Malrick once again conjured a glowing map of the Small World, this time with far more intricate detail.
He pointed to the center and began explaining.
"In the middle of the continent lies a massive lake, about two hundred kilometers across. Four great rivers flow outward from it, dividing the land into four triangular regions."
He traced each section in turn.
"The north is dominated by plains and glaciers.
The south is a land of magma fields and wastelands.
The west is made up of high plateaus and mountain ranges.
And the east is rich with basins and dense forests."
"In short," Malrick concluded, "this world holds nearly every kind of terrain imaginable. Every magical creature could find a home here."
His finger returned to the center.
"My plan is to build the Magic Academy above the lake—a floating island suspended in the sky. Thoughts?"
For a moment, everyone simply stared.
Banner was the first to speak, shaking his head with a smile.
"I think it's brilliant. Nothing to add."
"Good. Then let's head to the lake."
With a gesture, Malrick lifted them all telekinetically, carrying them across the continent until the immense body of water came into view.
Calling it a lake almost felt wrong—it stretched like an inland sea, calm at the edges but wild at its heart. Near the center, waves rose high, whipped by fierce winds. Pockets of the surface boiled under sudden thunderstorms, and waterspouts spiraled into the air—natural phenomena born from the World's own power.
When the Small World eventually connected to Earth, such changes in light, gravity, and temperature would likely create even stranger effects.
At the exact center, a solitary mountain jutted upward. Malrick leveled its base with a thought, then inverted it, setting the colossal mass high above the waters. From a distance, it became a floating isle.
He layered enchantments over its surface—Vishanti wards, binding runes, structural arrays, dissolution counters—each spell forming luminous circles before sinking into the stone.
By the time he finished, the island was capable of withstanding most conventional attacks.
"That'll do," Malrick said, surveying his work with a hint of pride. "Simple, striking, and unforgettable."
"In the future," he added casually, "we could even invite Odin to see it—a new hidden realm of Kamar-Taj."
At that, Wong and Mordo's eyes lit up. In their minds, they pictured Odin arriving, only to stand dumbfounded before the sight. The thought alone was satisfying.
"This will be the Academy's home from now on," Malrick said, guiding them onto the floating island. "Designing the academy itself, and handling magical creature habitats, will be up to you."
Wong slapped his chest confidently. "Kamar-Taj has plenty of capable hands. Trust me, Malrick—the new academy won't lose to Asgard's golden palaces."
Mordo and Banner nodded firmly. "And the magical creatures will be well cared for."
"Speaking of creatures…" Tony cut in. "I've had an idea. Want me to give it a try?"
Malrick raised an eyebrow. "You're not planning to sneak off and build an armor factory, are you?"
"Hey, you wound me," Tony said, feigning offense. "Doesn't an armor factory sound just as wonderful as the women I've introduced you to?"
"So you are planning one," Malrick muttered.
Tony grinned. "Look, this place is huge. Kamar-Taj has only a handful of people, and not that many creatures. Why waste all this space?"
"Not here," Malrick said flatly. "This is a sacred place for magic. If you need one, I'll make you a Small World ring later."
Tony's eyes widened. "Seriously? What about Pepper?"
"She'll get one too."
"Oh, Malrick, you're too good. Come on, give your big brother a hug."
Malrick sidestepped. "Do you have to be like this?"
"Just make them matching sets. Pepper will love it."
"What shape? Heart?"
Tony made a face. "I'd rather not hide it in a jewelry box forever. Make it an Iron Man mask."
"She won't like that."
"Then inlay it with a diamond—made of Vibranium. Bigger World capacity, right?"
Malrick considered. "That works."
A deal was struck.
When he glanced at the others, he found them staring expectantly—especially Banner.
"Banner, you already have an Undetectable Extension suitcase. Why do you want a World ring?"
Banner smiled sheepishly. "So the magical creatures can have a permanent home."
A true soft-hearted man.
"Fine," Malrick said with a wry chuckle. "Win our challenge against Asgard, and I'll make you all one."
The promise lit a fire in them. Mordo, Banner, and even Betty seemed ready to start training immediately. Malrick had to remind them that the Academy's construction and creature habitats came first.
Soon, everyone split off. Banner, Mordo, and Tony took brooms to survey the land. Wong returned to Kamar-Taj and came back with mages skilled in construction. Work began in earnest.
Standing at the edge of the island, Malrick finally turned to his own plans.
"Realm Lord, Level Five. Forty percent mastery of the Law of Light… Time for the second clone."
The decision had already been made—the Blacklight Virus.
He sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and activated his Crossing ability for the first time in two months.
[Keywords: Blacklight Virus, Blackwatch, Manhattan, Alex Mercer]
[Anchoring World!]
[Confirming Traverse!]
After paying a negligible energy cost, Malrick vanished.
A few seconds later, he reappeared—his next journey about to begin.
---
Support & Read chapters in advance on patreon.
patreon.com/Zphyr