Chapter 128 to 138

…

Peter Parker witnessed for the first time the intense thrill, cruelty, and spectacle of an extraordinary battle. The entire street was engulfed in a sandstorm. Sand and gravel pelted the buildings on either side, piercing through them in a cascade of sharp, shattering sounds.

In the midst of it all, the fierce and formidable Bloody Mary fought single-handedly against Kingpin, the Rhino, and Sandman, who was relentlessly interfering. She activated her stance, shifting the gravity around her. Under the crushing force, each movement by Kingpin and Rhino became agonizingly slow and laborious.

Yet, as she activated her powers, snipers positioned in the distance continued to fire, intensifying the sandstorm. In response, Sandman quickly manipulated the sand, forming cone-shaped projectiles that whirled through the air, aimed at Mary. Though the gravity reduced the power of the sand cones, a direct hit would still pierce flesh and bone.

Despite her wild and violent nature, Bloody Mary fought with astonishing skill and determination. She maintained the gravity field to hold down Kingpin and Rhino, while raising an energy barrier to deflect the sand cones and dodge incoming sniper bullets. All the while, she maneuvered stealthily toward a fire hydrant on the street.

In the raging sandstorm, she finally pinpointed Sandman's location. With a sudden, calculated move, she dropped her energy shield, drew a straight knife from her waist, and sliced down with precision. Ding! The hydrant was cleanly cut, sending a powerful jet of water skyward. She deftly angled her foot to redirect the water spray, catching Sandman in the stream.

Water—a fatal weakness for Sandman—struck him with force, dissolving his body into wet, helpless clumps that splattered against the wall across the street. It took him several moments to begin re-forming, effectively removing him from the fight.

As the sandstorm subsided, Bloody Mary turned her attention back to the battlefield, but just then, a sniper's bullet whizzed past her head. She dodged just in time, though the bullet's air pressure grazed her cheek, cutting a piece of flesh. The sharp pain fueled her rage, blood trickling from the wound and giving her the look of a vengeful demon.

"Now that's more like it~" she whispered, a twisted smile on her face.

Mary laughed wildly, but in her mind, she had already sentenced the sniper to death. With a sudden swing of her arm, a fierce energy blast shot from her hand, targeting Rhino with explosive force. Under Rhino's disbelieving gaze, the blast struck him, unleashing a devastating explosion.

Boom!

The fiery explosion erupted, sending shockwaves in every direction. Even Kingpin, standing nearby, was forced to brace himself, crossing his powerful arms in front as the blast tore at his sleeves and skin, exposing his muscular forearms. Smoke and dust filled the air, obscuring the battlefield, and Mary set her sights on another opponent.

As if sensing her intent, Bullseye—stationed at a distance—discarded his sniper rifle, grabbed a bag of steel balls, and began launching them with monstrous precision. Each steel ball shot from his hand like an armor-piercing bullet, bombarding Mary relentlessly and leaving her no safe place to dodge.

Realizing the danger, Mary dropped her gravity stance and activated her full energy barrier.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Steel balls clashed against her blue, eggshell-shaped shield, creating rippling waves with each impact. She could feel fatigue beginning to creep in. With her gravity field down, Kingpin was free to move again.

Amidst the smoke, Kingpin saw Rhino lying on the ground. Though Rhino's armor was undamaged, he appeared concussed from the explosion. Gritting his teeth, Kingpin roared and charged at Bloody Mary, raising his cane. Pressing a button, he fired a powerful laser from the tip, aiming it precisely at her energy shield. The laser, combined with Bullseye's unending barrage, caused cracks to splinter across the shield. Blood trickled from Mary's nose.

She was at her limit.

Seeing her weaken, Kingpin went in for the final strike. He sprinted forward, roared, and threw his fist with the full force of his peak human strength.

Boom!

The shield shattered. But instead of Kingpin's fist, Mary was met by a barrage of dense steel balls. Powerless to dodge, she watched death approach, yet a crazed smile remained on her face.

Just as she resigned herself to her fate, something unexpected happened. Out of nowhere, a long spider thread attached itself to her coat, yanking her away with tremendous force. She flew back, narrowly escaping the deadly steel balls, which smashed into the ground, walls, and fire hydrants, puncturing small holes in everything they struck.

Furious, Kingpin looked around, eyes blazing with anger. About twenty meters away, he saw Mary dangling in midair, suspended by a thread of spider silk. Following the line, he spotted the figure on the building's outer wall: a person in red and blue, marked with the unmistakable spider emblem.

It was none other than Spider-Man—Peter Parker.

"Uh, sorry to interrupt, folks. I know this lady has done some awful things, but I can't just stand by and watch you kill her," Peter said, pulling Mary closer with a firm tug of his web.

Wrapping his arm around Mary's waist, he leaped away just as a steel ball whizzed past, puncturing the wall where they had stood a moment before. Holding her securely, Peter sprinted along the building's outer wall, darting toward the roof. His spider-sense kept him one step ahead of Bullseye's relentless steel balls, which he dodged with precise, fluid movements.

In moments, they vanished over the rooftop.

"Damn it!" Kingpin roared, seething with rage. He had failed again, and his frustration could be felt by those around.

…

Two figures wandered over New York City before finally landing in a dark alley. Bloody Mary collapsed to the ground due to Peter's release. Peter stumbled, feeling somewhat embarrassed as he fell. He covered his waist with one hand and glanced down, noticing a short dagger embedded in his side. Severe pain shot through him, sharpening his senses.

He couldn't believe he had saved this woman, only to have her stab him in the waist with a dagger. This was too much.

"Hey, lady!"

Peter couldn't hold back his frustration, even though he was usually honest and kind. He looked at the woman before him, who was breathing heavily, blood flowing from her nose and face like a devil.

Bloody Mary's red lips curled into a crazed smile. "I like you, little one."

"Damn it, is this how you show someone you like them—by stabbing me with a knife?"

Enduring the pain, Peter pulled out the dagger. Fortunately, it had no undercuts or blood grooves, and he instinctively clamped his muscles around it; otherwise, he would have bled profusely.

Bloody Mary extended her index finger to soak up the blood and licked it clean. "It's a pity I didn't kill you this time."

"Damn it, you're a lunatic."

Peter felt helpless. He simply stretched out his hand and shot a web to restrain Bloody Mary firmly. She didn't resist. She was severely injured, and her only concern was to escape from Peter. Sincere thanks from her was completely out of the question.

"Madam, you need to go to jail and reflect on your actions," Peter said seriously as he approached her.

"Sureee~~~ I will definitely reflect on it."

"Well, if it seems you can't, then I hope those police officers can control you."

"No, I really will reflect on it," Bloody Mary replied quickly, appearing hurt by Peter's words. But then she changed the subject. "I realized I should have dealt with all threats before looking for that man."

As she said this, her peach-blossom eyes remained fixed on Peter, making his skin crawl. He immediately understood that this woman might not consider him a threat at all.

Peter felt numb; he had saved a ticking time bomb.

