177A Blick Street, Manhattan.
In front of a small three-story building, Finney looked up at the iconic pattern on the roof, letting out a long sigh of relief. After more than an hour of searching, he had finally found the place.
Standing at the gate and staring at the building, Finney felt a strange sensation—as if, if one wasn't paying attention, it was easy to overlook entirely. He wasn't sure if it was magic at work, but he hesitated. Though he had been preparing for this for nearly a month, he still felt uncertain now that the moment had come.
"With the Ancient One's abilities, she must already know I'm here. If I don't show up, maybe that means I shouldn't?"
"No... she's probably already waiting for me inside but just doesn't want to come greet me in person. After all, she is the Sorcerer Supreme. She must maintain some distance with her apprentices."
After a moment of internal struggle, Finney took a deep breath and stepped forward into the New York Sanctuary.
The door opened as he pushed it, revealing a quiet, empty hall with a classical atmosphere. A staircase led to the second floor.
"Looks expensive," Finney muttered inwardly, taking in the luxurious, aristocratic decor. With the experience of last time, he no longer dared to speak freely—even if it seemed like no one was around.
"Hello? Is anyone here?"
Finney stood still and called out. After all, this was one of the three Sanctums. Who knew what kinds of magical traps might be lying around?
Soon, someone came down the stairs.
Bald!?
Seeing the man's smooth head, Finney suddenly felt a twinge of anxiety about his own hair. Was hair loss the price of learning magic from the Ancient One? He thought about the future Doctor Strange and quickly shoved the thought aside.
"Hello, I'm Finney Hellset. You can just call me Finney. I was accepted as a disciple by the Ancient One some time ago."
"A disciple of the Ancient One?" the man repeated, momentarily confused. He glanced at Finney, then replied, "I'm Daniel Drumm. Apologies, Master Hellset, but I haven't heard that the Ancient One has accepted any new disciples recently."
"Ahem..." Finney coughed awkwardly, trying his best to remain composed. "Maybe the Master thinks my level isn't high enough and didn't want to make it official yet. I came today to see her and ask some questions."
Daniel scrutinized him for a while before finally nodding. "Please, follow me."
He led Finney to a corner of the hall, stopping before a closed door. As Daniel opened it, Finney saw only a stone wall behind it. Then Daniel made a series of intricate gestures. Orange energy filled the space between his hands, and when he pressed them to the wall, it shimmered, turning transparent—like a curtain of water.
"Teleportation on Earth really isn't bad," Finney mused silently. Though Earth appeared weak, its hidden strength could rival many cosmic civilizations.
They stepped through the portal into what looked like a library. Above them floated a massive model of Earth, motionless in the air.
Finney looked around with curiosity, especially at the locked magical books. As they passed the Earth model, he glanced at the platform, but didn't see the Eye of Agamotto. It must still be with the Ancient One.
Daniel remained silent as he led Finney through. The time zone seemed to change with their steps; it was already evening, and the sudden shift in the sky made Finney momentarily uncomfortable. Other people along the way gave him curious looks, but no one paid him too much attention.
"Please wait here. I will inform the Ancient One."
Daniel motioned for Finney to sit in a meeting room before disappearing.
Finney sat nervously, thinking over everything he had prepared to say. For the past month, he had been planning this moment: what to ask, how to answer, how to present himself.
"Welcome to Kamar-Taj, Mr. Hellset."
A familiar voice interrupted his thoughts. The Ancient One appeared, her presence far more radiant than Daniel's. "Would you like some tea?"
"Thank you, Master. Please, just call me Finney," he said quickly, standing up a bit nervously. Daniel stood beside her.
"Thank you, Master Daniel. I'd like to speak privately with Finney now," the Ancient One said.
Once Daniel had left, she prepared two cups of tea with practiced grace and sat down with a smile. "Try it—Chinese Longjing. I hope you like it."
Finney didn't refuse. He took a sip. It was subtly tightening on the tongue, not bitter, with a sweet aftertaste and a fresh aroma. It cleared the dizziness he'd felt after using the compass spell earlier.
"Delicious," he said sincerely. He didn't have the words to describe it further, but it was clear he enjoyed it.
"Thank you," the Ancient One replied with a graceful smile, sipping her tea.
Finney knew he wasn't here just for tea. Though it was excellent, he didn't drink more. Looking at her, he finally spoke up: "Master, I want to learn magic from you. May I?"
"But don't you already know how to use magic?" she asked calmly.
"No one ever minds knowing more," Finney replied seriously. "I haven't used much of my power yet, and I want your guidance."
"But what if I'm the one hindering you from fully using that power?"
"What!?"
Finney was stunned. He had expected her to refuse, accept, or maybe lay down some conditions. He hadn't expected *that* answer.
Could the slow progress of the 'Golden Great Evolution Technique' be connected to the Ancient One?
"No one can truly control the future, Mr. Hellset," she said softly. "I've seen many possible futures, and yet I still believe the future is ultimately unknowable—especially yours.
"Sometimes your path is vibrant and clear. Other times, I see nothing at all. I still don't know if I made the right choice by meeting you that day—or even now."
She walked up to him and looked him directly in the eyes.
"The power you possess is terrifying, Finney. You could make this world better... or you could accelerate its destruction.
"Finney Hellset, you already have too much influence on this world."