Kamar-Taj.
Inside the main hall.
The atmosphere was heavy with awkwardness.
Silence reigned.
Odin and the Ancient One exchanged glances, their faces mirroring the surprise they felt. This turn of events was entirely unexpected.
Orion… He actually turned down the position of Sorcerer Supreme? Even the Lord of Kamar-Taj had been unable to convince him. What on earth was he trying to achieve?
Even Odin was unable to decipher Orion's intentions.
The Ancient One's expression was a complex tapestry of emotions. With thoughts of the myriad possibilities she had glimpsed, she sighed quietly. Was the future she saw truly unfolding?
Holding the Time Stone in her hand, the Ancient One, after witnessing Orion's sudden rise, had seen even more possibilities. Yet, almost all of them seemed to converge on Orion!
But she couldn't pinpoint which possibility was the true future.
Only after Orion made his decision could any possibility solidify into reality.
"Acting as the Supreme Sorcerer…"
"I accept your proposal. From now on, you will be the Acting Sorcerer Supreme of Kamar-Taj."
"With authority equal to mine."
"In addition, you will serve as the Dean of the Rune Academy and oversee its site selection and construction. I will introduce you to the leaders of other hidden forces to ensure a smooth transition of power in Kamar-Taj."
The Ancient One smiled.
She had long considered stepping down. However, she had originally intended for Stephen Strange—the future Doctor Strange—to take over. Doctor Strange, known for his rule-breaking, extraordinary intellect, and exceptional prowess as a Sorcerer Supreme, was her preferred successor.
Before Stephen Strange arrived at Kamar-Taj, there was no issue with Orion serving as the Acting Sorcerer Supreme.
As long as the Eye of Agamotto could be passed on to Doctor Strange, even if Dormammu, the Lord of the Dark Dimension, took advantage of the collapse of the three great temples to invade the real world, the safety of the realm could still be ensured!
Even if Orion decided to remove the "acting" prefix, it would not impede her plan.
After all… she was destined to die eventually.
There is no ship to carry her in the new era!
"It seems… this is the best way."
"Orion."
"I hope you will not disappoint me."
"My eldest son Thor and my wife Frigga will assist you."
Odin's single eye shone with a fierce light.
At this point, his objective had been achieved. Whether Orion was an acting Sorcerer Supreme or not mattered little. When Orion felt the power, he would not easily relinquish it to anyone!
Even if he harbored disdain for the Ancient One, he had to acknowledge that under her leadership, Kamar-Taj's prestige and influence were at their zenith!
So much so that Kamar-Taj had overshadowed Asgard!
"lord Odin."
"You and Thor should go ahead. I need to stay for a while to discuss some details."
Orion bowed slightly.
He then opened a portal that led directly to Asgard!
Odin and Thor nodded, stepping through the mystic portal one after another.
With the departure of the King of Gods, all the masters of mystic arts, including Orion, breathed a sigh of relief.
Because… Odin's oppressive presence was overwhelming! Just a single glance from him felt like a plunge into an abyss, with an icy chill seeping through their bodies!
"Congratulations."
"Orion."
"On becoming the Acting Supreme Sorcerer."
Master Murphyson was the first to offer his congratulations.
He and Orion had always been good friends, and he was genuinely pleased for him.
"Orion."
"In just one day, you've risen from Guardian Sorcerer to Acting Supreme Sorcerer. That's remarkable!"
Daniel Drum also expressed his admiration and respect.
This honor was well-deserved by Orion!
Wong and Tina, temple Sorcerers from the Hong Kong City Temple and the London Temple respectively, had never interacted with Orion, but they smiled and silently respected him.
Only Mordo and Casillas wore expressions of mixed emotions and reluctance.
After all, this was the Supreme Sorcerer's position!
In terms of wisdom and magical power, both Mordo and Casillas had reached the pinnacle of mystic arts mastery and were qualified to vie for the Supreme Sorcerer role.
Why did Orion, who had joined the holy land most recently, become the Acting Supreme Sorcerer?
Who could accept that?
"Why don't you… compete with each other."
"If Orion loses, he will only be qualified to serve as the Acting Supreme Sorcerer temporarily. The true Supreme Sorcerer will be decided by the two of you."
"If… Orion wins, no further objections will be entertained!"
Master Hamill spoke softly.
As the chief steward of Kamar-Taj, his words also reflected the will of the Supreme Sorcerer.
Certainly, the final authority still belonged to the Ancient One!
"That's a great idea."
"Mordo, Casillas."
"What do you think?"
The Ancient One's gaze fell upon the two prominent disciples.
"I agree."
Mordo nodded.
"No comment."
Casillas' eyes were grim.
Soon, under Master Hamill's guidance, the news of the unprecedented competition among the holy land spread like wildfire throughout Kamar-Taj.
The contest was scheduled for noon the next day! All the sect disciples would have the chance to witness it.
It was a matter of skill, not life or death!
"I'm pleased with this."
Orion's mouth curled into a faint smile as he eagerly anticipated the challenge.
He didn't believe he would definitely win, nor did he think he would definitely lose.
At the very least, a draw was possible!
After all, Mordo and Casillas were seasoned masters of mystic arts! He had only just begun, with barely more than half a month of training.
"Orion."
"Good luck."
Wong, Tina, and Daniel Drum, with meaningful looks in their eyes, silently wished him well before returning to their respective Sorcerer temples.
Mordo and Casillas also quickly departed. It was better to sharpen their skills before the battle!
"Master Murphyson."
"How have you been feeling lately?"
Orion's eyes flickered with curiosity.
Previously, he had sold the pink entry [Bronze Skin and Iron Bones] to Murphyson. If Murphyson was not satisfied with the entry's effects, he could create another pink entry to counteract it.
"Excellent."
"Full of energy."
"My back injury has also been completely healed."
"However…"
Master Murphyson seemed to be hiding something.
"What is it?"
"Master Murphyson."
Orion's concern grew.
Soon, he and Master Murphyson bid farewell to the Supreme Sorcerer and returned to the library.
Only when they were out of sight did Master Murphyson reveal a troubled expression and slowly spread his hands.
"Oriom."
"Is this normal?"
Master Murphyson looked puzzled.
The skin on his hands was as tough as animal leather, and his fingers were sharp, gleaming with a metallic sheen.
The [Bronze Skin and Iron Bones] entry from the Frost Beast had evidently caused a genetic mutation!
It was as if it was transforming him into a humanoid beast! The change seemed irreversible!
Master Murphyson's worry was evident as he clutched his hair in distress.
"Well."
"Master Murphyson, I didn't anticipate such a side effect."
"However, I've optimized the rune mark again. It should help resolve the hidden danger."
Orion offered gentle reassurance.
He quickly sketched out an abstract rune, surrounded by purple light, hovering above his palm.
[Do you want to consume 100 points of luck and generate a pink entry immediately?]
Seeing the abstract rune, Murphyson was deeply moved. Considering his upcoming duel, he hastily called a stop.
"Orion."
"Save your magic."
"Don't underestimate Mordo and Casillas."
"There's no need to waste your magic on me."
Master Murphyson advised.
"No, no, no."
"Master Murphyson."
"Even if I don't become the Supreme Sorcerer, I cannot stand by and watch you change."
"What do you wish for?"
"What kind of power do you desire?"
Orion hinted.
This time, he was not going to hold back and needed to secure 1,000 points of luck!
How could he always end up losing money and gaining publicity?!
End of Chapter