Phini had always heard people say that the world keeps turning no matter who is gone from it.
But now, he couldn’t help but feel that the Ancient One meant that if the world were to lose him, it might stop turning altogether.
Her assessment left him both astonished and a little proud.
Yes, proud.
Not everyone was content with being ordinary.
He could *choose* to be ordinary, but he refused to be *forced* to be.
“I believe I can make this world a better place!”
Meeting the Ancient One’s gaze, Phini took a deep breath and said, “As you said, the future is uncontrollable, but everyone can choose their own path.”
“Whatever your reasons for hindering my abilities, I believe you do it for the sake of the world. So, if my powers truly threaten it, I’m willing to temporarily give them up if it comes to a choice.”
Phini didn’t know why the Ancient One opposed his use of the ‘Golden Great Evolution Technique,’ but he wasn’t too concerned.
After all, the ability wasn’t that strong yet.
Besides, with the System, he might draw a power even stronger than the ‘Golden Great Evolution Technique’ in the future.
For now, he needed to focus on the present.
The Ancient One didn’t answer immediately.
She simply looked deeply at Phini before beginning her explanation.
“Your magic modifies the rules of reality. To Earth, it is an invasive force. A Sorcerer’s duty is to protect Earth from invasion. Therefore, as long as the power of the Three Sanctums continues to protect Earth, it is destined to obstruct your magic.”
At this moment, Phini finally understood why his proficiency in the ‘Jinjì Fried Chicken Roll’ skill had increased so rapidly over the past eight years, while his progress with the ‘Golden Great Evolution Technique’ had been so slow.
It wasn’t that he had a natural talent for cooking—he was simply being suppressed by his environment.
“So, does that mean I can fully unleash my power as long as I’m not on Earth?” Phini asked curiously.
The Ancient One shook her head.
“Of course not. However, without other forces obstructing you, using your magic will become much simpler. But it still depends on your individual circumstances. If other powerful forces interfere, it might be even harder to use than it is on Earth.”
After saying this, the Ancient One hesitated for a moment before continuing:
“Unless you can infuse your magic with enough energy and will to break through these obstacles!”
*So, I still have to rely on myself after all!*
Hearing the Ancient One’s words, Phini felt his own weakness more profoundly than ever.
“Actually, I’ve always been curious… what is this magic called?”
Perhaps because she had said all she needed to say, the Ancient One returned to her usual serene demeanor and asked with a hint of curiosity.
“The Golden Great Evolution Technique,” Phini explained, not hiding any more than he had to, given the Ancient One’s trust. This chapter was copied from g.com without permission.
“It’s a magic I suddenly learned at birth. It allows me to alter reality according to my thoughts.”
“Truly an extraordinary power!” the Ancient One praised, her eyes showing neither envy nor fear, only a hint of curiosity and restraint.
“Master Ancient One, I…”
Just as Phini was about to ask again if he could stay and learn magic, the Ancient One seemed to know what he was going to say and interrupted him.
“The magic of Kamar-Taj isn’t actually very suitable for you. If you insist on learning it, you’ll need to shoulder the responsibilities of a sorcerer in the future. Are you sure you want to join?”
Originally, learning the magic of Kamar-Taj didn’t necessarily require taking on such responsibilities, as it could be taught to outsiders—like those who needed help.
Did Phini count as someone who needed help?
He thought so, but the Ancient One clearly disagreed.
That was why she was demanding he formally join Kamar-Taj and share in its duties.
Fortunately, Phini didn’t mind.
In his mind, the greatest enemy of sorcerers was Dormammu, a being naturally hostile to everyone on Earth.
Without a second thought, he agreed.
“I’m sure. I want to join!”
Phini couldn’t help but feel a surge of joy after successfully becoming Ancient One’s apprentice, and his true personality began to show.
“Master, I came in such a rush that I didn’t bring a gift. Would you like to try one of my special Jinjì Fried Chicken Rolls?”
With that, Phini casually summoned a Jinjì Fried Chicken Roll and handed it over with a grin.
After all, they would be spending a lot of time together in the future, so there was no point in hiding his abilities.
Besides, the Ancient One might have already known he could do this.
“What a fascinating ability,” the Ancient One remarked, showing no surprise.
She accepted the roll, took a bite, and her expression turned blissful.
“It’s truly delicious!” she couldn’t help but exclaim.
Kamar-Taj was a beautiful place, even more serene and peaceful under the night sky.
The Ancient One took Phini on a brief tour, introducing him to the other sorcerers.
With that, he had officially become a member of the sorcerers, even though he didn’t know a single spell yet.
As night fell, Phini had to bid farewell.
He planned to go home and inform his family before returning for his training.
Before leaving, after hesitating a few times, he finally asked the last question that had been on his mind: Read this novel at g.com for the best experience.
“Master, aren’t you curious about how I know you?”
Hearing this, the Ancient One smiled, her eyes holding a mysterious glint.
“Everyone has secrets, don’t they?” she said.
“Besides, sometimes knowing too much is a burden. It’s much more interesting to leave some things unknown and explore them!”
Phini didn’t quite understand her meaning.
Did the Ancient One feel he knew too much?
Was she trying to find some amusement in his ignorance and keep his curiosity alive?
With a mix of emotions, Phini left Kamar-Taj and arrived at the New York Sanctum.
The dark night sky had turned back to daylight as Phini walked toward home, pondering how to explain his upcoming departure to his family.
Time slipped away silently, and evening soon fell over New York.
After dinner, Phini gathered his family together, announcing he had something to tell them.
Seeing the three of them waiting with curious expressions, he thought for a moment and then said, “I’m thinking of going out on my own for a while to see the world. I’ll be back by the time school starts. Is that okay?”
“Why so suddenly?”
“Where are you going?”
“I’m coming with you!”
Their reactions varied.
His mother was reluctant to let him go, his father asked for his destination, and Skye’s response was straightforward—she wanted to go with him.
“I want to explore the Himalayas.”
Kamar-Taj was located within the Himalayan region, so he wasn’t exactly lying to his parents.
As for Skye’s insistence on joining him, he decided he would talk to her privately later.
Because Phini had always been bright and obedient, and had rarely asked for anything over the years, his mother eventually agreed despite her reluctance.
His father, on the other hand, urged him to stay safe and asked when he planned to leave.
Everyone was surprised to hear he was leaving within the next few days.
Skye also sensed something was amiss and stopped clamoring to go with him.
That night, after his parents had gone to bed, Phini went to Skye’s room alone, intending to explain the situation with Kamar-Taj.
(End of Chapter)