If he could be more ruthless, he might have taken down this woman immediately. But unfortunately, he was Peter Parker, and that wasn't something he'd ever do.

At that moment, the screech of tires echoed from the street outside the alley. Peter turned his head abruptly and saw a group of fully armed soldiers in combat uniforms flooding into the alleyway entrance. Peter was stunned—these people didn't look like New York City police. As he hesitated, wondering whether to escape or take Mary with him, the group of soldiers parted, making way for a figure in a suit who approached with two soldiers trailing behind.

"Um, hey, sir, you do know it's night, right?" Peter remarked as he noticed the middle-aged man wearing sunglasses in the dim alley. The man didn't seem embarrassed. Instead, he responded calmly, "These sunglasses have night vision capabilities and can also link to remote network facial recognition, Spider-Man."

"Cool! So, if I wanted to buy sunglasses like these, how much would they cost?" Peter replied, impressed by the high-tech gear.

"These are free if you join S.H.I.E.L.D."

"S.H.I.E.L.D.?"

The man nodded. "Hello, Spider-Man. My name is Coulson. I'm a senior agent with S.H.I.E.L.D., responsible for dealing with paranormal phenomena and criminal incidents." He held up his ID for Peter to see.

"So, you need me to hand her over to you?"

"That's right. The lady behind you is…special. Ordinary prisons can't hold her. We have facilities specifically designed for extraordinary individuals."

"Alright, then…" Peter considered it and nodded. Having someone else handle her was a relief. But just as he was about to ask a few more questions, a roar from the sky drew everyone's attention.

A figure descended from above, streaking down like a meteor. It was a red and gold humanoid armor, with particle flames streaming from its feet and palms. The suit touched down slowly, the round reactor on its chest glowing brightly.

Everyone recognized him immediately. He was Tony Stark—Iron Man. Recently, he'd become so famous that even Spider-Man was overshadowed.

Coulson groaned inwardly at the sight of Tony. At first, he'd hoped Stark would keep the MK armor under wraps, given its advanced technology. But Tony had been too willful, revealing it to the public on the spot. Now, Tony had become the center of attention for the U.S. military, government, and other agencies, all eager to get their hands on his technology.

Thanks to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s intervention and Tony's own high-profile status and connections, he'd managed to keep control of his armor. But with the MK armor now in the public eye, Tony had become a prime focus for S.H.I.E.L.D. And it just so happened that Coulson was assigned to liaise with him.

But it was Tony's personality that truly gave Coulson a headache.

Bang!

The armor hit the ground, and the metal mask automatically lifted to reveal Tony's slightly inebriated face. It was clear he'd had a few drinks before coming.

When he spotted Coulson, he immediately waved and greeted him. "Hey, man! Too bad you missed my party. Trust me, there were plenty of beauties there that you wouldn't have been able to take your eyes off."

"Sorry, I had a mission to perform," Coulson replied.

"Right, right. I have to admit, you're moving a bit quicker these days," Tony replied with a slight slur, sounding impressed. "A far cry from the '90s classic car vibe you used to have." He let out a small burp, then scanned the alley, noticing Spider-Man in his suit and Bloody Mary tied up in webs. Tony paused, taking in the scene before giving a knowing smile.

"Well, well, looks like you're having quite the time here and getting creative, too! I've got to say, you're a genius, setting this up in a… well, in this smelly alley."

…

The little encounter in the alley didn't last long. Although Peter Parker was Spider-Man, he had a quieter self-confidence that contrasted sharply with Tony Stark's high-profile, conceited style. Yet, there was no denying they shared one trait: both loved to talk nonsense.

Drunk as he was, Tony didn't linger in the alley. While he wasn't a big fan of S.H.I.E.L.D., he couldn't deny their professionalism in situations like this. So, Tony soon left.

After Tony's interruption, Peter found himself a bit suspicious of Coulson's identity, but he eventually handed Bloody Mary over. Coulson ordered his special forces team to take her away, and before they did, they injected her with a tranquilizer to ensure she stayed quiet; after all, it's safest when someone that unpredictable is calm.

Before leaving, Coulson handed Peter a business card with just a phone number on it, mentioning that S.H.I.E.L.D. was quite impressed with him and hoped they could work together for the greater good. He casually noted that the job paid well, which piqued Peter's interest, given his family's financial situation. S.H.I.E.L.D. employment wouldn't prevent him from fighting crime in New York, but Peter liked the freedom of doing things his way.

Coulson wasn't in a rush for an answer, advising Peter to think it over before departing and leaving Peter alone in the alley, still nursing his injury.

Meanwhile, Leon was aware of the commotion in New York, but it didn't concern him much. As for Bloody Mary, he paid minimal attention, though he acknowledged her potential for further training. But at the moment, he was focused on other matters, like escorting Wanda, Pietro, and the others to an experimental base in Siberia.

The past three days had been hectic at the manor. Following rigorous training, Wanda and the others had experienced a significant boost in their abilities. Upon recovering from exhaustion, they found their strength had increased tremendously. Pietro, Sergei, and the others took a day to rest and recharge, then resumed their training with even more drive.

Natasha and Wanda even pestered Leon for a sparring session, though Leon suspected they were just looking for a little payback. But after three days of intense activity, Leon managed to redirect everyone's attention to other tasks.

The completion of the Sky Fortress attracted everyone's attention. After all, such advanced technology naturally piques curiosity. The team flew fighter jets to the experimental base, which was situated in a remote area of Siberia, built deep within a mountain range. For any organization seeking secrecy, mountains or underground sites are often the best choices due to their natural concealment.

Heavy snow had begun to fall across Siberia, turning the mountains and plains into a silver-white expanse. The experimental base left by Dreykov was enormous, with state-of-the-art equipment, living facilities, a sizable scientific team, and extensive logistics support. Maintaining such an operation required significant wealth—something only someone as resourceful as Dreykov could afford.

Now, however, funding this operation was easy for Leon. With access to liquid funds from black market and untraceable accounts worldwide, he could secure financing without anyone tracking it back to him. Sky Blade made this possible.

The dome of the experimental base opened automatically, allowing the Blackbird fighter to land vertically on a designated platform. Once inside, the dome closed again, and Leon exited the plane with his family. Everyone, including the four younger ones, looked around the base with curiosity.

Waiting to greet them were Melina, Yelena, and Alexei, along with several lab directors. After an initial round of introductions, the directors were given a chance to meet Leon, the financial force behind the base. These individuals were top scientific experts Dreykov had acquired through money and other means. Though they had been informed about the change in sponsorship, they were surprised to see how young Leon was.

However, any initial tension soon faded. Leon's approachable demeanor, combined with improved benefits he had introduced for the team, helped the supervisors feel more at ease. Dreykov's methods had been ruthless, often involving strict surveillance on the supervisors and their families, discouraging any dissent. In contrast, Leon removed these oppressive measures, which greatly improved his standing with the team.

This personal approach reassured the supervisors. However, what they didn't know was that, although the overt monitoring had been removed, Sky Blade had already screened them all. Any individual with suspicious intentions would have been detected long before, likely meeting an "accidental" demise soon after.

