Chapter 33

All the members of the dark church in the village who had accepted the power of the dark dimension were returned to the dark dimension with the sealing of the dimensional cracks. However, among the remaining people, some were still believers of Dormammu, despite lacking the dark dimension's power.

They gathered to launch an attack on the Sorcerers who had liberated the prisoners and human sacrifices, but Agatha intervened, using a wide range of magic to erase all their memories of the dark church. Though this method was somewhat crude and would cause a degree of trauma to their spirits, it was a necessary measure.

Otherwise, if they retained their belief in Dormammu and their desire for the dark dimension, it was likely they would seek ways to communicate with the dark dimension and Dormammu again, leading to endless trouble.

As Victor stood under a large tree, he looked at the confused members of the dark church with sadness and pity for the first time.

Taking a deep breath, Victor turned to Abel, who stood nearby. "Master Abel, these people are actually villagers from this area. 

Even the believers we encountered who used the dark dimension's power—only a small fraction were members of the dark church who originally came to this dimensional crack. Most of them were once ordinary villagers. 

Now they have become this way, fervently believing in Dormammu, longing to enter the dark dimension for permanent peace. Do you know why?"

Upon hearing Victor's words, Abel surveyed the village before him. The buildings were simple, made of stone and wood. The ground was just ordinary sand and soil; stepping on it would stir up clouds of dust, and walking around would leave shoes and pants gray.

There was electricity in the village, but it only supplied a handful of houses. The well was just an ordinary draft, and everything appeared backward and poor.

With a sigh, Abel nodded. "The villagers' impoverished lives have robbed them of any vision for the future. They can only place their hope in an illusory god, even if it is an evil one. Factors like exorbitant taxes from the government and other issues have driven these originally simple, kind-hearted villagers to Dormammu's command. This country needs a great leader to initiate change."

Victor looked at Abel in surprise. For the first time, he found someone his age who was so insightful. The most remarkable part was that Abel's thoughts aligned closely with his own. Because of Abel's magical power, Victor felt a connection to him, and for the first time, he wanted to be friends with someone.

Noticing Victor's expression, Abel hesitated. "Did I say something wrong?"

Shaking his head, Victor replied, "No, you're not wrong. Everything you said is right. I just didn't expect… I didn't expect our thoughts to coincide.

This country truly needs a strong leader to bring about change. A simple, kind, yet strong individual could change the entire nation alone!"

Looking into Victor's eyes, Abel could clearly see the burning ambition and confidence within him. He nodded slightly. "Victor, I hope you succeed."

Somewhat surprised, Victor gazed at Abel, recognizing that he had seen right through his thoughts. It didn't shock him too much; he felt Abel was the kind of person who understood his aspirations, someone with whom he could form a true friendship.

With no humility or denial, Victor nodded to Abel. "I will succeed!"

At that moment, Ancient One and the others finished resolving the remaining issues and approached Abel and Victor.

"Victor, are you really not considering joining Kamar-Taj? With your talent, if you joined us, you would undoubtedly become a powerful mage."

Bowing slightly to Ancient One, Victor responded, "Ancient One, thank you for your invitation. I am truly honored, but I am interested not only in magic but also in science. I study magic while simultaneously exploring scientific pursuits, so I cannot join Kamar-Taj. I'm truly sorry."

"Master Victor, there's no need to apologize. Since you've made your decision, we'll be leaving here, and you must take care of your safety."

"Thank you, Ancient One. I understand."

"Well then, Master Abel, shall we leave now?"

"Of course."

"Okay, then..."

As Ancient One raised her hand to open the portal, Victor suddenly stopped Abel.

"Master Abel, this is my contact information. My email address is on it. I hope we can communicate frequently about magic and science."

For Victor, who was extremely proud, it was difficult to take the initiative to share his contact information. Typically, if others wanted his contact information, he would consider whether to accept it. Naturally, it was impossible for Victor to admit that he wanted to be friends with Abel. His excuse of wanting to discuss magic and science was not entirely false but served as a convenient pretext.

Abel accepted the note Victor handed him, glancing at the name and email address written on it. He nodded immediately, saying, "I'll remember this. When I get back, I'll email you as soon as I can to let you know my email address, Master Victor von Doom."

"Okay, I'll wait for your email."

Afterward, Victor stepped back to give way as Abel and the others walked into the portal, returning to Kamar-Taj.

The portal closed, completely severing the connection between Kamar-Taj and Latveria, restoring normalcy.

At this time, Ancient One looked at Agatha and Jericho, saying, "Master Agatha, Master Jericho, thank you for your assistance. I'll ask Daniel and Mordo to escort you back. As for Master Abel, we can proceed to complete the next transaction."