The Reality Gem powered the magic school's defenses and transformative capabilities. Within the brazier housing the gem, Sebastian had cast a blood curse, adapting Kamar-Taj's method of siphoning dimensional energies. He established an energy conduit between the brazier and himself, allowing remote access to the Reality Gem's power and control over the gem stored in the castle's underground chamber.
Fueled by the Reality Gem's energy, the castle underwent a dramatic transformation. In the once-dim halls, pre-installed small braziers ignited with eternal flames. The electrical circuits embedded in the walls and floors morphed into conduits channeling the Reality Gem's energy. With the power to alter reality, the entire castle seemed to come alive, operating with seamless vitality.
The Reality Gem's primary function was to fully activate the two hundred sixteen runes, completing the three-layered hexagram array. First, the thirty-six one-star hexagram arrays of the first layer activated, followed by the six two-star arrays of the second layer, and finally, the single three-star hexagram array of the third layer. A protective shield, far stronger than Sebastian's earlier spell, rose to envelop the school, gradually fading to transparency until it seemed to vanish entirely.
This array offered formidable defenses, blocked teleportation, suppressed mid-to-high-level magic, detected anomalies within its range, regulated the environment and weather, and fostered ideal conditions for magical plants and creatures. It encapsulated the essence of all the magical disciplines Sebastian had mastered since arriving in this world.
The Space Gem also had a purpose. Sebastian had no intention of keeping it on his finger indefinitely—its vast power was untapped that way. His plan was to create a network of portals connecting to various locations worldwide, even to other parallel universes.
Students would travel freely through these portals, but the project was incomplete. Sebastian needed to design the necessary mana circuits and establish teleportation arrays globally—a monumental task he couldn't accomplish alone.
For now, the magic school's first phase was complete. The hardware was in place, and student recruitment could begin. Sebastian had prepared the first-year magical curriculum, but the critical issue was the lack of teachers.
As for instructors, Sebastian himself qualified, as did Kaecilius and Wanda. If needed, he could invite Daniel and Wong to guest-lecture, though they couldn't teach his specific magical system. Currently, only Sebastian, Wanda, and Kaecilius could teach his unique magic.
To find more qualified teachers, Sebastian would need to select capable individuals from the thirty-five mages. First, he'd have to teach them the fundamentals of his magic.
Casting Apparition, Sebastian teleported to the group outside. Looking at them, he said, "Everyone, follow me. We have matters to discuss inside."
The school and its surrounding grounds now prohibited teleportation magic, but Sebastian, and those he permitted, were exempt. Leading the group, they marveled at the transformed castle as they entered a spacious great hall. Inside, four long wooden tables stood side by side, flanked by wooden chairs, exuding an intangible magical aura.
"This is just the first phase—no decorations yet," Sebastian said. "Find a seat."
At his words, the group gathered around one long table and sat down.
Sebastian nodded, addressing them. "First, thank you for your help. You've saved me a lot of trouble. But let's be clear: if anyone here is affiliated with other magical organizations or harbors ulterior motives, you can leave now, no questions asked, in gratitude for your assistance."
His words caused a stir, with some exchanging glances and a few visibly tensing, subtly preparing for defense.
"No one?" Sebastian continued. "I hope that's true when I check. It'd be ideal. But if I find anyone with malicious intent who ignored this chance, there'll be no mercy."
An invisible pressure radiated from him, weighing heavily on the group. Finally, a pale-faced mage stood, drenched in cold sweat, lips trembling as if to speak but unable to. His face was etched with fear.
Kaecilius's expression shifted, about to intervene, but Sebastian stopped him.
"I keep my promises," Sebastian said. "You may leave."
A portal opened, and the mage rushed through without hesitation, vanishing.
Following the first, five more mages stood and left. After their departure, five minutes passed with no further movement.
"Very well," Sebastian said. "I'm willing to believe those remaining are here in good faith. Let's begin the screening."
His wand appeared in his hand. With a gentle wave, a green ripple pulsed outward—a modified, multi-target version of Legilimens, weakened to read surface thoughts without accessing memories. It would reveal any malicious intent.
As the green ripple spread, seven mages showed changes. Their faces twisted, their hidden thoughts erupting uncontrollably. Without hesitation, Sebastian waved his wand, casting Incarcerous, binding them instantly. He dispelled the Legilimens spell and addressed the others. "Welcome to our ranks. Please follow Kaecilius to the staff dormitories for rest. These seven mages, I'll handle personally."
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Expecto Anima!
A flash of dark green, nearly black light flickered and vanished. Seven souls, brimming with considerable magical energy, were drawn into Sebastian's palm. The seven soulless mages, their faces once twisted with fear and rage, now bore the serene, puppet-like calm of the living dead.