While Leon was generous to his allies, he was far from lenient with traitors. Like Kingpin, he dealt harshly with anyone disloyal to him.

After reassuring the supervisors, Leon, Wanda, and Natasha, led by Melina and Yelena, ventured into the depths of the base. They arrived at an enormous cavern, towering over 10,000 meters high and spanning tens of thousands of meters in diameter. In the center, a colossal fortress stood silently on a platform, emanating an almost intimidating presence. Compared to it, any human seemed minuscule.

"Wow, that's so cool!"

The four young ones clung to the steel frame, their short legs dangling as they gazed up at the massive structure, their eyes sparkling with awe.

Witnessing technology that seemed like movie magic come to life was an experience that left a deep visual and emotional impact. If the kids were amazed, the "big kids" like Sergei, Pietro, and Gennady could hardly contain their excitement; they looked as if their eyes might pop out.

"This base is unbelievable. It feels like it could hold tens of thousands of people," one of them said, still in awe.

"Yes, to be precise, it's designed to accommodate thirteen thousand people," Melina responded with a smile.

…

"It's hard to believe what it takes to get this giant airborne," Sergei said, gripping the guardrail as he stared in awe at the massive base.

"We've implemented advanced anti-gravity technology," Melina explained, "with a large turbine engine and thirteen auxiliary turbines to provide vertical lift. Tony Stark contributed a large Arc Reactor as the main energy source, ensuring long-term suspension."

"In a static hover mode, anti-gravity minimizes energy loss to almost negligible levels. Additionally, the base is equipped with forty-eight jet engines, which enable full flight capability and, if necessary, atmospheric exit. The built-in ecological system ensures a stable oxygen supply for normal operations," she continued, summarizing the features of the base. "Also, the base has an artificial intelligence control system and thirteen newly designed fighter jets, each equipped with vertical takeoff, landing technology, and advanced optical and radar stealth."

"These fighters, along with the base itself, function as a global communication network. However, without authorization, even if intercepted, the signal cannot be decrypted unless someone has a computing power surpassing the AI."

Leon watched the technicians below moving with calm efficiency. If this had been earlier, he might have felt exhilaration seeing a base of this caliber—comparable to a floating city. But as the owner of the Celestial Battleship Sky Blade Seven of Angel Civilization, he couldn't exactly be thrilled by this. Still, he appreciated Melina, Yelena, and the team's efforts and recognized the need to show acknowledgment.

"You've done excellent work. Once the sky base is fully operational, give everyone some well-deserved rest and substantial rewards. Let's not be stingy with those who work hard for us."

Melina nodded, but Leon's next words stirred a strong reaction.

"As for you, Yelena, haven't you been curious about how Natasha became so strong over the years?"

Yelena, Melina, and Alexei exchanged glances. Yelena looked as though she was starting to understand. "You mean...?"

"You're Natasha's family," Leon continued. "Even if it began as an act, your bonds are real." He glanced at Natasha, who pressed her lips together, her gaze fixed on Leon, her eyes filled with unspoken emotions.

Leon smirked slightly, his voice gentle as he said, "I trust her—and I trust you, too."

"There are going to be big changes in the world, and you need to be strong enough to protect yourselves." As he spoke, he snapped his fingers.

A shimmer in the air appeared around his hand, revealing a metal box he had prepared earlier. He handed it to Yelena, who took it, a bit surprised. Natasha shrugged and opened the box to reveal a syringe nestled in black foam, filled with a beautiful blue liquid.

"This is a super-gene serum. It will enhance your genes, strengthening your physical abilities, cells, organs—everything. Once you're injected, a whole new world will open up to you."

Yelena and Melina exchanged a knowing look, confirming their suspicions. Given what they knew about Leon's past, they'd already wondered about the serum Natasha had taken to reach her current strength. Alexei was proof enough of what such transformations could do. But Leon wasn't calling it a super-soldier serum—he'd referred to it as a super-gene serum, which clearly promised even more potent effects.

"Thank you," Yelena and Melina said, holding back emotion.

Alexei, with his usual rough, loud demeanor, scratched his head and asked, "Leon, I've had a serum injection before. Wouldn't another one be useless?"

Leon shook his head. "No, it'll only make you stronger. In fact, the serum will improve you even more than Yelena and Melina. However, while it can evolve your body, it doesn't make you as skilled as Natasha. To use your enhanced abilities fully, you'll still need training. Natasha will help with that."

"But for now," Leon added, "let's get our big guy airborne."

Boom!

Everyone boarded the base. At Leon's command, the AI activated the engines, causing the base to rumble as the massive central turbine roared to life, emitting powerful flames. Slowly, the base began to rise.

Gathered in the spacious hall with its massive floor-to-ceiling windows, they watched as the base ascended into the sky, with the ground below shrinking gradually. As they reached an altitude of tens of thousands of feet, the base seamlessly transitioned into stealth mode, cloaking itself in the clouds.

Once in stealth mode, the base became undetectable to any military satellite scans. At this altitude, it switched to anti-gravity mode, allowing the turbine engines to shut down as it floated silently in the clouds, surrounded by thick, white mist.

In the hall, the younger girls eagerly pulled Wanda and the others along, ready to explore. The sheer size of a base that could accommodate over 17,000 people was staggering. It contained not only the essentials but also rooms for leisure and comfort: kitchens, laundry rooms, game rooms, cinemas, swimming pools, and more.

Dreykov's version of the sky base, used as a Red Team training facility, had been cold and utilitarian. But Leon's take was different. He had turned this sky base into a flying replica of the manor—another home, complete with warmth and luxury, that could soar through the skies.

…

The space base is enormous, but there isn't much to do. The four younger ones are just wandering around with the others. The interior structure and decorations are quite different from the usual cold machinery; many warm elements have been added, making it brighter. Sunlight even reaches the upper levels during the day, illuminating the area.

If Dreykov could see his base transformed like this, he'd probably be angry enough to die all over again.

After exploring for a while, everyone gathered on the top platform of the base, which felt like a huge playground. Nearby, there was a theater, a fountain with rocks, and a swimming pool. An oval glass ceiling above blocked harsh ultraviolet rays and could automatically adjust sunlight, so the top floor stayed bright without the need for artificial lights.

Without hesitation, young Clarice opened a portal and brought out swimsuits, snacks, and other items from the manor. Those who wanted to swim swam, others enjoyed fruits, and some browsed the internet on their laptops. It was truly a leisurely atmosphere, so much so that I forgot to practice.

On the other side of the vast hall, Yelena, Melina, and Alexei began injecting the super gene serum. As soon as the serum entered their bodies, an astonishing transformation occurred. Their bones, cells, organs, and blood began to change in remarkable ways. Past injuries, even removed organs, began healing. It was as if they were soaking in warm spring water.

A powerful energy surged within, making the world seem more vibrant. My senses—smell, vision, and hearing—felt sharper and enhanced. It was an incredible sensation.

