Kamar-Taj.
The Ancient One looked at Baron Mordo across from her.
Her expression was… subtle.
"I didn't expect that I'd only be away for such a short time," the Ancient One said after a long pause, "and Kamar-Taj would produce a young prodigy like this."
"Yes, Ancient One-sama," Baron Mordo replied. "Karl is a true genius."
"For most spells, he only needs one look to learn them."
"I've never seen a genius like this."
He couldn't help letting out a sigh.
"It really is unexpected," the Ancient One said, nodding. "Even in the historical records, there haven't been many geniuses of this level. I never thought one would appear in our Kamar-Taj."
If what Mordo said was true…
Then it was truly extraordinary.
The Ancient One had lived for several hundred years.
Even across such a long span of life, she had rarely seen a genius of this tier.
If he really was this kind of genius, she even wanted to take him as a disciple.
A talent who could become a Master Sorcerer in a single year!
"I wonder how this child compares to Doctor Strange…?" she thought.
"But why have I never seen even a trace of him in the future?"
"Could my foresight be wrong?"
But that wasn't impossible.
The river of time was mysterious beyond measure.
Even she could not precisely predict every change in the future.
A tiny ripple could overturn everything ahead.
A genius suddenly appearing like this… wasn't impossible.
Still—
First, she needed to confirm that this child wasn't some puppet pushed out by Dormammu and the like.
Having made up her mind, the Ancient One spoke.
"Mordo, go bring Karl here. I want to talk with him."
"Yes, Ancient One-sama."
Mordo nodded, then turned and left.
Not long after—
Mordo returned with Karl.
Mordo said, "Ancient One-sama, I've brought Karl," and Karl stepped forward.
"Greetings, Ancient One-sama."
Karl bowed deeply, extremely respectful.
At the same time, he secretly sized her up.
In his eyes, the Ancient One was no different from an ordinary person.
There wasn't the slightest energy fluctuation on her body.
Even his eyes couldn't discern any difference at all.
So this was what "true mastery looks simple" meant, he couldn't help thinking.
He sighed inwardly.
As expected of the Sorcerer Supreme—her power was truly vast. He couldn't see her depth at all.
While Karl observed the Ancient One, the Ancient One also observed Karl.
The instant she saw him, her heart jolted.
Compared to the way her own energy was completely restrained, Karl was practically all sharp edges and blazing light.
Even from far away, one could clearly feel the powerful magic power on him.
His mental force kept spilling outward.
Even ordinary people would feel crushing pressure from him.
This level of power had already surpassed the average Master Sorcerer!
This kid…
Was not simple.
The Ancient One nodded slightly to herself.
If he wasn't relying on Dormammu's power, but on his own…
Then this was utterly unbelievable.
Her expression softened.
"You're Karl, right?"
"Don't be nervous—relax. Kamar-Taj doesn't have that many rules."
"Yes, Ancient One-sama."
Karl clasped his fists.
Even though the Ancient One was gentle, Karl could still feel three layers of pressure.
It was instinct—something he felt whenever he faced an overwhelmingly powerful being.
"Alright," the Ancient One said with a faint smile. "There's nothing major. I just heard Mordo mention you, and I got curious."
"According to Mordo, you're an exceptional genius of Kamar-Taj."
"Can you let me see for myself?"
"Nothing complicated. Just use an ordinary spell."
Karl nodded.
"Please guide me, Ancient One-sama."
No more words.
He lifted a hand and swept it forward.
A Tao Mandalas formed in front of him.
The Ancient One's gaze sharpened.
With a motion, the shield in Karl's hand was already in her grasp.
"Stable energy structure."
"Perfect coordination with mental force, and the energy flow is extremely smooth."
"The runes have no issues I can detect."
"And there's a lot of your own understanding woven into it."
"In the path of Tao Mandalas, your attainment is a few degrees higher than mine."
The Ancient One looked at Karl as she spoke.
In truth—
She was shocked.
She hadn't expected Karl to have reached this standard.
She had lived for several hundred years.
Even if she hadn't invested much effort specifically into Tao Mandalas, she had long since cultivated it to a level of mastery beyond mastery.
Even against a powerhouse like Dormammu, her Tao Mandalas could hold its ground.
But Karl?
How long had he practiced?
And yet his Magical Shield was actually stronger than hers?
What kind of talent was this?
Such terrifying talent—across all history—could be counted on one hand!
This kid truly was a frightening genius!
The Ancient One sighed inwardly.
She shook her head slightly, then asked:
"Karl… how long have you been cultivating Tao Mandalas?"
"Reporting to the Sorcerer Supreme-sama, I've trained this spell for quite a long time," Karl answered. "It's been half a year."
The Ancient One: ???
Half a year?
Half a year and you can refine a spell to this level?
Are you joking?
With her eyes, she still couldn't find a single flaw in it.
And within it, she could even sense subtle differences—insights that inspired her.
A spell like this…
If someone said Agamotto had cast it, the Ancient One would believe it.
Yet—
This was only the result of Karl practicing for half a year?
Was this some kind of joke?
Half a year to reach this level…
Is this kid a monster?
The Ancient One was shaken inside, but her face remained perfectly calm.
"Not bad."
"You're very, very good. I think you can become the youngest Master Sorcerer in Kamar-Taj."
"After some time, we'll hold your promotion ceremony."
"Thank you, Ancient One-sama."
Karl nodded.
The Ancient One smiled.
"But before that, come here."
"There's something I need to check."
Karl didn't guard against her at all and walked forward lightly.
As Karl approached, the Ancient One didn't waste a word.
She stood up and struck with a palm.
Even with Karl's speed, he didn't react at all.
The next instant—
The Ancient One's palm landed squarely on Karl's body.
Karl's mind went hazy for a moment.
Ding!
Detected: Host has been struck by high-tier magic "Astral Projection." God-tier Talent triggers a hundredfold critical strike.
You have mastered: Astral Projection.
Karl: Huh?
The Ancient One: ???
The Ancient One's face didn't change at all.
But in her heart, a storm erupted.
What?
She… actually didn't knock this kid's soul out with that palm?!
How strong does this kid's soul have to be?
Is he some god's illegitimate child or something?!
(End of Chapter)
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