Nifflers are magical creatures covered in black fur, with long snouts resembling a platypus or mole, and they have a penchant for anything that sparkles—especially gemstones and precious metals . When Banner opened the case, the scent was too tempting. The Nifflers slipped out that same night—and soon, the sorcerers at Kamar-Taj realized their wallets weren't safe anymore.
"Now I see," Malrick remarked. "Next time, maybe keep the Nifflers in a designated area."
"But if they steal something," Wong protested, "can't you just catch them? Surely you're not stingy?"
Wong pounded his chest and stamped his foot. "I'm not stingy! But once they get caught, they learn. Out of yesterday's two thieves, one is still at large!"
"I haven't seen my piggy bank in days!"
Everyone froze. The theft wasn't small—it sounded like the Nifflers had taken not just money, but the entire box.
Suddenly Tony blurted, "Oh no!"
Everyone turned to see a dark creature emerging from Tony's collar. In its mouth was a flat Arc Reactor. With a mischievous push off Tony's shoulder, the creature disappeared into the distance.
"It stole my Arc Reactor!" Tony exclaimed, patting his empty suit.
"That's more robbery than theft," Malrick quipped.
"It's almost gone—can someone help?" Tony rolled his eyes and flicked out a wand. "Reactor Accio!"
The Arc Reactor flew back into Tony's hand, summoned by magic. The Niffler, refusing to let go, tucked its short legs beneath and soared airborne with the Reactor in its jaws.
"Smooth Accio work," Malrick said appreciatively. "Grade six Hogwarts level."
Tony smirked, yanking the Reactor from the Niffler's grip. He shook it twice, recoiled slightly, and stashed it in his pocket. Then with a reluctant chuckle, he rubbed the creature's belly. "Annoying little guy, but soft... oddly soothing."
"Thanks, Tony," Wong said. "Now only one more Niffler remains."
Wong moved to retrieve the remaining creature. Tony shook his head. "Wong, why the nervous look? Afraid I'll do something to it?"
"Complaining about trouble while secretly liking it—you remind me of Severus," Tony teased.
Wong angled away. "Please don't compare me to that brooding professor," he said, shoving the creature into Banner's briefcase.
Malrick used telekinesis to gently lift the final Niffler from its hiding spot. "Here you go," he said. "One left, safely secured."
Wong let out a sigh of relief.
"In just a minute, I've seen exactly how chaotic Kamar-Taj is after a month away," Malrick observed. He clapped his hands. "Alright, let's move. Show me to where we'll create the Small World."
Wong and Mordo had proposed building a magic academy and a magical creature reserve—but they needed a stable space. The Undetectable Extension Charm, which expands an object's interior while preserving its exterior appearance, was only temporary and unsuitable . They needed something more permanent.
Previously, they had considered using Malrick's world rings—but even the smallest ones spanned trillions of kilometers—vast overkill for their needs.
Fortunately, as a Starry-Sky World Master, Malrick possessed the power to draw from the universe's origin and his own world force to fashion a Small World. This ability didn't exist in other realms, even among Immortals. Only True Gods regained that capacity when their inner worlds became miniature universes .
Within the Marvel Universe, there was no literal 'origin point,' but the Infinity Stones did encapsulate cosmic origin in a way. With the Space Stone's energy combined with his inner World Power, Malrick planned to craft a Small World.
"Start now?" Wong asked.
"That's the plan." Malrick followed Wong and Mordo to the library's deepest chamber—a circular, cave-like room. This space once housed the Eye of Agamotto (Time Stone), and had four portals—three to the Sanctuaries and one leading back to the library.
In the center, Wong and Mordo had built a small wooden structure styled in Kamar-Taj's eastern aesthetic, about three meters tall and two by two meters wide, made of magical metals and wood—perfect for housing their Small World.
"Here's where we build," Wong affirmed.
Malrick examined the setup. "A hidden chamber, very ancient-sect atmosphere." He stepped forward and pressed his palm to the magical metal door embedded in the wall. "The materials are adequate."
"Do we need to stand back?" Wong asked timidly.
"Just wait outside. It may take some time."
Inside, Malrick summoned the energy of the Space Stone along with his own World Power. The magical energy wove through the wood, gradually birthing a Small World. In moments it expanded from a few meters to kilometers across, finally reaching a diameter of over a thousand kilometers—the maximum the materials could sustain.
Once expansion ceased, Malrick used his World Power to shape rivers, mountains, land, and even a light source derived from cosmic Law.
After half a day, he lowered his hand from the door.
"Is it done?" Wong's eager voice came from beside him.
Tony, Mordo, and Banner had also watched from outside—captivated by the silent birthing of an entire world.
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