Yelena and Melina's heights shifted slightly as their bodies adjusted to an ideal form. Their pores became finer, their skin turned fairer and smoother, and their overall aura changed slightly, though their appearances remained mostly the same. Alexei, however, was transformed differently. His body fat melted away, revealing a massively muscular physique. Perhaps due to his prior injection with the super-soldier serum and his already large frame, his muscles looked even more intimidating.

He resembled a devilishly muscular figure, his veins bulging under his skin. But Alexei loved his new form. To him, muscles symbolized strength and power.

The strong Eastern European man happily started doing aerobics, raising his muscular arms and flexing to catch Melina's attention. She couldn't help but roll her eyes at him. This guy is just a big kid.

Yelena ignored their interaction, focused on adapting to her transformed body. She crouched slightly and then pushed off. Bang! With a massive burst of power, she shot upward like a rocket, nearly hitting the ceiling in an instant. Fortunately, she instinctively flipped and landed in a crouch on the ceiling. This brief moment of pause defied normal human coordination and control.

With a cheer and a little shout, Yelena jumped down from over ten meters up. "Wow! So this is why Natasha is so strong? It's incredible~!" As she spoke, she casually began a set of combat moves, each punch and kick accompanied by the whoosh of air. Her movements were packed with speed and power; she looked capable of taking down the most fearsome land predator.

Melina turned to Alexei, exclaiming, "It's incredible, he's amazing!" She added, "This super gene serum is terrifying."

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As she spoke, her thoughts went deeper. Natasha, Sergei, and a dozen others, along with herself, Yelena, and Alexei, now all had access to this serum. This meant that Leon might have mastered the technology to create the serum reliably. If he wanted, he could form a powerful army of super soldiers.

With such formidable combat skills, Melina was sure that Leon could easily seize control of the world. The destructive power of soldiers at this level was terrifying; it would only be a matter of time before they could disintegrate and destroy entire nations.

But Melina knew Leon well—he wasn't the type to have such ambitions. In fact, his goals were far beyond mere world domination. With the advanced technology he had revealed, Melina had begun to suspect something even grander.

This thought both horrified and thrilled her. Maybe, by following Leon, she, Yelena, and Alexei could witness a wider, unimaginable world.

Yelena, meanwhile, wasn't thinking about any of this. Her focus was on finding Natasha. In the past, Natasha had been so strong that Yelena had to stay meek and obedient, like a quail.

But now, just as Yelena was imagining ways to tease Natasha, the metal door automatically opened in the distance. Natasha walked in, holding several glass tubes in her hand. Seeing her, Yelena's eyes widened, ready to provoke her, but Natasha didn't give her the chance to speak first.

"You've been injected with the super gene serum and need plenty of nutrients to meet your energy needs," Natasha said, handing over the nutrient solutions.

Melina, Yelena, and Alexei took the nutrient solutions and drank without hesitation. They tasted sweet and tangy, quite delicious. As Yelena finished hers, she felt a satisfying fullness in every cell of her body.

Unable to contain herself, Yelena eagerly shouted to Natasha, "I've had the serum too! Let's see who the real winner is this time!"

Natasha shook her head, her tone playfully teasing. "Trust me, you're still not quite there yet."

Yelena bristled, ready to argue, but as soon as she met Natasha's gaze, a powerful, intimidating aura seemed to radiate from her. Under this fierce and commanding presence, Yelena instantly quieted. In Natasha's familiar, bright eyes, she felt an overwhelming momentum—a force like a tidal wave crashing toward her.

Yelena instinctively softened, feeling a newfound respect. She stood still, no longer as defiant as before.

…

Five minutes later, the stubborn younger sister still couldn't escape her older sister's dominance. Yelena lay sprawled on the ground in a tank top and sweatpants, a dazed look on her face, nearly frothing at the mouth.

She had never expected things to turn out this way. Where was her grand plan of overthrowing Natasha's control and reclaiming her independence as the younger sister? How had it ended with her being completely overpowered and defeated?

"This can't be happening... this is impossible," Yelena muttered to herself from the ground.

When dealing with her rebellious sister, Natasha had shown no mercy. In just five minutes, she had defeated Yelena in a swift, almost humiliating way, then proceeded to show her just how far she still had to go. Yelena was left on the brink of despair from the one-sided match.

Watching from the sidelines, Alexei hesitated to speak. He wanted to comfort his daughter, but the idea of drawing Natasha's attention made him wary. Despite considering himself a great warrior, Alexei knew better. After seeing Natasha easily overpower Yelena, he doubted he could fare much better.

Melina, however, didn't pay much attention to the sisters' playful rivalry. What interested her was how impossibly strong Natasha had become. Even with the super gene serum, the gap between their skills was still vast. Curious, Melina approached Natasha to clear up her doubts.

"The super gene serum gives you strength dozens of times greater than a normal human," Natasha explained, recalling Leon's guidance, "but it doesn't mean you're able to fully mobilize and control this powerful body immediately."

"Yelena charged in, using brute force and launching continuous attacks to try to disrupt my rhythm. It was a smart idea, but her use of the body is still... a bit rough."

"And every move she made was completely predictable to me."

"Why?" Yelena asked, struggling to rise from the ground, confusion plain on her face.

As spies trained rigorously since childhood, Yelena and Natasha had been taught to use their bodies, strength, and technique precisely. For them, skills were essential, especially since they had to compensate for their lack of natural physical strength against male fighters. Even with her enhanced physical fitness, Yelena had managed to adapt to her new strength and apply what she had learned.

But for Natasha to describe her techniques as "rough" was deeply unsettling to her.

"It's very simple. Your skills are too outdated for your enhanced body," Natasha said softly. Noting the thoughtful expressions on the three of them, she continued, "This is a basic limitation in thinking. That's why Leon has been training us relentlessly for years, pushing our control of strength and body to the limit."

"In addition, he taught us several other abilities," she added with a hint of pride. "One of the most important: the Three Colors of Haki."

"The Three Colors of Haki?" Yelena asked, surprised.

"Yes, the Three Colors of Haki," Natasha explained, detailing each of the abilities to her listeners.

The descriptions of these haki abilities stunned Yelena, Melina, and Alexei. They had never imagined that such powerful techniques existed in one person, let alone that one could develop all three. They understood instantly that mastering these three types of haki would take a person's strength to unimaginable heights. At advanced levels, they would allow someone to listen to the "breath" of all things, predict the future, and shatter the will of anyone weak in mind or spirit. In short, conventional tactics against such a person would be futile.

"Oh my god, that's why you seemed to anticipate all my attacks," Yelena exclaimed in disbelief. No wonder Natasha had been able to counter her so effortlessly. Every move, every attack—Natasha had seen it coming.

"These three abilities are simply too powerful," Alexei said, clicking his tongue as excitement burned in his eyes. He knew that mastering these techniques would transform his strength beyond recognition.

"That man is remarkable," Melina added, her admiration evident. When she realized that Leon had created these abilities himself, her respect deepened.

