Marvel's Hogwarts Professor

Rules of the Vientiane World Trading Area

Rules 1: Transactions support two modes: barter and magic point trading.

Rules 2: You may establish a transaction contract through magic points, with the Vientiane World acting as the guarantor.

. . .

Rules 9: Expenditure of magic points grants access to material identification and allows for the redemption of magic potions.

Bruce Banner scanned the lengthy guidelines, his gaze pausing on each point with mounting fascination. The sight of eighteen rules left him genuinely impressed; it seemed Professor Lockhart was pouring considerable effort into establishing the value of these "magic points."

From what Bruce gathered, it appeared magic points held significant power here—almost everything in the Vientiane World seemed purchasable through their use. Potions, enchanted artifacts, customized spells—even rarer items appeared obtainable if one had enough points. The implications were tantalizing. Could this mystical currency somehow provide solutions to my own... unique challenges? he mused, feeling an unfamiliar spark of hope.

With his mind racing, he turned to Natasha and Coulson, his curiosity outweighing his reservations. "Coulson, I saw a notice mentioning the option to exchange magical materials and items for magic points. Do we know how many points SHIELD has on hand?"

Coulson's face, usually guarded, revealed a fleeting trace of bitterness. He looked away, momentarily lost in thought. The Vientiane World represents a gateway to the magical realm, he reflected. For SHIELD, gaining access was indeed an unprecedented opportunity. But the problem loomed large: the currency in this world was strictly magic points, rendering their extensive dollar reserves worthless. Their only hope for currency lay in magical resources, and, as an organization heavily grounded in technology, SHIELD was woefully short on those.

Sure, they had valuable assets—the Cosmic Cube came to mind. But that, Coulson knew, was far too precious to trade. SHIELD's inventory included a few 084 objects, but Hydra had stolen a significant number over the years, often right under their noses. Coulson still felt a sting of resentment at the thought. When they'd discovered missing items attributed to both him and Director Fury in the logs, his frustration had only grown. Damn Hydra, he thought bitterly.

As Coulson grappled with these thoughts, Bruce observed his expression, sensing the futility. He let the question drop and continued strolling through the Vientiane World's trading area, guided by the enchanting lights and ambient hum that gave the space an otherworldly atmosphere. They passed numerous stalls, each adorned with the emblems of sorcerer, merchants, and alchemists from across the magical realms.

According to their elven guide, Shana, the trading area was divided into four distinct sections: one specializing in potions, another in alchemical tools, a third for magical resources, and finally a section for services like fortune-telling and potion customization. The concept intrigued Bruce. He'd never imagined a place so attuned to the world of magic.

They seemed to be among the first arrivals, as the streets were sparse. Wandering sorcerers in robes or unusual attire passed them by, glancing momentarily before resuming their business. Most seemed purposeful, moving with a single-minded focus toward their destinations. Aware that he might have precious little time before the place became crowded, Bruce's curiosity led him to peer through the windows of several shops.

Most of the shops in their immediate vicinity appeared to focus on alchemy. Inside, Bruce glimpsed an assortment of curious items: staves, iron charms etched with runes, and jewelry gleaming with mysterious energy. His gaze lingered on the intricate boots with rune-encrusted soles. Everything here has some connection to magic, he marveled.

"Coulson, I'll be exploring a bit. I want to speak to an actual sorcerer if possible," he said, leaving the others behind as he headed toward a modest alchemy shop. From his limited understanding, Bruce assumed a shopkeeper might be more open to conversation, and he was eager to learn firsthand about the art of alchemy.

Coulson gave a nod, exchanging a glance with Natasha. She silently fell into step behind Bruce, shadowing him as he entered the shop. Coulson, meanwhile, turned toward Rumlow, his expression pensive. SHIELD had recently discovered that the Cosmic Cube's energy resonated with a particular magical metal, and he hoped to procure more of it for research.

Bruce approached the shop's door, which opened automatically, revealing a dimly lit interior and, standing just within the doorway, a figure that at first glance seemed human.

"Welcome to Cain's Alchemy Shop," the figure intoned. But Bruce's initial interest faded upon closer inspection—the figure bore distinct robotic traits. Though humanoid in form, its eyes were lifeless, and its voice held a mechanical edge. It seemed Lockhart had intentionally designed it with imperfections, perhaps to foster a sense of unease in visitors.

"Hello, is the owner available?" Bruce inquired, hoping to meet a genuine sorcerer.

The robot shook its head with what seemed to be a programmed regret. "The owner is unavailable. I am authorized to assist with all transactions and queries. If you tell me what you need, I can direct you to relevant items or services."

Realizing that a real sorcerer wasn't forthcoming, Bruce hid his disappointment, casting a quick glance at Natasha beside him. Still, he decided to press on. "I was wondering if you have any high-strength stretchable garments in stock."

A small, secret embarrassment simmered beneath his calm exterior. As the Hulk, Bruce knew his physical transformations often wreaked havoc on his clothing. He wasn't about to ask about stretchable underwear, not with Natasha nearby, but such an item was, embarrassingly, his true goal.

Natasha raised an eyebrow, an amused glint in her eye as she caught the implications of his request. But she remained silent, observing with quiet interest.

The robot responded, "Unfortunately, we currently have no high-strength stretchable garments available. However, if you are interested, you may place a custom order with Master Cain. Should you meet the required criteria, he may personally craft an item suited to your needs."

The notion of commissioning enchanted undergarments from an esteemed alchemist made Bruce shudder slightly. He quickly declined, offering a polite, "Thank you, but I'll pass for now," and stepped back out onto the bustling street.

As they moved away, the shop's door closed behind them, and Natasha turned to Bruce. "You know, if you need high-strength materials, SHIELD has labs equipped to handle that. We can design something without... the need for alchemy."

"Good to know," Bruce replied with a nod, appreciating the practical alternative but keeping his focus on the possibilities within the Vientiane World.

The pair continued toward the potion district, Bruce's curiosity reigniting as he scanned the shelves lined with potions of every color and consistency imaginable. But like the alchemical items, potions were also being sold exclusively by service robots. Realizing that his hopes of conversing with a live sorcerer might go unfulfilled, Bruce let his mind wander, piecing together the genius of Lockhart's trade network.

With the entire system operating through automated service and the guidance of mystical data, Lockhart had created a self-sustaining loop: each magical transaction yielded information that could further enhance the experience for future buyers and sellers. Elven guides tailored advice to each visitor, aiding sorcerers and customers alike in finding exactly what they sought.

It was, in essence, a remarkable blend of magic and data—a true marvel in its own right.

Yet, Lockhart thought to himself from somewhere behind the scenes, this setup was never intended as an end in itself. His gaze swept over the trading area from a hidden vantage point. He knew that while the initial growth of the Vientiane World's marketplace was impressive, it had one crucial flaw: sustainability. A trade hub populated by robots alone might function in the short term, but, without real people to give it life, it would eventually become hollow and stagnant.

Lockhart's grander vision was to encourage more sorcerers and alchemists to settle here, to build a thriving magical community within the Vientiane World. Only then would the area's potential be fully realized. He viewed the current prosperity as a promising start, but one that needed nurturing to become lasting and meaningful.

Bruce and Natasha completed their circuit of the potion stalls, finally heading toward the more leisurely areas of the Vientiane World, where they could catch their breath after the overwhelming exposure to magical wonders.

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