Chapter 44

"Father, does Justin Hammer really think we're going to help him?"

Hearing his son's words, Obadiah smiled and replied, "The Hammer family isn't what it used to be. If Justin's father, Old Hammer, were still around, he might have been a character to contend with—on par with me and… with Tony. Howard lost his edge, and Justin, who inherited his mantle, is truly incompetent. He might not be too bad for an ordinary person, but he's only got the talent of someone average. How can he compare to us?

Although he's our enemy, I have to admit that Tony's talent is truly world-class. Even Howard, Tony's father, who was called the top genius of his time, isn't as good as Tony. As for Justin Hammer, he's even less capable than Tony."

Zeke didn't react much to Obadiah's words, but Anton Vanko, who had been standing by silently, showed a trace of dissatisfaction.

His purpose for being there was to kill Tony and avenge his father, proving that he, who was self-taught by his father, was much stronger than Tony. Obadiah's words clearly indicated that Tony's intellect and abilities surpassed his own, which didn't sit well with Anton.

After being imprisoned, Obadiah had secretly tasked Zeke to locate Anton's father, the old Vanko, confirming that Anton could also build an arc reactor. After that, he used his previous connections to bring Anton to the United States, arranging for a meeting with Justin, and ultimately made the excuse that he had specific data on the Iron Man battle armor to convince Justin to free him from prison.

Justin still believed that Anton, Obadiah, and Zeke gathered around him because of his charisma and superior skills, unaware that he was merely a pawn in Obadiah's larger scheme.

Because of this, Anton was careful not to have any conflict with Obadiah over these comments. He was confident he could prove himself far superior to Tony Stark!

The Ancient One looked at Abel, who was standing in two circles about five meters apart. "Master Abel, what kind of magic are you preparing to practice?"

"Honestly, I don't have much confidence that this magic will succeed, but I prefer not to wait any longer. Many of the challenges I face are dangerous. My current fighting style is too passive, so I need to improve my abilities.

Otherwise, I'll be forced to dodge or passively counter my enemy's attacks, which is almost like a turn-based game."

"The mage's body is primarily for support, so defense and counterattack are necessary components. To resolve this issue, you must enhance your mobility. Master Abel, your choice is correct."

It wasn't surprising that the Ancient One agreed with Abel, but he was even more taken aback by her understanding of turn-based games. However, considering Kamar Taj's wireless network, it wasn't that strange.

"Ancient One, I need your help with something."

"How can I assist you?"

"The magic I'm about to practice might result in a phenomenon called 'split body,' which separates a certain part of my body from the main body. This isn't a physical separation; it's more akin to a spatial state."

Upon hearing Abel's explanation, the Ancient One nodded and said, "The separation of bodies in space—understood. What do you need me to do?"

"Normally, I can handle a split body myself, but I'm worried that the separation this magic causes could be severe, like being cut in half or split into two pieces. In that case, I might be unable to do anything, regardless of how strong my mental fortitude is. I'll need your help to touch a larger part of my body and use magic to erase the gaps and differences in space, restoring my physical integrity and spatial state so I can regain my original form."

"If that's the case, then I can help."

"Okay, then…"

Before Abel could finish speaking, the Ancient One waved her hand and said, "This is a simple matter. It doesn't involve Kamar Taj's magic or magical objects, so there's no need for equivalent exchange. Otherwise, it would only create an atmosphere of transactions without emotions."

"That makes sense. Thank you, Ancient One."

"No need for thanks. Let's begin now."

Without further ado, Abel nodded and stood on one of the circles, while the Ancient One positioned herself near the other, ready to assist Abel. She was curious to see what could make him, who was usually calm and confident, appear so nervous and cautious.

It should resemble a type of spatial movement magic. If so, I'm curious about how this differs from Kamar Taj's portals.

With that thought, the Ancient One focused on Abel, who was already standing in the circle.

Taking a deep breath, Abel held his wand tightly in his right hand, slowly relaxing his mind.

Destination!

Determination!

Deliberation!

Silently reciting the three elements of apparition, Abel suddenly spun around in the circle like a dancer, his feet moving rapidly, spinning faster and faster while making a piercing, explosive popping sound. In seconds, Abel's body transformed into a swirling vortex and quickly distorted and disappeared. Simultaneously, he appeared in the other circle, his rotating form halting and returning to normal.

Abel panted heavily, looking at his missing left arm. The muscles and blood at the severed section were slowly creeping, and while there was no pain, it looked strange.

Before Abel could recover his split left arm, the Ancient One reached out and placed her hand on his left shoulder. A purple smoke appeared, and the left arm that had been left behind in the circle vanished. Abel's body was restored.

"Ancient One, thank you very much. The split body was a bit extreme, and it will take time to practice, but I'm confident that my current magic power is enough to use this spell. That's good news. I'll continue practicing this magic next."

"No problem. It just so happens that I can observe your magic up close."