Natasha smiled, a mysterious, almost hypnotic glint in her eyes. "Yes, he's full of surprises," she said with a soft smile. Melina didn't comment further, but she understood clearly that Leon was a mystery—a captivating enigma. And Natasha, without a doubt, had fallen under his spell.

But Melina didn't worry. She believed that Leon's past and experience made him a person worthy of fascination.

"I want to learn the Three Colors of Haki, Natasha," Yelena said earnestly.

"Oh? After you learn it, are you going to try to get revenge on me?" Natasha asked, amused.

"Of course not! I'm not like that," Yelena protested, grinning.

"Who knows?" Natasha replied with a sly smile.

Meanwhile, in a secret, specially designed prison, a quiet scene unfolded. The prison was small but meticulously clean, without a single stain. Inside were several square confinement chambers, also spotless and brightly lit. The only view into the chambers was through specially reinforced transparent glass at the front; the rest was encased in sterile, white metal walls.

The walls of these confinement chambers were so thick that even defensive anti-materiel sniper rifles couldn't penetrate them.

In one of these chambers, a red-haired woman in an orange prison uniform sat at the edge of her bed, head lowered, elbows resting on her thighs, her hair obscuring her face. She seemed to be humming a soft tune that no one else could understand.

In the nearby cells, other special criminals in orange uniforms were locked up. A few of the men seemed overly eager, pressing up against the glass walls, shouting crude remarks in the direction of the woman's cell. Their behavior was as repulsive as animals in heat. But the woman remained unfazed, continuing to hum her tune, paying them no attention.

The metal door of the prison suddenly opened, and several figures entered. Their arrival caught the attention of the inmates, especially when they saw the man leading them: a bald, one-eyed man in a black trench coat and an eye patch. The rowdy prisoners immediately fell silent.

"Look at this," said a man in a suit with yellow sunglasses, glancing around at the prisoners. "These seem to be the same people who caused widespread panic over the past few months."

The bald man nodded. "They all have special abilities. This prison is equipped with particle-shock countermeasures. If they attempt to use their powers, the shock system will kick in and... well, they'll wish they hadn't."

…

"Then it exploded like fireworks," Tony added, looking at Nick Fury beside him with a disgusted expression. "The things you design are really cruel."

"A person exploding in such a tight space always reminds me of the time I put a carton of milk in a small box and then—" Tony shuddered, "nauseating."

Fury sneered, unphased. "Believe me, Tony, you're the one making them sick."

Tony shrugged. "It's normal for the poor to hate the rich. But hey, I'm still a brilliant rich guy and a genius. I get it."

As they spoke, Fury, Tony, and Agent Hill walked toward the woman's enclosed cabin. Before Fury could say anything, Hill accessed the control panel. The transparent glass on several other enclosed cabins darkened, becoming soundproof as well.

Fury stepped up to the floor-to-ceiling glass and addressed the woman, her head hanging low. "Ms. Bloody Mary, there's something we want to discuss with you."

The woman didn't respond, humming softly to herself. Tony grinned, enjoying Fury's frustration. Fury, however, wasn't surprised. He spoke evenly, almost to himself. "Based on what we know, you have multiple personalities. The primary personality seems to be Mary Walker, but right now, Bloody Mary is in control."

"Each personality competes for dominance," Fury continued. "But the main personality and the other, timid one are too weak to challenge you and the fourth personality. Yet, you've managed to suppress Typhoid Mary for a long time."

"So, what's changed? What made you grow stronger?" Fury snapped his fingers, summoning a holographic projection in front of the glass. It displayed the full-body image of a man.

"I believe this is the person who convinced you to betray Kingpin. And the person you've been searching for these last three months."

The humming stopped. Mary slowly raised her head, revealing a face divided: the left side scarred and grotesque, the right side delicate.

Despite her unsettling appearance, Fury, Hill, and Tony—who could always be counted on for a sharp tongue—remained unfazed. There was no disgust in their eyes, only calm resolve.

Bloody Mary didn't care. She rose slowly and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window with light, measured steps. Reaching out, she traced the man's face reflected in the glass, her eyes filled with intoxicated enthusiasm.

Tony shifted uncomfortably, unable to ignore her obsessive gaze. As if breaking from a trance, Mary turned to face Nick Fury on the other side of the glass. Raising her gaze slightly, she looked at the man in the trench coat and asked in a slightly hoarse voice, "What do you want?"

"The same as you. We want to find him."

Fury and Bloody Mary locked eyes.

"Find him?" Bloody Mary shook her head, her voice tinged with bitterness. "He's like a ghost in the fog of night—unseen, untouchable. I've scoured every corner of New York for three months, and still… nothing."

"He's too mysterious, too powerful." She looked at the trio before her, a mocking glint in her eye, as if they were nothing but clowns. Tony bristled, uncomfortable under her gaze, but he couldn't argue; she wasn't mocking them out of spite—it was just the truth.

Since Tony first saw the man with Natasha, he'd deployed Jarvis' advanced facial recognition to search tirelessly, day and night. Yet they had found nothing. In the information age, unless this person was hiding in the deep wilderness, any contact with modern society would leave traces. And Jarvis would've caught them.

"You want to find him, and so do we," Fury said. "You're trying to find him on your own. Believe me, even after a hundred years, you won't succeed."

"But we might."

"What are you saying?" Bloody Mary stared at him, intrigued.

"Technically, you're a prisoner," Fury continued, his tone calm. "Your crimes would have you locked away here for life, with no chance of finding him. But there's a special clause. I can authorize your release under certain conditions."

"And what are those conditions?"

"You join S.H.I.E.L.D."

Tony gave Fury a disgusted look. He'd come here out of curiosity about Natasha's involvement, only to find Fury pulling recruitment tactics on her.

Bloody Mary sneered. "I'm only loyal to my lover."

"I don't doubt your loyalty," Fury replied evenly. "Think of it as a deal. You work with S.H.I.E.L.D., we help you find him. Once he's found, you're free to leave."

She tilted her head with a sinister smile. "You've studied my personality. You know I'm dangerous."

Fury didn't flinch. "Right now, we need people like you. S.H.I.E.L.D. has resources around the world. If we can't find him, you certainly won't on your own."

She narrowed her eyes. "Why do you want to find him?"

"What do you want with him?" Bloody Mary asked.

"We've observed his actions over time," Fury replied. "After piecing them together, we believe he possesses secrets about this world and may be using his power to fight against one or more unknown forces. We don't want to be left in the dark, playing the fool." He added, half-truthfully, "We mean him no harm; we just want to make a deal."

Mary held Fury's gaze, searching his single eye for any sign of deceit. He remained steady and unblinking, calm in his conviction. After a few seconds, she relaxed.

"So, what do you want me to do?"

"I doubt you're interested in playing the hero. We need you to do what you do best."

"And what do you think that is?" Bloody Mary challenged.

"Of course." Fury didn't hesitate. "Killing. I don't care how you do it—use whatever cruel methods you want to eliminate those… obstacles."

"I like this deal," she replied with a ferocious smile. "But betray me, and you'll regret it."

