Five months. That was all it took for Ethan to completely break the Kamar-Taj grading curve.
While the other novices were still sweating over how to spark a basic Tao Mandala, Ethan was practically rewriting the fundamental source code of magic. With his Dumbledore template scaling higher and higher, his brain processed multidimensional geometry faster than a supercomputer.
He had become the undisputed Tony Stark of Kamar-Taj.
He didn't just learn spells; he devoured them. He was successfully porting his inherited wizarding knowledge into the MCU engine, blending the two disciplines into a terrifying, highly efficient hybrid magic.
And the Ancient One had taken full advantage of his progress. Her version of "hands-on training" involved dragging Ethan by the collar into hostile dimensions. In the last few months alone, Ethan had fought rabid Mindless Ones, survived the shifting landscapes of the Mirror Dimension, and helped his master bully a few rogue dimensional entities.
Late one night, after a particularly grueling sparring session, Ethan collapsed onto his bed and called up his interface. It was time to admire his progress.
"System, pull up the stat sheet."
[ User Status ]
Name: Ethan Williams
Age: 26
Affiliation: Kamar-Taj (Direct Disciple)
Current Template: Albus Dumbledore
Sync Rate: 90%
Power Level: Master Sorcerer
[ Mastered Spells & Abilities: ]
Tao Mandalas
Spatial Apparition
Mirror Dimension Manipulation
Protego
Crimson Bands of Cyttorak
Expelliarmus
Sectumsempra
Astral Projection
Lumos Maxima
Expecto Patronum
67 more...
Ethan stared at the glowing blue text, a satisfied smile on his face. He had officially shed the 'novice' title. He was a Master Sorcerer, possessing a massive arsenal of spells and a magical core that practically hummed with power.
****
The next morning, Ethan's usual routine was interrupted. Master Mordo found him in the courtyard, skipped the usual combat sparring, and simply told him the Ancient One was waiting for him in her private tearoom.
When Ethan arrived, he found he wasn't the only guest.
Sitting across from the Ancient One was an old man wearing heavy, dark green robes. The two of them were quietly sipping tea, both radiating that same annoyingly serene, enlightened smile that all Kamar-Taj seniors seemed to share. The old man had a long, wispy white beard and looked incredibly tired, as if his bones were made of dust and stubbornness.
"Ethan, come sit," the Ancient One gestured gently.
Ethan bowed respectfully and took a seat at the low wooden table.
"This is Master Thomas," she introduced, pouring Ethan a cup of tea. "He is the current Sanctum Master of the New York Holy Palace. And, as you can see, he is quite old. After serving faithfully for many decades, he wishes to finally retire."
Ethan nodded politely, though his internal monologue was currently running a confused diagnostic. Okay... good for him? Enjoy the pension and the senior discounts. Why are you telling me this? Am I supposed to bake him a retirement cake?
The Ancient One took a slow sip of her tea, her eyes locking onto his. "Would you like to become the Sanctum Master of the New York Sanctum?"
Ethan's heart immediately did a massive backflip.
New York. The main plot. Stark Tower. The Avengers. The exact place where the Chitauri were scheduled to drop out of the sky like the world's worst uninvited guests.
Hell yeah, Ethan thought, trying to keep a poker face while his brain threw a parade. I've been cooped up on this freezing mountain for so long I'm starting to think in Sanskrit and sweat incense. It's time I brushed up my presence on the main stage.
But there was an even better reason. Ethan pulled up his mental system interface. The daily missions here were getting repetitive, and the spontaneous system quests had almost completely dried up. He had practically milked Kamar-Taj dry. All the wool had been shaven from this particular sheep. Moving to the center of the MCU timeline meant new characters, new conflicts, and a massive influx of fresh system missions. It was the ultimate farming zone.
He looked at the Ancient One. He put away the snark, straightened his posture, and gave her a look of genuine, profound gratitude.
"I would be happy to finally be able to repay your grace, Master," Ethan said, his voice surprisingly sincere. He meant it. She had shielded him from day one, taught him, and given him the foundation to actually survive this universe.
The Ancient One's smile widened, clearly pleased by his answer. She turned toward the old man. "Do you have any objections, Master Thomas?"
The old man just smiled warmly, his tired eyes crinkling at the corners. "How could I have any objections? Master Ethan's reputation is quite well known, even all the way in New York. You are the direct disciple of the Sorcerer Supreme. Even though you joined Kamar-Taj less than a year ago, you have already reached the Master level."
Thomas let out a soft, approving chuckle, stroking his white beard. "And that is to say nothing of the new spells you have created. You have contributed greatly to the mystic world, revolutionizing our magical foundation. I can retire peacefully knowing the Sanctum is in such capable, genius hands."
The Ancient One set her teacup down on the wooden table with a definitive, satisfying clack.
"It's settled then," she smiled.