Chapter 134: 134: The Sorceress Supreme.
"So, because of that so-called ancient evil god, you two awakened your abilities just like that?"
Kurogai raised an eyebrow as he looked at Wanda, his expression a mixture of disbelief and curiosity. This situation had spiraled far beyond what he expected, and yet, in a strange way, it still felt oddly within the realm of possibility.
In one of the timelines he remembered, Wanda and her twin brother Pietro had awakened their abilities through exposure to Loki's Mind Stone. But in certain alternate branches of reality, there were indeed occurrences where exposure to ancient, eldritch entities triggered the emergence of latent power. So while this version of events was unexpected, it wasn't entirely implausible.
"So that's what the Ancient One meant when she said you had something important to tell me?"
Kurogai folded his arms, his tone thoughtful. The Ancient One had hinted at something significant during their last conversation, and it seemed this was it.
"There's… one more thing," Wanda added cautiously, her voice dipping. Even she appeared reluctant to say it aloud.
"What else happened?" Kurogai asked, his brows furrowing.
Wanda took a breath. "Because of the ancient being's influence, I not only awakened my powers… I also managed to free Pietro from its grasp and repel the entity itself. And because of that… I've been appointed as the Sorcerer Supreme by the Kamar-Taj order."
She looked away, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "So, technically speaking, I'm the current Sorcerer Supreme."
Kurogai stared at her, stunned.
Wanda? The Sorcerer Supreme?
It sounded absurd. Yet when he thought about it, it wasn't impossible. Her potential in the mystic arts had always been extraordinary. If the Ancient One saw promise in her, she wouldn't hesitate to pass on the mantle—especially considering her ongoing search for a successor.
Still, the revelation caught him off guard.
"But I spoke with the Ancient One," Wanda quickly added, noticing his reaction. "This appointment isn't permanent. I agreed to hold the position only temporarily. When you return… I'll leave the title behind and stay with you. That was always the plan."
Her voice was gentle, but firm.
The truth was, Pietro's awakening had caused a lot of damage at Kamar-Taj, and out of guilt, Wanda had accepted the role. But her heart—and allegiance—remained with Kurogai. She'd made that decision a long time ago.
"Alright," Kurogai replied quietly, his gaze shifting to the Ancient One. His voice sharpened. "Let me guess. You orchestrated this, didn't you?"
There was an edge in his tone now. He didn't mind the Ancient One; in fact, he respected her. But he wasn't naïve. She'd been searching for a worthy successor for years, and it felt far too convenient that Wanda—his Wanda—had suddenly been given the title.
The Ancient One cleared her throat. "Ahem… That's quite the accusation. I simply didn't intervene when the threat arrived. I wanted the sorcerers of Kamar-Taj to experience a real challenge. I didn't expect it to lead to this…"
She trailed off, clearly aware of how flimsy her excuse sounded. Truthfully, she had sensed the entity's presence. She didn't invite it, but she hadn't acted against it either. And when the dust settled, she did see Wanda as a worthy successor—and she didn't hesitate to pass the mantle.
"I see," Kurogai said flatly. Then, without hesitation, he reached out and gently pulled Wanda into his arms, holding her close.
Wanda blinked in surprise, her face instantly turning red.
"Wanda is mine," he said firmly. "I'm not letting her stay here, not when we've already chosen our path. So, what now?"
The Ancient One closed her eyes for a moment, clearly debating her next move. After several seconds of silence, she exhaled and opened them again.
"I'll make you a deal," she said. "Let Wanda serve as Sorcerer Supreme for now, and I'll begin training a new successor immediately. In the meantime, you'll be allowed to command the support and resources of the sorcerers of Kamar-Taj."
Kurogai's eyes narrowed slightly. That was no small offer.
He knew the strength of the mystic order. Gaining access to that kind of support—even temporarily—could shift the balance in future conflicts. It was a powerful concession.
But still, he wasn't about to be tricked.
"I want a deadline," he said coldly. "I'm not letting Wanda get stuck here indefinitely while you drag your feet."
The Ancient One gave a wry smile. "Fair enough. Five years. That's my limit. After that, she's yours—no strings attached."
Kurogai didn't smile, but his shoulders relaxed slightly.
That would do. For now.
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