…

In no time, Sky Base had become Wanda and the others' favorite "toy." They even named it the City in the Sky. While it hasn't been relocated to New York, it now hovers hundreds of nautical miles away over the Pacific Ocean. New York, with its dense air traffic—and Tony Stark frequently flying around—seemed too risky. Despite Sky Base's optical invisibility, there's still a fear that one day, Tony might accidentally collide with it. Even though Sky Base's metal is highly durable, Tony's armor, combined with his supersonic speeds, could break through it in seconds. Over the Pacific, such worries are fewer.

Though Sky Base is an impressive toy, Wanda and the others have bigger dreams. They envision the City in the Sky transforming into a spaceship—one capable of exploring the universe. Earth has lost its charm; now, they yearn to see the cosmos. Leon has always supported this vision, so the scientific research team has returned to work after their vacation. Leon plans to gradually introduce advanced technologies through artificial intelligence, allowing the team to use them effectively, even if they don't fully understand the science behind them.

Everyone remains fascinated by Sky Base. After all, this massive structure has become their home. With Clarice's portal, they've started bringing in supplies to redecorate, transforming it into a warm, beautiful place. The concept of "home" runs deep for all of them.

Once the renovations are complete, Wanda, Gennady, and the others will head back to campus. Gennady, however, still plans to go to London. He's not interested in the vampire-werewolf conflict, but he suspects there's a deeper mystery surrounding the origins of the two races, one he's determined to uncover.

Meanwhile, Leon receives an unexpected guest.

It's a sunny day at the manor's pool. Wanda, Natasha, and the other three girls are enjoying the cool water. Some of their friends have gone shopping, while others have returned to Chicago or elsewhere. In the pool, the three girls glide gracefully, like mermaids. Far from being awkward around water, they swim with skill, racing back and forth or creating waves over ten feet high with a flick of their hands.

Leon lounges nearby in black shorts and sunglasses, stretched out on a recliner. Natasha sits beside him, massaging his shoulders, while Wanda prepares a fruit platter, slicing fresh fruit into a colorful display.

The sound of chirping and the seabirds passing overhead made everything feel peaceful and warm. Natasha was chatting with Leon about Pushkin, Yelena, and the connections between Melina and Alexei, along with how Yuriko, was taking her mentorship role seriously.

Yelena, on the other hand, was facing challenges. During training, she was shocked by the raw strength of the young Pushkin. Although he hadn't received the super gene serum, he had mastered the three-color Haki to an advanced level, and his physical fitness was approaching superhuman levels. Naturally, this made him far stronger than Yelena, who was just beginning to develop her own abilities.

Yelena, frustrated and inspired, gritted her teeth and threw herself into intense training under Yuriko's supervision. With her powerful self-healing ability and super gene serum enhancements, Yuriko had become even more monstrous than before. Her relentless pursuit of strength and her indifferent personality made her a relentless trainer, willing to push to deadly extremes.

As a result, Yuriko's strength had grown terrifyingly fast, and her fighting style had become ruthless and formidable, placing her just below the top-tier fighters like Wanda, Pietro, Sergei, and Gennady. For Yelena, being trained by someone like Yuriko was a grueling ordeal—but with the healing serum available, injuries were only temporary. The training wouldn't stop unless it was fatal.

Thinking about it, Leon couldn't help but laugh.

While chatting, Leon, Natasha, and Wanda's relaxed expressions abruptly changed. As they continued talking, massaging, and slicing fruit, all three turned sharply toward an empty area to their left, their eyes as sharp as blades. Wanda's eyes glowed red, and the fruit knife in her hand stilled, its tip angled slightly in the direction of the disturbance.

In the supposedly empty space, someone hidden from sight felt a sudden chill, breaking out in a cold sweat.

Leon spoke calmly, "Come out, unless you'd rather be crushed by the collapsing space around you."

As he spoke, the previously stable area of space began to ripple, emitting a sound like breaking glass. Inside the mirror dimension, the sorcerer hiding there felt the entire realm around him begin to compress, as if on the brink of shattering. Realizing Leon was serious, he immediately acted, drawing a circle in the air.

A portal, taller than a person, materialized, and he stepped out.

The sorcerer was short and slightly chubby, dressed in a dark red robe that looked rough, not particularly elegant. His face was Asian, and at this moment, he looked extremely nervous, beads of sweat forming on his forehead as he struggled to steady his breathing.

Leon, Wanda, and Natasha all possessed a commanding presence and mastery of Haki. When they focused their intense gaze on someone, their combined aura was enough to make an ordinary person hesitate or even feel unhinged.

"Are you from Kamar-Taj?" Leon asked, eyeing the anxious, chubby Asian mage before him. His insight allowed him to identify the man immediately.

"Yes, Mr. Leon," the mage replied smoothly, despite his nervousness. "My name is Wong. I come from Kamar-Taj, and I'm here at the Ancient One's request to invite you to visit."

Wong instinctively licked his lips, but he managed to deliver his message clearly.

Kamar-Taj… the Ancient One… Natasha and Wanda exchanged a glance. Leon had once mentioned a secret order of sorcerers on Earth, led by a powerful and ancient guardian—the Ancient One. But the reason for this sudden invitation remained unclear.

Without hesitation, Leon stood up from his chair. With a quick word to Natasha and Wanda, he stepped forward to join Wong.

…

Zhi! Zhi!

A portal made of fiery sparks appeared in Kamar-Taj, and Leon and Wong stepped through it. Leon had changed into a shirt, though he was still wearing beach shorts.

Kamar-Taj, located in Kathmandu, is an ancient sanctuary for sorcerers. Its architecture is classical, perched high among the mountains, with distant peaks visible on all sides. Sorcerers of various kinds and races could be seen practicing in their robes, while others hurried past, clutching what looked like magical tomes. The atmosphere was harmonious and serene.

Leon, in his white shirt, shorts, and sunglasses, stood out in this tranquil setting. His casual attire attracted the curious glances of many mages, but he appeared unbothered. Under Wong's guidance, he followed him to one of the main halls of Kamar-Taj.

At the entrance, twelve stone steps led up to the hall, designed in Kamar-Taj's traditional wooden architectural style, embodying a classical elegance. Inside, the hall was spacious, with cushioned mats set beneath wooden windows along each side. Two elderly sorcerer in white robes sat on these mats, engrossed in their books.

At the far end of the hall sat a bald woman in white robes at a low wooden table, brewing tea—none other than the Supreme Sorcerer, the Ancient One. As Leon and Wong approached, the Ancient One nodded and spoke gently, "Thank you for your hard work, Wong. You may rest."

"It is my duty, Sorcerer Supreme," Wong replied humbly, casting a glance at Leon before turning to leave.

The Ancient One gestured for Leon to sit, and he knelt on the mat before her. She placed a cup of freshly brewed tea on the table in front of him.

"Please, have some tea. Wong brought it from a distant place; it cost him quite an effort," she said warmly.

At her invitation, Leon picked up the cup and took a sip. He didn't know much about tea, but he could appreciate its rich flavor.

"Great tea," he remarked.

