Chapter 34

"Abel, tomorrow is the start of summer vacation. We'll be in the third grade when school starts in September, and before we know it, we'll be preparing to apply for college."

Midtown Science and Technology High School follows a four-year system, so Sean's statement was accurate, though he wore an expression of anticipation and excitement rather than worry about the future.

Abel smiled at Sean. "Your father's university is world-renowned. With his connections, I think applying for admission will be relatively easy for you."

The two chatted and laughed before parting ways at the school gate. Sean was headed to a party, while Abel was off to the Sanctuary of New York. His potion research had been progressing well, and he had found a potential breakthrough the previous day that he wanted to pursue further.

It's worth noting that nearly five months had passed since the resolution of the dark church and the dimensional cracks. During this time, Abel had focused solely on researching alternative potion materials with the Sorcerers of Kamar Taj. His efforts had yielded remarkable results, leading them to a viable method for creating the potion in this world.

Back home, Abel took a shower and changed his clothes. He retrieved his ring, opened a portal, and traveled directly to Kamar Taj's magic practice square.

After returning from Latveria five months ago, it took Abel only about two hours to open a small, unstable portal for the first time. This meant he had managed to grasp portal magic relatively quickly, which impressed the Ancient One with his magical talent.

Kaecilius, Mordo, and Daniel were also amazed by Abel's abilities, feeling a hint of jealousy, especially Mordo, who had grown increasingly distant from Abel and now merely nodded in greeting.

In contrast, Abel's relationship with Kaecilius had improved. The two had developed a harmonious rapport, leading Abel to wonder if he had a special talent for attracting future villains.

Several Kamar Taj sorcerers greeted him as he made his way to a laboratory. Inside, Kaecilius was leading four other sorcerers in an experiment—the project they were working on was the blood poisoning remedy Abel had been eagerly awaiting.

Blood poisoning agents could counteract the harmful substances in the blood and body. Abel was confident that this remedy could help delay or even halt Tony's palladium metal poisoning until he could invent a new element to replace it as the core of the arc reactor.

"Kaecilius, how is the experiment going?" Abel asked.

Kaecilius, who preferred a casual tone, replied, "Abel, the experiment has been very successful. If all goes well, the mixed medicines we prepared earlier should be sufficient to replace the ancient materials you mentioned. You just need to determine the measurements and ratios, and then we can start preparing the blood poisoning agents."

"Great! Let's get to work and finish this potion as soon as possible," Abel said.

"Okay!"

With that, Abel and Kaecilius dove into the final stages of their experiment.

By nightfall, Abel wrapped up his work, said goodbye to Kaecilius, and left the laboratory, planning to go home for dinner with Terea, who had returned early.

As he walked out of the laboratory and arrived at the training square where portals could be opened freely, he noticed that the Ancient One was already waiting for him.

"Ancient One, were you waiting for me?" he asked.

Turning to face Abel, the Ancient One nodded. "Yes, Master Abel, I have been waiting for you."

Seeing the serious expression on her face, Abel matched her tone. "Is something wrong, Ancient One?"

"Master Abel, I have considered this for a long time and have finally decided. I've prepared two options for a trade. Please choose one. Of course, you can also decide not to trade at all; that is your right."

"Two trading options? Please tell me the details, Ancient One."

"Of course. Let's sit down first so we can discuss this properly."

The two moved to a pavilion near the practice square, and the Ancient One continued, "Master Abel, the first option is for you to join Kamar Taj and become a full member. In return, I will grant you unconditional access to all the magic of Kamar Taj."

Hearing this, Abel couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. The thought of learning all the magic at Kamar Taj had felt like a dream, and now it was being offered to him.

Just as he was processing this exciting prospect, the Ancient One added, "The second option is for you to become our eternal ally. When Kamar Taj needs assistance, you would help to the best of your ability, without endangering your life. In exchange, I would allow you to learn all magic except for the core magic contained in the 'Book of Vishanti.' However, you would need to exchange knowledge of equivalent value for this access."

The Book of Vishanti was the premier magic tome, containing all white magic and defensive spells and serving as the foundation of Kamar Taj's magic. Abel was naturally curious about it, but if it meant becoming a full-fledged sorcerer under Kamar Taj, he needed to think carefully.

"Master Abel, you don't need to answer me immediately. Take your time to consider."

Hearing her words, Abel shook his head and said, "No need for that. I've already made my decision."

A look of surprise crossed the Ancient One's face as she regarded him seriously. "Please share your decision with me, no matter what it is."

"Ancient One, I am willing to be an ally of Kamar Taj. However, I cannot join as a member. As much as I appreciate being here, I have my own goals, and I must prioritize my independence and safety. I'm sorry."