177A Blick Street, Manhattan.
In front of a three-story building, Finney looked at the iconic symbol on the roof and breathed a sigh of relief. After searching for more than an hour, he had finally found the place.
Standing in front of the door, looking at the building, Finney felt a strange feeling. To put it simply, it seemed like something he could easily overlook if he wasn't paying attention.
Finney didn't know if this was magic, but he hesitated whether to go in. Although he had been preparing for nearly a month, he still hesitated when faced with the reality.
"Speaking of which, with the Ancient One's abilities, she must have been able to see me coming now, right? Did she think I shouldn't come?"
"No, maybe she's already waiting for me inside, but just doesn't want to come and pick me up herself. After all, she's the Sorcerer Supreme; she has to maintain a certain air in front of her disciple."
After some random thoughts, Finney finally took a step and walked towards the New York Sanctum.
The door opened easily. After entering, Finney looked around. The spacious hall was quiet, and everything had a classical feel. A staircase led directly to the second floor.
"They look incredibly wealthy."
Looking at the luxurious, aristocratic surroundings, Finney muttered to himself. Having learned from his previous experience, he dared not speak carelessly again, even when no one seemed to be around.
"Excuse me, is anyone home?"
Finney didn't act rashly, but instead called out from the hall. After all, this was one of the three Sanctums; who knew if there were any magical traps or anything like that around?
Soon, a… bald man!?
Looking at the man's bald head, Finney suddenly felt a pang of worry about his hair. Was the price of learning magic from the Ancient One going to be hair loss?!
Thinking about his future role as Doctor Strange, Finney temporarily suppressed his thoughts and said to the descending sorcerer, "Hello, I'm a disciple Master Ancient One recently took on. My name is Finney Hellscythe; you can just call me Finney."
"A disciple of the Ancient One?"
The man paused, glancing at Finney with some confusion, before replying, "Hello, I am Daniel Demra. I'm sorry, Master Helsey, but I haven't heard of the Ancient One taking on any disciples recently."
"Ahem..."
Finney coughed awkwardly, then tried his best to sound confident, replying, "Perhaps my master feels my skills are insufficient and finds it difficult to speak. I've come to ask Master Daniel to take me to see my master; I have some questions I'd like to ask her."
Daniel scrutinized Finney for a long time, then, seemingly finding no threat in him, nodded and said, "Please follow me."
Daniel led Finney to a corner on the left side of the hall, where a closed door stood.
Finney watched as Daniel opened the door, revealing a stone wall behind it.
Then Daniel made several strange hand gestures, orange-red energy surging between his hands. He pressed them against the wall, and the stone wall rapidly began to change, slowly becoming transparent, finally resembling a water curtain.
Earth really isn't bad when it comes to teleportation!
Finney silently admired Earth. Although it seemed weak overall, its hidden strength was enough to surpass many civilizations in the universe.
Crossing the water curtain, the two arrived at a place resembling a library, with a giant model of Earth floating motionless above it.
Finney curiously observed everything around him, especially the locked magic books.
Passing the Earth model, Finney glanced at the platform but didn't find the Eye of Agamotto made of the Time Stone; it must be with the Ancient One.
Daniel led Finney forward without speaking.
The time zone had changed, and it was now evening in Kamar-Taj. The change in light made Finney feel a little disoriented. Others along the way only glanced at Finney with curiosity about his attire, and no one paid him much attention.
"Wait here for a moment, I'll go inform the Ancient One."
Upon arriving at a reception room, Daniel told Finney to sit and wait, then disappeared.
Finney sat nervously in his chair. For the past month, he had been constantly thinking about what to say to the Ancient One, and what he could say if she asked him anything. Now the moment to respond had finally arrived.
"Welcome to Kamar-Taj, Mr. Helsey."
Soon, a familiar voice rang in his ears, and the Ancient One, even more radiant and powerful than Daniel, appeared in the reception room, asking, "Would you like some tea?"
"Thank you, just call me Finney, Master."
Finney quickly stood up, looking at the Ancient One with slight nervousness. Beside her stood Daniel, who had led the way earlier.
"Thank you for your hard work, Master Daniel. I'd like to speak with Master Finney now."
After seeing Daniel off, only Finney and the Ancient One remained in the room. The Ancient One skillfully brewed two cups of tea, then sat down and said with a smile, "Try some, it's Chinese Longjing tea. I wonder if you like it?"
Finney didn't refuse, immediately picking up his cup and taking a sip. He felt a slight tightening sensation on his tongue; it wasn't bitter, but rather sweet with a refreshing aroma, instantly clearing his head, which had been a little groggy after making the compass.
"Delicious!"
Finney couldn't help but exclaim. Lacking in knowledge, he couldn't explain much, but it was simply delicious.
"Thank you!" The Ancient One smiled and also took a sip, her movements elegant and natural.
Finney hadn't come here specifically to drink the tea. Although it was good, he didn't drink much. Looking at the Ancient One savoring her tea, he took the initiative and said, "Master Ancient One, I'd like to learn magic from you, is that alright?"
"But you already know it, don't you?"
The Ancient One looked at him calmly.
"No one dislikes having more knowledge," Finney replied earnestly. "I haven't been able to fully utilize that power yet, and I'd like to ask the master to teach me."
"What if I'm actually hindering you from using this power?"
Suddenly, the Ancient One uttered this startling question.
"What!?"
Finney was stunned. He had considered that the Ancient One might refuse, agree, or impose conditions or restrictions, but he had never imagined this answer.
The slow progress of the 'Golden Grand Evolution Technique' seemed to be related to the Ancient One!?
"No one can truly control the future, Mr. Hellscythe," the Ancient One said slowly. "I've seen too many possibilities for the future, but I still feel that the future is unknowable, especially for you."
"Sometimes your future is more vast than imagined, and sometimes it's completely invisible. I'm not even sure if choosing to meet you now or then was the right decision!"
The Ancient One walked up to Finney, her deep gaze fixed on him, and said, "The power you possess is terrifying, Finney. You might make this world a better place, but you could also destroy it faster."
"Finney Hellscythe, your impact on this world is too great!"
Read 70+ Advanced Chapters At Pa Treon.
[email protected]/Ficthoria
(End of Chapter)