Sebastian had no intention of preserving these hollow shells. He needed only their souls to craft an artifact, and they would perish during the soul-purification process regardless. There was no reason to keep them.
Hellfire surged, reducing the seven living dead to ashes in an instant. With a wave of his wand, casting Evanesco, the ashes scattered swiftly, drifting out the windows to sprinkle across the lawn and woods outside.
Having dealt with the seven mages intent on sabotaging the magic school, Sebastian summoned Kaecilius once more.
Kaecilius soon stood before him, saying, "Master Sebastian, have you resolved the issue with those spies? I deeply apologize for the number of infiltrators among the mages I recruited."
Sebastian shook his head, smiling. "It's inevitable, not your fault. From now on, call me Headmaster at the school."
"Headmaster… understood," Kaecilius replied.
"Good. Let's get to business," Sebastian said. "Kaecilius, you're now the Deputy Headmaster. In my absence, you'll oversee the school. I need you to select talented individuals from the remaining twenty-two mages, sorting them by expertise in Transfiguration, Potions, White Magic, Dark Magic, and Magical Combat. If anyone lacks proficiency in these areas, assign them to administrative roles. Once sorted, begin teaching them the fundamentals of my magic. I trust you're capable of that."
"Headmaster, leave these matters to me," Kaecilius assured him.
"Of course," Sebastian added, "before teaching, they must sign a contract." He produced a parchment contract, continuing, "This contract allows multiple signatories. By agreeing to its terms, they sign their names. At this stage, I doubt anyone will refuse."
Kaecilius took the contract, nodded silently, and left with it in hand.
Watching Kaecilius depart, Sebastian rose, transforming into a wisp of black smoke and reappearing in the central tower of the magic school. This tower was where he planned to harness the Space Gem to create portals linking to global locations, the cosmos, and even parallel universes. The setup was incomplete, far from ready.
Sebastian's purpose here was to begin the search for his students. The five hundred ravens he had tasked Kaecilius with nurturing were now fully magical creatures, possessing a degree of sentience. His next step was to use these ravens to find his future pupils.
From his robes, Sebastian drew a palm-sized iron box. Opening it, he tapped the box with his wand and sleek, glossy black ravens poured out, their feathers gleaming. The ravens, brimming with intelligence, circled the tower, cawing in unison toward Sebastian.
He stowed the box and transformed into his Animagus form—a death raven. Soaring upward, he surveyed the circling ravens, cawing commands as black smoke tendrils emanated from him, seeping into their bodies. With a final cry, the five hundred ravens scattered in all directions, fanning out across the globe.
Nurtured by Kaecilius and enchanted by Sebastian, these ravens stood at the pinnacle of Earth's winged species. They could outmatch most humans or beasts in combat, fly faster and higher, and were immune to natural disasters. Still, Sebastian prepared for potential losses. The world was unpredictable—even he could fall into traps. A raven stood little chance against such risks.
With the ravens dispatched, the magic school's first phase was complete. Sebastian didn't linger. Casting Apparition, he teleported to the new Avengers headquarters.
The original Avengers Tower had been transferred to Reed and his team, renamed the Baxter Building. Notably, Reed's group held numerous patents and projects, amassing significant wealth through royalties and investments. While not as rich as Tony, purchasing a prime New York skyscraper was well within their means—a testament to their considerable fortune.
Sebastian entered the Avengers headquarters, passing soldiers who saluted and non-military members who nodded in greeting. He had become a cornerstone of the Avengers, earning widespread respect.
Finding Natasha, who wasn't on a mission, he walked with her toward his laboratory, asking, "Natasha, is everyone else out on assignments?"
She gave him a teasing, half-smile. "You mean Wanda, don't you?"
Sebastian chuckled, conceding her guess. "Where are they?"
"There's been trouble in Africa lately—someone's trafficking biochemical weapons," Natasha replied. "They're investigating. Plus, they're helping the new member, Black Panther, track down black markets and underground groups dealing in vibranium. Tony's leading the mission himself."
"I heard Tony's keen on vibranium," Sebastian said. "Has T'Challa budged?"
"Why else would Tony go himself?" Natasha quipped. "It's a subtle allowance. T'Challa's the most forward-thinking ruler in Wakanda's history, but that's relative. He's still pretty traditional on many fronts."
"Is it wise to talk about him behind his back like that?" Sebastian asked.
Natasha shrugged. "He's not here, and I'm not lying, so who cares? Here's your lab. It's one of the most secure in the base—strictly guarded. Only you and Tony can enter easily, so I won't go in. Find me if you need anything. You know how to reach me, right?"
"Thanks, Natasha," Sebastian said.