The Ancient One smiled gently. "Wong will be pleased to hear that."

"Or maybe he'd be more nervous," she joked.

Leon raised his eyebrows, but when he saw the weariness on the Ancient One's face and sensed the intense dark aura around her, he held back his reaction. He knew better than to challenge it openly.

Just play along, he thought. This was like someone faking fatigue to avoid paying debts—it had a familiar ring. Leon was certain that this shrewd sorceress before him was simply angling for retirement, putting on an act to deceive Kamar-Taj, the Sanctuary, Dormammu, even the future Sorcerer Supreme, Doctor Strange.

She would stage her own "end," freeing herself to explore the multiverse for eternity. Leon was sure she didn't intend to repay any debts owed to the Vishanti. She was, in his mind, a masterful blend of trickster and elder. People might say John Constantine was a conniving disruptor of heaven and hell alike, but this woman was cut from the same cloth.

Naturally, the Ancient One was oblivious to the fact that Leon had already seen through her "true face." She continued with her performance, appearing every bit the wise yet weary mentor. Her tone was soft as she said, "Though I do believe anyone would feel a bit nervous when facing you."

"It's almost unimaginable—a human with the courage to shake the very fabric of the world."

The Ancient One's words carried weight. She still didn't fully grasp how Leon had managed that devastating flare attack some time ago; he was an enigma even to her. Yet, she could sense something formidable. Even as he knelt quietly, his presence was that of a storm waiting to unleash itself.

She had seen such boldness before, but mostly in kings who wielded authority over empires. They had taken years to cultivate it, but even they had limitations. In today's world, finding this kind of spirit in a mere mortal was nearly impossible.

Leon barely reacted to her praise. "Courage is useful, sure. But when dealing with so-called gods and demons, it's really just a small tool."

Ancient One regarded him with admiration. She saw that he wasn't just being humble—he genuinely believed it. She nodded approvingly, realizing that Leon was far more complex than she'd first thought. He seemed to know more than she'd anticipated.

Without further preamble, she spoke directly, "Leon, would you be willing to take on the mantle of Sorcerer Supreme?"

The question made Leon's eyes widen slightly.

"Me, Sorcerer Supreme? I thought that was something only you could be."

The Ancient One smiled gently. "You see the role of Sorcerer Supreme isn't fixed. I've traveled across the multiverse and witnessed many people assume that role—Wong, Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, Doctor Doom, Doctor Voodoo, among others. You could, too."

With this, she casually introduced the concept of the multiverse, enough to shake anyone's understanding of reality. Leon, however, didn't react; he already knew about it.

But he was curious about why she was suddenly considering him for the position.

Not one to shy away, he asked directly, "Why the sudden change of heart?"

"Because history has changed." The Ancient One paused thoughtfully, her gaze, capable of seeing through the fabric of the universe, fixed on Leon. "In this universe, time is meant to be fixed. Many who can manipulate time believe they are altering history, but they don't realize that everything they do is simply part of the sacred timeline."

"But you are different," she continued. "Your presence has entirely altered and shattered the established timeline. It's incredible—you're beyond anything I've ever known, Leon."

Under the Ancient One's intense stare, Leon frowned slightly. Sacred timeline?

He understood that his survival to this point must have broken the sacred timeline. As for why no force or entity had been able to eliminate him as a disruptive element, he was uncertain. He had even tried to find the answer through Sky Blade's calculations.

But it was no simple task. Sky Blade's computational power would need to simulate the entire universe or beyond—an impossible feat without the energy equivalent to that of Merlot Heaven and several other universes. Only then could the necessary cosmic calculations be achieved.

Could the Ancient One know the answer?

…

Leon decided not to voice his question after all.

"The chaos in the timeline makes it impossible for me to see the future clearly," the Ancient One said, her tone thoughtful. "The future is tangled, and it's incredible, Leon."

She extended her right hand, a flash of emerald light revealing a necklace—the Eye of Agamotto, an artifact only the Sorcerer Supreme could wield.

"It holds one of the universe's most potent powers: time. It allows me to glimpse the future, but meddling with time often means time meddles with you, as it has now." The Ancient One gave a weary smile. Time was indeed an elusive force.

For ages, following the sacred timeline, she believed the future was in her control, and she had made plans to retire and stage her own "death" with that assurance. She had tampered with time countless times, yet time had finally pushed back—Leon was the source of that upheaval. He had shattered the unshakeable sacred timeline, leaving her with no advantage in predicting the future. If she could, she would gladly abandon this role entirely.

With each day, she felt more mentally and physically drained. So, she had finally decided to abandon her original choice for Sorcerer Supreme and instead offer it to Leon. Though she didn't fully understand what supported him, she sensed he had power close to that of a Sky-father, and with the title of Sorcerer Supreme, he would likely achieve that level soon.

As for his character, her long observation had convinced her he had ambition, but not the same insatiable greed of Dormammu or other demonic entities. It was a kind she could tolerate. In short, Leon seemed the perfect candidate to carry this burden.

Regarding her debts to the Vishanti, she wasn't concerned. She had no intention of repaying them. She was already allied with a powerful being, and she doubted the Vishanti would risk angering such a deity.

However, Leon didn't look particularly pleased. He liked the idea of protecting Earth as his own backyard, but that didn't mean he was willing to become an overworked sorcerer. Why should he play the role of a mere worker again?

In his last life, he'd had enough of that. This time, he intended to be the boss. Otherwise, why would he bother training Wanda and the others?

Or maybe…

Thinking about it, Leon realized he didn't have to take on the role of the labourer; he could suggest some other labourer for it. He had one particular candidate in mind for this job. After all, he had to utilize the valuable resources of Kamar-Taj. It would be a waste not to.

Leon's eyes gleamed as he looked at the Ancient One and said sincerely, "I have my own path, but I know someone who would make a good candidate, if you're open to it."

"You mean that young girl?" The Ancient One immediately understood who he was hinting at, giving him a knowing smile. "You're really willing to stir up trouble for me. You know very well who is behind her."

"He's more terrifying than anyone," She said.

Leon replied with a smile. "So, what do you say?"

The Ancient One hesitated. Behind Wanda was an ancient god whose power rivaled even the Vishanti's. But she soon relaxed—there was no rule saying Wanda couldn't be Sorcerer Supreme. She had seen many Wandas in the multiverse acting as the Sorcerer Supreme.

Leon didn't seem concerned about the risks. He understood the nature of Wanda's chaos magic: it was rooted in the primal energies at the birth of the universe, outside the confines of typical black or white magic. This type of magic, born from cosmic-level forces, wasn't bound to good or evil; it was raw potential, chaotic and unpredictable. Chthon had tapped into this energy, but that didn't mean he could wield it fully. He'd marked Wanda as his own because he foresaw her potential to become the Scarlet Witch and hoped to control her path step by step.

Chaos magic itself embodies the original spark of cosmic consciousness, allowing events both strange and seemingly impossible. It's neither wholly constructive nor destructive, neither good nor evil. It's a force of pure potential, operating on a level beyond morality—a game of chance, constantly balancing life and death.

