Observing them up close, I saw that the lead sorcerer still seemed badly injured.
"One of yours is quite wounded. Do you need help?"
Upon hearing my question, she thought for a moment and then nodded.
"Alright. Healing sorcery isn't easy to use, and not everyone is skilled in that area. If you can, it would be a great help," Lívia stated, signaling for them to place the mage nearby.
Once he was laid down, I approached, lowering my gaze slightly as I observed the expressions of those around me. I could feel their tension. In reality, there was admiration in their eyes, but also a strong sense of fear and curiosity.
Examining his body, I noticed that not only were there many injuries, but also a hostile and dangerous energy emanating from the center of his being.
I raised my right hand and pointed it in his direction. And I spoke—not just out of necessity, but to put on a good show.
"I summon the Djinn of Kindness and Mediation, the Djinn capable of wielding the eighth type of magic—the magic of life."
As the chant concluded, a divine, magical pink bird appeared, enveloping my entire body.
A powerful energy of life, healing, and purification radiated from the creature.
Under my direction, its wings began to cover each of his wounds.
At first, it restricted the spread of the enemy's energy, followed by healing the wounds across his body—every cut, every injury.
After that, the beautiful wings and feathers touched the spot where the enemy's energy was most concentrated and where the most severe wound lay.
Within moments, the energy was purified, and all wounds were healed.
Rising to my feet, I gently stroked the Phoenix and sent it back into the ring.
"Well, I'm afraid I must be going. If you'll excuse me."
Without giving time for further interaction, I used Kai Kai and returned to the normal world.
This time, I had observed this dimension carefully. I should be able to return to it to some extent, though I still prefer to avoid it—moving through space and shifting between dimensions are not the same, especially when entering another dimension.
After my disappearance, the sorcerers remained speechless for five seconds before beginning to discuss. They had realized that the energy that healed their comrade, despite operating under distinct rules and principles, still had a magical origin.
"Enough discussion. We have things to do. Let's go." Lívia was the one to interrupt, and with a wave of her hand, a golden portal appeared, transporting everyone away.
....
Meanwhile, in different parts of the world, certain events began to unfold.
Inside a grand mansion, a billionaire was studying various devices to improve his armor, while also feeling conflicted about his love life.
"Sir, Ms. Potts is asking if you wish to proceed with the contract with Hammer Industries. They appear to be involved in weapons and various military groups. You will likely encounter them on your trip to the upcoming car race."
A slightly humanized electronic voice spoke. The man responded after a few seconds.
"Who? I don't know… If they have military ties, I'm not that interested. I'll deal with it later. Right now, I need a new power source for my suits…"
He seemed to ponder for a moment before speaking again.
"Even though it was his suggestion, and I personally don't want to go down that road…"
After a deep sigh, he continued.
"Jarvis, pull up my father's old projects… I'll take a look in a few days."
.....
In a towering building at an undisclosed location, a tall man with a strong, commanding aura gazed outside. His most distinctive feature was his eye patch.
Footsteps echoed as an elegant but dangerous-looking woman entered the room.
"Director."
"Hill, come in. How are the projects I mentioned progressing?"
"They're going well—both of them, actually. The Avengers Initiative is still in its early stages, and candidates are being selected. We also haven't included mutants, as per your instructions."
"Yes. Mutants are a complicated subject—military concerns, the Brotherhood, the X-Men, and other factions. For this protector team, which should remain 'neutral' to some extent, it's best to avoid including mutants."
She made no comment, seemingly in agreement, and continued.
"As for the other project, the so-called Phantom Initiative, it's in progress. Both in terms of training and special agents, as well as assembling the team you requested."
"Currently, Agent Coulson has been designated as the leader, with Agent Melinda May serving as pilot, supervisor, and potential combat specialist. Agent Grant Ward has been assigned as the primary combatant, along with two scientists—Jemma Simmons and Leo Fitz—for technical support. The team lineup is still being finalized, with room for adjustments. Coulson has also suggested recruiting an external member, though that's still under discussion."
The man nodded in agreement.
"But, Director, why this team?"
The man smirked before replying.
"Chaos and diversity. A seemingly ordinary team operating under S.H.I.E.L.D. A team that follows the rules, but isn't entirely bound by them, could prove useful—especially for certain projects or handling delicate situations."
She found it odd but said nothing, moving on to the next topic.
"The 'Sacred Descent' project is also progressing. However, due to its nature, Stark technology will be required, and preferably his assistance as well."
"Don't worry—I'll get that guy to help. I have some valuable intel and some of his father's projects locked away in a S.H.I.E.L.D. vault. That should be enough to persuade him to help with the propulsion systems."
She smirked at his words. As expected of the Director, a master spy, his ability to leverage resources was remarkable.
Regardless, the primary goal was to protect the Earth and its people. Sometimes, that required unconventional or less-than-heroic means.
After all, they were secret agents and spies—not heroes like Captain America.
*Note: I personally like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (the series). This won't follow its storyline exactly, but I'll incorporate elements from it in my own way. Hope it's interesting for everyone! :)
.....
MC POV
A few days had passed since the last events.
Fortunately, these days had been quieter. I had just done some vigilante work, studied, spent time with my family, and trained.
At the moment, I was using my extended time to study the potential applications of seals—like sealing jutsus and cursed techniques of various kinds. Not just mastering them, but combining them with magical runes and enchantments from my abilities as a sorcerer, as well as knowledge from my other fields of magic, like ice and light. This also included magical circles from this particular group.
Right now, I was applying some seals to my own body—an advanced method of Fūinjutsu. By inscribing miniature seals on myself, I could activate them instantly. However, this came with its own challenges. The solution was that, as long as I carefully inscribed them, I could use the jutsus almost instantly. The difficulty was in remembering their exact structure and placement.
"Luckily, with my memory and control over my body—thanks to my strong mental power and constant training in martial arts and assassination techniques—it's not that complicated," I said aloud while finishing a paralysis seal on my right hand and an energy seal on my left.
Beyond these practices, I never stopped honing my combat skills, power mastery, and magic.
"Alright. Change of scenario. Scenario N-WORLD, Enemy 3."
At my command, the world around me shifted. I found myself in the center of a large village, with three grand statues behind me. In front of me, a man in red robes appeared. The word "Hokage" was inscribed on his back.
As the voice concluded, the figure vanished—only to reappear right in front of me.
Calmly, my arms moved at high speed and advanced. My right arm struck like a swift leopard's punch, while my left arm moved like a deadly snake.
The enemy in front of me blocked the attacks and leaped backward with instantaneous hand movements. His mouth spewed a massive wave of fire.
Sensing the danger, I raised my arms and created a large ice shield in front of me.
I didn't stop there—my left hand touched the ice. Seals spread across it and began absorbing the intense flames.
Of course, my opponent wouldn't stop at just that. I leaped backward multiple times, forming two ice swords in my hands.
With acrobatic movements, I deflected two kunai to my left.
The enemy maintained his emotionless smile as he suddenly jumped forward, aiming a direct kick at me. My leg shot up at the same moment, blocking the attack.
This time, his body shifted backward, and giant mud projectiles erupted from his mouth.
My swords slashed through each of them with precision, but my opponent, determined to prove his mastery of countless jutsus, continued his relentless assault, launching waves of fire and mud one after another.
In response, my hands moved swiftly, forming multiple hand signs that conjured barriers to shield me.
And so, our battle raged on until time ran out.