world was reality not a movie script. The films could be a reference for general events. But expecting things to follow the plot perfectly? That would be foolish and naive. Tony Stark's general personality and trajectory were predictable based on what he knew. But one wrong move or one assumption too many and he would find himself buried in problems just like in his past life.
"Daniel let us get out of here now. I think I have seen enough for today."
"Alright then. Let us depart."
Without further discussion Daniel immediately accompanied Sebastian out of the magical marketplace.
As they stepped outside onto the regular street Daniel leaned closer and spoke in a low voice with concern.
"Sebastian did you notice them following us?"
"I did notice them. They have been tailing us for the past half hour at least. I just do not understand why they have not made a move already. Why follow us out here instead of confronting us inside the marketplace? If they were going to act that would have been easier for them."
Sebastian replied calmly while keeping his senses alert.
Daniel nodded slightly with understanding.
"There are hidden guards stationed inside the marketplace. You might not notice them because they blend in well but they are there watching everything. The Ancient One once told me that Agatha Harkness is one of them. She is an immensely powerful sorceress with centuries of experience. While she is not officially assigned to guard duty here her residence is nearby. So she keeps a casual watch over this place and intervenes when necessary. Because of her reputation and power no one dares stir up serious trouble inside the marketplace."
Sebastian furrowed his brow slightly. He had no recollection of the name Agatha Harkness from his memories. But if the Ancient One had mentioned her specifically it meant she was not someone to take lightly at all.
"I see. A pity I did not get to witness her power in person today."
He murmured thoughtfully.
Daniel gave a faint smile though his tone turned more serious.
"Sebastian once we are far enough away from here I will open a mirror dimension portal. I can take you out of the area safely through it. I am not personally worried about fighting those people. But I cannot guarantee there will not be complications if they catch up to us and force a confrontation."
"Daniel once we are out of here I want to see for myself how strong they really are. I also want to test how far my own magic has progressed since I started training."
Sebastian stated with determination.
Daniel frowned slightly with concern showing on his face.
"Sebastian those people are experienced mages who have been practicing for years. Each of them likely has abilities that are not weak by any measure. I am worried about your safety in a direct confrontation."
"I know you are concerned for me and I appreciate that. But you just need to stay close to me during the fight. We are in New York after all. You can open a portal back to the Sanctum if things get too dangerous. You did not open one earlier because you did not want to disturb any ordinary people on the street. But heading back through a portal should not be a problem now right?"
"No problem at all. As the guardian of the New York Sanctum I can open a direct portal back anytime I need to."
Daniel confirmed.
"Good. Then it is settled. Once we are outside in a more isolated area I will test their strength myself. Who knows? Maybe I will surprise you Daniel with what I have learned."
Stepping out from the entrance of the mysterious marketplace Sebastian and Daniel made their way straight into a nearby alley. Behind them at a distance two mages trailed them with clear intent.
Once they entered the alley which was relatively quiet and deserted Sebastian glanced around carefully. Then he reached into his backpack. He pulled out his wand and flicked it toward the open space ahead of them.
"Repello Muggletum."
A soft white light shot from his wand forming an invisible barrier. It quickly expanded to envelop the entire alley in its protective field.
Just then a man passing nearby on the street slowed down as he neared the alley entrance. He frowned suddenly as if remembering something else he needed to do. He turned around and walked away. Every other passerby who approached the alley seemed to do the same thing. Their attention drifted away as they quietly turned in another direction without entering.
With the precautions in place Sebastian positioned himself in the middle of the alley. He stood calmly with Daniel beside him. They waited for the two mages who had been following them to finally arrive and reveal their intentions.