Leon knew that even without him, Chthon would eventually be swallowed up in Wanda's origin story as she grew stronger. And Leon, with time on his side, could ensure Wanda's growth would keep Chthon at bay. He had already set his plans in motion, using the Sky Blade to study the nature of chaos magic. Given enough time, he could craft specific countermeasures against Chthon.

This was why he hadn't touched the Darkhold yet. Also known as the Black Magic Bible or the Chthon Scroll, the Darkhold contained powerful spells recorded by Chthon himself. But any who delved too deeply into it risked having their souls corrupted or even possessed by the dark god.

This artifact—the Darkhold—was a remnant left by Chthon after escaping Earth. But in Leon's eyes, it would undoubtedly become Chthon's most fatal flaw.

The greatest strength of Angel Civilization Technology lay in information warfare: understanding the enemy, analyzing the source of their power, and devising countermeasures. To Leon, it was pure strategy. With light and dark forces in play, he held the advantage, and he wasn't planning to lose.

As Sorcerer Supreme, Wanda would have access to vast magical knowledge to fortify herself. In time, she'd grow so powerful that she wouldn't need to rely on anyone's support. Wanda would be the one others would look up to for strength.

Even if Vishanti itself gathered all its courage, it wouldn't dare to challenge a fully mature Wanda.

The plan was working perfectly—Leon was pleased.

Ancient One, the clever old vixen, exchanged a glance with Leon, and in each other's eyes, they saw mutual understanding. They shared a quiet smile, lifting their teacups in silent acknowledgment.

"I believe she will make an excellent Sorcerer Supreme," Ancient One said softly.

"Indeed," Leon replied with genuine seriousness. "She's exceptional, and I have no doubt about her potential."

…

One wanted a peaceful retirement, and the other hoped to guide Wanda into taking on more responsibilities early. They quickly found common ground.

After a pretentious discussion, Leon returned to the manor. He approached Wanda with a serious expression, studying her sweet, delicate face. Under Wanda's curious gaze—and Natasha's as she sat nearby—Leon said, "Wanda, we might have a chance to explore the essence of your chaos magic together."

"Is it because of that sorcerer organization?" Natasha asked, lounging comfortably beside Wanda and wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

The sight was almost enough to distract Leon—two women in swimsuits, one charming, the other sweet. It was a picturesque scene that stirred him slightly, though he quickly composed himself with a cough. "Yes," he replied. "Kamar-Taj is a sorcerer organization with a history that spans thousands of years. Under the guidance of the Sorcerer Supreme, it's dedicated to protecting Earth from interdimensional threats."

"The Ancient One has led for over two thousand years, and now she needs to pass on the role to a new Sorcerer Supreme."

Wanda blinked, hesitating. "You chose me? But… with such a huge responsibility..." After so much time spent with Leon and the others, her outlook had softened. If possible, she wanted a simple, happy life. Why take on such a heavy duty? The thought of having to lead for thousands of years almost scared her off.

Leon, sensing Wanda's hesitation, gently shifted the focus. "Think of it as a chance to see a wider world. I'll be by your side, and if you ever get tired, you could train the other sorcerer to carry on."

"Most importantly, Wanda," he continued, "we need to find a way to address your concerns."

"That's true," Natasha chimed in, nodding. She fully supported Wanda's choices, but she knew addressing the root of Wanda's issues was essential. After all, Leon had hinted that Wanda's chaos magic was connected to an ancient and ambitious god. Without finding a solution, this would always remain a looming threat.

Wanda considered this, realizing it made sense.

"So, Wanda," Leon asked, "what do you think?"

Leon waved off Wanda's concerns and pretended to respect her decision. In reality, he knew Wanda's character very well. After expressing his thoughts, he was confident that Wanda would ultimately accept the responsibility. However, his explanation had to be carefully crafted.

Though it seemed a bit hypocritical, how could one expect to be the boss without some level of manipulation? Furthermore, with the impending crises and uncertainties in the universe, the most important thing was to ensure that Wanda reached maturity as quickly as possible.

According to Leon's plan, once Wanda became the Sorcerer Supreme, he would focus on quickly developing the strength of the other sorcerers. By then, with Wanda at the helm of the sorcerer army, he wouldn't need to act at all.

As Leon anticipated, Wanda agreed, saying, "Well, I would like to be the Sorcerer Supreme."

"Don't worry about it for now. The Ancient One can still hold on for a few more years. In the meantime, your priority should be mastering the magic books," Leon said gently, emphasizing the key points. "Also, after learning magic, you won't need to rely on the so-called Gods like the other sorcerers to borrow their power. You only need to know how to use magic yourself and wield chaos magic to perform it."

He wouldn't let Wanda rely on the Vishanti's power like the other sorcerers trained by the Ancient One. Using chaos magic in such a way would be as foolish as letting a big opportunity slip while chasing after something small.

Wanda nodded seriously.

Seeing that Wanda, the future Scarlet Witch, understood his thinking, Leon wasted no time. He instructed her to change into appropriate clothes and then used the Sky Blade to open a portal to Kamar-Taj. It was just as it had been before. The Ancient One welcomed both Wanda and Leon.

The Ancient One didn't announce that Wanda would be her disciple, but she opened the Kamar-Taj Library for Wanda to study, granting Leon the same access. This was part of the agreement.

The addition of two more people to Kamar-Taj sparked curiosity among the sorcerers, but as strangers, there was no interaction.

Leon and Wanda immediately immersed themselves in their studies. Both of them were operating at full capacity.

Leon, with the power of the Sky Blade Celestial Computer, had a simple yet effective learning method. By utilizing Sky Blade's scanning capabilities, he had cataloged all the magic in the library in less than a day, storing it in the magic database. Sky Blade then performed the most basic decomposition of the modules.

As for Wanda, her talent was so extraordinary that learning magic was effortless. In simple terms, Wanda's magical aptitude was unparalleled.

The reason for Wanda's remarkable ability is that she possesses chaos magic, the most primal form of magical energy in the universe. Whether it's white or black magic, they are both open to her. She can master the dark magic of the Darkhold—which most people can't even read—in an incredibly short time, boosting her power to astronomical levels.

Naturally, white magic poses no challenge for Wanda either. No matter how complex or obscure the spell, she can understand it at a glance and cast it using chaos magic, without needing to tap into or borrow magical energy from other dimensions.

The speed at which she and Leon learned magic nearly shocked Wong, who managed the library, out of his senses. Leon's rapid progress was somewhat understandable to himself though not to Wong, as he used the Sky Blade to scan and quickly absorb the information, flipping through books at lightning speed. But Wanda's abilities were astounding. While most sorcerers spend years mastering high-level spells through rigorous study, Wanda could read a complex magical text and cast it instantly.

Wong witnessed this with his own eyes and could barely believe it. Was she even human? She seemed more like a reincarnation of one of the Vishanti.

Fortunately, Wong had a resilient mindset, or he might have collapsed under the sheer intimidation of her power.

…

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